2021 BMW X5

2021 BMW X5 recalls (12)

• SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:CRITICAL FASTENERS

  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.

  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.

• ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY

  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.

  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.

• BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA

  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."

  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.

• SEATS:MID/REAR ASSEMBLY:HEAD RESTRAINT

  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.

  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.

• EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

  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."

  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.

• SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

  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.

  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.

• TIRES

  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.

  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.

• STEERING:COLUMN

  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.

  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.

• SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM

  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.

  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

  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.

  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.

• ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY

  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.

  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.

• VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY

  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."

  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.

2021 BMW X5 safety ratings

Source: NHTSA NCAP ratings.

2021 BMW X5 owner complaints (15)

• ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE

  The contact owns a 2021 BMW X5. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to immediately start. The vehicle started later. The engine and a yellow warning light flashed on the instrument panel. Upon research, the contact located the German Federal Motor Transport Authority (Kraftfahrt-Bundesamt), for KBA Reference Number: 16131R, which was associated with the starter motor. The contact stated that the failure was associated with NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V576000 (Electrical System, Engine and Engine Cooling) and 25V644000 (Electrical System). The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who determined that the failure was associated with the starter motor, which was replaced. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and the contact was informed that there was no recall on the VIN associated with the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 49,000.

• POWER TRAIN,SERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

  We live in [XXX]. We own a 2021 BMW X5-45e. It has about 85,000 miles and has always been serviced by the BMW dealer here in [XXX] – Pierce BMW. On the evening of XXX I drove the vehicle home at 6:30PM after a 30 mile drive and parked the car outside in the shade of our house. The temperature at the time was approx. 95 degrees F. At 6:45PM we left the house and drove on the freeway and city streets of [XXX] about 8-10 miles to see a concert in downtown [XXX]. The temperature at that time was about 90-92 F. There was no wind. We then parked outside the venue for about an hour and watched the concert. We came out of the concert at about 8:30 and started the car. I drove about 200 feet to the corner and stepped on the brake. As the car slowly came to a stop the emergency/parking brake suddenly engaged at about 2-3 miles per hour. The car jerked to a very sudden and violent stop. To get the car going, I had to disengage the parking brake which was on with the indicated brake light. The engine was still on and there were no warning lights flashing. I turned the corner and accelerated again to about 15 miles per hour and touched the brakes to bring the car to a stop. The same thing happened. The car jerked to a sudden stop. To get the car going, I had to disengage the parking brake. The engine was still on and there were no warning lights flashing. It also happened a third time. That time, my elderly wife complained of pain in her back. After the third time, I turned the engine off and waited about one minute. I then restarted the car and drove it home with no problems. We have had no further issues, but this is a big concern as we no longer trust the car to perform as expected. This is a very worrisome issue and would like some answers, but apparently none are forthcoming. I took the car to Pierce BMW and they could find no fault code or problem. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

• SUSPENSION,POWER TRAIN,ENGINE

  The front driveshaft universal joint failed causing the drive shaft to bust a hole in the engine and crack the transmission. There was no knocking noise prior to failure. It suddenly failed, disengaged and caused damage. I was told by service manager the u-bolt must have been defective to have failed without warning.

• ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

  The drivetrain warning light came on shortly after I started the vehicle. I noticed acceleration issues both while driving on side streets and on the freeway. I took the X5 45e into the repair center the day after the notice came on especially given the experience on the freeway, which happened during rush hour traffic. Upon inspection, I was told the starter was beginning to fail and that while there had been a recall on starters on many other BMW models, it did not include the X5 45e. BMW advised I replace the starter immediately due to safety, which cost $2,600. Two weeks later, the same drivetrain light has come on and the X5 is back at the service center for diagnosis.

• ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

  Auto Start/Stop button needs to be pressed three times to start the vehicle.

