Known Recalls

Model year record

2021 BMW X5

12 recall campaigns on file for this model year. 246 owner complaints on file.

Recalls

Recall campaignNHTSA 22V267000

Visibility: sun/moon roof assembly

Component
Visibility: sun/moon roof assembly
Manufacturer
BMW of North America, LLC
Vehicles affected
61,221
Reported to NHTSA
2022-04-20
Owners notified
2022-06-20

Defect description

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."

Safety risk

A sunroof that closes without the key fob present inside the vehicle can increase the risk of injury.

Manufacturer remedy

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.

Recall campaignNHTSA 21V156000

Seats: mid/rear assembly: head restraint

Component
Seats: mid/rear assembly: head restraint
Manufacturer
BMW of North America, LLC
Vehicles affected
258
Reported to NHTSA
2021-03-10
Owners notified
2021-05-03

Defect description

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.

Safety risk

In the event of a crash, the head restraints could detach, and increase the risk of injury.

Manufacturer remedy

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.

Recall campaignNHTSA 21V096000

Back over prevention: software

Component
Back over prevention: software
Manufacturer
BMW of North America, LLC
Vehicles affected
13,858
Reported to NHTSA
2021-02-19
Owners notified
2021-04-16

Defect description

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."

Safety 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.

Manufacturer remedy

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.

Recall campaignNHTSA 21V089000

Service brakes, hydraulic: critical fasteners

Component
Service brakes, hydraulic: critical fasteners
Manufacturer
BMW of North America, LLC
Vehicles affected
9
Reported to NHTSA
2021-02-18
Owners notified
2021-03-02

Defect description

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.

Safety risk

A loose brake disc could affect vehicle handling and control, and increase the risk of a crash.

Manufacturer remedy

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.

Recall campaignNHTSA 21V062000

Service brakes, hydraulic: power assist: hydraulic

Component
Service brakes, hydraulic: power assist: hydraulic
Manufacturer
BMW of North America, LLC
Vehicles affected
893
Reported to NHTSA
2021-02-10
Owners notified
2021-05-25

Defect description

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.

Safety risk

A loss of ABS and a reduction in braking assistance can increase the risk of a crash.

Manufacturer remedy

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.

Recall campaignNHTSA 21V031000

Steering: column

Component
Steering: column
Manufacturer
BMW of North America, LLC
Vehicles affected
21
Reported to NHTSA
2021-01-29
Owners notified
2021-03-30

Defect description

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.

Safety risk

A loose steering column shaft universal joint connection can affect vehicle handling and control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Manufacturer remedy

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.

Recall campaignNHTSA 20V761000

Electrical system: 12V/24V/48V battery

Component
Electrical system: 12V/24V/48V battery
Manufacturer
BMW of North America, LLC
Vehicles affected
812
Reported to NHTSA
2020-12-09
Owners notified
2021-03-30

Defect description

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.

Safety risk

Increased electrical resistance can increase the risk of a fire.

Manufacturer remedy

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.

Recall campaignNHTSA 20V678000

Suspension: front: control arm

Component
Suspension: front: control arm
Manufacturer
BMW of North America, LLC
Vehicles affected
83
Reported to NHTSA
2020-11-04
Owners notified
2020-12-18

Defect description

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.

Safety 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.

Manufacturer remedy

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.

Recall campaignNHTSA 20V601000

Electrical system: propulsion system: traction battery

Component
Electrical system: propulsion system: traction battery
Manufacturer
BMW of North America, LLC
Vehicles affected
4,509
Reported to NHTSA
2020-09-30
Owners notified
2020-11-24

Defect description

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.

Safety risk

The debris could result in a short-circuit, increasing the risk of fire or injury.

Manufacturer remedy

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.

Recall campaignNHTSA 20V528000

Exterior lighting: headlights

Component
Exterior lighting: headlights
Manufacturer
BMW of North America, LLC
Vehicles affected
307
Reported to NHTSA
2020-09-01
Owners notified
2020-10-30

Defect description

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."

Safety risk

Oncoming drivers may be confused by the blue light of approaching vehicles, which could potentially increase the risk of a crash.

Manufacturer remedy

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.

Recall campaignNHTSA 20V490000

Electrical system: propulsion system: traction battery

Component
Electrical system: propulsion system: traction battery
Manufacturer
BMW of North America, LLC
Vehicles affected
713
Reported to NHTSA
2020-08-18
Owners notified
2020-10-12

Defect description

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.

Safety risk

A short-circuited hybrid battery may increase the risk of a fire.

Manufacturer remedy

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.

Recall campaignNHTSA 20V483000

Tires

Component
Tires
Manufacturer
BMW of North America, LLC
Vehicles affected
42
Reported to NHTSA
2020-08-14
Owners notified
2020-08-22

Defect description

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.

Safety risk

A rapid loss of tire pressure while the vehicle is moving can affect vehicle handling and control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Manufacturer remedy

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.

Owner complaints

A complaint is one person's report to a federal agency. It is not a finding.

ComponentComplaintsMedian mileage
Electrical system5249,000 mi
Engine3914,000 mi
Power train388,000 mi
Unknown or other227,500 mi
Engine and engine cooling1455,000 mi
Air bags963,382 mi
Back over prevention: rearview system braking7—
Service brakes7—
Steering6—
Vehicle speed control514,000 mi
Back over prevention: warnings4—
Forward collision avoidance: automatic emergency braking4—
Forward collision avoidance: warnings4—
Seat belts45,000 mi
Structure: body42,000 mi
Suspension4—
Fuel/propulsion system32,973 mi
Lane departure: blind spot detection3—
Visibility/wiper3—
Electrical system: starter assembly262,300 mi
Power train: driveline: differential unit236,400 mi
Seats2—
Visibility: defroster/defogger/hvac system: condensor/evaporator2—
Back over prevention111,000 mi
Electrical system: 12V/24V/48V battery1—
Exterior lighting1—
Lane departure: warning1—
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: master cylinder19,700 mi
Vehicle speed control: accelerator pedal136,000 mi

The 2020 model has roughly the same number of complaints as this one. The 2022 model has about 1.5 times as many complaints as this one. These figures reflect raw complaint counts, not failure rates. Higher-selling model years naturally receive more complaints.

Safety recall repairs are provided free of charge by franchised dealers, regardless of vehicle age or mileage. This page displays aggregated data for the model year. To check recall status for a specific vehicle, search its VIN at nhtsa.gov.