Recalls
12campaigns
3 electrical · 2 brake · 1 visibility
Source: NHTSA
Complaints
108filed
Owner reports, 2017–2026 shown
Source: NHTSA ODI
Crash tests
4★overall
★★★★☆ Frontal 4★ · Side 5★ · Rollover 4★
Source: NHTSA NCAP
Fuel economy
23mpg combined
$2,840/yr at this week's prices
Source: EPA · EIA
Specs
3 L 6-cyl· 8-speed automatic
6 engine and transmission configurations
Source: NHTSA vPIC
Recalls (12)
NHTSA lists 12 recall campaigns for the 2021 BMW X5. Check whether yours was repaired with NHTSA's free VIN lookup ↗
Only NHTSA and your automaker know whether your specific car was repaired. PlainVIN shows every recall campaign listed for a model year, with the official text and how many cars have been fixed so far.
Check on NHTSA ↗Listed for 2021 BMW X5. Not checked against your VIN.
Sunroof Malfunction/FMVSS 118
Visibility · sun/moon roof assembly
Official NHTSA text
- 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."
- Consequence
- 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.
99.2% repairedof 61,221 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA
or ask a dealer to check campaign 22V267000
Listed for 2021 BMW X5. Not checked against your VIN.
Head Restraints Incorrect
Seats · mid/rear assembly · head restraint
Official NHTSA text
- 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.
- 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.
100% repairedof 258 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA
or ask a dealer to check campaign 21V156000
Listed for 2021 BMW X5. Not checked against your VIN.
Rearview Camera Image Malfunction/FMVSS 111
Back over prevention · sensing system · camera
Official NHTSA text
- 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."
- 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.
- 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.
97.6% repairedof 13,858 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA
or ask a dealer to check campaign 21V096000
Listed for 2021 BMW X5. Not checked against your VIN.
Right Front Brake Disc May Loosen
Service brakes, hydraulic · critical fasteners
Official NHTSA text
- 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.
- Consequence
- 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.
100% repairedof 9 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA
or ask a dealer to check campaign 21V089000
Listed for 2021 BMW X5. Not checked against your VIN.
Possible Loss of Braking Assistance and ABS
Service brakes, hydraulic
Official NHTSA text
- 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.
- Consequence
- 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.
99.2% repairedof 893 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA
or ask a dealer to check campaign 21V062000
Listed for 2021 BMW X5. Not checked against your VIN.
Loose Steering Column Shaft
Steering · column
Official NHTSA text
- 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.
- 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.
100% repairedof 21 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA
or ask a dealer to check campaign 21V031000
Listed for 2021 BMW X5. Not checked against your VIN.
48V Battery Connection Misassembled
Electrical system · 12v/24v/48v battery
Official NHTSA text
- 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.
- Consequence
- 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.
99.8% repairedof 812 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA
or ask a dealer to check campaign 20V761000
Listed for 2021 BMW X5. Not checked against your VIN.
Front Axle/Right Control Arm Not Welded Properly
Suspension · front · control arm
Official NHTSA text
- 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.
- 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.
100% repairedof 83 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA
or ask a dealer to check campaign 20V678000
Listed for 2021 BMW X5. Not checked against your VIN.
Debris in Hybrid Battery may Cause Fire
Electrical system · propulsion system · traction battery
Official NHTSA text
- 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.
- Consequence
- 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.
100% repairedof 4,509 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA
or ask a dealer to check campaign 20V601000
Listed for 2021 BMW X5. Not checked against your VIN.
Headlights Contain Non-conforming Lens/FMVSS 108
Exterior lighting · headlights
Official NHTSA text
- 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."
- Consequence
- 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.
100% repairedof 307 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA
or ask a dealer to check campaign 20V528000
Listed for 2021 BMW X5. Not checked against your VIN.
Hybrid Battery May Short-Circuit
Electrical system · 12v/24v/48v battery
Official NHTSA text
- 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.
- Consequence
- 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.
100% repairedof 713 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA
or ask a dealer to check campaign 20V490000
Listed for 2021 BMW X5. Not checked against your VIN.
Inner Layer of Tire may Fail
Tires
Official NHTSA text
- 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.
- Consequence
- 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.
100% repairedof 42 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA
or ask a dealer to check campaign 20V483000
PlainVIN shows public government records for education. It isn't a vehicle inspection or legal advice. Check your own VIN with NHTSA or your dealer.
Owner complaints (108)
108 complaints filed with NHTSA (owner reports, not verified findings). The electrical system is mentioned most often.
9involved a crash
3involved a fire
7injuries reported
0deaths reported
As reported by owners in their complaints. These are reports, not NHTSA findings.
