KnownCarProblems2020 BMW X7 Problems and Recalls
Owners filed 55 complaints with NHTSA about the 2020 BMW X7, most often about the engine (29% of complaints, typically around 58,000 miles). It is the 2nd most complained-about X7 model year since 2000 and has 12 recalls.
Most common 2020 BMW X7 problems
Engine
16 complaints · 29%Half of these problems showed up before 58,000 miles. Parts named most often: engine.
The contact owns a 2020 BMW X7. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the engine failed to turn over. The message "starter motor overheating" was displayed; however, there was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer where it was diagnosed, and the contact was…
The contact owns 2020 BMW X7. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the message "oil pump leak over - get the vehicle towed to local service dealer" was displayed. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who could not repair the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where an unknown diagnosis was…
Transmission
15 complaints · 27%On tuesday, november 17th, around 7pm et, I parked in front of a building complex. The car was in parking mod with engine on. I was talking to my brother in law in the car when within 4-5 min from the time of the car was in full stop, we heard the engine roaring louder and louder and the car accelerated with…
The contact works for a company that owns a 2020 BMW X7. The contact stated that while his boss was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. The driver was able to veer to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to a station. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and…
Electrical
12 complaints · 22%While driving on the freeway at 70mph, my steering and brake system become less responsive. Could not brake fully. Electronic console gave a numerous warning alerts, including: cross traffic warning, four wheel drive system temporarily not available, restraint system malfunction, and possible chassis malfunction. I…
The contact owns a 2020 BMW X7. The contact stated that after parking and later attempting to start the vehicle, the message "starting engine possible after engine overheat" was displayed, and the vehicle failed to start. The contact waited several hours before the vehicle was able to be restarted. The vehicle was…
Other or unspecified
11 complaints · 20%On august 27, 2019, I purchased a 2020 BMW X7. Since purchasing the vehicle, it's been returned for repairs at two authorized dealers at least two times and spends two weeks of my 2 months ownership in the service. According to the authorized dealer, the defects affecting the vehicle and creating unpleasant, whistling…
I was called by a BMW representative and told a safety recall was in affect and I was not to drive my brand new BMW X7 not even to the dealership. They would arrange to come get it via a wrecker and would be keeping it approximately a month. No one will disclose to me the issue or the fix. They are being very closed…
Steering
5 complaints · 9%While driving on the freeway at 70mph, my steering and brake system become less responsive. Could not brake fully. Electronic console gave a numerous warning alerts, including: cross traffic warning, four wheel drive system temporarily not available, restraint system malfunction, and possible chassis malfunction. I…
The contact owns a 2020 BMW X7. The contact stated that while turning the steering wheel in either direction there was a squeaking sound coming from the steering column. The contact stated that over time the failure had become progressively worse, and the steering had become unstable while driving at highway speeds.…
Seats
5 complaints · 9%Parts named most often: mid/rear assembly.
Suspension
5 complaints · 9%The contact owns a 2020 BMW X7. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal sound coming from the wheels while turning to the right or the left. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that both front control arms needed…
Body and structure
3 complaints · 6%Parts named most often: body.
On august 27, 2019, I purchased a 2020 BMW X7. Since purchasing the vehicle, it's been returned for repairs at two authorized dealers at least two times and spends two weeks of my 2 months ownership in the service. According to the authorized dealer, the defects affecting the vehicle and creating unpleasant, whistling…
Complaints are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.
2020 BMW X7 recalls
Electrical: starter assembly
Risk: An overheated starter motor can ignite nearby combustible material in the engine compartment, increasing the risk of a fire.
Fix: Dealers will replace the engine starter, free of charge. This recall includes vehicles repaired under recall 24v576 and those owners will need to have their vehicle repaired again. Owner notification letters were mailed february 9, 2026. Owners may contact bmw customer service at 1-800-525-7417. Vehicle identification numbers (vins) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov november 17, 2025.
Full defect summary
Bmw of north america, llc (bmw) is recalling certain 2020 340i, x6, 2020-2025 840i, 2020-2022 740li, 2019-2020 x7, and x5 vehicles. After repeated attempts, the starter motor may overheat from an electrical overload.
Engine: software
Risk: A starter motor that overheats can ignite nearby combustible material in the engine compartment, increasing the risk of a fire.
