The Used Car Index

2021 BMW X5 problems

NHTSA lists 108 complaints for the 2021 BMW X5, 9 of them mention a crash and 3 mention a fire. 4 complaints mention an injury, with 7 injuries and 0 deaths reported.

Data build 2026-10-08.

NHTSA lists this vehicle as BMW X5.

At a glance

Complaints
108
With crash
9
With fire
3
With injury (complaints)
4
Injuries
7
Deaths
0
Recalls
12
Do not drive recalls
0
Park outside recalls
0
Recall potential units (maximum)
61,221
Investigations
1
Open investigations
0
Manufacturer communications
288

Complaints per 100k sold unavailable. No sales source is available for this record.

Where the complaints are

Top systems
SystemComplaintsShare of this vehicle's complaints
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM3835.2%
POWER TRAIN2926.9%
ENGINE2523.1%
UNKNOWN OR OTHER1816.7%
BACK OVER PREVENTION98.3%
AIR BAGS76.5%
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING76.5%
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE54.6%
SERVICE BRAKES54.6%
STRUCTURE43.7%
Top subsystems
SystemSubsystemComplaints
BACK OVER PREVENTIONREARVIEW SYSTEM BRAKING6
STRUCTUREBODY4
BACK OVER PREVENTIONWARNINGS3
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCEAUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING3
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCEWARNINGS3
LANE DEPARTUREBLIND SPOT DETECTION2
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM12V/24V/48V BATTERY1
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMSTARTER ASSEMBLY1
LANE DEPARTUREWARNING1
POWER TRAINDRIVELINE1

One complaint can name several systems, so shares can add to more than 100 percent.

Model-generated complaint tags

These labels are model-generated, not NHTSA data.

Failure modes
LabelCountShare of taggedMean confidence
electrical electronic4037.0%0.82
mechanical failure3027.8%0.79
loss of control1513.9%0.83
restraint or airbag54.6%0.91
fire or overheating43.7%0.80
fluid or fuel leak43.7%0.81
unclear43.7%0.85
noise or comfort32.8%0.75
visibility or lighting32.8%0.86
Severities
LabelCountShare of taggedMean confidence
moderate6459.3%0.81
low3027.8%0.80
high1110.2%0.92
none21.9%0.99
critical10.9%0.64

Model: typesafe/jev-1.13-20260917; schema version: tag-v1. 108 tagged complaints of 108 complaints (100.0%).

Confidence is the model's own probability for the label it chose (0 to 1), not accuracy.

Model-generated labels on tagged complaints only. Model years 2013 and newer are tagged in full; 2012 in part (see tagged_share); earlier model years have no tags. NHTSA's own flags remain separate in the complaints block.

Recalls

See new recalls and investigations this week.

12 recalls. Showing the latest 10 of 12.

22V267000

Date: 2022-04-20. Systems: VISIBILITY.

Defect: 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 pr (excerpt)

Consequence: A sunroof that closes without the key fob present inside the vehicle can increase the risk of injury. (excerpt)

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. (excerpt)

Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.

21V156000

Date: 2021-03-10. Systems: SEATS.

Defect: 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.

Consequence: 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.

Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.

21V096000

Date: 2021-02-19. Systems: BACK OVER PREVENTION.

Defect: 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, (excerpt)

Consequence: 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. (excerpt)

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. (excerpt)

Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.

21V089000

Date: 2021-02-18. Systems: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC.

Defect: 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. (excerpt)

Consequence: A loose brake disc could affect vehicle handling and control, and increase the risk of a crash. (excerpt)

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- (excerpt)

Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.

21V062000

Date: 2021-02-10. Systems: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC.

Defect: 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 Coup (excerpt)

Consequence: A loss of ABS and a reduction in braking assistance can increase the risk of a crash. (excerpt)

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. (excerpt)

Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.

21V031000

Date: 2021-01-29. Systems: STEERING.

Defect: 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.

Consequence: 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.

Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.

20V761000

Date: 2020-12-09. Systems: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.

Defect: 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 i (excerpt)

Consequence: Increased electrical resistance can increase the risk of a fire. (excerpt)

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. (excerpt)

Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.

20V678000

Date: 2020-11-04. Systems: SUSPENSION.

Defect: 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.

Consequence: 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.

Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.

20V601000

Date: 2020-09-30. Systems: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.

Defect: 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. (excerpt)

Consequence: The debris could result in a short-circuit, increasing the risk of fire or injury. (excerpt)

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. (excerpt)

Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.

