CarRecallWatchThe 2021 BMW X5 has 12 safety recalls on file with NHTSA.
Owners have filed 111 complaints with NHTSA, including 10 crashes, 3 fires, 7 injuries.
The most-reported problem area is Electrical System (38 reports).
2021 BMW X5 recalls
Sunroof May Close Without Key Fob Present, Risking Injury
The sunroof control unit in certain BMW vehicles may have been programmed incorrectly.
Rear Head Restraints May Detach in a Crash
The head restraints on the outer second-row seats may be the wrong type for the vehicle.
Rearview camera may be blocked or go dark in reverse
When the vehicle is shifted into Reverse, part of the rearview camera image can be obscured, or the screen may not turn on.
Loose Front Brake Disc Could Cause Loss of Control
Certain vehicles may have had the right front brake disc assembled with incorrect fasteners.
Brake rotor may separate, causing loss of ABS and braking assist
A welding defect in the integrated brake system's rotor and shaft may allow them to separate during hard braking.
Loose Steering Column Joint Can Affect Vehicle Control
Certain 2021 BMW X5, X6, and X7 vehicles may have a steering column shaft universal joint connection that was not tightened to specifications, so the connection can become loose.
Loose 48-Volt Battery Connection Can Cause Fire Risk
The connection between the 48-volt battery and the starter-generator may not have been assembled properly.
Front Control Arm Weld May Separate, Risking Crash
A weld joining the front axle support and the right front control arm bearing bracket may separate.
Battery Debris Can Cause Short Circuit and Fire Risk
Debris may have entered one or more hybrid battery cells during production.
Headlights May Emit Blue Light, Confusing Oncoming Drivers
Certain 2020-2021 BMW X5, X6 and X7 vehicles may have headlamps that allow a blue light to illuminate.
Loose Battery Welds Can Cause Short Circuit and Fire Risk
Certain plug-in hybrid vehicles may have loose welding beads inside the high-voltage hybrid battery.
Tires May Lose Pressure Suddenly While Driving
Certain Pirelli tires on these vehicles may have a damaged inner layer.
Most common 2021 BMW X5 problems
Problem areas named in the 111 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.
| Problem area | Reports |
|---|---|
| Electrical System | 38 |
| Power Train | 31 |
| Engine | 25 |
| Unknown Or Other | 19 |
| Back Over Prevention | 10 |
| Air Bags | 7 |
| Engine And Engine Cooling | 7 |
| Forward Collision Avoidance | 6 |
| Service Brakes | 5 |
| Structure | 4 |
What owners report
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.
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, caus
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
Problem with starter. They donât start from first time, sometimes from 2-3. As Iâm 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 Iâm visit now service center, they say me that my vin number not selected for starter recall and I must contact you first.
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 questions
Does the 2021 BMW X5 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 12 safety recalls for the 2021 BMW X5: Sunroof May Close Without Key Fob Present, Risking Injury; Rear Head Restraints May Detach in a Crash; Rearview camera may be blocked or go dark in reverse; Loose Front Brake Disc Could Cause Loss of Control; Brake rotor may separate, causing loss of ABS and braking assist. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.
What are the most common problems with the 2021 BMW X5?
Based on 111 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Electrical System (38), Power Train (31), Engine (25).
How do I check if a recall on my 2021 BMW X5 has been fixed?
Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.