2021 BMW X3
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2021 models.

- Class
- Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
- Body styles
- M40i 4dr SUV, Xdrive30e PHEV 4dr SUV, Xdrive30i 4dr SUV, M 4dr SUV
- Engines
- 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 3.0L 6-cyl turbo
- Horsepower
- 180–473 hp
- Transmission
- 8-speed automatic
- Drivetrain
- Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
- Seats
- 5
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline, Plug-in Hybrid
- MPG (best)
- 27 combined · 25 city / 29 hwy
- Length
- 185.4 in
- Curb weight
- 4,151–4,630 lb
- NHTSA rating
- ★★★★★
- Recalls
- 10 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Strong performanceUp to 473 hp, versus about 362 hp for similar 2021 models.
- Plug-in hybrid version availableOffered as a plug-in hybrid as well as gas.
- AWD / 4WD available
- 5-star NHTSA safety ratingTop overall score in federal crash tests.
Watch out for
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
- Many owner complaints113 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 20 for similar models — most often about the electrical system.
- "Park outside" recallCheck that the recall repair was done before buying or driving.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 30 similar 2021 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2021 BMW X3 is a small SUV offered with 2 engines (2.0L 4-cyl turbo and 3.0L 6-cyl turbo), including a hybrid version and rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.
It measures about 185 inches long and 74 inches wide on a 113-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,229 lb (M40i 4dr SUV).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 27 MPG combined (25 city / 29 highway), 2% better than the 2021 small SUV average of 26.4 MPG, for an estimated $3,050 a year in fuel.
In NHTSA crash testing it earned the top 5-star overall rating.
It has 10 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 113 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the electrical system.
What changed for 2021
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2020 X3 — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2020; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2020 X3 →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Safety & driver-assist features
Built in: Greer, South Carolina
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2021 X3 configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| M40i 4dr SUV | 185.4 in | 74.4 in | 66.1 in | 112.6 in | 63 / 63.8 in | 4,229 lb | 50/50 |
| Xdrive30e PHEV 4dr SUV | 185.4 in | 74.4 in | 66.1 in | 112.6 in | 63.8 / 64.6 in | 4,597 lb | 48/52 |
| Xdrive30i 4dr SUV | 185.4 in | 74.4 in | 66.1 in | 112.6 in | 63.8 / 64.6 in | 4,151 lb | 50/50 |
| M 4dr SUV | 185.4 in | 74.4 in | 66.1 in | 112.6 in | 63.8 / 64.6 in | 4,630 lb | 50/50 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| X3 sDrive30i | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 25 / 29 / 27 | +2% | $3,050 | 332 |
| X3 xDrive30i | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 23 / 29 / 25 | +5% | $3,300 | 351 |
| X3 xDrive30e Plug-in Hybrid | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 21 / 27 / 24 | 0% | $3,400 | 204 |
| X3 M40i | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 21 / 27 / 23 | -4% | $3,550 | 379 |
| X3 M | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 14 / 19 / 16 | -33% | $5,150 | 546 |
| X3 M Competition | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 14 / 19 / 16 | -33% | $5,150 | 546 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2021 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 BMW X3 SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 5★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 17.1% |
| 2021 BMW X3 SUV RWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 5★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 17.2% |


Similar 2021 small SUVs
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 BMW X3 (this car) | 27 MPG | ★★★★★ | 10 |
| 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class | 18 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2021 Tesla Model Y | 326 mi | Not rated | 23 |
| 2021 Porsche Cayenne | 21 MPG | Not rated | 7 |
| 2021 BMW X5 | 23 MPG | ★★★★★ | 12 |
| 2021 Land Rover Defender | 19 MPG | Not rated | 9 |
| 2021 Lexus RX | 30 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
Recalls (10)
Electrical System › Starter Assembly · Jan 30, 2026
NHTSA campaign 26V056000 · 87,394 vehicles
- Problem
- BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Toyota Supra, 2022-2023 2 Series Coupe, 2021-2024 5 Series (xDrive), 2021-2022 Z4, 2022-2024 4 Series (Gran Coupe), 2021-2024 4 Series (Convertible and xDrive Convertible), 2021-2023 4 Series (Coupe), 2021-2024 3 Series, 2021-2023 X4, 2021-2024 X3 vehicles. Please see the recall report for a complete list of all models. The engine starter may overheat and catch fire due to wear on an internal component.
