2021 BMW X5 recalls

12 safety recalls, 112 owner complaints and a 4-star NHTSA crash rating. Official NHTSA data.

12Recalls
112Complaints
13Crashes & fires reported
4/5NHTSA overall rating

Not every 2021 BMW X5 is affected by every recall. Check your VIN to see open recalls on your exact vehicle.

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2021 BMW X5 recall list

Visibility recall

22V-267
April 20, 2022 · BMW of North America, LLC
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."
Safety 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 recall

21V-156
March 10, 2021 · BMW of North America, LLC
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.
Safety 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 recall

21V-096
February 19, 2021 · BMW of North America, LLC
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."
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.
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 recall

21V-089
February 18, 2021 · BMW of North America, LLC
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.
Safety 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 recall

21V-062
February 10, 2021 · BMW of North America, LLC
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.
Safety 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 recall

21V-031
January 29, 2021 · BMW of North America, LLC
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.
Safety 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 recall

20V-761
December 9, 2020 · BMW of North America, LLC
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.
Safety 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 recall

20V-678
November 4, 2020 · BMW of North America, LLC
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.
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.
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 recall

20V-601
September 30, 2020 · BMW of North America, LLC
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.
Safety 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 recall

20V-528
September 1, 2020 · BMW of North America, LLC
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."
Safety 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 recall

20V-490
August 18, 2020 · BMW of North America, LLC
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.
Safety 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 recall

20V-483
August 14, 2020 · BMW of North America, LLC
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.
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.
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.

2021 BMW X5 owner complaints

112 complaints filed with NHTSA, including 10 crashes, 3 fires, 7 injuries and 0 deaths.

Problems by component

Electrical System39
Power Train31
Engine25
Unknown or Other19
Back Over Prevention9
Engine and Engine Cooling7
Air Bags7
Service Brakes5
Forward Collision Avoidance5
Vehicle Speed Control4

Recent complaints

October 29, 2026Unknown or OtherCrash

My car was parked in a shopping center parking lot, as my husband returns to the car after visiting a store, the car had backed reversed unto another vehicle hitting it from behind. This is a safety concern that needs immediate attention as a malfunction is in place. Luckily no pedestrians were walking by. The crash was reported to the police and a report was given. AutoZone's corporate office is to provide video footage of this incident. Currently, my vehicle is sitting in a body shop as advised by my insurance carrier. I do not feel safe driving this car until this is inspected. I will be reporting this as well directly to BMW, as we should not be liable to any damages obtained.

October 19, 2026Power Train

My 2021 BMW X5 M50i experienced a sudden drivetrain failure at approximately 62,000 miles while my children were in the vehicle. There was no dashboard warning light, Check Control message, or advance alert. I noticed serious mechanical symptoms and immediately pulled over rather than continue driving. I am concerned that continuing to drive could have caused further drivetrain damage or created a dangerous situation for my family and other motorists. The dealer inspected the vehicle. In a written diagnosis dated September 15, 2026, the technician identified the front differential pinion bearing as the initial point of failure. He stated that the failed bearing damaged the pinion seal, causi

October 7, 2026Power Train

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 erratic power delivery creates a potential safety hazard, particularly when accelerating into traffic, merging onto highways, or pulling out from intersections, as the momentary loss of predictable drivetrain response increases the risk of a collision. Despite internal technical bulletins from the manufacturer (SI B27 02 20) acknowledging shuddering caused by transfer case clutch breakdown, no off

September 28, 2026Power TrainUnknown or Other

Problem with starter. They don’t start from first time, sometimes from 2-3. As I’m 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 I’m visit now service center, they say me that my vin number not selected for starter recall and I must contact you first.

September 23, 2026Power TrainElectrical SystemEngine

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 potential safety concern. BMW previously recalled vehicles equipped with similar starter motors due to starter solenoid defects that could cause overheating, electrical short circuits, and an increased risk of vehicle fire. The symptoms on my vehicle appear consistent with those associated with the previously identified defect. I respectfully request that NHTSA investigate whether the starter motor

2021 BMW X5 crash test ratings

VersionOverallFrontalSideRollover
2021 BMW X5 SUV AWD★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★
2021 BMW X5 SUV RWDNot rated★★★★★★★★★★Not rated
2021 BMW X5 Hybrid SUV AWDNot ratedNot ratedNot ratedNot rated

Driver aids on the tested 2021 BMW X5: electronic stability control standard, forward collision warning standard, lane departure warning standard. Rollover risk: 15.9%.

2021 BMW X5 recall FAQ

Does the 2021 BMW X5 have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 12 safety recalls for the 2021 BMW X5. The most recent, filed April 20, 2022, concerns the visibility.

What are the most common 2021 BMW X5 problems?

Owners have filed 112 complaints with NHTSA. The most reported area is electrical system (39 reports), followed by power train.

Is the 2021 BMW X5 safe?

The 2021 BMW X5 earned up to a 4-star overall safety rating in NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program crash tests.

How do I get a recall fixed on my 2021 BMW X5?

Contact any authorized BMW dealer. Recall repairs are free, even if you are not the original owner or the warranty has expired.

This page combines NHTSA records for: X5 Hybrid, X5.