• UNKNOWN OR OTHER

  Water is leaking from the microphone housing directly above the driver’s seat during normal operation. The water drips onto the driver’s head and into the roof‑mounted electronic components. This creates a safety hazard due to potential electrical shorting, distraction while driving, and possible malfunction of overhead electronics. The vehicle has only 63,000 miles, and I purchased the extended warranty. BMW denied warranty coverage and classified the issue as “wear and tear,” despite the fact that water intrusion into interior electronics is a potential design or assembly defect involving the panoramic roof drainage or sealing system. BMW North America told me the dealership would have a 50% goodwill authorization documented for the repair, but the dealership had **no record** of any goodwill coverage when I picked up my vehicle. Additionally, I was charged **$308 for one hour of diagnostic time**, of this issue and this diagnostic fee does **not** apply toward the repair cost. This is concerning and unfair business practice. I have owned multiple vehicles with sunroofs exceeding 150,000 miles and have never experienced water intrusion of any kind. This appears to be a defect that poses a safety risk and may affect other BMW X5 vehicles.

• STEERING,POWER TRAIN

  I am reporting a front differential/front drive axle failure and a separate steering wheel/steering column adjustment issue. The vehicle was brought to an independent BMW/German repair shop for a routine oil change/inspection. The shop advised me that the front differential/front drive axle assembly had failed or was severely damaged and needed repair/replacement. The vehicle/component is currently at the shop and should be available for inspection upon request. I am concerned this could put my safety and others at risk because the front differential is part of the AWD drivetrain. If it fails further while driving, it could affect drivability, traction, or vehicle control, especially at speed or in poor road conditions. The issue has been confirmed by an independent service center. To my knowledge, it has not yet been inspected by BMW, police, insurance, or government reps. A third-party warranty inspector may inspect it before repair. The exact cause is UNKNOWN. I was told BMW appears aware of this issue because the replacement part has a newer/superseded part number. This suggests BMW may have revised or updated the original part. I do not know if BMW has formally acknowledged a defect, but I am concerned this may be a broader issue given the low mileage. Separately, the power-adjustable steering wheel/steering column sometimes makes a grinding/vibrating noise when I start the vehicle and the wheel automatically moves out/down into the driving position. There were no warning lamps or dashboard messages. The exact date it first appeared is UNKNOWN, but it has occurred more than once. I previously raised this type of issue with a BMW dealer and was told it was a known issue. The exact cause is UNKNOWN. I am concerned it could involve the steering column adjustment mechanism or related components. I am reporting both issues because the vehicle is low mileage and I am concerned they may be safety-related defects rather than isolated maintenance items.

• ENGINE

  I am having issues with the starter motor / battery. I have read extensively about issues with BMW X5 models having recalls during the production period of my vehicle. BMW is trying to charge $3,000 for a new starter and battery. I feel that this is a known and significant issue with BMW X5 vehicles produced during the same period as my vehicle and would like for this to be covered under recall.

• VISIBILITY

  The vehicle's HVAC system failed due to a leaking air conditioning evaporator core. This single component handles both cabin cooling and the windshield defrost/defog function, so its failure compromises a safety-critical visibility system in addition to climate control. The failed component is available for inspection upon request. Safety risk: The vehicle is operated primarily in Florida, where ambient temperatures regularly exceed 95°F and interior cabin temperatures without functioning AC can exceed 130°F. Operating a vehicle in these conditions causes driver fatigue, reduced reaction time, and heat-related illness — all of which compromise safe vehicle operation. Loss of the defrost/defog function also creates a visibility hazard in the humid and rainy conditions common to the region. Vulnerable passengers including children and elderly riders are at additional risk of heat-related illness. Confirmation: The failure was diagnosed and confirmed by an authorized BMW dealer service department as a leaking evaporator core requiring complete dashboard removal to repair, with a quoted repair cost in the multiple thousands of dollars. Inspection: The vehicle has been inspected by the dealer only. It has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, or insurance representatives. Warning indicators: No warning lamps or dashboard messages appeared prior to the failure. The first symptom was sudden loss of cabin cooling from the AC system. Critical context: This failure occurred at only 12,500 miles on a five-year-old vehicle that has been driven an average of approximately 2,500 miles per year. AC evaporator cores are not wear items and should not fail under any reasonable use conditions at this mileage. This is a widely documented defect pattern affecting 2019–2026 BMW G-series vehicles (X5, X6, X7, and Alpina XB7). Numerous owners across multiple model years have reported identical premature pinhole evaporator leaks at low mileage. The leading technical analysis attri

