Independent · Not affiliated with NHTSA or any automaker MethodologyData sourcesData refreshed Oct 6, 2026

2021 BMW X7: Problems, Recalls and MPG

What this means

NHTSA lists 9 recall campaigns for the 2021 BMW X7, most recently filed September 2022. Owners have filed 47 complaints with NHTSA, most often about the engine.

Data summary generated from official records. Methodology Data: NHTSA, DOT, EPA · Refreshed Oct 6, 2026
Caution Fewer than 50 complaints filed. With this few reports, patterns may not be meaningful.
Compare

Recalls (9)

NHTSA lists 9 recall campaigns for the 2021 BMW X7. 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 X7. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 22V670000 Filed Sep 7, 2022

Third-Row Seat Springs Improperly Installed

Seats
Official NHTSA text
Summary
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019-2022 BMW X7 xDrive40i, X7 Drive50i, X7 M50i vehicles with third-row seats. One or more of the compression springs that lock the backrest may not have been installed properly, and could dislodge or detach.
Consequence
In a crash, the seat backrest may not fully lock, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect the third-row seat and, if necessary, remove and reinstall improperly installed compression springs, and reinstall any missing springs, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 4, 2022. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
93.9% repairedof 246 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 22V670000
Listed for 2021 BMW X7. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 22V267000 Filed Apr 20, 2022

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 X7. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 21V156000 Filed Mar 10, 2021

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 X7. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 21V096000 Filed Feb 19, 2021

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 X7. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 21V062000 Filed Feb 10, 2021

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 X7. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 21V031000 Filed Jan 29, 2021

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 X7. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 20V761000 Filed Dec 9, 2020

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 X7. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 20V528000 Filed Sep 1, 2020

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 X7. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 20V514000 Filed Aug 27, 2020

Incorrect Tire Information Label/FMVSS110

Equipment · other · labels
Official NHTSA text
Summary
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain X7 xDrive40i and M50i vehicles. The tire information labels may contain tire size and cold tire inflation pressure information that does not match the specific tires that were installed on these vehicles. As such, these vehicles fail to conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
Consequence
The vehicle operator may be confused by the tire information on the label and this could lead to the installation of an inappropriate size tire and/or inflation pressure, potentially increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the tire information label, free of charge. The recall began October 26, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
98.7% repairedof 397 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 20V514000

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Owner complaints (47)

47 complaints filed with NHTSA (owner reports, not verified findings). The engine is mentioned most often.

0involved a crash
2involved a fire
1injuries reported
0deaths reported

As reported by owners in their complaints. These are reports, not NHTSA findings.

Most-reported components

Complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2021 BMW X7, by component (top 10). One complaint can list several components, so these add up to more than 47.Source: NHTSA ODI owner complaints · Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 · Report a data error

How 2021 compares with other X7 years

Best and worst X7 years →
20192020202120222023202420252026
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.

Fuel economy: up to 21 mpg combined

21
mpg combined
19
city
24
highway
EPA annual fuel cost
$3,900
CO₂ tailpipe
412 g/mi
EPA class
Standard Sport Utility Vehicle

What it costs you to run

$3,110per year
$259per month
714gallons a year

Miles ÷ 21 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

2021 BMW X7 configurations with EPA data
Engine · transmissionDriveCity / Hwy / CombEPA $/yrCO₂ g/mi
3 L 6-cyl · 8-speed automaticAll-Wheel Drive19 / 24 / 21$3,900412
4.4 L 8-cyl · 8-speed automaticAll-Wheel Drive15 / 21 / 17$4,850514
4.4 L 8-cyl · 8-speed automaticAll-Wheel Drive15 / 21 / 17$4,850514

Source: EPA fuel economy data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026. Configurations are listed when EPA and NHTSA records match.

Used blue SUV on a sunny dealer lot with its hood open and a clipboard on the fender

Looking at a 2021 X7 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.

All X7 years

Where to next

2021 BMW X7 FAQ

How many recalls does the 2021 BMW X7 have?

NHTSA lists 9 recall campaigns: 22V670000 (seat), 22V267000 (visibility), 21V156000 (seat), 21V096000 (rear camera), 21V062000 (brake), 21V031000 (steering), 20V761000 (electrical), 20V528000 (lighting), 20V514000 (tire). Use NHTSA's VIN lookup to see whether a specific car was repaired.

What are the most common 2021 BMW X7 problems?

Owners filed 47 complaints with NHTSA. Engine (11), Power train (11), Electrical system (8) are mentioned most. These are owner reports, not verified findings.

What mpg does the 2021 BMW X7 get?

EPA rates the 3 L 6-cyl · 8-speed automatic version at 19 city, 24 highway and 21 combined mpg. Other configurations are listed in the fuel economy section.

How does the 2021 X7 compare with other years?

Among the 2019–2021 BMW X7 model years at least five years old, the 2019 drew the fewest complaints (47) and the 2020 the most (54). The 2021 drew 47. Counts are owner reports, not failure rates.

How this page was madeSources, processing, limits, review and changes

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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