NHTSA (USA)Critical
At a glance
What can fail
The starter motor may overheat due to electrical overload after repeated starting attempts.
What the fix does
This page covers 13 recalls and 47 owner complaints for the 2020 BMW X7.
Powertrain and engine complaints dominate what 2020 BMW X7 owners report. On the engine side, multiple owners describe sudden loss of oil pressure leading to catastrophic engine failure, with several pointing to the B58TU engine's oil pump as the source, specifically, an internal plastic component that fractures during cold starts or after repeated heat cycles, causing the pump to fail without much warning. On the powertrain side, transfer case failures come up repeatedly: owners report severe shuddering during turns, with some saying the condition returned after fluid changes and at least one report describing the transfer case breaking free and contacting the engine while driving. Seat-related complaints round out the top three reported systems, though at lower volume than the drivetrain concerns. The oil pressure and transfer case patterns are the clearest threads across multiple reports.
47
Total Complaints
2
Crash-Related
3
Fire-Related
2
With Injuries
By System
The 2020 BMW X7 has 13 recalls, the most serious involving fire and crash risks: a loose starter bolt can fall into the transmission and stall the engine, and the starter motor can overheat and ignite material in the engine compartment.
A software update addresses the overheating starter risk on certain vehicles. On the chassis side, a weld on the right front control arm bracket can separate and compromise handling, and the steering rack's pinion teeth can break under load, causing a sudden loss of steering control. The brake system also has a concern: the anti-lock brakes and hydraulic brake assist can fail, reducing stopping ability. Third-row seat backrests may not lock properly in a crash if internal locking springs were not correctly installed.
Two separate recalls cover rearview camera failures where the image may be missing or reduced when reversing. Lighting issues round out the list: rear reflectors may not reflect enough light to make the vehicle visible to other drivers at night, headlights on some vehicles may emit blue light that can confuse oncoming traffic, and the sunroof can close on its own without the key fob inside the vehicle.
At a glance
What can fail
The starter motor may overheat due to electrical overload after repeated starting attempts.
What the fix does
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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 engine starter will be replaced at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The starter motor may fail, and repeated start attempts can cause it to overheat from electrical overload.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the vehicle software at no charge to prevent starter overheating.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The compression springs that lock the third-row seat backrest may not be properly installed and could come loose or detach.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the third-row seat and reinstall any improperly installed or missing compression springs.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
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
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 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 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
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
Some vehicles may have incorrect headlight lenses installed that produce blue light, which violates Canadian regulations.
What the fix does
BMW will mail you instructions to have a dealer inspect your headlights and replace them if needed.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The starter motor may contain an extra bolt that could fall into the transmission housing and cause the engine to stall.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the starter motor for the extra bolt and remove it if found. They will also check for damage and inspect the transmission housing, replacing damaged parts as needed.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The rear reflectors may not reflect enough light, which means other drivers might not see the back of your vehicle as clearly in low-light conditions.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace both rear reflectors at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The backup camera display can be adjusted to hide the rear view image, and the vehicle remembers this setting when put in reverse, leaving the screen blank.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the backup camera software at no cost to restore the display functionality.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The steering rack pinion teeth may break under load, causing loss of steering control.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the steering rack at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
