Last updated: 2026-04-20

RELIABILITY SCORE: 67/100 (GOOD)

2021 BMW 3-Series Reliability Report

Name: 2021 BMW 3-Series
Brand: BMW

The 2021 BMW 3-Series scores 67/100 ("Good"). With 9 recalls and 22 owner complaints, reliability is acceptable but not class-leading.

Full Breakdown Compare Models

Recalls

Complaints

Complaint Rate

4.4per 10,000 sold

Est. Repair Cost

$773

Annual Fuel Cost

$2,300–$3,650

Detailed Score Breakdown

Complaint Severity73/100

Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume

Repair Costs60/100

Independent repair cost ratings

Recall Impact55/100

Recall count weighted by severity

Issue Diversity81/100

Breadth of reported problem categories

The Verdict

Consider

Acceptable reliability — worth considering with a pre-purchase inspection.

Top Issues to Watch

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (6)
ENGINE (2)
SUSPENSION (2)

Generation & Refresh (US)

Post-Redesign (Year 3)

2021 is year 3 of the Seventh generation (G20).

Redesigned for the 2019 model year.
Well-established in its generation — most early issues should be resolved.
A refresh arrives in 2022.
7th generation 3-Series (US).

What this means for buyers

Well into the generation cycle — most design and manufacturing issues should be resolved by now.

2019: Seventh generation (G20) Launch

Generation start — new platform.

2021: This Model Year

2021 is year 3 of the Seventh generation (G20).

2022: Mid-Cycle Refresh

Updated features and styling tweaks.

Should You Buy the 2021 BMW 3-Series?

At 67/100, the 2021 BMW 3-Series lands in "Good" territory — acceptable, but not class-leading. 2021 is year 3 of the Seventh generation (G20).

Owners log 22 complaints on this model year — enough to suggest attention is needed, but no single failure mode dominates yet.

Get a pre-purchase inspection on any used example, with extra attention to electrical system (6). An extended warranty is worth pricing out.

Compared to the 2022 BMW 3-Series, which scored 3 points higher. See also the 2020 BMW 3-Series for an earlier comparison.

Pros

+Acceptable reliability score
+Low major repair risk (12%)
+Below-average complaint rate for Sedan

Cons

−Frequent unscheduled repairs
−Above-average recall count
−ELECTRICAL SYSTEM issues reported (6 complaints)

Compare 2021 BMW 3-Series With

2021 Genesis G70

Reliability: 64/100

Good

2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA

Reliability: 45/100

Mixed

2021 Tesla Model 3

Reliability: 48/100

Mixed

2021 Mercedes-Benz A-Class

Reliability: 58/100

Mixed

2021 Toyota Camry

Reliability: 82/100

Excellent

Common Problem Categories

Safety

LOW RISK

9 manufacturer recalls issued

Other

HIGH RISK

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (6)
UNKNOWN OR OTHER (3)

See detailed breakdown by component ↓

Recall Overview

recalls on record

Park Outside

The 2021 BMW 3-Series has 9 recalls on record, which is above average. A high count can flag multiple component concerns, though it also shows the manufacturer is actively addressing known issues.

NHTSA.gov →

Complaint Breakdown

4.4

per 10,000 sold

Segment avg: 16.9

LowAvgHigh

Low

Safety Incidents

Crashes

Fires

Injuries

Deaths

★★★★★

NHTSA 5/5 Stars

Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.

2021 BMW 3-Series Recall Details

9 recalls have been issued for the 2021 BMW 3-Series. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.

26V0560002026-01-30

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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.

Consequence

Fire increases the risk of injury.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the engine starter, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed March 24, 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.

25V6360002025-09-23Park Outside

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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.

Consequence

A short circuit in the starter relay may increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy

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 will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning November 14, 2025.

23V5840002023-08-16

SEAT BELTS, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019-2022 330i, 330i xDrive, M340i, 2022 430i Coupe, 2021-2022 430i, M440i Convertible, and 2020-2022 228i xDrive Gran Coupe vehicles. The receiver audio module control unit software may fail to properly generate audible seat belt warnings to the driver to fasten their seat belt. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

Consequence

An audible chime that does not properly alert the driver to fasten their seat belt increases the risk of injury in a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will update the receiver audio module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 12, 2023. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

VIN History Report

Buying a used 2021 BMW 3-Series? Check its history first

Every 2021 BMW 3-Series has a different past. A VIN check reveals hidden accidents, title problems, odometer rollbacks, and open recalls that reliability scores can't show you.

