InsightArise CarsU.S. Owner Complaint Index
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2021 BMW X5 problems, complaints & recalls

Far fewer Rising

NHTSA has received 103 owner complaints about the 2021 BMW X5, or 18.2 per year on the road — far fewer complaints than typical for a vehicle of its age (complaint index 0.43, where 1.00 is the average of all tracked vehicles). Among the 85 model-year 2021 vehicles we track, it ranks #38 for fewest complaints per year. Against other BMW models its rate is 56% higher; against other Luxury SUVs it is 21% higher.

Counts are normalized by time on the road, not by sales volume: a popular model generates more reports than a rare one, and complaints are not verified individually. How we count

Complaints filed between 2020-12-01 and 2026-08-24. Median delay from incident to filing: 11 days.

103Complaints
18.2Complaints per year on the road
0.43Complaint index vs. all tracked vehicles
12Recalls
10.7%Share involving a crash or fire
37Last 12 months

Analysis

The previous model year (2020) drew 16.0 complaints per year, fewer than this one. The following model year (2022) drew 14.8 per year, fewer than this one. In its first two years on the road the 2021 model collected 33 complaints, 46% lower than the average vehicle of the same model year.

The most common problem area is Engine (29.1% of complaints), followed by Electrical (26.2%) and Transmission / powertrain (17.5%). Within Engine reports, owners most often mention “water pump”, “starter”, “cooling electrical”, “drivetrain malfunction” and “engine cooling”. 11 reports (10.7%) describe a crash or fire; owners mention 7 injuries and 0 deaths.

Half of the reported incidents happened within 43 months of the model year's start; the busiest period was years three to five (36% of incidents). In the last 12 months 37 new complaints were filed, versus 13 in the 12 months before — the pace is rising.

NHTSA lists 12 safety recalls for this model year. 35% of the complaints fall in component areas that a recall addresses. 1 NHTSA defect investigation covers this model year; the most recent is “Pedestrian alert sounds” (opened 2023-01-27, closed 2023-08-07).

Complaint index

  • vs. all tracked vehicles0.43
  • vs. other BMW models1.56
  • vs. other 2021 models0.48
  • vs. other Luxury SUVs1.21
  • Complaints in first 2 years on the road · vs. same-year average (33)0.54
  • #38 of 85 · 2021Rankings ›

1.00 means the same rate as the comparison group. 2.00 means twice as many complaints per year on the road.

Other model years

  • 20188.1 per year0.19
  • 201923.8 per year0.57
  • 202016.0 per year0.38
  • 202118.2 per year0.43
  • 202214.8 per year0.35
  • 20238.4 per year0.2
  • 202453.8 per year1.28
  • 202536.5 per year0.87

BMW X5 problems, complaints & recalls by model year ›

What owners complain about

  • Engine30 · 29.1% · 1.31×
  • Electrical27 · 26.2% · 1.66×
  • Transmission / powertrain18 · 17.5% · 1.5×
  • Interior & equipment9 · 8.7% · 0.97×
  • Airbags & seat belts6 · 5.8% · 1.52×
  • Body & structure4 · 3.9% · 0.43×
  • Brakes3 · 2.9% · 0.48×
  • Driver-assist systems3 · 2.9% · 0.51×

vs. all vehicles: 1.00 = All-vehicle average

Engine · Common terms in reports

  • water pump7
  • starter8
  • cooling electrical3
  • drivetrain malfunction3
  • engine cooling5
  • production3

Electrical · Common terms in reports

  • starter9
  • attempts5
  • cross traffic3
  • regards3
  • battery6
  • button4

Transmission / powertrain · Common terms in reports

  • front differential4
  • drivetrain4
  • addressing3
  • defects3
  • grinding3
  • malfunction4

Problem areas: Electrical · Engine · Transmission / powertrain · Interior & equipment · Brakes

When complaints were filed

2020: 2 2 2020 2021: 20 20 2021 2022: 11 11 2022 2023: 12 12 2023 2024: 10 10 2024 2025: 25 25 2025 2026: 23 23 2026
  • Crashes reported: 9
  • Fires reported: 3
  • Injuries: 7
  • Deaths: 0

Vehicle age at incident

  • <1 yr22.3%
  • 1–2 yrs9.7%
  • 2–3 yrs12.6%
  • 3–5 yrs35.9%
  • 5+ yrs19.4%

Median age at incident: 43 months

What owners report

Excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA, trimmed for length. The ODI number is NHTSA's record identifier.

Segment peers · 2021 · Luxury SUVs

ModelsComplaintsComplaints per year on the roadComplaint index
2021 Lexus NX173.00.07
2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC6311.10.26
2021 Lexus RX7012.30.29
2021 Audi Q77112.50.3
2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE8815.50.37
2021 Audi Q59917.50.42
2021 BMW X510318.20.43
2021 BMW X310618.70.44

Safety recalls (12)

VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY Campaign 22V267000 · 2022-04-20

Summary: 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.

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.

SEATS:MID/REAR ASSEMBLY:HEAD RESTRAINT Campaign 21V156000 · 2021-03-10

Summary: 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.

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.

BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA Campaign 21V096000 · 2021-02-19

Summary: 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.

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.

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:CRITICAL FASTENERS Campaign 21V089000 · 2021-02-18

Summary: 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.

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.

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC Campaign 21V062000 · 2021-02-10

Summary: 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.

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.

STEERING:COLUMN Campaign 21V031000 · 2021-01-29

Summary: 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.

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.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY Campaign 20V761000 · 2020-12-09

Summary: 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.

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.

SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM Campaign 20V678000 · 2020-11-04

Summary: 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.

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.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:TRACTION BATTERY Campaign 20V601000 · 2020-09-30

Summary: 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.

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.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS Campaign 20V528000 · 2020-09-01

Summary: 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.

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.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY Campaign 20V490000 · 2020-08-18

Summary: 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.

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.

TIRES Campaign 20V483000 · 2020-08-14

Summary: 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.

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.

How to check whether your car has an open recall ›

Investigations

Frequently asked questions

How many complaints were filed for the 2021 BMW X5?

103 complaints were filed with NHTSA for the 2021 BMW X5, or about 18.2 per year on the road.

What is the most common problem reported for the 2021 BMW X5?

The most common category is Engine, accounting for 29.1% of complaints.

Does the 2021 BMW X5 have any recalls?

NHTSA lists 12 safety recall(s) for this model year. 1 NHTSA defect investigation covers this model year; the most recent is “Pedestrian alert sounds” (opened 2023-01-27, closed 2023-08-07).

Is the 2021 BMW X5 still generating complaints?

In the last 12 months 37 new complaints were filed, versus 13 in the 12 months before — the pace is rising.

How does the 2021 BMW X5 compare with similar vehicles?

NHTSA has received 103 owner complaints about the 2021 BMW X5, or 18.2 per year on the road — far fewer complaints than typical for a vehicle of its age (complaint index 0.43, where 1.00 is the average of all tracked vehicles). Among the 85 model-year 2021 vehicles we track, it ranks #38 for fewest complaints per year. Against other BMW models its rate is 56% higher; against other Luxury SUVs it is 21% higher.