- Risk
- Fire increases the risk of injury.
- Fix
- Dealers will replace the engine starter, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 21, 2026. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 or Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning March 24, 2026.
Electrical System › Starter Assembly › Relay · Sep 23, 2025 Park outside
NHTSA campaign 25V636000 · 199,674 vehicles
- Problem
- BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019-2021 BMW 330i, 2019-2022 BMW Z4, 2020-2022 BMW 530i, X3, X4, Toyota Supra, 2021-2022 BMW 430i, 430i Convertible, and 2022 BMW 230i vehicles. The engine starter relay may corrode, causing the relay to overheat and short circuit.
- Risk
- A short circuit in the starter relay may increase the risk of a fire.
- Fix
- Owners are advised to park their vehicles outside and away from structures until the remedy is complete. Dealers will replace the engine starter, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 6, 2026. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov November 14, 2025.
Structure · Oct 15, 2024
NHTSA campaign 24V764000 · 8,725 vehicles
- Problem
- BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018-2022 X3 sDrive30i, X3 xDrive30i, X3 M40i, and X3 M vehicles. The attachment for the rear cargo rail may become damaged in a rear crash and result in the cargo rail detaching.
- Risk
- Interior rear cargo rail detachment during a crash can increase the risk of injury.
- Fix
- Dealers will replace the rear cargo rail attachment bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 12, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. Vehicles in this recall were previously remedied for this issue under recall number 24V-534 and will need to have the new repair completed.
Structure · Jul 17, 2024
NHTSA campaign 24V534000 · 282,387 vehicles
- Problem
- BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018-2023 X3 sDrive30i, X3 xDrive30i, X3 M40i, and X3 M vehicles. The attachment for the interior cargo rail may become damaged in a rear crash and result in the cargo rail detaching.
- Risk
- Interior cargo rail detachment during a rear crash can increase the risk of injury.
- Fix
- Dealers will replace the rear cargo rail attachment bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 2, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Seats · Mar 29, 2023
NHTSA campaign 23V211000 · 51 vehicles
- Problem
- BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019-2021 330i, 330i xDrive, M340i xDrive, 2020-2021 X3 sDrive30i, X3 xDrive30i, X3 M40i, X3M, 2021 X3 xDrive30e, X4 xDrive30i, and X4M vehicles. The seat frame may not have been welded properly to the seat rails.
- Risk
- An improperly welded seat frame may not properly restrain the occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
- Fix
- Dealers will replace the seat frame and back rest, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 22, 2023. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly · Mar 24, 2021
NHTSA campaign 21V199000 · 17 vehicles
- Problem
- BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2021 X3 sDrive30i, X3 xDrive30i, X3 M40i, X3M, and X4, and 2021 X4 xDrive30i vehicles. The inlet check valve weld may fail, allowing the filling pipe to separate from the fuel tank.
- Risk
- Fuel may leak through the failed weld, increasing the risk of a fire.
- Fix
- BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel tank, free of charge. The recall is scheduled to begin May 17, 2021. Owners were also contacted by telephone. To date, all repairs have been done. No further owner notification letters will be sent. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Back Over Prevention › Software · Feb 19, 2021
NHTSA campaign 21V096000 · 13,858 vehicles
- Problem
- BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019-2021 X3 sDrive30i, X3 xDrive30i, X3 M40i, X3M, X4 xDrive30i, X4 M40i, M550i, X4M, X5 sDrive40i, X5 xDrive40i, X5 xDrive50i, X5M, X5 M50i, X7 xDrive40i, X7 xDrive50i, X7 M50i, Alpina XB7, 330i, 330i xDrive, M340i, M340i xDrive, and 8 Series Coupe, Convertible and Grand Coupe, 840i, 840i xDrive, M850i xDrive, M8, 2020-2021 530e, 530e xDrive, 330e, 330e xDrive, 745Le, 745Le xDrive, X5 xDrive45e, X3 xDrive30e, X6 sDrive40i, X6 xDrive40i, X6 xDrive50i, X6 M50i, X6M, 530i, 530i xDrive, 540i, 540i xDrive, M550i xDrive, M5, 740i, 740Li, 740Li xDrive, M760i Drive, M760Li xDrive, 750Li xDrive Alpina, Alpina B7 xDrive, and 2021 4 Series Coupe 430i, 430i xDrive, M440i xDrive vehicles. When shifting into Reverse, a small portion of the rearview image may be obscured, or the screen may not illuminate. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."