20V528000

Date: 2020-09-01. Systems: EXTERIOR LIGHTING.

Defect: 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 Associat (excerpt)

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

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. (excerpt)

Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.

Investigations

1 investigations; 0 open.

DP22005

Opened: 2023-01-27. Closed: 2023-08-07.

Pedestrian alert sounds

NHTSA received a petition on or about July 18, 2022, requesting that Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 141 be applied to all electric and hybrid vehicles operating in the United States. The petition can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI Number 11486072. FMVSS 141 establishes performance requirements for pedestrian alert sounds for motor vehicles. The standard applies to hybrid and ele

Systems: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.

Linked campaign numbers: 22V063000.

Manufacturer communications

288 manufacturer communications.

Communications by system
SystemCount
EQUIPMENT93
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM88
STRUCTURE35
SEATS30
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING26
VISIBILITY21
STEERING17
EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY14

11035500

Date: 2026-07-17. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE.

The manual starting of electronic engine oil level measurement from inside the vehicle, usually afterperforming an engine oil service task, is inoperative or it may lock up at between a 15% to 30% completionrate.

11035400

Date: 2026-07-10. Type: Service Campaign. Systems: STRUCTURE.

In the affected vehicles, an incorrect screwlocking device (circled) may have been usedfor the mounting bolts of the door latch locks.

11035497

Date: 2026-06-29. Type: Warranty Program/Extension. Systems: ENGINE.

The EVAP systems purge (vent) valve limited warranty for defects in materials and / or workmanship has been extended to 15 years / 150,000 miles as determined from the original first in-service / delivery date.

11033033

Date: 2026-05-19. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: AIR BAGS.

A check control message (CCM) for the restraint system (Air bag) appears. In the instrument cluster, the redair bag warning light lights up permanently. One of the following fault codes is stored in the ACSM (air bag control unit): 930949 - Knee airbag, driver: Short circuit to negative terminal 930

11032731

Date: 2026-05-06. Type: Warranty Program/Extension. Systems: ENGINE.

The EVAP systems purge (vent) valve limited warranty for defects in materials or workmanship has been extended to 15 years / 150,000 miles as determined from the original in-service date.

11032741

Date: 2026-05-04. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: STRUCTURE.

The center console and front cup holder get noticeably too warm to the touch on long journeys with the interior "Heating on".

11030060

Date: 2026-03-06. Type: Warranty Program/Extension. Systems: STRUCTURE.

The Radiator Grilles Lower Active Air Flap Assembly limited warranty for defects in materials and/or workmanship has been extended to 15 years / 150,000 miles as determined from the original first in-service / delivery date.

11025835

Date: 2025-11-25. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: AIR BAGS.

A check control message (CCM) for the restraint system (Air bag) appears. In the instrument cluster, the redair bag warning light lights up permanently. One of the following fault codes is stored in the ACSM (air bag control unit): 930949 - Knee airbag, driver: Short circuit to negative terminal 930

11018730

Date: 2025-05-14. Type: Warranty Program/Extension. Systems: STRUCTURE.

A vehicle listed above may arrive with a Check Control Message (CCM), and/or malfunction indicator lamp(MIL) illuminated. After carrying out the vehicle test, one or more of the stored faults indicate that the operation of the front bottomactive air flap is obstructed or blocked. Thoroughly inspect

11017506

Date: 2025-04-29. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: STRUCTURE.

A groaning noise is present from the door frame of any door, most commonly when driving over rough roadsor during body flex. This situation may be worse in vehicles which are regularly waxed in th e area of the door jamb.

Notes on this record

  • Complaints from the API and bulk file are merged and deduplicated by ODI number; the API alone misses records.
  • System and subsystem counts are numbers of distinct complaints, recalls or communications that name them. One record can name several systems, so shares across systems can add to more than 100 percent; a single share never exceeds 100 percent.
  • Recalls are counted once per campaign, investigations once per action and manufacturer communications once per NHTSA id, even when NHTSA lists several model names for the same record.
  • A sales denominator is a calendar-year proxy, not the population of vehicles still in use. Rates are copied from verified pipeline output.

Other names NHTSA uses

None listed.

Matched NHTSA models

Matched labels and complaints
NHTSA model labelComplaints
X5108

Same model, other years

All model years | All BMW models

Other BMW models, 2021

Sources

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