Service Bulletin

2021 BMW X3/X4 Engine Crankcase Manufacturing Error

A manufacturer communication, NHTSA ID 10188937, details a significant crankcase manufacturing error affecting certain 2021 BMW X3 and X4 models. This defect impacts the connecting rod bearings and necessitates a complete engine replacement before vehicle delivery.

ByAhmet Topcu — Founder & Editor-in-ChiefAutomated summary2021 BMW X3
2021 BMW X3 — 2021 BMW X3 manufacturer_communication
Editorial illustration generated for this article.
NHTSA 10188937BMW X3 engine replacementBMW X4 engine replacementcrankcase manufacturing errorconnecting rod bearingBMW delivery stop2021 BMW X3 manufacturer_communication2021 BMW X4 manufacturer_communicationBMW engine defectBMW X3 engine issue
BMW X4
2021

Why This Matters

A critical manufacturing error in the engine's crankcase has been identified in certain 2021 BMW X3 and X4 vehicles. This defect directly impacts the connecting rod bearings, which are vital components for engine operation. Such an issue can lead to severe engine damage and potential failure if not addressed promptly, posing a significant safety concern.

What's Being Addressed

This manufacturer communication, identified by NHTSA ID 10188937, highlights a specific problem: the engine must be replaced due to a crankcase manufacturing error. This defect affects the connecting rod bearings, making the engine unfit for use. The required remedy is a complete engine replacement for affected vehicles.

Important Warnings for Owners and Dealers

BMW has issued strict guidelines regarding vehicles affected by this issue. It is crucial to understand these directives:

  • "Do not deliver to a customer, a New, Certified Pre-Owned or Used vehicle subject to a Delivery Stop, until the vehicle is repaired."
  • "Do not use or sell replacement equipment/parts subject to a Delivery Stop."

These warnings emphasize the severity of the defect and the necessity of repair before any vehicle delivery or parts sale. Owners of a 2021 BMW X3 manufacturer_communication should be aware of these restrictions.

Manufacturer's Remedy

The prescribed remedy for this crankcase manufacturing error is a full engine replacement. This ensures that the vehicle receives a new engine free from the identified defect, restoring its intended performance and safety. This repair is mandatory before any affected vehicle can be sold or delivered.

How to Check if Your Vehicle is Affected

If you own a 2021 BMW X3 or X4, and are concerned about this 2021 BMW X3 manufacturer_communication, it is recommended to contact your authorized BMW dealer immediately. Provide them with your vehicle's VIN to determine if your specific vehicle is subject to this delivery stop and requires the engine replacement. Dealers have access to the most current information regarding affected vehicles and the necessary repair procedures.


Source: NHTSA ID 10188937

What BMW X3 owners report

Counted from the records in our database across 23 model years.

2,295
Owner complaints
64
Recalls
1,126
Service bulletins
114
Crashes reported
133
Fires reported
118
Injuries reported

The 2021 model year

113 complaints, the 8th most of 23 model years on file. Owners reported 5 crashes, 2 fires and 2 injuries for this year, which also has 10 recalls on file.

Engine And Engine Cooling, the system this article covers, accounts for 196 of 2,295 complaints (9%).

Complaints by model year

Model years with the most complaints for the BMW X3
2004138
2006143
2007258
2008122
2011126
2013226
2015105
2019171
2020110
2021113

Most-reported systems

  1. Engine — 494
  2. Electrical System — 450
  3. Air Bags — 404
  4. Power Train — 247
  5. Seats — 218

Latest recalls for the 2021 model year

  • 26V056000 — Electrical System (Jan 2026)
  • 25V636000 — Electrical System (Sep 2025) — Park outside
  • 24V764000 — Structure (Oct 2024)
All 2021 recalls →Read owner complaints →

Complaints are owner reports filed with NHTSA. They are unverified, and counts depend on how many vehicles were sold, so they are not a failure rate.

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