Fourth generation
2021 BMW X5
The most reported problem on the 2021 BMW X5 is dead battery, with 11 complaints.
- 108owner complaints
- 12recalls
- 9involved a crash
- 40,000median miles at failure
Newest report Sep 28, 2026 · checked Oct 2, 2026
Problem sheets
No single problem on the 2021 BMW X5 has enough owner reports for a sheet of its own yet. The counts below still cover every complaint on file.
Is the 2021 BMW X5 reliable?
The 2021 BMW X5 has 108 owner complaints on file with NHTSA, below the median of 216 for 2021 SUVs on this site. Of the 13 X5 model years since 2014, it has the 5th most complaints. Complaint counts rise with sales as well as faults, so read what owners report below before deciding.
At a glance
- Next to the 2020 and 2022
- At 18 complaints for each year on the road, the 2021 runs close to the 2020 (16) and above the 2022 (14).
- Top problem
- Two problems run close. Dead battery has 11 complaints and stalling has 10, out of 108 in all. Too few of the dead battery reports give a mileage to say when it starts.
- Crash, fire and injury reports
- 12 of the 108 complaints (11%) report a crash, a fire or an injury. The typical vehicle on this site sits at 6%, so this one runs well above it. Counted separately (one report can carry more than one), 9 reports mention a crash, 3 mention a fire and 7 people were hurt. The most crash reports, 3 of 9, fall under airbag.
- Recalls behind the top problems
- 12 recalls are on file, but no problem here has enough reports to set against them.
- When owners filed
- Complaints are still climbing. 2025 brought 25, the most of any year so far. So far in 2026, 29 more have come in.
When each problem shows up
Each bar covers the middle half of the mileages owners reported for that problem. A quarter saw it earlier, a quarter later. The tick is the median. Most reported: battery dies or the car will not start, 11 complaints.
middle half of reports, median tick. The heavier grey bars have 75 or more reports.
Behind you
Around your mileage
Ahead of you
How this compares
108 complaints is 1.8 times fewer than the median 2021 model on this site and 2.0 times fewer than the median 2021 SUV. Among the 6 X5 model years here it ranks 5th for complaints. Counts follow sales volume as much as reliability, so a truck that sells 700,000 a year draws more reports than a sedan that sells 200,000.
Service bulletins for the 2021 BMW X5
BMW filed 288 bulletins and other notices with NHTSA that list the 2021 BMW X5. 29 of them deal with a problem owners have reported on this car. Newest first.
Federal rules make a manufacturer send NHTSA a copy of any notice about a defect that goes to more than one dealer or owner. Most of these are service bulletins, the repair instructions manufacturers send to dealers. NHTSA generally leaves safety recall bulletins out of this file, and recalls are listed separately.
Battery dies or the car will not start 7 bulletins · 11 complaints
The electrical system of BMW vehicles has been subject to an ongoing development process over the last few years. This has led to increased demands being placed on the battery.
Due to a software error, the vehicle sporadically does not achieve sleep mode. As a result, the 12-volt battery becomes discharged and may cause a no-start condition.
5 more on this problem
SERVICE ACTION: PROGRAM OR REPLACE DUAL STORAGE SYSTEM BATTERY: A software error intermittently causes a continuous resetting of the microcontroller in the power management system.
BATTERY DOES NOT CHARGE WITH EXTERNAL CHARGER AND CLOSED HOOD: After the vehicle has been charged using a 12 V charger with the hood closed during a long stationary period, the 48 V battery may be totally discharged, and possible replacement is needed.
HIGH-VOLTAGE BATTERY CONDITION VERIFICATION (20V-601): After additional in-depth research and analysis of the corresponding data for these vehicles, we can safely conclude that the issue identified in Recall Campaign 20V-601 has been satisfied and no further repair is required.
CHECKING THE DUAL STORAGE SYSTEM AND REPLACE IF NECESSARY: In the event of an accident, the two-battery Dual Storage System (DSS) is disconnected from the electrical system via an internal relay. In some cases, the relay is stuck closed and a fault is set.
SERVICE ACTION CHECKING THE DUAL STORAGE SYSTEM AND REPLACE IF NECESSARY: In the event of an accident, the two-battery Dual Storage System (DSS) is disconnected from the electrical system via an internal relay. In some cases, the relay is stuck closed and a fault is set.
