Total Complaints
13 filings
BMW X6 · model year
2021 BMW X6
13 NHTSA complaints, 2 crash reports, and 7 active recalls for this specific cohort.
NHTSA overall rating
Not crash-tested
New Car Assessment Program
The 2021BMWX6 carries 13 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 2 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, and 0 fatalities. For crash performance, NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gave this cohort an overall Not Rated/5 rating, with Not Rated/5 front crash, Not Rated/5 side crash, and Not Rated/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 X6 is forward collision avoidance: automatic emergency braking with 2 filings, followed by electrical system (2) and lane departure: blind spot detection (1). 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 7 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 X6. 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.
13
Complaints
2
Crashes
0
Fires
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
Crashes Reported
2 reports
Source
NHTSA ODI
Federal complaints database
Complaints vs. fleet median (215)
At or below the fleet median complaint volume.
NHTSA NCAP overall: Not Rated/5 - Not rated
· Front: Not Rated/5
· Side: Not Rated/5
· Rollover: Not Rated/5
Complaints by Component
| Component | Count |
|---|---|
| FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING | 2 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 2 |
| LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION | 1 |
| LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST | 1 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 1 |
| BACK OVER PREVENTION: WARNINGS | 1 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 1 |
| STEERING | 1 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | 1 |
| AIR BAGS | 1 |
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC | 1 |
Recalls (7)
21V03100029/01/2021
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.
22V26700020/04/2022
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,
21V09600019/02/2021
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
20V48300014/08/2020
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.
21V06200010/02/2021
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
20V76100009/12/2020
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
20V52800001/09/2020
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
Recent Complaints
20260126ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2021 BMW X6. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to stop as intended. The contact shifted into park while the vehicle was in motion to stop the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic; however, the failure was not duplicated. In addition, the contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle started after several attempts. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with starter motor failure. The contact was informed that the starter motor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact referenced an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not under recall. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 49,000.
Mileage: 49,000
20260126SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2021 BMW X6. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to stop as intended. The contact shifted into park while the vehicle was in motion to stop the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic; however, the failure was not duplicated. In addition, the contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle started after several attempts. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with starter motor failure. The contact was informed that the starter motor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact referenced an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not under recall. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 49,000.
Mileage: 49,000
20251125AIR BAGS
Wiring from knee air bag to module failed. Had to repair wiring from front driver and passenger knee air bags. Wiring had a short to ground. Resulted in a $1600 bill.
20251112ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2021 BMW X6. The contact stated that upon start the vehicle, the drivetrain message was displayed. Overtime, the contact stated that the vehicle either failed to start or was slow to start while depressing the START/STOP button. The vehicle was taken to a dealer and the starter was replaced; however, a month later, the drivetrain message returned. Additionally, the contact stated that while reversing out of a parking space, the vehicle shut off while in reverse(R). The vehicle was taken back to the dealer and the contact was informed that the crank sensor needed to be replaced. The dealer stated that the part needed to be ordered, and the contact was instructed to return in a few days for the repair. After leaving the appointment, the contact stated that the vehicle failed to start up while in a parking lot and the vehicle was towed back to the dealer. Another diagnostic test was performed, and the contact was informed that the alternator, starter, and battery all ne
Mileage: 53,000
20251112ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2021 BMW X6. The contact stated that upon start the vehicle, the drivetrain message was displayed. Overtime, the contact stated that the vehicle either failed to start or was slow to start while depressing the START/STOP button. The vehicle was taken to a dealer and the starter was replaced; however, a month later, the drivetrain message returned. Additionally, the contact stated that while reversing out of a parking space, the vehicle shut off while in reverse(R). The vehicle was taken back to the dealer and the contact was informed that the crank sensor needed to be replaced. The dealer stated that the part needed to be ordered, and the contact was instructed to return in a few days for the repair. After leaving the appointment, the contact stated that the vehicle failed to start up while in a parking lot and the vehicle was towed back to the dealer. Another diagnostic test was performed, and the contact was informed that the alternator, starter, and battery all ne
Mileage: 53,000
20251018SERVICE BRAKES
Unknown
20251018STEERING
Unknown
20240517CrashFORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
The automatic parking feature was being used to park in garage the vehicle proceed to back up without stopping and the emergency braking system didnât engage leading to the vehicle crashing. I could have been injured if the structure of the house didnât stop the vehicle. If someone had been behind the vehicle they wouldâve been killed. The incident was reported to BMW, although the system malfunctioned the driver is responsible for maintaining control of the vehicle.The vehicle is has been repaired but system is still malfunctioning. These problems didnât exist prior to crash.
20240517CrashBACK OVER PREVENTION: WARNINGS
The automatic parking feature was being used to park in garage the vehicle proceed to back up without stopping and the emergency braking system didnât engage leading to the vehicle crashing. I could have been injured if the structure of the house didnât stop the vehicle. If someone had been behind the vehicle they wouldâve been killed. The incident was reported to BMW, although the system malfunctioned the driver is responsible for maintaining control of the vehicle.The vehicle is has been repaired but system is still malfunctioning. These problems didnât exist prior to crash.
20230331UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The AC, air system blows out a bad odor...smell like vinegar, burned plastic and rotten eggs
20201220FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
IF I HAVE MADE THE PURCHASE DEPOSITING 100000 AND THE REST IN MONTHLY PAYMENTS
20201220LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION
IF I HAVE MADE THE PURCHASE DEPOSITING 100000 AND THE REST IN MONTHLY PAYMENTS
20201220LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST
IF I HAVE MADE THE PURCHASE DEPOSITING 100000 AND THE REST IN MONTHLY PAYMENTS
Compare 2021BMWX6 to Similar Vehicles
NHTSA Investigations
Frequently Asked Questions
How many complaints does the 2021 BMW X6 have?▼
The 2021 BMW X6 has 13 NHTSA complaints, 2 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, and 0 deaths reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2021 BMW X6?▼
The 2021 BMW X6 received an overall NHTSA safety rating of Not Rated/5, front crash rating of Not Rated/5, side crash rating of Not Rated/5, and rollover rating of Not Rated/5.
Are there any recalls for the 2021 BMW X6?▼
Yes, the 2021 BMW X6 has 7 recall(s). The most common affected component is STEERING:COLUMN. Recalls are issued by NHTSA and manufacturers must provide a free remedy.
What are the most common problems with the 2021 BMW X6?▼
The most-complained component for the 2021 BMW X6 is FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING with 2 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include ELECTRICAL SYSTEM and LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION.
Is the 2021 BMW X6 safe to buy?▼
Review the complaint history, crash and fire reports, safety ratings, and recall status on this page to make an informed decision. The 2021 BMW X6 has an NHTSA safety rating of Not Rated/5. Compare with other model years using the links above.
Where does this data come from?▼
All complaint, recall, and safety rating data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are filed by vehicle owners through NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation.
Vehicle Safety Guides
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.