2021 BMW X5: What to check before buying
Owners have filed 85 complaints with NHTSA about this car, most about the electrical, transmission, and backup camera. The 9 checks below target those problems, in the order you would do them at the car.
2021- Owner complaints
- 85
- Recalls
- 12
- Crashes reported
- 9
- 7 injuries
Your inspection sheet
Tick items off on your phone at the car, or print it. Ticks stay on this device.
0/9 checked
2021 BMW X5: inspection sheet
Paperwork and questions
Before you go, or before you touch the car0/3
Walk-around and cabin
Engine off, key in hand0/2
Cold start, engine bay, and underside
Ask the seller not to warm the car up first0/1
Test drive
At least 20 minutes, with some highway0/3
These checks are specific to this model year. For tires, body panels, fluids, and the other basics every used car needs, use the general inspection guide.
Which X5 is it?
EPA figures for each version of the 2021 BMW X5. Use them to confirm you are looking at the version that was advertised, and as a yardstick on the test drive.
| Version | Drive | EPA rating |
|---|---|---|
| 4.4L 8-cylGas | AWD | 18 mpg |
| 3.0L 6-cylHybrid | AWD, RWD | 23 mpg |
| 3.0L 6-cylPlug-in hybrid | AWD | 400 mi range |
- The 2021 BMW X5 was sold in three versions. Confirm which one this is from the window sticker, the engine cover, or the VIN report before you compare prices.
- On the hybrid, watch for the car moving off on electric power at low speed and for any hybrid system warning on the dash.
- Reset the trip computer at the start of the drive. A X5 that averages well under the EPA 18 mpg combined on a mixed route may have an engine or tire problem.
Check the odometer against these mileages
Owners report these failures starting around the mileages below. A car inside one of these ranges deserves a closer look at that part, or records showing it was already fixed.
Starter failure, hard starts
30,000–56,000 miles
Water pump coolant leak
35,000–80,000 miles
Front differential failure
36,400–47,000 miles
Why these checks: what owners reported
NHTSA complaints for the 2021 BMW X5, grouped by the part owners named. Open a row to read what goes wrong.
Electrical221 crash
Hard or failed starts are the main problem. The engine clicks, needs several presses of the start button, or won't restart after auto start/stop shuts it off at a light. Dealers often find a failed starter, but many cars fall outside the starter recall. Reported failures cluster from about 30,000 to 56,000 miles. Some cars shut down while driving. Three fire reports describe flames in parked cars, one of them a plug-in hybrid on the charger. Plug-in hybrids also turn off when the driver's door opens, which cuts the air conditioning for anyone still inside.
Transmission193 crashes
Drivetrain malfunction warnings cut power on the highway, and some cars can only reach about 35 to 40 mph. Plug-in hybrids sometimes won't accelerate from a stop or shut down completely. Front differentials fail with grinding or clanking from the front end, and one dealer quoted $9,000 to replace one. Water pumps leak coolant with no warning message. Crash reports describe sudden unintended acceleration, a parked car rolling away, and a car reversing with the brake pressed. Across these reports, 4 people were injured.
Backup camera71 crash
Rear cross traffic alert gives no warning when backing out of parking spots and driveways, or warns only when the car is inches from another vehicle. Reports describe several near misses with pedestrians and cross traffic. On one car, software updates from a field service rep did not restore the alerts. Poor lighting when reversing at night was blamed on a low battery. One crash report describes the car accelerating up a driveway with unresponsive brakes and no safety system response, with 1 injury.
Engine7No crashes
Water pumps leak coolant. Some cars show low-coolant or check engine warnings, and others have the leak found during routine service. Failures run from about 40,000 to 80,000 miles. Starters also fail, causing sputtering and repeated start attempts. Many reports are about recall campaigns rather than new failures: parts not yet available for the recall repair, or VINs left out of a recall even though the same failure occurred. Repairs after the warranty ends are paid by the owner.
Starter motors fail, with warning lights coming on while driving and when restarting. Dealers confirm the faulty starter and replace it, in one case at about 44,000 miles. Cars not covered by the current starter recall leave the owner paying for the repair, and one report puts the bill above $2,000. Confirm recall coverage for the specific VIN before counting on BMW to pay.
Airbags52 crashes
A spill in the center console cupholder can short out the airbag control unit underneath it. That brings up a restraint system failure warning and can leave the car unable to move. Reports say BMW refuses to cover the repair under warranty, and a class action lawsuit is mentioned. The seat weight sensor also fails, which can leave the passenger airbag wrongly on or off and affects the automatic seatbelt. Crash reports include a knee airbag that deeply cut the driver's leg and a sudden lurch into a garage wall.