Engine overheats or leaks coolant 5 bulletins · 9 complaints
The belt pulley on the mechanical coolant pump may fracture allowing the engine drive belt to come off thecoolant pump and alternator.
Coolant leaking from the engine compartment. Traces of coolant leaking from the expansion tank of the low temperature cooling system.
3 more on this problem
On these Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEV), the air conditioning cycles from cold to warm air while driving or while at a standstill. A rattling noise may also be heard coming from the electrical coolant condenser (EKMV).
Coolant is leaking from under the car which is equipped with the S63 engine. A low coolant warning might also be displayed (CC Message ID166).
Symptom 1: There are traces of coolant leaking under the vehicle, or there is significant pressure released along with coolant loss when opening the low temperature cooling system reservoir (engine cold).
Hybrid or EV system warning, loss of power 1 bulletin · 8 complaints
On these Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEV), the air conditioning cycles from cold to warm air while driving or while at a standstill. The vent outlet temperatures vary by 25 degrees Fahrenheit or more (38F to 60F +;
Airbag warning light or recall 2 bulletins · 7 complaints
A check control message (CCM) for the restraint system (Air bag) appears. In the instrument cluster, the redair bag warning light lights up permanently.
A check control message for the restraint system appears. In the instrument cluster, the red air bag warning light lights up permanently.
Driveshaft, axle or transfer case problems 1 bulletin · 7 complaints
KNOCKING NOISE FROM THE REAR AXLE OVER UNEVEN ROAD SURFACES: . Knocking noises coming from the rear axle when cornering slowly and/or traveling over uneven road surfaces.
Infotainment, screen or backup camera fails 12 bulletins · 6 complaints
The Central Information Display goes black intermittently due to resets of the Head Unit (HU-H3). FaultB7F8F9 ¢ ¢HU-H: Reset¢ will be stored in the HU-H3.
Headlight check control (CC) message 128 "High beam headlight failure" is displayed. The following fault codes are stored during a vehicle test: 80419A - Left high-beam headlight: Short circuit and/or 8041A5 - light outputs: Number of permitted short circuit ...
10 more on this problem
Issues with the various functions of the camera-based driver assistance systems (KAFAS system) can possibly lead to following customer complaints: KAFAS camera system deactivates itself, due to system restrictions that are not clear to the customer KAFAS ...
Customer states there is no audio playback (telephony, navigation, radio) and system sounds (PDC, turn indicators, acoustic signals) may also have failed.
Check control message (CCM) 183 Windscreen wiper malfunction is displayed.
The incorrect Bluetooth module was installed in the headunit. Bluetooth functionality cannot be guaranteed, and mobile phones may possibly not be paired via Bluetooth.
After programming, the customer may complain that the Sport Mode display is not fully displayed in the instrument cluster. Instead of a red background in sport mode, the background is displayed in blue (like ECO PRO mode).
The customer complains that the radio stations change by themselves.
SiriusXM satellite radio is not working and does not display a channel list.
Check control message (CCM-ID 49) "You can continue driving. Drivetrain". In addition, the following information is shown on the Central Information Display (CID): "You can continue to drive. No roadside assistance necessary.
?PROGRAM HEAD UNIT: Satellite radio content is not available over IP, this does not affect channels received over satellite.
SURROUND VIEW PARKING VIEW IMAGES DISPLAYED INCORRECTLY: After programming and shifting into reverse, there may be various sporadic concerns regarding the rearview camera and the surround view (top view) camera images in the CID (Central Information Display).
Brakes grind, pulse or wear early 1 bulletin · 6 complaints
Inform the customer during a consultation that the M Compound (standard equipment) and M Carbon Ceramic (optional) brakes are high-performance brake systems which are designed for sporty, dynamic driving styles.
Complaints filed by year
29 complaints came in 2026. Owners file in waves when a problem gets press or an investigation, so a spike measures attention as much as failures.
NHTSA investigations
Pedestrian alert sounds. Closed aug 7, 2023, led to recall 22V-063.
NHTSA summary
Recalls that include the 2021 BMW X5
Whether your car is included depends on its VIN. Check yours at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
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, X7 M50i, X7 xDrive60i, X7 M60i, X7M, Alpina XB7 vehicles. The roof function control unit may be programmed incorrectly, allowing the sunroof to close without the key fob present inside the vehicle. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 118, "Power-Operated Window Systems."
