Total Complaints
132 filings
BMW X5 · model year
132 NHTSA complaints, 21 crash reports, and 12 active recalls for this specific cohort.
NHTSA overall rating
4 / 5 ★
New Car Assessment Program
The 2021BMWX5 carries 132 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 21 crashes, 7 fires, 15 injuries, and 0 fatalities. For crash performance, NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gave this cohort an overall 4/5 rating, with 4/5 front crash, 5/5 side crash, and 4/5 rollover scores derived from standardized barrier and dynamic tests.
Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2021 X5 is electrical system with 25 filings, followed by power train (19) and engine (17). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 12 active recall campaigns, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle, the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.
NHTSA currently has 34 investigation files overlapping the 2021 X5. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page, a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.
Total Complaints
132 filings
Crashes Reported
21 reports
Source
NHTSA ODI
Federal complaints database
At or below the fleet median complaint volume.
| Component | Count |
|---|---|
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 25 |
| POWER TRAIN | 19 |
| ENGINE | 17 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 16 |
| AIR BAGS | 6 |
| BACK OVER PREVENTION: REARVIEW SYSTEM BRAKING | 5 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | 5 |
| STRUCTURE:BODY | 4 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 4 |
| SEAT BELTS | 3 |
| FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | 3 |
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | 3 |
| FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS | 3 |
| VISIBILITY/WIPER | 2 |
| BACK OVER PREVENTION: WARNINGS | 2 |
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:TRACTION BATTERY
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 d
STEERING:COLUMN
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.
VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY
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,
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
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 Co
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY
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.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:CRITICAL FASTENERS
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.
TIRES
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.
SEATS:MID/REAR ASSEMBLY:HEAD RESTRAINT
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.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
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, X
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY
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 t
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM
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.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
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 requir
the vehicle delays to start and will not recognize that key is in the vehicle. the starter button has to be pushed three times until the vehicle recognizes the key is in the vehicle. the vehicle was inspected at a BMW dealership and no codes or errors were found. battery is still good but possible issues with the starter.
The contact owns a 2021 BMW X5. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the VIN no longer showed the recall as being open. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.
The contact owns a 2021 BMW X5. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the VIN no longer showed the recall as being open. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.
The contact owns a 2021 BMW X5. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle with the Push to START button, the vehicle failed to start. There was a clicking sound coming from under the hood. The failure was intermittent. The contact replaced the hybrid battery; however, the failure reoccurred. The contact stated that after several attempts, the vehicle started. The vehicle was taken to a dealer; however, the failure was not duplicated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with a pinned-out emission circuit and starter failure. The contact was informed that the starter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed of an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not associated with the recall. The vehicle was manufactured a month outside the date for the vehicles included in the recall. The contact was advised to contact the manufacturer and make the manufacturer aware of the failure. The manufacturer was ma
Mileage: 60,000
The contact owns a 2021 BMW X5. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds, unknown warning lights illuminated on several occasions. The failure had occurred while driving and while restarting the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the starter had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for further assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 44,000.
Mileage: 44,000
I am writing to formally file a complaint and request an expansion of recall coverage regarding a starter motor failure on my 2021 BMW X5, which occurred at approximately 38,000 miles. Recently, my vehicle experienced a sudden failure to start. After inspection, the issue was diagnosed as a starter malfunction. I am aware that BMW has issued a recall addressing starter-related defects for certain vehicles of the same model year and configuration. However, I was informed that my vehicleâs VIN is not included in the current recall list. Given the relatively low mileage, the nature of the failure, and the existence of an official BMW recall for the same defect, I believe this issue represents a manufacturing or design defect rather than normal wear and tear. A starter motor failure at 38,000 miles is both unexpected and unacceptable for a premium vehicle such as a BMW X5
In the middle of driving, multiple warning lights came on in the car and the steering became very stiff, which made it difficult to steer the car. We brought the car to the dealer service station and they identified that the crank pulley system had a failure and the vibration damper needed to be replaced. Apparently, this issue also resulted in the engine not properly charging the car battery, which also resulted in battery failure. This car only has about 38,000 miles on it and has been plagued by safety issues. The difficulty steering the car could have resulted in an accident on the road. This same car also had a water pump failure at approximately 35-36k miles that was separately reported to NHTSA previously.