Wipers and visibility2No crashes
The panoramic sunroof shatters while driving with a bang like an explosion. Auto-dimming on the rearview and driver side mirrors also switches off without warning at night, so headlight glare can blind the driver. A dealer called the mirror fault a known sensor-position issue on X5 models and said no fix is available yet. Only 2 complaints are filed here, but the sunroof failure matches reports in other categories for this car.
Steering2No crashes
The car trembles or shudders when steering at low speed. A dealer traced this to transfer case fluid that did not meet specification from the factory. In that case the fluid change was recommended only after the warranty ended at 62,000 miles. A separate report describes a loud front-end rattle at 28,000 miles, caused by loose steering linkage and a leaking steering assembly, on a car not covered by related recalls.
Lane keeping2No crashes
Blind spot warning misses vehicles on the passenger side. The mirror light comes on for only about 1 in 3 passing cars, and the system gives no alert when the turn signal is on. These misses began when the car was new, at about 5,500 miles. Lane departure assist can also jerk the wheel toward a barrier where construction walls shift away from the lane. The driver has to hold the wheel firmly to stay on course.
In owners' own words
Excerpts from complaints X5 owners filed with NHTSA, as written. Listen for the same symptoms on your test drive.
While driving about 60 mph on a freeway, the vehicle rapidly flashed several "advanced driver system failure" messages, lost all power and came to a stop. It was not possible to prevent the vehicle from rapidly decelerating even by depressing the accelerator all the way to the floor. The vehicle rapidly decelerated, forcing other drivers behind to swerve to avoid a crash.
Filed with NHTSA, April 2023
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.
Filed with NHTSA, February 2026
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.
Filed with NHTSA, September 2025
Car was parked in fairly level spot with engine off, gear selector in park position, , key fob not near vehicle. Approx 30 minutes later, I returned to find vehicle approx 30 feet behind parking spot, having apparently drifted into another car in parking lot. No idea how car moved. I believe some electronic release of parking selector allowed car to roll.
Filed with NHTSA, August 2022
When reversing out of driveway/parking space, the rear cross traffic warning alert doesn't give any warning until my vehicle is inches from another vehicle. The system isn't sensitive enough.
Filed with NHTSA, September 2021
System fails to notify me of pedestrians/cross traffic when backing out of driveway, parking lots, etc. Multiple near misses. Orange/red shadows on screen do not appear. Ditto for beeps.
Filed with NHTSA, September 2021
How the 2021 compares with other X5 years
Complaints for this year next to the average for the other model years, area by area.
The 2021 ranks third for owner complaints among 9 X5 years, close to the average of the others. Newer years have had less time to collect complaints, so compare like with like.
- Electrical2213
- Transmission199
- Backup camera71
- Engine79
- Airbags52
- Wipers and visibility21
Where the 2021 fits in the X5's history
Redesigns and mid-cycle updates change what can go wrong.
The 2021 is the fourth model year of the X5's fourth generation (2018–2023).
Recalls to confirm (12)
Recall repairs are free at any BMW dealer, but the seller may never have had them done. Check each campaign number against the VIN.
22V267000Wipers and visibilityApr 2022
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: A sunroof that closes without the key fob present inside the vehicle can increase the risk of injury.
Fix: 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.
21V156000SeatsMar 2021
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: In the event of a crash, the head restraints could detach, and increase the risk of injury.
Fix: 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.
21V096000Backup cameraFeb 2021
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: If the driver relies on only the rearview camera image, the missing or reduced rearview image view can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
Fix: 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.
21V089000BrakesFeb 2021
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: A loose brake disc could affect vehicle handling and control, and increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
21V062000BrakesFeb 2021
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: A loss of ABS and a reduction in braking assistance can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
21V031000SteeringJan 2021
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: A loose steering column shaft universal joint connection can affect vehicle handling and control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
20V761000ElectricalDec 2020
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: Increased electrical resistance can increase the risk of a fire.
Fix: 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.
20V678000SuspensionNov 2020
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: If the weld between the front axle support and the right front control arm bearing bracket separates, vehicle handling and control may be affected, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
20V601000ElectricalSep 2020
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: The debris could result in a short-circuit, increasing the risk of fire or injury.
Fix: 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.
20V528000Exterior lightsSep 2020
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: Oncoming drivers may be confused by the blue light of approaching vehicles, which could potentially increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
20V490000ElectricalAug 2020
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: A short-circuited hybrid battery may increase the risk of a fire.
Fix: 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.
20V483000Wheels and tiresAug 2020
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: A rapid loss of tire pressure while the vehicle is moving can affect vehicle handling and control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
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