- Risk
- If the driver relies on only the rearview camera image, the missing or reduced rearview image view can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
- Fix
- BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rearview camera software and update it if necessary, free of charge. The recall began April 16, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Electrical System › Propulsion System › Traction Battery · Sep 30, 2020
NHTSA campaign 20V601000 · 4,509 vehicles
- Problem
- BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020-2021 530e, 530e xDrive, 530e iPerformance and X3 xDrive30e and MINI Cooper Countryman All4 SE, 2020 BMW i8, and 2021 330e, 330e xDrive, 745Le xDrive and X5 xDrive45e vehicles. Debris may have entered one or more of the hybrid battery cells during their production.
- Risk
- The debris could result in a short-circuit, increasing the risk of fire or injury.
- Fix
- BMW will inspect and, if necessary, replace the battery module free of charge. The remedy is currently being developed. Until the remedy is completed, drivers are instructed to not charge their vehicles. Drivers are instructed to not drive in manual mode, sport mode, and to not use the shift paddles. Owners were notified of the safety risk October 23, 2020. The recall began November 24, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Back Over Prevention › Sensing System › Camera · Sep 30, 2020
NHTSA campaign 20V598000 · 312 vehicles
- Problem
- BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020-2021 X3 sDrive 30i, X3 xDrive 30i, X3M 40i, X3 xDrive 30e, X4 xDrive 30i, X4M 40i, 530i, 540i, 540i xDrive, M550i xDrive, M5, 550e, 550e xDrive, and 550e iPerformance vehicles. A small portion of the rearview image may be slightly obscured. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
- Risk
- If the driver relies on only the rearview camera image, the reduced rearview image view can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
- Fix
- BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, program the rearview camera with updated software. The recall began November 18, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Electrical System › Propulsion System › Traction Battery · Aug 18, 2020
NHTSA campaign 20V490000 · 713 vehicles
- Problem
- BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2021 330e and X5 xDrive45e, 2020-2021 X3 xDrive30e, and 2020 MINI Countryman SE ALL4 vehicles. Loose welding beads may form a conductive path between the hybrid battery cells which could lead to a short-circuit.
- Risk
- A short-circuited hybrid battery may increase the risk of a fire.
- Fix
- BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the battery modules, free of charge. BMW issued owners an interim notification on October 16, 2020. Although potentially affected BMW owners received interim owner notification letters, all potentially affected BMW owner vehicles have been remedied; therefore, BMW Final owner notification letters will not be necessary. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Not every 2021 BMW X3 is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2021 BMW X3 buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 10 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Safety-critical recall. At least one recall carries a "Do Not Drive" or "Park Outside" warning. Do not buy until the VIN shows it was repaired.
- Electrical System — 34 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Engine — 23 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Vehicle Speed Control — 8 owner reports. Ask the seller and mechanic specifically about this system.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 29,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Hybrid system. Check for hybrid-system warning lights and ask whether the high-voltage battery has been replaced or is still under warranty.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2021 BMW X3. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other X3 years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 X3 | 29 | 187.4 in | Not rated | 2 | 22 |
| 2025 X3 | 29 | 187.4 in | ★★★★★ | 9 | 38 |
| 2024 X3 | 25 | 185.4 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 42 |
| 2023 X3 | 25 | 185.4 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 15 |
| 2022 X3 | 25 | 185.4 in | ★★★★★ | 7 | 86 |
| 2020 X3 | 27 | 185.4 in | ★★★★★ | 16 | 110 |
| 2019 X3 | 26 | 185.4 in | ★★★★★ | 10 | 171 |
| 2018 X3 | 25 | 185.4 in | Not rated | 11 | 76 |
| 2017 X3 | 24 | 183.1 in | ★★★★★ | 6 | 92 |
| 2016 X3 | 30 | 183.1 in | ★★★★★ | 5 | 82 |
| 2015 X3 | 30 | 183.1 in | Not rated | 7 | 104 |
| 2014 X3 | 24 | 183.1 in | Not rated | 6 | 83 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or BMW. How we calculate this →