Data sourced from NHTSA public database. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified mechanic.
2021 Bmw X5 — Known Issues & Recalls
Complaints from Jan 2026 to Dec 2024
The most reported issue is electrical system problems (14 complaints). 9 complaints involved crashes. 3 involved fires.
Open Safety Recalls (12)
NHTSA Campaign: 21V089000
Component: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:CRITICAL FASTENERS
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.
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.
NHTSA Campaign: 20V761000
Component: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY
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.
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.
NHTSA Campaign: 21V096000
Component: BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
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 the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."
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.
NHTSA Campaign: 21V156000
Component: SEATS:MID/REAR ASSEMBLY:HEAD RESTRAINT
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.
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.
NHTSA Campaign: 20V528000
Component: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
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."
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.
NHTSA Campaign: 21V062000
Component: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
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.
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.
NHTSA Campaign: 20V483000
Component: TIRES
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.
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.
NHTSA Campaign: 21V031000
Component: STEERING:COLUMN
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.
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.
NHTSA Campaign: 20V678000
Component: SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM
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.
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.
NHTSA Campaign: 20V601000
Component: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:TRACTION BATTERY
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.
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.
NHTSA Campaign: 20V490000
Component: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY
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.
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.
NHTSA Campaign: 22V267000
Component: VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY
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."
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.
Owner-Reported Issues (20 of 87)
Electrical System →4 issues
Your push-to-start button didn't work when you tried to start the vehicle, though it eventually started after several attempts. A warning light appeared on your dashboard, and the dealer diagnosed a failed starter motor. The dealer advised you to stop driving the vehicle due to safety concerns. The starter will need to be replaced to restore normal starting function.
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Your car shut off while you were driving on the highway and wouldn't restart. A dealer diagnosed the problem as a failed starter motor, which is covered under a BMW recall (Campaign 20V761000), but your vehicle's VIN wasn't included in that recall. Your car wasn't repaired and the manufacturer was notified. The starter motor will likely need to be replaced to restore your vehicle's ability to start.
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Your 2021 BMW X5 sometimes fails to start when you press the push-button starter, accompanied by a clicking sound from under the hood. The problem is intermittent and occurred even after replacing the hybrid battery. An independent mechanic diagnosed a faulty starter and emission circuit issue. The fix will likely involve replacing the starter motor and repairing the emission circuit.
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Your car is slow to start and sometimes doesn't recognize that your key is in the vehicle. You may need to push the starter button multiple times (up to three) before the car recognizes the key and will start. A BMW dealership checked it and found no diagnostic codes, but the issue may be with the starter motor or related electrical connections.
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Power Train →4 issues
Your car won't start due to a faulty starter motor, which failed at just 38,000 miles. BMW has issued a recall for starter problems on some 2021 X5 models, but your vehicle's VIN wasn't included even though it has the same defect. The starter motor will need to be replaced or repaired by a BMW dealer.
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Your vehicle made abnormal grinding and clanking sounds from the front end while driving at various speeds. A BMW dealer diagnosed that your front differential was faulty and replaced it. The problem occurred at 36,400 miles. Fixing this issue involves replacing the faulty front differential assembly.
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Your front differential failed at 47,000 miles with only a grinding noise as warning—no check engine light appeared. The dealership confirmed the failure and quoted $9,000 for replacement. You've learned other BMW X5 owners report similar failures around 50,000 miles, indicating a potential pattern. Fixing this will require the differential to be replaced.
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You noticed small puddles under your vehicle around September 2025. When the dealership inspected it, they found your water pump was failing and leaking engine coolant. There were no warning lights or messages alerting you to a cooling system problem before this happened. Repairing the water pump at the dealership cost over $2,000.
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Engine →3 issues
Your engine's oil pump contains a plastic internal part that can break, especially in cold weather or during winter starts. When this part fails, it can cause oil pressure problems and potentially lead to severe engine damage or complete failure without much warning. The fix will likely require replacing the oil pump assembly and possibly inspecting the engine for any damage caused by the failure.
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Your car displayed warning lights on the dashboard multiple times while driving and during restarts. A BMW dealer diagnosed the problem as a failed starter motor, which was replaced to fix the issue. This occurred at approximately 44,000 miles.
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Your engine starter motor failed and wouldn't crank the engine. The BMW dealership diagnosed the starter as faulty and replaced it, but this failure isn't covered under the current BMW X5 starter recall. You paid $2,166.35 for the repair and are requesting a refund from BMW.
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Unknown Or Other →2 issues
While driving 75 mph on the highway, your sunroof suddenly shattered with a loud noise, sending glass pieces everywhere. Your car's sunroof glass appears to be prone to spontaneous failure during normal driving, which creates a serious safety hazard. The issue may stem from a manufacturing defect or problem with how the sunroof was installed. Fixing this will likely require a complete sunroof glass replacement and inspection of the sunroof assembly.
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Your engine and transmission mounts were diagnosed as sagging at only 38,437 miles and need replacement, according to Sterling BMW. If these mounts deteriorate prematurely, the drivetrain could shift during driving, which could affect your vehicle's stability, steering, and braking response, potentially causing a loss of control. BMW of North America denied warranty coverage and refused to investigate further. The repair would involve replacing the engine and transmission mounts to restore proper support and alignment.
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Engine And Engine Cooling,electrical System →2 issues
Your 2021 BMW X5 is making abnormal sputtering sounds when you try to start it, and it takes several attempts before the engine turns over. A dealer diagnosed this as starter failure and noted error code 0012240600. The issue may be related to a known BMW electrical system recall (Campaign 24V576000), so you may want to check if your vehicle is affected.
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Your 2021 BMW X5 is subject to a recall (Campaign 24V608000) affecting the engine and electrical system, but the replacement part isn't available yet. Your dealer shows the recall as closed in the system even though the repair hasn't been completed, and you feel the manufacturer has taken too long to provide the needed part. No failure has occurred with your vehicle so far.
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Engine And Engine Cooling →2 issues
Your coolant warning light kept coming on, telling you to fill the coolant right away. The dealer found that coolant was leaking from underneath your vehicle and determined your water pump had failed and needed replacement. The repair was completed at the dealer. This happened at around 40,000 miles, and BMW informed you the vehicle was no longer under warranty.
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The owner filed a complaint about their engine and engine cooling system but did not provide specific details about what problem they experienced. Without additional information, it's unclear what issue you're facing with your engine or cooling system.
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Suspension,engine →1 issue
While driving, your car suddenly displayed multiple warning lights and your steering wheel became very stiff and hard to turn. The dealer found that your crankshaft pulley system failed and the vibration damper needed replacement, which also prevented the engine from properly charging the battery, causing it to fail. At only 38,000 miles, your car has experienced multiple serious issues including a water pump failure at 35,000-36,000 miles. The steering problem created a significant safety hazard that could have caused an accident.
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Power Train,engine →1 issue
Your water pump failed suddenly at 56,611 miles without warning, causing your engine temperature to spike during normal driving. A BMW-certified mechanic confirmed this is a known issue with B58 engines and noted that BMW has replaced this part with an upgraded version, suggesting the manufacturer is aware of the problem. Complete water pump failure creates an immediate risk of engine overheating, seizure, and potential loss of power while driving. The repair typically involves replacing the water pump and related cooling system components.
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Power Train,vehicle Speed Control,engine →1 issue
Your car shakes and jolts with vibration when turning at low speeds. Most concerning, the gas pedal broke away from its floor-mounted bracket when you pressed the accelerator from a stop. The fix will likely involve replacing the gas pedal assembly and having a mechanic inspect the engine and transmission for the source of the shaking.
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