NHTSA (USA)Low Risk
At a glance
What can fail
This page covers 12 recalls, 92 owner complaints and NHTSA crash-test ratings for the 2021 BMW X5.
4/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
Electrical and powertrain complaints dominate what 2021 BMW X5 owners report. On the electrical side, owners frequently describe warning lights appearing unexpectedly, including airbag warning lights that illuminate without a clear trigger, along with various other electrical faults and system alerts that come and go intermittently. The powertrain complaints center on drivetrain malfunction warnings, particularly on the plug-in hybrid xDrive45e, where owners report the warning appearing while driving and then clearing on its own. A smaller but notable cluster of engine complaints includes water pump failures, with some owners describing sudden loss of power and visible smoke. A handful of owners also report front differential issues, in some cases surfacing just outside the factory warranty mileage. The intermittent "Drivetrain Malfunction" message paired with self-clearing behavior is one of the more consistently repeated symptoms across multiple powertrain reports.
92
Total Complaints
9
Crash-Related
3
Fire-Related
4
With Injuries
By System
The 2021 BMW X5 has 12 recalls, the most serious involving chassis and steering defects where a loose brake disc, a loose steering column joint, or a separating front suspension weld can each cause a sudden loss of vehicle control.
On the hybrid side, the xDrive45e trim has two separate battery concerns: debris inside the hybrid battery cells and loose welding material inside the pack can each cause an internal short circuit and raise the risk of fire. A separate electrical issue affects the 12-volt battery connection on certain non-hybrid trims, where increased resistance in that circuit can also lead to fire. Certain sDrive40i and xDrive40i models equipped with specific Pirelli tires may have a damaged inner layer that causes a sudden blowout while driving.
The brake system has an additional concern across a wide range of trims: a fault in the hydraulic brake booster can reduce braking assistance and disable the anti-lock brake system. On the safety equipment side, second-row outer head restraints on certain trims may be the wrong type for the vehicle and can detach in a crash. The rearview camera software can produce a missing or degraded image while reversing, and the sunroof can close on its own without the key fob inside the vehicle. Certain headlamps may emit a blue light that can confuse oncoming drivers.
At a glance
What can fail
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Driver Assistance
Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). Based on 2 tested variants; worst-case ratings shown.
Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
The sunroof control unit may be programmed incorrectly, allowing the sunroof to close even when the key fob is not inside the vehicle.
What the fix does
Dealers will reprogram the roof function control unit at no cost to restore proper sunroof operation.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The head restraints on second-row outer seats may be the wrong type for your vehicle.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the head restraints and replace them as needed at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
When shifting into Reverse, the rearview camera display may show a partially obscured image or fail to illuminate, reducing rear visibility.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and update the rearview camera software as needed at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The right front brake disc may have been assembled with incorrect fasteners, which could cause the disc to become loose over time.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the right front brake disc and replace it if necessary, along with the left front brake disc, at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The rotor and shaft inside the brake system may not be properly welded and could separate during hard braking, causing loss of ABS and braking assistance.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the integrated brake system at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The bolt connecting the steering column shaft's universal joint may not have been tightened properly and could loosen over time.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the connection and either tighten or replace the bolt, or replace the entire steering column shaft and universal joint assembly as needed.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The connection between the 48-volt battery and starter-generator may not be properly assembled, causing increased electrical resistance at the connection points.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the 48-volt battery and starter-generator connection and replace it if necessary, at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The weld connecting the front axle support to the right front control arm bearing bracket can separate, potentially affecting front suspension stability.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the front axle support at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Manufacturing debris may be inside one or more hybrid battery cells, potentially causing battery failure.
What the fix does
BMW will inspect the battery module and replace it if necessary at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The headlamps may emit blue light, which violates federal lighting standards for these vehicles.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and replace the headlamps if needed at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Welding beads in the hybrid battery may be loose, creating an unintended electrical connection between battery cells that could cause a short circuit.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the battery modules and replace them if needed, at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Certain Pirelli tires on these vehicles may have a damaged inner layer that can cause rapid air pressure loss while driving.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the defective tires at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.