Accidents
Open Recalls
Title History
Odometer Rollback

2021 BMW 3-Series NHTSA Safety Ratings

Overall Safety Rating

Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)

Gas Powertrain

Driver: 5/5Passenger: 5/5

Rollover risk: 9.2%

Safety Technologies

Dynamic Head Restraints (Not Available)Head Restraint (Not Available)Advanced Belt Feature (Standard)Adjustable Upper Belt Anchorage (Not Available)Seat Belt Reminder System (Driver, Front Passenger)Frontal Air Bag (Driver, Front Passenger)Curtain (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)Torso/Pelvis (Driver, Front Passenger)Knee (Driver, Front Passenger)Additional Air Bags (-)Meets Side Air Bag Out-of-Position Requirements (Yes)LATCH Locations (Rear Seat)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) (Standard)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) locations (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)

View full safety data on NHTSA.gov →

BMW 3-SeriesRepair Costs & Maintenance

Maintenance Rating

Based on NHTSA complaint patterns, recall severity, and publicly available cost benchmarks.

Est. Annual Maintenance

$773

Repair Frequency

unscheduled repair visits per year

Severe Repair Probability

12%

chance of a major repair

Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.

2021 BMW 3-Series Example Repair Prices

National average price ranges for common repairs. These are not model-year-specific failure predictions.

Common repair costs and price estimates
Repair	Estimated Cost
Ignition Switch Replacement	$265 – $314
AC Recharge	$322 – $421
Battery Cable Replacement	$555 – $626
Battery Cable Replacement	$691 – $790
Power Seat Motor Replacement	$1,882 – $1,940
Body Control System Diagnosis & Testing	$61 – $90
Brake Light Switch Replacement	$163 – $213
Power Steering Hose Replacement	$2,656 – $2,901
Tire Pressure Monitor Control Module Replacement	$638 – $781
Rack and Pinion Replacement	$6,618 – $7,005

Estimates based on national average repair costs. Actual costs may vary by location and shop.

MPG & Annual Running Costs

Gas

19–30 MPG

Running cost: $3,250–$4,600/yr

Fuel + repair

16–26 city / 23–36 hwy MPG

Plug-in Hybrid

25–28 MPG

Running cost: $3,400–$3,700/yr

Fuel + repair

22–25 city / 30–33 hwy MPG

Running cost includes EPA fuel-cost estimate and independent repair-cost data (repair cost estimated at model level). Excludes routine maintenance, depreciation, and insurance. Data as of 2021 EPA label cycle.

Gas trims

Trim	Drive	Trans.	City	Hwy	Comb	Fuel Cost
330i 2.0L 4-cyl	Rear-Wheel Drive	Automatic (S8)	26	36	30	$2,300
330i xDrive 2.0L 4-cyl	All-Wheel Drive	Automatic (S8)	25	34	28	$2,450
M3 3.0L 6-cyl	Rear-Wheel Drive	Manual 6-spd	16	23	19	$3,650
M3 Competition 3.0L 6-cyl	Rear-Wheel Drive	Automatic (S8)	16	23	19	$3,650

Plug-in Hybrid trims

Trim	Drive	Trans.	City	Hwy	Comb	Fuel Cost
330e 2.0L 4-cyl	Rear-Wheel Drive	Automatic (S8)	25	33	28	$2,450
330e xDrive 2.0L 4-cyl	All-Wheel Drive	Automatic (S8)	22	30	25	$2,750

Used Buying Checklist

Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing a 2021 BMW 3-Series.

Inspect engine mounts for wear or failure, especially around 40,000 miles
Test sunroof operation and inspect for any signs of stress or damage
Check for any electrical system error messages or starting issues
Verify alignment and inspect suspension components for wear
Ensure all recalls have been addressed, particularly for electrical system

2021 BMW 3-Series Common Problems by Component

22 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (6)UNKNOWN OR OTHER (3)ENGINE (2)SUSPENSION (2)AIR BAGS (2)POWER TRAIN (2)STRUCTURE (1)ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (1)Other (3)

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

6 complaintsSafety-related

Owners of the 2021 BMW 330i frequently report issues related to the vehicle's electrical system, with several complaints linked to a specific recall for which parts are not yet available. Common symptoms include difficulty starting the vehicle, unexpected engine shutdowns, and persistent error messages indicating problems with the engine and passenger restraint system. One report involves a fire that occurred while driving, highlighting a significant safety concern. These issues are reported at varying mileages, including one instance at approximately 33,672 miles. Potential buyers should be aware of these recurring electrical problems and the associated recall delays when considering this model.

