2021 BMW X6 Problems, Complaints & Recalls

Source: NHTSA · Updated Jan 26, 2026 · 7 owner complaints analyzed

Compared with other X6 years
Not enough data 11th of 21 for complaints
NHTSA crash rating
Not rated

Owners have filed 7 complaints with NHTSA about the 2021 BMW X6. That ranks 11th out of 21 X6 model years for complaints. The most reported problem area is electrical system (2 complaints, 29%), typically at around 51,000 miles. Complaints mention 1 crash. There are 7 safety recalls covering this model year. NHTSA has opened 1 defect investigation involving it.

BMW X6
2010 BMW ActiveHybrid X6 photographed at the 2010 Washington Auto Show.. Representative photo; appearance varies by model year. Photo: IFCAR, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons.

Complaints are unverified owner reports and are not adjusted for sales volume.

Compare with another car

Most common 2021 BMW X6 problems

Complaints grouped by the part of the car owners reported, with the median mileage when the problem happened.

Electrical System2 · ~51,000 mi
Forward Collision Avoidance2
Air Bags1
Back Over Prevention1
Engine and Engine Cooling1 · ~53,000 mi
Lane Departure1
Service Brakes1
Service Brakes, Hydraulic1 · ~49,000 mi
Steering1
Unknown or Other1
Problem areaComplaintsShareMedian milesOwners mention mostTypical repair cost
Electrical System229%51,000——
Forward Collision Avoidance229%———
Air Bags114%———
Back Over Prevention114%———
Engine and Engine Cooling114%53,000——
Lane Departure114%———
Service Brakes114%———
Service Brakes, Hydraulic114%49,000——
Steering114%———
Unknown or Other114%———

One complaint can list several problem areas, so shares can add up to more than 100%.

Complaints by year received

Peak: 2025, with 3 complaints
2020: 1202012023: 1202312024: 1202412025: 3202532026: 120261

n = 7 complaints · Source: NHTSA

2021 BMW X6 recalls (7)

Tap a recall to see the problem, the risk and the fix.

Visibility:sun/moon roof assemblyApr 20, 2022 · NHTSA campaign 22V267000 · 61,221 vehicles

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.

Back over prevention:software; back over prevention: sensing system: cameraFeb 19, 2021 · NHTSA campaign 21V096000 · 13,858 vehicles

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:power assist:hydraulicFeb 10, 2021 · NHTSA campaign 21V062000 · 893 vehicles

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:columnJan 29, 2021 · NHTSA campaign 21V031000 · 21 vehicles

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 batteryDec 9, 2020 · NHTSA campaign 20V761000 · 812 vehicles

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.

Exterior lighting:headlightsSep 1, 2020 · NHTSA campaign 20V528000 · 307 vehicles

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.

TiresAug 14, 2020 · NHTSA campaign 20V483000 · 42 vehicles

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.

The contact owns a 2021 BMW X6. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to stop as intended. The contact shifted into park while the vehicle was in motion to stop the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent…

Electrical System · received Jan 26, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11713418

Wiring from knee air bag to module failed. Had to repair wiring from front driver and passenger knee air bags. Wiring had a short to ground. Resulted in a $1600 bill.

Air Bags · received Nov 25, 2025 · NHTSA complaint 11701406

The contact owns a 2021 BMW X6. The contact stated that upon start the vehicle, the drivetrain message was displayed. Overtime, the contact stated that the vehicle either failed to start or was slow to start while depressing the START/STOP button. The vehicle was taken to a dealer and the starter…

Engine and Engine Cooling · received Nov 12, 2025 · NHTSA complaint 11698929

Unknown

Service Brakes · received Oct 18, 2025 · NHTSA complaint 11694233

The automatic parking feature was being used to park in garage the vehicle proceed to back up without stopping and the emergency braking system didn’t engage leading to the vehicle crashing. I could have been injured if the structure of the house didn’t stop the vehicle. If someone had been…

Forward Collision Avoidance · received May 17, 2024 · NHTSA complaint 11589248

Other BMW X6 years

← 2020 X6 · 2022 X6 →

See all BMW X6 problems by year, every BMW model, or the BMW VIN decoder.

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Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2021 BMW X6?

Owners most often report electrical system, forward collision avoidance, air bags problems. The top one, electrical system, accounts for 2 complaints.

Was there a recall on the 2021 BMW X6?

Yes, 7 safety recalls. Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check whether the repairs were done on your car.

Was the 2021 BMW X6 a good year?

Complaint data can't fully answer that, because counts aren't adjusted for sales. Compared with other X6 model years, the 2021 has too little data to compare. Always get a pre-purchase inspection and check the VIN for open recalls.