2021 BMW X3 safety record
Crash-test ratings, severity signals from owner complaints, fatal-crash involvement and safety recalls — all from official federal sources.
★★★★★
NHTSA overall rating (5/5)
5
complaints reporting a crash
2
complaints reporting fire
10
safety recall campaigns
NHTSA 5-star crash test ratings
| Overall | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Frontal crash | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Side crash | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Rollover | ★★★★ (4/5) |
Tested: 2021 BMW X3 SUV AWD
Among NHTSA complaints for this model year, 2 report injuries (2 people injured). Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Fatal crash records (FARS 2020–2023). 2021 BMW X3 vehicles were involved in 18 fatal crashes with 7 occupant deaths in federal crash records. Involvement counts are not adjusted for how many are on the road and do not imply fault or a vehicle defect.
Crash- and fire-risk recalls
- Fire riskPlease see the recall report for a complete list of all models · Jan 30, 2026
- Fire riskEngine starter relay may corrode, causing the relay to overheat and short… · Sep 23, 2025
- Crash riskAttachment for the rear cargo rail may become damaged in a rear crash and… · Oct 15, 2024
- Crash riskAttachment for the interior cargo rail may become damaged in a rear crash and… · Jul 17, 2024
- Crash riskSeat frame may not have been welded properly to the seat rails · Mar 29, 2023
- Fire riskInlet check valve weld may fail, allowing the filling pipe to separate from the… · Mar 24, 2021
- Crash riskWhen shifting into Reverse, a small portion of the rearview image may be… · Feb 19, 2021
- Fire riskDebris may have entered one or more of the hybrid battery cells during their… · Sep 30, 2020