Risk and remedy
Remedy: Dealers will reprogram the roof function control unit, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 20, 2022. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
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.
Risk and remedy
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the head restraints, and replace them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began May 3, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
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 Coupe, Convertible and Grand Coupe, 840i, 840i xDrive, M850i xDrive, M8, 2020-2021 530e, 530e xDrive, 330e, 330e xDrive, 745Le, 745Le xDrive, X5 xDrive45e, X3 xDrive30e, X6 sDrive40i, X6 xDrive40i, X6 xDrive50i, X6 M50i, X6M, 530i, 530i xDrive, 540i, 540i xDrive, M550i xDrive, M5, 740i, 740Li, 740Li xDrive, M760i Drive, M760Li xDrive, 750Li xDrive Alpina, Alpina B7 xDrive, and 2021 4 Series Coupe 430i, 430i xDrive, M440i xDrive vehicles. When shifting into Reverse, a small portion of the rearview image may be obscured, or the screen may not illuminate. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Risk and remedy
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rearview camera software and update it if necessary, free of charge. The recall began April 16, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
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.
Risk and remedy
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the right front brake disc and replace it if necessary, along with the unaffected left side brake disc, free of charge. There are no owner vehicles affected; therefore, owner notification is not necessary and, as such, a planned owner notification date is not entered into the recall schedule. Owners may contact BMW's customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
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, X5 xDrive50i, X5 M50i, X5M, X7 xDrive40i, X7 xDrive50i, X7 M50i, and 2021 M3, M3 Competition, M4 Coupe, M4 Competition Coupe, X5 xDrive45e, 745 Le xDrive. The rotor and shaft within the integrated brake system may not have been welded properly and could separate during a hard braking event, possibly resulting in a loss of the Antilock Brake System (ABS) and braking assistance.
Risk and remedy
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the integrated brake system, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 25, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
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.
Risk and remedy
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, depending upon the inspection, either the bolt will be replaced and tightened to specifications, or the steering column shaft, universal joint, and bolt will be replaced and tightened to specifications, free of charge. The recall began March 30, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
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 the 48-Volt battery and the starter-generator may not have been assembled properly, which can cause increased electrical resistance at the connections.
Risk and remedy
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the connection between the 48-Volt battery and the starter-generator assembly, replacing it if necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin April 12, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
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.
Risk and remedy
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front axle support, free of charge. The recall began December 18, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
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 during their production.
Risk and remedy
Remedy: BMW will inspect and, if necessary, replace the battery module free of charge. The remedy is currently being developed. Until the remedy is completed, drivers are instructed to not charge their vehicles. Drivers are instructed to not drive in manual mode, sport mode, and to not use the shift paddles. Owners were notified of the safety risk October 23, 2020. The recall began November 24, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
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 requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Risk and remedy
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the headlamps and, if necessary, replace them, free of charge. The recall began October 30, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
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.
Risk and remedy
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the battery modules, free of charge. BMW issued owners an interim notification on October 16, 2020. Although potentially affected BMW owners received interim owner notification letters, all potentially affected BMW owner vehicles have been remedied; therefore, BMW Final owner notification letters will not be necessary. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
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.
Risk and remedy
Remedy: BMW has notified all of the affected owners, and dealers will replace the defective tires, free of charge. BMW has contacted owners by telephone and those owners have had their cars remedied. Owner notification letters will not be sent. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
All 12 recalls on the 2021 BMW X5, with the owner complaints on each recalled system
Guide Buying one used? How to research one car’s history before you pay
Questions
What is the most common problem on the 2021 BMW X5?
Dead battery, with 11 of the 108 complaints.
At what mileage do 2021 BMW X5 problems start?
Of the 44 complaints that give a mileage, a quarter came by about 14,000 miles and half by about 40,000.
Is the 2021 BMW X5 better or worse than the 2020 and 2022?
Counted per year on the road, the 2021 has about as many complaints as the 2020 and more complaints than the 2022: 18 a year against 16 and 14.
How many 2021 BMW X5 complaints involve a crash, fire or injury?
12 of them (11%). The typical vehicle on this site is at 6%.
Is there a recall for dead battery on the 2021 BMW X5?
Yes, NHTSA lists 3 recalls on the same system: 20V-490, 20V-601 and 20V-761. Its summary says which failure it covers, and that isn't always the one owners describe.