BMW X7 · model year

2021 BMW X7

42 NHTSA complaints, and 9 active recalls for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

Not crash-tested

New Car Assessment Program

The 2021BMWX7 carries 42 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 0 crashes, 3 fires, 3 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 X7 is engine with 7 filings, followed by steering (5) and power train (5). 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 9 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 X7. 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.

42
Complaints
0
Crashes
3
Fires
3
Injuries
0
Deaths

Total Complaints

42 filings

Crashes Reported

0 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

ComponentCount
ENGINE7
STEERING5
POWER TRAIN5
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM3
UNKNOWN OR OTHER3
SEATS3
SERVICE BRAKES2
EXTERIOR LIGHTING2
SEAT BELTS2
LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST2
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM2
AIR BAGS1
STRUCTURE:BODY:HOOD1
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL1
BACK OVER PREVENTION: WARNINGS1

Recalls (9)

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.

20V51400027/08/2020

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain X7 xDrive40i and M50i vehicles. The tire information labels may contain tire size and cold tire inflation pressure information that does not match the specific tires that were installed on these vehicles. As such, these vehicles fail to conform

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

21V15600010/03/2021

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.

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

22V67000007/09/2022

SEATS

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019-2022 BMW X7 xDrive40i, X7 Drive50i, X7 M50i vehicles with third-row seats. One or more of the compression springs that lock the backrest may not have been installed properly, and could dislodge or detach.

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

20260210ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

The contact owns a 2021 BMW X7. The contact stated that while driving at 20 MPH and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle went into LIMP Mode. The message "Pull Over and Turn Off Your Car - You Have Lost All the Water In the Radiator" was displayed. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the road. The vehicle was able to restart, but was towed to Hawkeye Motorsports LLC, where it was diagnosed that the water pump pulley had shattered. The mechanic replaced the coolant pump, coolant lines, and belts. Additionally, the coolant lines were tested. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and informed that reimbursement assistance could only be provided if the VIN was included in a related recall. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 79,000.

Mileage: 79,000

20260119ENGINE

Front differential needing completely replaced at 44,000 miles. Might need a transfer case replacement as well. Original quote of $8,300 and if the transfer case is needing replaced, another $8,000-$10,000 job. I have done research online that a lot of other people with X7's are having this issue. Autobahn BMW in Fort Worth, Texas confirmed the issue and that it needs complete replacement done. There were no warnings, no lights on the dash, and nothing that would indicate there was an issue until leaking starting and I could smell the oil burning.

20260107UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Front Differential it is available for inspection

20251127POWER TRAIN

Wheel/Tire makes shudders during a turn at low acceleration or going up a hill leading to uncontrolled acceleration. I have brought the car in for inspection and service and the issue could not be replicated by the techs, however the problem occurs with daily driving. An online search shows that this is a very common problem with the transfer case.

20251127STEERING

Wheel/Tire makes shudders during a turn at low acceleration or going up a hill leading to uncontrolled acceleration. I have brought the car in for inspection and service and the issue could not be replicated by the techs, however the problem occurs with daily driving. An online search shows that this is a very common problem with the transfer case.

20251127WHEELS

Wheel/Tire makes shudders during a turn at low acceleration or going up a hill leading to uncontrolled acceleration. I have brought the car in for inspection and service and the issue could not be replicated by the techs, however the problem occurs with daily driving. An online search shows that this is a very common problem with the transfer case.

20251118BACK OVER PREVENTION: WARNINGS

Infotainment stopped working, no backup cam no safety features working

20251118LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST

Infotainment stopped working, no backup cam no safety features working

20251118ENGINE

Infotainment stopped working, no backup cam no safety features working

20251027POWER TRAIN

The transfer case in my BMW X7 began making grinding, jerking, shuttering around 65,000 miles. The dealer failed to diagnose the issue at that time when I brought it in at 71,000. (approximately $9,000–$10,000). Transfer cases "should be" designed to last well over 150,000miles. Maybe my car was a lemon but it seems to be a common theme/legal suite for BMW X7 owner.s This issue connitued causes sudden loss of power delivery, shuddering, and unpredictable handling—especially during acceleration or turning—which can increase the risk of an accident. Many BMW X7 owners have reported similar premature transfer case failures online, suggesting a widespread defect that may affect vehicle safety. BMW should investigate these failures and take accountability for transfer case defects that appear to occur prematurely and often shortly after warranty expiration. Consumer forums (like Bimmerpost and CarComplaints.com) show multiple reports of X7 transfer cases failing between 50K–90K

20251027STEERING

The transfer case in my BMW X7 began making grinding, jerking, shuttering around 65,000 miles. The dealer failed to diagnose the issue at that time when I brought it in at 71,000. (approximately $9,000–$10,000). Transfer cases "should be" designed to last well over 150,000miles. Maybe my car was a lemon but it seems to be a common theme/legal suite for BMW X7 owner.s This issue connitued causes sudden loss of power delivery, shuddering, and unpredictable handling—especially during acceleration or turning—which can increase the risk of an accident. Many BMW X7 owners have reported similar premature transfer case failures online, suggesting a widespread defect that may affect vehicle safety. BMW should investigate these failures and take accountability for transfer case defects that appear to occur prematurely and often shortly after warranty expiration. Consumer forums (like Bimmerpost and CarComplaints.com) show multiple reports of X7 transfer cases failing between 50K–90K

