2021 Bmw X5 Backup System Problems
7 owner-reported backup system complaints from NHTSA data
Data sourced from NHTSA public database. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified mechanic.
Backup System Recalls (1)
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."
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.
Owner Complaints (7)
You get no warning when backing out of a parking spot all features are on but no warning
Rear cross traffic alert does not work in the subject car. BMW Owners' Manual describes a system that should alert from two parking spaces away while backing out, the system gives no alert as described. What follows is my post to a BMW Owner's group where members are discussing similar issues with their vehicles. This problem is a large one and needs to be investigated. Rear cross traffic alert is a critical safety system. "Regional field service rep spent several hours last week with the car. Made some updates/integrations and declared the systems now working. I did some controlled testing in a parking lot in reverse with both brake applied and rolling in reverse. ZERO visual or acoustic alert from the rear cross traffic alert system. I am convinced BMW and the dealers are trying to cover up this colossal failure of a very important and basic safety feature BMW says they sold us! I will give corporate one more try and then will report to NHTSA that BMW has a major defect in their cars." I am scheduled to talk with the regional BMW engineer in the next two weeks. Is there a means for me to update this submission?
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 manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 11,000.
On Wednesday, December 20, 2023, shortly after 8:30 p.m., I turned into the driveway for my Columbia residence and proceeded with caution toward my carport. The weather was clear, with no rain or ice, and my driveway was free of all obstacles. My 2021 BMW X5 began to accelerate and move forward at a dangerous speed. Though I applied the brakes, they were unresponsive, and the vehicle collided, with force, into the brick steps at the carport entrance to my home. Upon impact, all airbags in the vehicle deployed, and the emergency response system was activated. Prior to impact, none of the vehicle’s safety monitoring features responded. These would include the system by which the vehicle’s speed is regulated whenever a vehicle on the roadway, in front of the X5, slows down or brakes. Neither did the warning system activate – the system that monitors the presence of obstacles in front of or behind the X5. The 2021 BMW X5 sustained significant front-end damage in the collision, and my residence was also damaged by the vehicle. I deny that the incident was operator error and believe it to have been the result of a vehicle or computer malfunction. Interestingly enough, the X5 had been serviced by BMW of Columbia on Tuesday, December 12, 2023. That routine service included a brake flush.
When in reverse, the vehicle doesn't give any warning (audio or visual) that a person or vehicle is approaching on either side.
When reversing out of driveway/parking space, the rear cross traffic warning alert doesn't give any warning until my vehicle is inches from another vehicle. The system isn't sensitive enough.
System fails to notify me of pedestrians/cross traffic when backing out of driveway, parking lots, etc. Multiple near misses. Orange/red shadows on screen do not appear. Ditto for beeps.