2021 BMW X5 Problems, Complaints & Recalls
- Compared with other X5 years
- About as many complaints as other years 13th of 28 for complaints
- Safety recalls
- 12 recalls: check your VIN
- NHTSA crash rating
- 4 out of 5 stars
Owners have filed 109 complaints with NHTSA about the 2021 BMW X5. That ranks 13th out of 28 X5 model years for complaints. The most reported problem area is electrical system (38 complaints, 35%), typically at around 49,000 miles. Complaints mention 9 crashes, 3 fires, 7 injuries. There are 12 safety recalls covering this model year. NHTSA has opened 1 defect investigation involving it.
- 109owner complaints
- 12safety recalls
- 1NHTSA investigations
- 9complaints mentioning a crash
Complaints are unverified owner reports and are not adjusted for sales volume.
Most common 2021 BMW X5 problems
Complaints grouped by the part of the car owners reported, with the median mileage when the problem happened.
| Problem area | Complaints | Share | Median miles | Owners mention most | Typical repair cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical System | 38 | 35% | 49,000 | — | — |
| Power Train | 30 | 28% | 11,000 | — | — |
| Engine | 25 | 23% | 8,610 | — | — |
| Unknown or Other | 18 | 17% | 7,500 | — | — |
| Back Over Prevention | 9 | 8% | 11,000 | — | — |
| Air Bags | 7 | 6% | 35,691 | — | — |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 7 | 6% | 55,000 | — | — |
| Forward Collision Avoidance | 5 | 5% | — | — | — |
| Service Brakes | 5 | 5% | — | — | — |
| Structure | 4 | 4% | 2,000 | — | — |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 4 | 4% | 25,000 | — | — |
| Fuel/propulsion System | 3 | 3% | 5,237 | — | — |
| Lane Departure | 3 | 3% | — | — | — |
| Seat Belts | 3 | 3% | 5,000 | — | — |
| Steering | 3 | 3% | — | — | — |
| Suspension | 2 | 2% | — | — | — |
| Visibility/wiper | 2 | 2% | — | — | — |
| Exterior Lighting | 1 | 1% | — | — | — |
| Seats | 1 | 1% | — | — | — |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 1 | 1% | 9,700 | — | — |
| Visibility | 1 | 1% | — | — | — |
One complaint can list several problem areas, so shares can add up to more than 100%.
Complaints by year received
2021 BMW X5 recalls (12)
Tap a recall to see the problem, the risk and the fix.
Visibility:sun/moon roof assembly
Problem: 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.
Seats:mid/rear assembly:head restraint
Problem: 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.
Back over prevention:software; back over prevention: sensing system: camera
Problem: 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.
Service brakes, hydraulic:critical fasteners; service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:disc
Problem: 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.
Service brakes, hydraulic:power assist:hydraulic
Problem: 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.
Steering:column
Problem: 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.
Electrical system:12v/24v/48v battery
Problem: 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.
Suspension:front:control arm
Problem: 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.
Electrical system:propulsion system:traction battery
Problem: 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.
Exterior lighting:headlights
Problem: 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.
Electrical system:propulsion system:traction battery; electrical system:12v/24v/48v battery
Problem: 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.
Tires
Problem: 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.
To see whether a specific car still has an open recall, enter its VIN on NHTSA's official recall lookup. You can also decode a VIN here.
NHTSA defect investigations
- Pedestrian alert sounds (DP22005) — opened Jan 27, 2023, closed Aug 7, 2023, led to recall 22V063000.
Recent owner reports
Short excerpts of the latest complaints filed with NHTSA, with personal details removed. Full reports can be searched on NHTSA.gov.
Description of Safety Concern: I am writing to formally submit a vehicle safety complaint regarding the xDrive transfer case on my 2021 BMW X5. While driving, the vehicle exhibits noticeable hesitation, shuddering, and jerking during acceleration at lower speeds and when executing tight turns. This…
Problem with starter. They donât start from first time, sometimes from 2-3. As Iâm check it in forums, it can burn another parts and make fire. As i now bmw x5 from 2019 to 2024 have problem with starter and have opened recall for it. But when Iâm visit now service center, they say me that my…
My 2021 BMW X5 xDrive40i intermittently fails to start, occurring on approximately 80% of start attempts, and displays the message "Repeat Start Attempt." This has been confirmed by code reading to be a starter-related malfunction. This defect significantly affects vehicle reliability and raises a…
My 2021 BMW X5 xDrive40i Sport (112,000 miles) intermittently fails to start, occurring on approximately 80% of start attempts, and displays the message "Repeat Start Attempt." The issue first occurred on September 8, 2026, while the vehicle was parked at my residence and was confirmed by BMW…
The starter motor malfunctioned, which then prevented the car from starting when it was hot. It could only be started after it had completely cooled down. Additionally, the fault code indicated that there was a problem with the starter motor. I also noticed that there was a similar recall before…
Other BMW X5 years
| Year | Complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 X5 | 26 | 2 |
| 2025 X5 | 62 | 5 |
| 2024 X5 | 145 | 8 |
| 2023 X5 | 33 | 4 |
| 2022 X5 | 70 | 1 |
| 2021 | 109 | 12 |
| 2020 X5 | 113 | 11 |
| 2019 X5 | 191 | 13 |
| 2018 X5 | 72 | 5 |
| 2017 X5 | 75 | 6 |
| 2016 X5 | 74 | 5 |
| 2015 X5 | 152 | 6 |
| 2014 X5 | 99 | 8 |
| 2013 X5 | 149 | 6 |
| 2012 X5 | 271 | 10 |
| 2011 X5 | 263 | 14 |
| 2010 X5 | 124 | 14 |
| 2009 X5 | 138 | 12 |
| 2008 X5 | 215 | 10 |
| 2007 X5 | 71 | 8 |
| 2006 X5 | 168 | 2 |
| 2005 X5 | 82 | 2 |
| 2004 X5 | 64 | 4 |
| 2003 X5 | 99 | 3 |
| 2002 X5 | 102 | 3 |
| 2001 X5 | 160 | 12 |
| 2000 X5 | 29 | 6 |
| 1999 X5 | 0 | 1 |
See all BMW X5 problems by year, every BMW model, or the BMW VIN decoder.
Similar BMW models
Embed this 2021 BMW X5 badge on your site
Copy this code into your blog or forum post. It shows live complaint and recall counts and links back here.
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2021 BMW X5?
Owners most often report electrical system, power train, engine problems. The top one, electrical system, accounts for 38 complaints.
Was there a recall on the 2021 BMW X5?
Yes, 12 safety recalls. Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check whether the repairs were done on your car.
Was the 2021 BMW X5 a good year?
Complaint data can't fully answer that, because counts aren't adjusted for sales. Compared with other X5 model years, the 2021 has about as many complaints as a typical year, and NHTSA rates it 4 out of 5 stars overall in crash tests. Always get a pre-purchase inspection and check the VIN for open recalls.