20251025ENGINE

two fan blades came off and punctured my radiator. I replaced the radiator/fan for 4300 and when I picked it up, it said the power was limited and to get it to a BMW dealership right away and when I took it to BMW, they told me the engine was shot and cylinder four was completely destroyed. Then both through BMW corporate and the dealership that I bought the car at new in 2022 I was told there was nothing that they would do at all. In fact I was told it would cost $46,500 plus tax to replace the engine. The car is only worth 40 and I owe 29 I have been without a car for many months and I don’t know what to do with this card is essentially become a paperweight. I bought it brand new at arrowhead BMW for almost $115,000 with 3000 miles on it. Someone had purchased it new and brought it back and I’m not sure why exactly. It just doesn’t feel right that I should only be able to drive a car for 65,000 miles until it’s completely valueless furthermore, my attorney informed me that th

20250829SEATS

Second row seats went down and locked, would not move. If my child had been in the seat, she would’ve been suffocated.

20250826POWER TRAIN

The vehicle experiences a recurring drivetrain shuddering or slipping sensation at low speeds, especially when accelerating from a stop or while cornering. The issue originates from the transfer case, which has been identified as the malfunctioning component. The transfer case was previously serviced according to the manufacturer's official technical bulletin, but the problem returned after the prescribed post-repair evaluation period. The condition compromises vehicle stability and creates a potential safety risk, particularly when merging into traffic, turning at intersections, or navigating tight spaces — where unexpected hesitation or loss of traction can lead to a collision. The issue has been confirmed by authorized dealership technicians, and acknowledged by service personnel as a commonly recurring defect in this vehicle model. The manufacturer has not issued a recall but has documented the issue in an official service bulletin. The component is still installed in the vehic

20250826VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

The vehicle experiences a recurring drivetrain shuddering or slipping sensation at low speeds, especially when accelerating from a stop or while cornering. The issue originates from the transfer case, which has been identified as the malfunctioning component. The transfer case was previously serviced according to the manufacturer's official technical bulletin, but the problem returned after the prescribed post-repair evaluation period. The condition compromises vehicle stability and creates a potential safety risk, particularly when merging into traffic, turning at intersections, or navigating tight spaces — where unexpected hesitation or loss of traction can lead to a collision. The issue has been confirmed by authorized dealership technicians, and acknowledged by service personnel as a commonly recurring defect in this vehicle model. The manufacturer has not issued a recall but has documented the issue in an official service bulletin. The component is still installed in the vehic

20250826STEERING

The vehicle experiences a recurring drivetrain shuddering or slipping sensation at low speeds, especially when accelerating from a stop or while cornering. The issue originates from the transfer case, which has been identified as the malfunctioning component. The transfer case was previously serviced according to the manufacturer's official technical bulletin, but the problem returned after the prescribed post-repair evaluation period. The condition compromises vehicle stability and creates a potential safety risk, particularly when merging into traffic, turning at intersections, or navigating tight spaces — where unexpected hesitation or loss of traction can lead to a collision. The issue has been confirmed by authorized dealership technicians, and acknowledged by service personnel as a commonly recurring defect in this vehicle model. The manufacturer has not issued a recall but has documented the issue in an official service bulletin. The component is still installed in the vehic

20250702EXTERIOR LIGHTING

After purchasing this vehicle I took the car in for PA state inspection at Joel Confer BMW in State College, PA to find out that he passenger side front headlight needs to be replaced. The reason for the replacement is because the LED running light has burnt out. Not only has the daytime running light burnt out but it was has burned out the module for the light. Because the module is also burned the entire headlight needs to be replaced at a cost of $8000. BMW will not cover this repair. My car is has approx 28k miles on it. My car is out of warranty as of October of 2024, but well within the mileage warranty. This is a safety hazard as the headlight needs to fully operable to pass PA state inspection. There were not any indicators of the problem before taking the vehicle in for state inspection.

20250312ENGINE

Car had an error message "drivetrain malfunction" car was drivable. Car has 87000 purchased in 2021. Car needs a new engine. Other Car owners having similar issues with the drivetrain malfunction

20250123ENGINE

The water pump pulley "exploded", causing the accessory belt to fall off which drives the alternator. The pulley "shrapnel" was thrown into the cooling system and damaging the hoses causing immediate loss of coolant. The loss of electrical power due to the alternator being inoperable and the loss of cooling could have caused the vehicle to malfunction in a dangerous manner. Fortunately, the vehicle displayed an error message and was towed to the dealer without further incident.

20250123POWER TRAIN

The water pump pulley "exploded", causing the accessory belt to fall off which drives the alternator. The pulley "shrapnel" was thrown into the cooling system and damaging the hoses causing immediate loss of coolant. The loss of electrical power due to the alternator being inoperable and the loss of cooling could have caused the vehicle to malfunction in a dangerous manner. Fortunately, the vehicle displayed an error message and was towed to the dealer without further incident.

Compare 2021BMWX7 to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations

View all investigations

Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2021 BMW X7 have?
The 2021 BMW X7 has 42 NHTSA complaints, 0 crashes, 3 fires, 3 injuries, and 0 deaths reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2021 BMW X7?
The 2021 BMW X7 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 X7?
Yes, the 2021 BMW X7 has 9 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 X7?
The most-complained component for the 2021 BMW X7 is ENGINE with 7 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include STEERING and POWER TRAIN.
Is the 2021 BMW X7 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 X7 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.