The vehicle dossier US · 2021

2021 BMW
X5Problems & recalls

107 distinct owner reports in the NHTSA snapshot. Electrical system appears in 38 of them. Explore what was reported—and which official actions are on file.

Snapshot Sep 28, 2026Live NHTSA complaint API How this dossier is compiled

From the original manufacturer documents

What did the manufacturer do?

These reviewed documents are associated with this model-year. Check the stated engine, build-date, VIN and coverage conditions before assuming they apply to the car you’re considering.

BMW · B010324

EVAP purge valve

15 years / 150,000 miles

BMW documents limited coverage for defects in the EVAP purge valve; this document does not establish a diagnosis for an individual vehicle.

Read coverage & conditions

01 / Owner-reported evidence

What owners reported.

Categories attached to 107 distinct reports. A report can mention more than one component, so category totals can overlap.

Electrical system38 reports
Other components38 reports
Engine31 reports
Transmission & drivetrain28 reports
Air bags7 reports
Brakes6 reports
Body & structure4 reports
Fuel system3 reports
Visibility3 reports
Steering3 reports
Suspension2 reports
See original component labels
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM36
POWER TRAIN27
ENGINE25
UNKNOWN OR OTHER17
AIR BAGS7
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING7
BACK OVER PREVENTION: REARVIEW SYSTEM BRAKING6
SERVICE BRAKES5
STRUCTURE:BODY4
SEAT BELTS3
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM3
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL3
BACK OVER PREVENTION: WARNINGS3
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS3
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING3
STEERING3
VISIBILITY/WIPER2
LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION2
SUSPENSION2
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY1
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER1
EXTERIOR LIGHTING1
LANE DEPARTURE: WARNING1
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL1
BACK OVER PREVENTION1
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:STARTER ASSEMBLY1
SEATS1
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DIFFERENTIAL UNIT1
VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:CONDENSOR/EVAPORATOR1

These are reports made to NHTSA, not verified diagnoses. More reports can reflect more vehicles, more time on the road, or greater reporting activity.

The reporting timeline

When reports arrived.

Reports by year filed, not by the year a problem occurred. Showing the latest 7 years with reports.

Year filed (last two digits)Latest report: Sep 23, 2026
Mileage, where supplied

36,400 miles is the median among 25 reports with usable mileage. The middle half spans 9,700–56,000 miles.

This describes the submitted reports. It does not predict when a vehicle will fail.

02 / Official safety campaigns

12 recall campaigns on file.

A campaign can cover only certain production dates or configurations. The count does not tell you whether an individual car has an open recall.

Apr 20, 2022 Safety recallVISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLYCampaign 22V267000

Reported concern

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."

Manufacturer’s stated response

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.

Read campaign 22V267000 at NHTSA
Mar 10, 2021 Safety recallSEATS:MID/REAR ASSEMBLY:HEAD RESTRAINTCampaign 21V156000

Reported concern

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.

Manufacturer’s stated response

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.

Read campaign 21V156000 at NHTSA
Feb 19, 2021 Safety recallBACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARECampaign 21V096000

Reported concern

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."

Manufacturer’s stated response

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.

Read campaign 21V096000 at NHTSA
Feb 18, 2021 Safety recallSERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:CRITICAL FASTENERSCampaign 21V089000

Reported concern

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.

Manufacturer’s stated response

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.

Read campaign 21V089000 at NHTSA
Feb 10, 2021 Safety recallSERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:HYDRAULICCampaign 21V062000

Reported concern

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.

Manufacturer’s stated response

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.

Read campaign 21V062000 at NHTSA
Jan 29, 2021 Safety recallSTEERING:COLUMNCampaign 21V031000

Reported concern

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.

Manufacturer’s stated response

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.

Read campaign 21V031000 at NHTSA
Dec 9, 2020 Safety recallELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERYCampaign 20V761000

Reported concern

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.

Manufacturer’s stated response

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.

Read campaign 20V761000 at NHTSA
Nov 4, 2020 Safety recallSUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARMCampaign 20V678000

Reported concern

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.

Manufacturer’s stated response

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.

Read campaign 20V678000 at NHTSA
Sep 30, 2020 Safety recallELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:TRACTION BATTERYCampaign 20V601000

Reported concern

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.

Manufacturer’s stated response

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.

Read campaign 20V601000 at NHTSA
Sep 1, 2020 Safety recallEXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTSCampaign 20V528000

Reported concern

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."

Manufacturer’s stated response

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.

Read campaign 20V528000 at NHTSA
Aug 18, 2020 Safety recallELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:TRACTION BATTERYCampaign 20V490000

Reported concern

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.

Manufacturer’s stated response

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.

Read campaign 20V490000 at NHTSA
Aug 14, 2020 Safety recallTIRESCampaign 20V483000

Reported concern

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.

Manufacturer’s stated response

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.

Read campaign 20V483000 at NHTSA
Check this car’s VIN at NHTSA

03 / The manufacturer’s record

Instructions. Updates. Responses.

288 distinct communications list this model-year. Showing the latest 12. A matching model-year does not establish that every engine, trim or reported symptom is covered.

Jul 17, 2026 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsB110426The 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.NHTSA ID 11035500

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.

Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM · ENGINE. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11035500 at NHTSA
Jul 10, 2026 Service CampaignB510726In the affected vehicles, an incorrect screwlocking device (circled) may have been usedfor the mounting bolts of the door latch locks.NHTSA ID 11035400

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

Campaign / software reference: 0051480600

Components: STRUCTURE:BODY. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11035400 at NHTSA
Jun 29, 2026 Warranty Program/ExtensionB010324The 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.NHTSA ID 11035497

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.

Campaign / software reference: 1390900300

Components: ENGINE. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Original document reviewed: 15 years / 150,000 miles

Read coverage & conditions
Original manufacturer PDF
May 19, 2026 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsB652724A 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 un…NHTSA ID 11033033

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 93094F - Knee airbag, front passenger: Short circuit to negative terminal 93094C - Knee airbag driver's side: Resistance too great 930952 - Knee airbag, front passenger: Resistance too great

Components: AIR BAGS. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11033033 at NHTSA
May 6, 2026 Warranty Program/ExtensionB010324The 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.NHTSA ID 11032731

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.

Campaign / software reference: 1390900300

Components: ENGINE. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11032731 at NHTSA
May 4, 2026 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsB640320The center console and front cup holder get noticeably too warm to the touch on long journeys with the interior "Heating on".NHTSA ID 11032741

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

Components: STRUCTURE:BODY. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11032741 at NHTSA
Mar 6, 2026 Warranty Program/ExtensionB010325The 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.NHTSA ID 11030060

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.

Campaign / software reference: 5174900200

Components: STRUCTURE:BODY. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11030060 at NHTSA
Nov 25, 2025 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsB652724A 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 un…NHTSA ID 11025835

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 93094F - Knee airbag, front passenger: Short circuit to negative terminal 93094C - Knee airbag driver's side: Resistance too great 930952 - Knee airbag, front passenger: Resistance too great

Components: AIR BAGS. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11025835 at NHTSA
May 14, 2025 Warranty Program/ExtensionB010825A 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 …NHTSA ID 11018730

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 the front bottom air flap, when applicable, remove any contamination that is found caught inand between the bottom air flaps (aka “blinds”) and/or the housing.

Campaign / software reference: 85810103NA

Components: STRUCTURE:BODY. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11018730 at NHTSA
Apr 29, 2025 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsB513019A 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.NHTSA ID 11017506

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.

Components: STRUCTURE:BODY. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11017506 at NHTSA
Apr 15, 2025 Warranty Program/ExtensionB010325The 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.NHTSA ID 11017103

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.

Campaign / software reference: 5174900200

Components: STRUCTURE:BODY. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11017103 at NHTSA
Mar 26, 2025 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsB660325A check control message is displayed, indicating that the parking assistance systems have limitedfunctionality due to errors detected within PDC sensors. The warning indicates parking assistance featureshave limited functionali…NHTSA ID 11016446

A check control message is displayed, indicating that the parking assistance systems have limitedfunctionality due to errors detected within PDC sensors. The warning indicates parking assistance featureshave limited functionality while the errors continue to be detected. Following faults may be stored 8031BA Ultrasonic Sensor Rear Side Left Software Error 8031CO Ultrasonic Sensor Rear outer left Software Error 8031AE Ultrasonic Sensor Rear Outer Right Software Error 8031A8 Ultrasonic Sensor Rear Side Right Software Error 8031B4 Ultrasonic Sensor Rear Middle Right Software Error 8031C6 Ultrasonic Sensor Rear Middle Left Software Error 8031CD Ultrasonic Sensor Voltage Supply Sensors Back: Short Circuit 8031CC Ultrasonic Sensor Voltage Supply Front: Short Circuit 8031CA Ultrasonic Sensors Front Extraneous Noise

Components: STRUCTURE:BODY. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11016446 at NHTSA
Browse all manufacturer records by page

Records below contain the NHTSA bulk summary unless a document-reviewed explainer is linked. A service bulletin is not a safety recall or a promise of a free repair. Records may be revised or superseded; verify the current document with the manufacturer.

04 / Agency investigations

Official inquiries.

An investigation is an inquiry into a potential concern. Its presence does not establish a defect, and a closed case does not certify a car’s condition.

Opened Jan 27, 2023 ClosedPedestrian alert soundsDP22005

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 electric vehicles that have a gross vehicle weight rating of 4,536 KG or less or are defined as low-speed vehicles. The standard became fully applicable to all such vehicles manufactured on or after March 1, 2021.On January 27, 2023, NHTSA opened Defect Petition (DP) 22-005 to evaluate the subject matter described in the petition. On June 24, 2023 and as supplemented on June 25, 2023, the petitioner notified NHTSA he was withdrawing his petition. The petitioner indicated that, based on his review of data, there is no justification for asserting potential benefits that could be derived from actions sought by my petition. Based on the petitioner's withdrawal, DP22-005 is closed. Closure of this DP does not represent a determination by NHTSA regarding the subject matter of the petition.

Recorded closure: Aug 7, 2023

Campaign reference in the source: 22V063000

Find investigation DP22005

Your next step

Take good questions
to the inspection.

Use these prompts with a qualified inspector. This page is research, not a diagnosis or a substitute for a hands-on inspection.