2020 BMW X3 engine problems

The 2020 BMW X3 has 25 engine complaints filed with NHTSA — 19% of the year's total, and down from the prior model year.

Engine complaints

19%

Share of year

Crash-involved

Related recalls

Engine complaints by year

X3 engine complaints by model year. Red bars are years to avoid.

Related recalls

21V598000EngineAugust 2, 2021 · 50,024 units

Defect

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020 M340i, M340i xDrive, 540i, 540i xDrive, X3 M40i, 2020-2021 X4 M40i, 745Le xDrive, 2019-2021 Z4 M40i, and 2020-2021 Toyota Supra vehicles. During engine start, the engine management software may cause loss of braking assist. Full mechanical braking (without assist) remains available.

Consequence

Loss of braking assist can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will update the engine management software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on September 17, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

What owners report

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2020 BMW X3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND UNATTENDED, IT SPONTANEOUSLY CAUGHT FIRE. ADDITIONALLY, A LINCOLN MKZ PARKED ADJACENT TO THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THERE WERE NO REPORTED INJURIES. A POLICE REPORT…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · March 25, 2021 · fire

Common questions

How many engine complaints does the 2020 BMW X3 have?

NHTSA has 25 complaints about the 2020 BMW X3 engine — 19% of all complaints filed for that model year.

Are there recalls for the 2020 BMW X3 engine?

Yes — 1 NHTSA recall campaign for this model year is tied to the engine: 21V598000.

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.