Owners have filed 44 complaints with NHTSA about this car, most about the electrical, engine, and transmission. The 9 checks below target those problems, in the order you would do them at the car.
2019Tick items off on your phone at the car, or print it. Ticks stay on this device.
0/9 checked
2019 BMW X7: inspection sheet
Before you go, or before you touch the car0/3
Engine off, key in hand0/2
Ask the seller not to warm the car up first0/1
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.
These years share the 2019's design and most of its parts, so their problems are the ones to look for on this car too.
Worth adding to your 2019 checks
Worth adding to your 2019 checks
Worth adding to your 2019 checks
EPA figures for each version of the 2019 BMW X7. 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 |
|---|---|---|
| 3.0L 6-cyl | AWD | 22 mpg |
| 4.4L 8-cyl | AWD | 17 mpg |
NHTSA complaints for the 2019 BMW X7, grouped by the part owners named. Open a row to read what goes wrong.
The starter fails without warning, and the engine will not restart. This often happens at a traffic light after stop/start shuts the engine off. Some cars show a starter overheated message first. Others smell of electrical smoke from underneath. Several owners were stranded in busy intersections, and one reports about 65,000 miles. The roof shark fin antenna also leaks. Water reaches the telematics unit and triggers repeated emergency calls, takes over the center or head-up display, and knocks out navigation. Repairs often have to be repeated. There are isolated reports of brakes not stopping the car and of spilled liquid shorting the shifter.
Starters fail again and again. One car had its starter replaced 3 times, and each one lasted about 16 months. That owner says the dealer did only a software update and quoted $1500 for another starter. Oil pump failure is also reported. Its plastic internal parts can break apart and send debris into the engine, and the quoted repair cost is high. Another owner describes vibration, lost power at 40 mph or faster, and a timing chain failure warning. The dealer found no fault, and the problem kept coming back.
The engine hesitates or refuses to start, often with a starter overheating message and no other warning lights. On warm starts, some cars intermittently show a system overheating message. They will not restart until the engine cools for several minutes. Most of these reports involve owners linking the problem to a starter recall campaign and arguing with dealers or BMW over whether their car qualifies. Several cars still need a new starter, and owners say the cost is not covered. Without the repair, they face more no-start episodes.
Transfer case failure is the most concrete pattern. Owners hear grinding during slow turns, and the steering feels like it locks up. Mechanics say the whole case has to be replaced, and one owner puts the cost around $9k. Two reports describe the variable-displacement oil pump. An internal plastic part can crack, often on cold starts, and oil pressure becomes erratic or drops with little warning. An early sign is that the car cannot measure the oil level. One car overheated and seized, blowing white smoke with a fuel smell.
The third-row backrest lock keeps showing an error that the left or right backrest is not in its end position, telling the driver to remove obstructions and readjust the seat. Owners treat this as a sign that the seatback may not be securely latched. A separate report describes a recurring defect in the passenger-side third-row headrest. Repeated dealer repair attempts over 5-6 months did not fix it. The complaints describe repairs that do not stick rather than a quick fix.
Automatic emergency braking engages with no obstacle ahead. In one case it brought the car to a complete stop on an open multi-lane road in daylight. The problem repeats. One owner saw it twice in a two-week span, and another reports phantom braking at about 5,000 miles. A sudden stop like this risks a rear-end crash if traffic is following. Neither report describes a lasting dealer fix. One owner traded the car in.
Excerpts from complaints X7 owners filed with NHTSA, as written. Listen for the same symptoms on your test drive.
I have a 2019 bmw x7 and having an issue with the shark fin antenna leaking water shorting my tcu and pcu causing an emergency call system malfunction aswell as a chassis error. This is the 3rd time having to get this fixed. First 2 times were covered under warranty third time I have to pay $3100 which is not acceptable knowing that bmw knows of this issue
Filed with NHTSA, November 2024
Our car stopped at light and then wouldn’t start back up. Had roadside assistance come and battery is normal. I’m stranded at the moment blocking a lane and it seems to be the starter. There is a recall on starters from 2019-2020 on X7. My VIN is not included so the recall should be expanded.
Filed with NHTSA, March 2025
the transfer case for this 2019 is failing, and cannot be repaired without changing the entire case according to the mechanic notes. there is a significant grinding when turning at slow speeds and a locking-up feeling to the steering. dealer will not admit to any issues. car was inspected by an independent certified BMW mechanic no warning or indication given other than the impaired handling of the vehicle.