Fix: Dealers will update the vehicle software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed september 27, 2024. Owners may contact bmw customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Full defect summary
Bmw of north america, llc is recalling certain 2019-2020 x5, x7, 2020 3 series sedan, x6, 2020-2021 7 series sedan, 2020 8 series convertible, 8 series coupe, and 2020 8 series gran coupe vehicles. Please see the recall report for the complete list of models. In the event the starter motor fails, repeated attempts to start the vehicle can cause the starter motor to overheat from an electrical overload.
Seats
Risk: In a crash, the seat backrest may not fully lock, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix: Dealers will inspect the third-row seat and, if necessary, remove and reinstall improperly installed compression springs, and reinstall any missing springs, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed november 4, 2022. Owners may contact bmw customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Full defect summary
Bmw of north america, llc (bmw) is recalling certain 2019-2022 bmw x7 xdrive40i, x7 drive50i, x7 m50i vehicles with third-row seats. One or more of the compression springs that lock the backrest may not have been installed properly, and could dislodge or detach.
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."
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: 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.
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.
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: starter assembly
Risk: An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
Fix: Bmw will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the starter motor for the extra bolt, removing it if necessary. Dealers will also inspect the starter for damage, and check if the bolt has fallen into the transmission housing, replacing any damaged parts as necessary. All repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on october 2, 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 sdrive 40i, x5 xdrive 40i and one x7 xdrive 40i vehicle. The starter motor may have an extra bolt that could potentially fall into the transmission housing and cause an engine stall.
Lights: exterior lighting
Risk: An inadequate amount of reflected light will decrease the vehicle's visibility to other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Bmw will notify owners, and dealers will replace both rear reflex reflectors, free of charge. The recall began march 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 x7 xdrive40i and x7 xdrive50i vehicles. The rear reflex reflectors may not reflect an adequate amount of light. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard (fmvss) number 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment."
Backup camera: camera
Risk: The lack of an image in the back-up camera display increases the risk of a crash.
Fix: Bmw will notify owners, and dealers will update the back-up camera software, free of charge. The recall began november 8, 2019. Owners may contact bmw customer service at 1-800-525-7417 or rolls-royce at 1-877-877-3735. Toyota owners may contact toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371.
Full defect summary
Bmw of north america, llc (bmw) is recalling certain 2018 540d, 2018-2020 530i, 530i xdrive, 540i, 540i xdrive, m550i xdrive, m5, 530e, 530e xdrive, x3 sdrive, x3 xdrive, x3 m40i, x3 m, and 2019-2020 x4 xdrive, x4 m40i, x4 m, x7 xdrive, x7 m50i, 740li, 740li xdrive, 750li, 750li xdrive, 8 series convertible and coupe 840i, 840i xdrive, m850i xdrive, x5 sdrive, x5 xdrive, x5 m50i, x6 xdrive, x6 m50i, 330i, 330i xdrive, m340i, m340i xdrive, z4 sdrive, z4 m40i, 740le xdrive and 745le xdrive, 2018-2019 640i xdrive gran turismo and rolls-royce phantom, 2019 m850i xdrive gran coupe and rolls-royce cullinan and 2020 toyota supra vehicles. The back-up camera and display settings can be adjusted such that the rear view image is no longer visible and the system will retain that setting the next time the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of f
Steering: rack
Risk: A loss of steering control increases risk of a crash.
Fix: Bmw will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering rack, free of charge. The recall began august 21, 2019. 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, x5 xdrive40i, x5 m50i, x7 xdrive40i and x7 m50i vehicles. The steering rack pinion teeth may break under load, resulting in a loss of steering control.
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.
Questions about the 2020 BMW X7
- What are the most common problems with the 2020 BMW X7?
- By NHTSA owner complaints: engine (16 complaints, typically around 58,000 miles); transmission (15 complaints); electrical (12 complaints).
- How many recalls does the 2020 BMW X7 have?
- 12 recalls listed by NHTSA, the latest from September 25, 2025 (electrical). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which ones are still open on your car.
- Is the 2020 a bad year for the BMW X7?
- It is the 2nd most complained-about X7 model year since 2000, with 55 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.