6 complaints total1 fire

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

3 complaints

Owners of the 2021 BMW 3-Series report several issues under the unknown or other category. One common complaint involves the sunroof shattering spontaneously at highway speeds, posing a risk of injury from falling glass and potential loss of vehicle control. Another issue involves concerns over a potential fire hazard related to engine starter relays, with owners expressing frustration about delayed recall notifications. Additionally, some owners describe inaccurate odometer readings and erratic behavior of front sensors, particularly in adverse weather conditions. These problems appear to occur at varying mileage ranges, with tire failures reported within 15,000 miles. Safety implications include potential injuries from glass, fire risks, and distraction from sensor malfunctions.

3 complaints total

ENGINE

2 complaints

Owners report two main issues with the 2021 BMW 3-Series engine. One complaint highlights a recall related to the engine starter, with the owner noting a lack of available remedy or timeline for resolution. Another owner describes motor mount failure at approximately 52,000 miles, after purchasing the vehicle as a Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) at 27,000 miles, suggesting early failure within 30,000 miles of purchase. The motor mount issue leads to unsafe driving conditions until repairs are completed. No crashes, fires, or loss of control are mentioned in the complaints, but the described symptoms may impact driving safety.

2 complaints total

SUSPENSION (2 complaints)

SUSPENSION

2 complaints

Owners of the 2021 BMW 3-Series report issues with suspension components, particularly concerning engine mounts and front axle support. One owner describes engine mounts failing shortly after the warranty expired at 43,000 miles, which they were told poses a safety risk. Another owner reports that the front axle support and right front control arm bearing bracket may be separating, leading to persistent alignment problems and accelerated tire wear. These issues appear to occur at relatively low mileages, with one owner experiencing problems despite limited driving. Safety implications include potential loss of vehicle alignment, which may affect handling and tire longevity.

2 complaints total

AIR BAGS (2 complaints)

AIR BAGS

2 complaintsSafety-related

Owners of the 2021 BMW 3-Series report airbag system warnings and deployment issues. One complaint describes a warning message indicating reduced functionality of the airbags and seatbelt systems without prior vehicle damage, suggesting potential electronic or sensor-related issues. Another report involves a crash where unintended acceleration led to a collision, after which the airbags deployed. This incident resulted in one injury and the vehicle being totaled. These complaints highlight safety concerns related to airbag system performance and unintended acceleration, particularly during low-speed maneuvers like parking.

2 complaints total1 crash1 injury

POWER TRAIN (2 complaints)

POWER TRAIN

2 complaints

Owners of the 2021 BMW 3-Series report issues related to the power train, specifically involving rodent damage to soy-based engine wiring and transmission problems. Complaints describe symptoms such as engine performance restrictions, drive train malfunction warnings, and sudden stalling followed by a violent jolt when accelerating from a stop. One report links a transmission slip to a physical injury, suggesting potential safety implications. These issues are noted without specific mileage or timeline patterns. Potential buyers should be aware of these reported problems, especially concerning rodent attraction to wiring and transmission behavior during electric mode operation.

2 complaints total1 injury

STRUCTURE (1 complaints)

STRUCTURE

1 complaint

2022-01-29

My sunroof exploded randomly, without warning as I was traveling on the highway at approximately 65 MPH. There was no impact from an object. The cloth cover beneath the sunroof was fully intact and undamaged after the incident.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (1 complaints)

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

1 complaintSafety-related

2025-11-20Fire reported

The contact owns a 2021 BMW 330I. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH and coming to a stop at a red traffic light, the contact started smelling smoke. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact turned off the vehicle, but the vehicle failed to restart with a message that the vehicle was unable to be restarted displayed. The contact turned on the hazard lights with the vehicle stopped in the middle of the road. The contact then noticed that there was smoke coming from the front end of the vehicle and immediately called 911. The contact stated that while a Metro service employee was attempting to assist the contact in towing the vehicle to the side of the road, the worker noticed that fire had started underneath the vehicle and called the Fire Department. The contact exited the vehicle and noticed that there was fire underneath the front end. The contact stated that the front end of the vehicle then burst into flames. The fire was extinguished by the Fire Department. A Fire Department report was filed. The front end of the vehicle was significantly burned. A Police Officer arrived at the scene but had not filed a report because there was no injury sustained. The Police Officer provided his badge number to the contact. The vehicle was towed to a tow lot, where it was being evaluated by the Insurance Company. The contact stated that the vehicle was a total loss; however, the Insurance Company had not yet confirmed that the vehicle was a total loss. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not yet diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 30,000.

