2021 BMW X5 Problems and Complaints

Senior Editor,

Updated on March 23, 2023

Sticking to its roots, the BMW X5 is still one of the sportiest mid-size luxury SUVs on the market. But as with most German brands, BMW is known for its reliability issues, especially in the long run. Because of the complicated drivetrains and electronics on offer, the latest 2021 X5 is as complex as it gets.

Including the new plug-in hybrid powertrain, the X5 is now available in three powertrain options, starting with the standard inline-6 to the twin-turbocharged V-8s. The new plug-in hybrid adds to the complexity of the X5, resulting in a total of 12 recalls so far. The 2021 X5 has also accumulated 31 registered complaints so far. Let's take a deeper look into the reliability of the X5 and how it stacks up against competitors.

2021 BMW X5 User Complaints and Problems

Mechanical Problems

Engine - The new hybrid model was reported to have limited acceleration and performance in some cases. Excessive vibrations and shaking were also reported. The hybrid battery system also failed for some owners.
Transmission - Some owners report getting stuck in reverse after shifting to drive, leading to collisions.

Electrical Problems

Electrical malfunction - Some owners of the new hybrid model experienced unexpected shutdowns while on the move.
Accelerator - In some cases, the car has been known to accelerate on its own, causing a variety of incidents and even collisions.
Fire Hazard - In some rare cases, the hybrid batteries caught fire when parked.

Safety Problems

Airbags - The SRS module is prone to failure due to water ingress and easy access. The limited water seal causes malfunctions, disabling the whole system.
Driver assistance system - The rear cross-traffic alert system was problematic for some owners, unable to detect close pedestrians and vehicles.

Exterior Problems

Sunroof - Reports of the sunroof breaking were reported by some owners without any external factors.

2021 BMW X5 Recalls

S. No	Date	NHTSA ID	Issues Noticed	Additional Remarks	Remedy
1	14th August 2020	20V483000	The Inner Layer Of the Tire May Fail	If the tire fails on a moving vehicle, it will lead to loss of control and increase the risk of a crash.	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.
2	18th August 2020	20V490000	Hybrid Battery May Short-Circuit	If the battery short circuits, it will increase the risk of a fire.	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.
3	1st September 2020	20V528000	Headlights Contain Non-conforming Lens	The blue light emitted by the headlights may confuse other vehicles, increasing the risk of a crash.	BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the headlamps and, if necessary, replace them, free of charge. The recall began on October 30, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
4	30th September 2020	20V601000	Debris in Hybrid Battery May cause Fire	A potential short circuit will increase the risk of a fire.	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, or sport mode, and to not use the shift paddles. Owners were notified of the safety risk on October 23, 2020. The recall began on November 24, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
5	4th November 2020	20V678000	Front Axle/Right Control Arm Not Welded Properly	If the weld breaks, it will lead to loss of control, increasing the risk of a collision.	BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front axle support, free of charge. The recall began on December 18, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
6	9th December 2020	20V761000	48V Battery Connection Misassembled	The misassembled connection can increase electrical resistance, increasing the risk of a fire.	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 on April 12, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
7	29th January 2021	21V031000	Loose Steering Column Shaft	If the steering column shaft becomes loose, it will affect vehicle handling and control, increasing the risk of a crash.	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 on March 30, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
8	10th February 2021	21V062000	Possible Loss Of Braking Assistance and ABS	If the braking performance is reduced, it will increase the risk of a crash.	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.
9	18th February 2021	21V089000	Right Front Brake Disc May Loosen	If the front brake disc becomes loose, it will affect braking performance, increasing the risk of a crash.	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.
10	19th February 2021	21V096000	Rearview Camera Image Malfunction	If the rearview image quality is reduced or missing, it will increase the risk of a crash when reversing.	BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rearview camera software and update it if necessary, free of charge. The recall began on April 16, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
11	10th March 2021	21V156000	Head Restraints Incorrect	If the head restraints detach during a collision, it will increase the risk of injury.	BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the head restraints, and replace them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on May 3, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
12	20th April 2022	22V267000	Sunroof Malfunction	If the sunroof closes without the keyfob, it may increase the risk of injury.	Dealers will reprogram the roof function control unit, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on June 20, 2022. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Should you buy the 2021 BMW X5?

Like the models before it, the 2021 BMW X5 is far from being the most reliable German SUV. Most of the serious issues like fire and sudden shutdowns were associated with the newly launched hybrid powertrain. However, the X5 has already been through several recalls to address most of these issues. Looking past all its reliability shortcomings, the X5 remains one of the most exciting and powerful mid-size SUVs money can buy. Capable of seating up to 7 passengers and with a comprehensive suite of luxury features, it is still an ideal choice if you’re in the market for a luxury SUV. When shopping for a used option, get it thoroughly inspected at a dealer for recall issues, especially if it's a hybrid model.

Users Opinions on 2021 BMW X5

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sboll
• 21/10/2022
Rating:
(1 Out Of 5 stars)
... warranty and they refused to cover said repairs. They also failed to provide us an estimate in advance for said repairs. If they were going to do non-warranty work on the vehicle I would have expected a written estimate in advance of said repair. Do your research, this is an ongoing issue with multiple models and there is a possible class action lawsuit in the worksRead More
Source: edmunds
C
CWR196191
• 18/06/2021
Rating:
(1 Out Of 5 stars)
Car is less that 9000 miles - lost power on a bridge and I was forced to pull over in a dangerous situation. It had to be towed due to a fault in the drive train and all we have been told is two of the 8 batteries left the factory faulty. BMW cannot figure out the issue 4 days later and I will never buy a BMW again. Read More
Source: edmunds
DC
David C
• 25/05/2021
Rating:
(1 Out Of 5 stars)
... inch tires. We have issues with the swap because we paid extra for the performance package to have the look that he has. The other issue is it is a lease and we will be penalized for returning a vehicle with improper will wheels. I would like to see if there are any other people with the same package having the same issues.Read More
Source: edmunds