Most-reported components
| Component | Complaints | % of 108 |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical system | 38 | 35.2% |
| Power train | 29 | 26.9% |
| Engine | 25 | 23.1% |
| Unknown or other | 18 | 16.7% |
| Back over prevention | 9 | 8.3% |
| Air bags | 7 | 6.5% |
| Engine and engine cooling | 7 | 6.5% |
| Service brakes | 6 | 5.6% |
| Forward collision avoidance | 5 | 4.6% |
| Structure | 4 | 3.7% |
How 2021 compares with other X5 years
Best and worst X5 years →201774
201872
2019191
2020113
2021108
202269
202333
2024145
202562
202624
| Model year | Complaints | Recall campaigns |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 74 | 6 |
| 2018 | 72 | 5 |
| 2019 | 191 | 13 |
| 2020 | 113 | 11 |
| 2021 | 108 | 12 |
| 2022 | 69 | 1 |
| 2023 | 33 | 4 |
| 2024 | 145 | 8 |
| 2025 | 62 | 5 |
| 2026 | 24 | 2 |
This year (2021)Other yearsStill collecting reports
Counts are owner reports, not failure rates. Higher sales years tend to draw more reports. Owners are still filing reports for recent model years, so these counts will grow. Source: NHTSA ODI, retrieved Oct 6, 2026.
Crash tests: 4 stars overall
Overall★★★★☆
Frontal crashDriver 4★ · Passenger 4★★★★★☆
Side crashDriver 5★ · Passenger 5★★★★★★
Side pole★★★★★
RolloverRollover risk 15.9%★★★★☆
Compare fairly. Compare stars only between vehicles of similar size and weight. Ratings apply to the tested configuration.
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP), 2021 BMW X5 suv awd, retrieved Oct 6, 2026.
Fuel economy: up to 23 mpg combined
23
mpg combined
21
city
26
highway
- EPA annual fuel cost
- $3,550
- CO₂ tailpipe
- 383 g/mi
- EPA class
- Standard Sport Utility Vehicle
What it costs you to run
$2,840per year
$237per month
652gallons a year
Miles ÷ 23 mpg × $4.354 (EIA US average regular, week of Oct 5, 2026, all taxes included). Source: EPA · EIA.
EPA label estimates from lab tests; your mileage will vary.
Specs by configuration
| Engine · transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | EPA $/yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 L 6-cyl · 8-speed automatic | Rear-Wheel Drive | 21 / 26 / 23 | $3,550 | 383 |
| 3 L 6-cyl · 8-speed automatic | All-Wheel Drive | 21 / 25 / 23 | $3,550 | 389 |
| 3 L 6-cyl · 8-speed automatic | All-Wheel Drive | 19 / 22 / 20 | $4,100 | 178 |
| 4.4 L 8-cyl · 8-speed automatic | All-Wheel Drive | 16 / 22 / 18 | $4,550 | 488 |
| 4.4 L 8-cyl · 8-speed automatic | All-Wheel Drive | 13 / 18 / 15 | $5,500 | 586 |
| 4.4 L 8-cyl · 8-speed automatic | All-Wheel Drive | 13 / 18 / 15 | $5,500 | 586 |
Source: EPA fuel economy data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026. Configurations are listed when EPA and NHTSA records match.
Looking at a 2021 X5 for sale?
Print a one-page buyer's checklist: each recall campaign with a box to tick when the seller shows proof of repair, the top complaint areas to inspect, crash stars, MPG, and a link back to this page.
Where to next
2021 BMW X5 FAQ
How many recalls does the 2021 BMW X5 have?
NHTSA lists 12 recall campaigns: 22V267000 (visibility), 21V156000 (seat), 21V096000 (rear camera), 21V089000 (brake), 21V062000 (brake), 21V031000 (steering), 20V761000 (electrical), 20V678000 (suspension), 20V601000 (electrical), 20V528000 (lighting), 20V490000 (electrical), 20V483000 (tire). Use NHTSA's VIN lookup to see whether a specific car was repaired.
What are the most common 2021 BMW X5 problems?
Owners filed 108 complaints with NHTSA. Electrical system (38), Power train (29), Engine (25) are mentioned most. These are owner reports, not verified findings.
What mpg does the 2021 BMW X5 get?
EPA rates the 3 L 6-cyl · 8-speed automatic version at 21 city, 26 highway and 23 combined mpg. Other configurations are listed in the fuel economy section.
What safety rating did the 2021 BMW X5 get?
NHTSA rated the 2021 BMW X5 suv awd 4 stars overall, with 4 stars frontal, 5 stars side and 4 stars rollover (15.9% rollover risk).
How does the 2021 X5 compare with other years?
Among the 2017–2021 BMW X5 model years at least five years old, the 2018 drew the fewest complaints (72) and the 2019 the most (191). The 2021 drew 108. Counts are owner reports, not failure rates.
How this page was madeSources, processing, limits, review and changes
Data sources
- NHTSA recalls by vehicle
Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 - US DOT recall completion rates (data.transportation.gov)
Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 - NHTSA ODI owner complaints
Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 - NHTSA NCAP 5-Star Safety Ratings
Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 - EPA fuel economy data (licence confirmation pending)
Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 - EIA weekly retail gasoline prices
Weekly, all taxes included
Processing
- Complaints are counted per component. One complaint can list several, so component totals add up to more than the total.
- Fuel cost = miles per year ÷ EPA combined mpg × EIA weekly price for your region.
Limitations
- Complaint counts are owner reports, not verified findings or failure rates. There is no sales denominator.
- Recall campaigns are listed for the model year. Only NHTSA and the automaker know whether a specific car was repaired.
- Recent model years are still collecting reports.
Review
Data compiled automatically from the official files listed here.
Changelog
- 2026-10-06 Data refreshed from the official files.
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