STEERING (1 complaints)

STEERING

1 complaint

2024-05-22

On 5/22/24 had a catastrophic failure of the Electric Motor Electronics and 12v Battery. I have requested that the BMW Serice Assistant provide me with all affected parts for inspection. Shutdown of the vehicle high voltage system could result in a crash. When this part fails along with the 12v battery you lose control of all vehicle electronics (steering, braking, electrical power, and propulsion). Yes, there was a previous voluntary recall campaign 19V-599s Service Information Bulletin (Revision 2) which replaced SI B12 27 19 dated October 2019 by BMW for this device. The vehicle and component has been inspected by the Richmond BMW Service Technician. I started to experience problems with the vehicle in late April and took it in for servicing and repair in early May. I was told that the problem was a computer programming recall that was fixed.

VISIBILITY/WIPER (1 complaints)

VISIBILITY/WIPER

1 complaint

2023-02-23

While I was driving down the highway, sunroof has exploded without any apparent reason. I really didn’t realize what had happened at first, all I heard was a loud bang which could’ve lead to distraction and cause an accident. Luckily it wasn’t the case for me. Although, broken pieces of the sunroof has came off and flown to roadway. I brought the vehicle to BMW dealership, by the time I got there there was an apparent hole in the sunroof, they inspected it and saying it happened because something making contact with sunroof but when I asked for a proof for their claim they told me there is no physical evidence to provide.

When Do 2021 BMW 3-Series Problems Start?

Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.

43,000–52,000 milesEngine mount failures

Best & Worst BMW 3-Series Years

Comprehensive reliability analysis based on NHTSA data, owner complaints, and historical performance.

Best BMW 3-Series Years to Buy

Based on reliability index score

The best BMW 3-Series year is 2025 with a reliability score of 71/100, rated good. Other strong picks include 2024 (71/100) and 2023 (70/100).

Top Pick

Good

BMW 3-Series Years to Avoid

No BMW 3-Series years are statistical outliers in our data.

All model years score consistently well. The BMW 3-Series maintains one of the highest industry standards for long-term durability across its entire production span.

See full BMW 3-Series years-to-avoid analysis

BMW 3-Series Reliability Score Trend

BMW 3-Series reliability has remained consistent across model years, averaging 68/100.

Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.

BMW 3-Series reliability scores by year
Year	Score	Rating
2018	65/100	Good
2019	66/100	Good
2020	64/100	Good
2021	67/100	Good
2022	70/100	Good
2023	70/100	Good
2024	71/100	Good
2025	71/100	Good

BMW 3-Series Reliability Compared to Other Years

Reliability scores compared across model years
Year	Score	vs Prior Year	Rating	Recalls	Complaints
2026	71/100 (predicted)	—	Predicted	0	0
2025	71/100	0	Good	1	1
2024	71/100	+1	Good	2	8
2023	70/100	0	Good	4	9
2022	70/100	+3	Good	3	6
2021(selected)	67/100	+3	Good	9	22
2020	64/100	-2	Good	12	45
2019	66/100	+1	Good	9	34
2018	65/100	—	Good	5	58

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 2021 BMW 3-Series reliable?

The 2021 BMW 3-Series has a "Good" reliability rating with a score of 67/100. It is reasonably reliable with 9 recalls and 22 owner complaints, though some issues have been reported.

What are the most common problems with the 2021 BMW 3-Series?

The most commonly reported problems with the 2021 BMW 3-Series include: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (6 complaints), UNKNOWN OR OTHER (3 complaints), ENGINE (2 complaints), SUSPENSION (2 complaints), AIR BAGS (2 complaints). These issues were identified from owner complaints analyzed by Auto Reliability Index.

How many recalls does the 2021 BMW 3-Series have?

The 2021 BMW 3-Series has 9 recalls on record. Recalls are safety or compliance fixes issued by the manufacturer and repaired at no cost at authorized dealerships.

Is the 2021 BMW 3-Series expensive to maintain?

The 2021 BMW 3-Series has estimated annual repair costs of $773/year. With a reliability score of 67/100, some repairs may be needed, but overall ownership costs are manageable.

Don’t buy a 2021 BMW 3-Series without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.

Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you.

Look Up a VIN →

How We Calculate Reliability Scores

Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.

Key Ranking Factors

Complaint Severity

NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.

Repair Costs

Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.

Recall Impact

Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.

Issue Diversity

Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.

Scores are grouped into four tiers:

80–100: Excellent— Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
60–79: Good— Reliable with some minor concerns
40–59: Mixed— Notable issues, research before buying
0–39: Risky— Significant problems, proceed with caution

Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.

Get notified when new recalls or reliability data is added for the BMW 3-Series.

No spam. Only data updates for this model.