KnownCarProblems2021 BMW X5 Problems and Recalls
Owners filed 109 complaints with NHTSA about the 2021 BMW X5, most often about the electrical (35% of complaints, typically around 49,000 miles). It is 13th of 27 X5 model years by number of complaints and has 12 recalls.
Most common 2021 BMW X5 problems
Electrical
38 complaints · 35%Half of these problems showed up before 49,000 miles. Parts named most often: 12v/24v/48v battery, starter assembly.
The contact owns a 2021 BMW X5. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to immediately start. The vehicle started later. The engine and a yellow warning light flashed on the instrument panel. Upon research, the contact located the german federal motor transport authority (kraftfahrt-bundesamt), for kba reference…
The contact owns a 2021 BMW X5. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the push to start button failed to function as intended. After several attempts, the vehicle started. The drivetrain warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the…
Engine
31 complaints · 28%Half of these problems showed up before 42,000 miles.
The contact owns a 2021 BMW X5. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the coolant warning light illuminated with the message "coolant dangerously low - fill right away" displayed on the instrument panel. The message was displayed on several occasions. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where…
The contact owns a 2021 BMW X5. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds, unknown warning lights illuminated on several occasions. The failure had occurred while driving and while restarting the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the starter had…
Transmission
30 complaints · 28%Half of these problems showed up before 11,000 miles. Parts named most often: driveline.
The contact owns a 2021 BMW X5. The contact stated while his wife was reversing the vehicle into the main road when shifting gears into drive, the vehicle began to reverse independently while still depressing on the brake pedal. The contact stated the vehicle ran into two different trees and slashed the front driver's…
The contact owns a 2021 BMW X5. The contact stated that as her husband was stopped at a stop light, the vehicle began to rev after he had taken his foot off the brake pedal without warning. Once her husband placed his foot back on the brake pedal, the revving stopped, and her husband was able to resume normal driving.…
Other or unspecified
18 complaints · 17%Drove at the speed of 75 MPH in the highway all in a sudden the car lost power until its speed dropped to 62 MPH. It is a hybrid. Dash board showed some reserved battery power and half tank of gasoline. It is a big safety issue. Need to find the cause of it.
Backup camera
9 complaints · 8%Parts named most often: rearview system braking, warnings.
The contact owns a 2021 BMW X5. The contact stated that while reversing at night, there was not adequate lighting to view the surroundings behind the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who stated that the battery was low. The vehicle was not repaired. The…
Driver assistance
8 complaints · 7%Parts named most often: warnings, automatic emergency braking, blind spot detection, warning.
Air bags
7 complaints · 6%The contact owns a 2021 BMW X5. The contact stated while his wife was reversing the vehicle into the main road when shifting gears into drive, the vehicle began to reverse independently while still depressing on the brake pedal. The contact stated the vehicle ran into two different trees and slashed the front driver's…
The contact owns a 2021 BMW X5. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the air bag warning light unexpectedly illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the air bag had failed and that the air bag and/or the sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not…
Brakes
6 complaints · 6%Parts named most often: foundation components.
The contact owns a 2021 BMW X5. The contact stated while reversing out of their driveway and making a right turn, the display screen on the center console went red. The contact depressed the brake pedal and the pedal went all the way to the floor. The contact took their foot off the brake pedal and depress on the…
Complaints are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.
2021 BMW X5 recalls
Visibility and wipers: sun/moon roof assembly
Risk: A sunroof that closes without the key fob present inside the vehicle can increase the risk of injury.
Fix: Dealers will reprogram the roof function control unit, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed june 20, 2022. Owners may contact bmw customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Full defect summary
Bmw of north america, llc (bmw) is recalling certain 2022 4 series gran coupe (430i, 430i xdrive, m440i xdrive); 2019-2022 x5 sdrive40i, x5 xdrive40i, x5 xdrive50i, x5 m50i, x5m; 2021-2022 x5 xdrive45e; 2020-2022 x6 sdrive40i, x6 xdrive40i, x6 xdrive50i, x6m and 2019-2023 x7 xdrive40i, x7 xdrive50i, x7 m50i, x7 xdrive60i, x7 m60i, x7m, alpina xb7 vehicles. The roof function control unit may be programmed incorrectly, allowing the sunroof to close without the key fob present inside the vehicle. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard number 118, "power-operated window systems."
Seats: head restraint
Risk: In the event of a crash, the head restraints could detach, and increase the risk of injury.
Fix: Bmw will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the head restraints, and replace them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began may 3, 2021. Owners may contact bmw customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Full defect summary
Bmw of north america, llc (bmw) is recalling certain 2021 x5 sdrive40i, x5 xdrive50i, x5 m50i, x5 xdrive45e, 2021 x7 xdrive40i, x7 m50i, and xb7 vehicles. The head restraints on the second-row outer seats may be the incorrect type for the vehicle.
Backup camera: software
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.
Full defect summary
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
Brakes: critical fasteners
Risk: A loose brake disc could affect vehicle handling and control, and increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Bmw will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the right front brake disc and replace it if necessary, along with the unaffected left side brake disc, free of charge. There are no owner vehicles affected; therefore, owner notification is not necessary and, as such, a planned owner notification date is not entered into the recall schedule. Owners may contact bmw's customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Full defect summary
Bmw of north america, llc (bmw) is recalling certain 2021 x5 sdrive40i and x5 xdrive40i vehicles. The right front brake disc may have been assembled with incorrect fasteners, which over time, could result in the front brake disc becoming loose.