In the middle of driving, multiple warning lights came on in the car and the steering became very stiff, which made it difficult to steer the car. We brought the car to the dealer service station and they identified that the crank pulley system had a failure and the vibration damper needed to be replaced. Apparently, this issue also resulted in the engine not properly charging the car battery, which also resulted in battery failure. This car only has about 38,000 miles on it and has been plagued by safety issues. The difficulty steering the car could have resulted in an accident on the road. This same car also had a water pump failure at approximately 35-36k miles that was separately reported to NHTSA previously.
BMW 2021 X5 Engine starter failed. BMW South Miami dealership troubleshooting found the starter motor faulty and replaced it. This failure is NOT part of the current starter recall for BMW X5. (25V644000) My X5 maufactured date is June of 2021. I purchased the X5 In July of 2021. I paid $2166.35 for repairs and I am seaking a refund.
I was driving 75mph on the highway and my sunroof exploded while driving. It sounded like a gunshot above my head and shattered while going 75mph. This vehicle and other bmws that share the same sunroof glass are not fit to drive on the road until investigated further. There has been recalls and lawsuits for this. This a supplier or install issue when the car was manufactured. Itâs not safe while driving and the glass spontaneously combusts into a million pieces. I have contacted BMW NA and they stated there is nothing they can do about it. The service was paid for because I need a vehicle. I would like this investigated as a warranty claim so I can claim back the fees I have paid.
The contact owns a 2021 BMW X5. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, there was an abnormal grinding and clanking sound coming from the front end of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the front differential was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 36,400.
Mileage: 36,400
The vehicle shakes at low speeds with a jolt and vibration when turning. When I pressed the accelerator from a standstill, the gas pedal broke off from its floor mounted bracket.
The vehicle shakes at low speeds with a jolt and vibration when turning. When I pressed the accelerator from a standstill, the gas pedal broke off from its floor mounted bracket.
The vehicle shakes at low speeds with a jolt and vibration when turning. When I pressed the accelerator from a standstill, the gas pedal broke off from its floor mounted bracket.
The contact owns a 2021 BMW X5. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, there was an abnormal sputtering sound coming from the vehicle. After several attempts, the vehicle was able to start. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with starter failure. The contact was provided with the following DTC: 0012240600. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The contact stated that the failure persisted. Upon further investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V576000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). However, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 55,000.
Mileage: 55,000
The contact owns a 2021 BMW X5. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, there was an abnormal sputtering sound coming from the vehicle. After several attempts, the vehicle was able to start. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with starter failure. The contact was provided with the following DTC: 0012240600. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The contact stated that the failure persisted. Upon further investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V576000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). However, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 55,000.
Mileage: 55,000
The contact owns a 2021 BMW X5. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the coolant warning light illuminated with the message "Coolant Dangerously Low - Fill Right Away" displayed on the instrument panel. The message was displayed on several occasions. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where the dealer discovered coolant leaking from the bottom of the vehicle and diagnosed that the water pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was no longer under warranty. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000. The VIN was not available.
Mileage: 40,000
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The engine/transmission mounts were diagnosed by Sterling BMW (Newport Beach, CA) as âsaggingâ and in need of replacement at only 38,437 miles. The components remain on the vehicle and are available for inspection. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? If engine mounts are in fact deteriorating prematurely, the drivetrain may shift during operation, affecting vehicle stability, steering alignment, and braking response. This could cause a sudden loss of control and create a hazard to occupants and other drivers. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes. Sterling BMW performed the inspection on October 2, 2025, and documented the issue in their inspection report, listing âmotor mounts are saggingâ under âNeeds Immediate Attention,â with an estimated repair cost of $2,301.12. Has the vehicle or component
The front differential on my BMW failed at just 47,000 miles. There were no warning lightsâonly a faint grinding noise that gradually worsened. After inspection, the dealership confirmed the failure and quoted $9,000 for replacement. In speaking with other BMW owners, Iâve discovered this issue isnât isolated. Many have experienced front differential failures around the 50,000-mile mark, suggesting a troubling pattern. This raises serious concerns about the reliability of this component and whether BMW is adequately addressing what appears to be a recurring problem.
Around September, 2025 several small puddles was under the vehicle. Made an appointment with BMW to have a 2021, X5 inspected. The BMW dealership technicians diagnosed the problem as a Water pump -Engine coolant. There was no previous warning messages notifying a problem with the vehicle cooling system. Vehicle total mileage was around 58,000 miles at the time of problem found.Cost of damage was over $2,000 to fix at dealership.
Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.
Read our methodology - how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.