• POWER TRAIN

  The vehicle’s rear differential has developed significant internal "play" (excessive clearance between gears). This defect manifests as abnormal vibration and inconsistent power delivery to the wheels. The vehicle was inspected by an authorized BMW Technician at Passport BMW . Although I reported hitting a curb (low-speed impact), the official diagnostic report from the BMW Technician explicitly stated that the curb impact did not cause the differential failure. The technician identified the issue as a failure of the internal differential components, which is consistent with numerous reports of drivetrain defects in the B MW X5. Despite the vehicle being well under the 50,000-mile warranty threshold and the technician’s own finding that external damage was not the cause, BMW is currently refusing to honor the warranty repair for this critical mechanical component. I purchased the vehicle in March 2025 Certified Pre owned.

• ENGINE

  After the car was.parked in sun for aome time during shopping at Costco, it did not start. We had to use remote starter which worked. However, upon doing some research I found that overheated starter is a known and recalled problem with 2021 X5 and remote start could have caused fire. Dealership also confirmed it to be the smae pronlem , but BMW has not listed this vin as recalled. I contacted BMW and they denied that it was same.problem, although mine is also 2021 X5 with smae.overheated starter problem.

• POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE

  2021 BMW X5 xDrive45e PHEV, built October 2020 by BMW AG (Germany). In-service Oct 28, 2021. Vehicle intermittently shows "Drivetrain Malfunction — you can continue driving" warning. DME scan reveals 5 fault codes, all for the conventional 12V pinion starter: 21A50A — Pinion starter: timeout occurred several times in succession 21A511 — Pinion starter: timeout 21611A — Pinion starter: starting torque could not be built up; high counter torque and/or undervoltage 216119 — Pinion starter: line break in starter control (KL50/KL30) 216115 — Pinion starter: attempt to start with blocked starter detected 21A50A and 216115 are protected memory codes that cannot be cleared by standard OBD-II tools. The main 12V AGM battery was replaced and registered; codes continue to recur. This signature matches the B58 pinion starter defect addressed in NHTSA Recall 24V-576 (Aug 2024) and 25V644 (Nov 2025, physical starter replacement). The vehicle's German manufacture date falls inside the production windows of KBA recalls 15630R, 15632R, and 15633R — all covering X5 G05 for short-circuit and fire risk from starter relay corrosion or inadequate mounting. BMW AG has issued an ADAC advisory not to leave affected vehicles running unattended after starting. BMW NA Customer Relations was contacted. Initial verbal response: U.S. recalls don't apply because the xDrive45e PHEV uses a different starter than non-hybrid B58 vehicles. However, codes 216115 and 216119 only exist on vehicles equipped with a conventional pinion starter — confirming this vehicle has the same component. The subsequent written denial pivoted to warranty expiration without addressing the technical or recall-scope questions. Filing so the field record reflects this defect signature for future U.S. recall scope expansion analysis.

• AIR BAGS

  The contact owns a 2021 BMW X5. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the air bag warning light unexpectedly illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the air bag had failed and that the air bag and/or the sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA hotline for further assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 63,382.

• POWER TRAIN,LANE DEPARTURE

  Front Differential - Repair/Replacement on 2021 BMW X5 M50i. Extreme safety issue. Ironically failed right after 50k warranty. Currently at 50742 miles. Brought vehicle in 6 different occasions in the last year and a half. One time for a similar issue (approx. 1 year ago) and instead of addressing the problem at the time they just replaced the transfer case, masking the root issue and pending complete failure of the system.

• ENGINE

  Water pump failed while driving on highway. Completely shut down and began to smoke violently. Luckily wife was able to pull over immediately without crashing. Wife and children very disturbed. Looked up issue and 720000 BMW x5 have been recalled with same exact issue. Ours is not. Why?????