Brakes: hydraulic
Risk: A loss of ABS and a reduction in braking assistance can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Bmw will notify owners, and dealers will replace the integrated brake system, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on may 25, 2021. Owners may contact bmw customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Full defect summary
Bmw of north america, llc (bmw) is recalling certain 2020-2021 8 series coupe, grand coupe and convertible 840i, 840i xdrive, m850i xdrive, m8 and 740 li, 740 li xdrive, 750 li xdrive, m760 li xdrive, x6 sdrive40i, x6 xdrive40i, x6 xdrive50i, x6 m50i, x6m, and 2019-2021 x5 sdrive40i, x5 xdrive40i, x5 xdrive50i, x5 m50i, x5m, x7 xdrive40i, x7 xdrive50i, x7 m50i, and 2021 m3, m3 competition, m4 coupe, m4 competition coupe, x5 xdrive45e, 745 le xdrive. The rotor and shaft within the integrated brake system may not have been welded properly and could separate during a hard braking event, possibly resulting in a loss of the antilock brake system (ABS) and braking assistance.
Steering: column
Risk: A loose steering column shaft universal joint connection can affect vehicle handling and control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Bmw will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, depending upon the inspection, either the bolt will be replaced and tightened to specifications, or the steering column shaft, universal joint, and bolt will be replaced and tightened to specifications, free of charge. The recall began march 30, 2021. Owners may contact bmw customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Full defect summary
Bmw of north america, llc (bmw) is recalling certain 2021 x5 sdrive40i, x5 xdrive40i, x5m, x5 xdrive45e, x6 sdrive40i, x6 xdrive40i, x7 xdrive40i, x7 m50i vehicles. The steering column shaft's universal joint connection may not have been tightened to specifications, and can become loose.
Electrical: 12v/24v/48v battery
Risk: Increased electrical resistance can increase the risk of a fire.
Fix: Bmw will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the connection between the 48-volt battery and the starter-generator assembly, replacing it if necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin april 12, 2021. Owners may contact bmw customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Full defect summary
Bmw of north america, llc (bmw) is recalling certain 2021 m340i xdrive, m440i xdrive coupe, 530i, 530i xdrive, 540i, 540i xdrive, 740li, 740li xdrive, 840i gran coupe, 840i xdrive gran coupe, x5 sdrive40i, x5 xdrive40i, x6 sdrive40i, x6 xdrive40i, and x7 xdrive40i vehicles. The connection between the 48-volt battery and the starter-generator may not have been assembled properly, which can cause increased electrical resistance at the connections.
Suspension: control arm
Risk: If the weld between the front axle support and the right front control arm bearing bracket separates, vehicle handling and control may be affected, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Bmw will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front axle support, free of charge. The recall began december 18, 2020. Owners may contact bmw customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Full defect summary
Bmw of north america, llc (bmw) is recalling certain 2020 x5 sdrive40i, xdrive40i, x5 m50i, x5m, x7 xdrive40i, x7 m50i, x6 xdrive40i, x6 m50i and x6m vehicles and 2021 x5 xdrive45e vehicles. The weld between the front axle support and the right front control arm bearing bracket may separate.
Electrical: traction battery
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.
Full defect summary
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.
Lights: headlights
Risk: Oncoming drivers may be confused by the blue light of approaching vehicles, which could potentially increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Bmw will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the headlamps and, if necessary, replace them, free of charge. The recall began october 30, 2020. Owners may contact bmw customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Full defect summary
Bmw of north america, llc (bmw) is recalling certain 2020-2021 x5 sdrive40i, xdrive40i, xdrive50i, x5 m50i, x5m, x6 sdrive40i, xdrive40i, x6 m50i, x6m, x7 m50i and 2021 x5 xdrive45e vehicles. The headlamps may allow a blue light to illuminate. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard number 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment."
Electrical: traction battery
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.
Full defect summary
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.
Wheels and tires: tires
Risk: A rapid loss of tire pressure while the vehicle is moving can affect vehicle handling and control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Bmw has notified all of the affected owners, and dealers will replace the defective tires, free of charge. Bmw has contacted owners by telephone and those owners have had their cars remedied. Owner notification letters will not be sent. Owners may contact bmw customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Full defect summary
Bmw of north america, llc (bmw) is recalling certain 2021 x6 (sdrive40i, xdrive40i and m50i) and x5 (sdrive40i, xdrive40i and m50i) vehicles equipped with certain pirelli tires. The tires may have a damaged inner layer, possibly resulting in a rapid loss of pressure while the vehicle is moving.
Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which recalls are still open on your car.
NHTSA defect investigations
Pedestrian alert sounds
Summary
Nhtsa received a petition on or about july 18, 2022, requesting that federal motor vehicle safety standard (fmvss) 141 be applied to all electric and hybrid vehicles operating in the united states. The petition can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under odi number 11486072. Fmvss 141 establishes performance requirements for pedestrian alert sounds for motor vehicles. The standard applies to hybrid and electric vehicles that have a gross vehicle weight rating of 4,536 kg or less or are defined as low-speed vehicles. The standard became fully applicable to all such vehicles manufactured on or after march 1, 2021.on january 27, 2023, NHTSA opened defect petition (dp) 22-005 to evaluate the subject matt
Questions about the 2021 BMW X5
- What are the most common problems with the 2021 BMW X5?
- By NHTSA owner complaints: electrical (38 complaints, typically around 49,000 miles); engine (31 complaints, typically around 42,000 miles); transmission (30 complaints, typically around 11,000 miles).
- How many recalls does the 2021 BMW X5 have?
- 12 recalls listed by NHTSA, the latest from April 20, 2022 (visibility and wipers). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which ones are still open on your car.
- Is the 2021 a bad year for the BMW X5?
- It is 13th of 27 X5 model years by number of complaints, with 109 complaints. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular years collect more of them, and the newest years have had less time to.