Filed with NHTSA, November 2025
Transfer case goes bad on all 2019 models. I'm in awe that there's not a recall on it. A replacement costs around $9k. Somebody should look into this. Thank you
Filed with NHTSA, December 2025
My 2019 BMW X7 has developed a recurring headrest defect with the 3rd row passenger side seat that has proven impossible for your authorized dealership to repair. This defect substantially impacts the vehicle's use, safety, and value. Despite multiple repair attempts and at least spanning 5-6 months now in the last year, the issue remains completely unresolved.
Filed with NHTSA, November 2025
Left seat backrest in third row of seats is not in the end position necessary. This is the error message that is consistently displayed in my vehicle and upon reading the 2022 recall this is dangerous however, my bmw was omitted from the recall!
Filed with NHTSA, June 2024
Complaints for this year next to the average for the other model years, area by area.
The 2019 ranks third for owner complaints among 8 X7 years, close to the average of the others. Newer years have had less time to collect complaints, so compare like with like.
Redesigns and mid-cycle updates change what can go wrong.
The 2019 is the first model year of the X7's first generation (2019–2023). First years of a redesign often carry teething problems that BMW fixes in later years, so the checks above matter more than usual.
BMW updated the X7 for 2023, so a 2019 does not have those changes.
What changed for 2023 (not on a 2019)
Should you avoid the first year of a redesign? See the 45-car study.
Recall repairs are free at any BMW dealer, but the seller may never have had them done. Check each campaign number against the VIN.
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020 340I, X6, 2020-2025 840I, 2020-2022 740LI, 2019-2020 X7, and X5 vehicles. After repeated attempts, the starter motor may overheat from an electrical overload.
Risk: An overheated starter motor can ignite nearby combustible material in the engine compartment, increasing the risk of a fire.
Fix: Dealers will replace the engine starter, free of charge. This recall includes vehicles repaired under recall 24V576 and those owners will need to have their vehicle repaired again. Owner notification letters were mailed February 9, 2026. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov November 17, 2025.
BMW of North America, LLC is recalling certain 2019-2020 X5, X7, 2020 3 Series Sedan, X6, 2020-2021 7 Series Sedan, 2020 8 Series Convertible, 8 Series Coupe, and 2020 8 Series Gran Coupe vehicles. Please see the recall report for the complete list of models. In the event the starter motor fails, repeated attempts to start the vehicle can cause the starter motor to overheat from an electrical overload.
Risk: A starter motor that overheats can ignite nearby combustible material in the engine compartment, increasing the risk of a fire.
Fix: Dealers will update the vehicle software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 27, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
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.
Risk: In a crash, the seat backrest may not fully lock, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix: Dealers will inspect the third-row seat and, if necessary, remove and reinstall improperly installed compression springs, and reinstall any missing springs, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 4, 2022. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
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.
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.
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.
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018 540d, 2018-2020 530i, 530i xDrive, 540i, 540i xDrive, M550i xDrive, M5, 530e, 530e xDrive, X3 sDrive, X3 xDrive, X3 M40i, X3 M, and 2019-2020 X4 xDrive, X4 M40i, X4 M, X7 xDrive, X7 M50i, 740Li, 740Li xDrive, 750Li, 750Li xDrive, 8 Series Convertible and Coupe 840i, 840i xDrive, M850i xDrive, X5 sDrive, X5 xDrive, X5 M50i, X6 xDrive, X6 M50i, 330i, 330i xDrive, M340i, M340i xDrive, Z4 sDrive, Z4 M40i, 740Le xDrive and 745Le xDrive, 2018-2019 640i xDrive Gran Turismo and Rolls-Royce Phantom, 2019 M850i xDrive Gran Coupe and Rolls-Royce Cullinan and 2020 Toyota Supra vehicles. The back-up camera and display settings can be adjusted such that the rear view image is no longer visible and the system will retain that setting the next time the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rearview Mirrors.".
Risk: The lack of an image in the back-up camera display increases the risk of a crash.
Fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will update the back-up camera software, free of charge. The recall began November 8, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 or Rolls-Royce at 1-877-877-3735. Toyota owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371.
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019 X5 xDrive50i and X7 xDrive40i vehicles. The left side wheel bolts may have been insufficiently tightened and may loosen over time.
Risk: Loose bolts may allow a wheel to detach from the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace and tighten the left side wheel bolts, free of charge. The recall began July 16, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020 750i xDrive, 2019 M850i xDrive Coupe, M850i xDrive Convertible, X5 xDrive50i, X7 xDrive50i, and M5 vehicles. The high pressure fuel pump may not have been properly attached to the engine, which may cause the fuel pump flange to crack, resulting in a fuel leak.
Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
Fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the high pressure fuel pumps, free of charge. The recall began August 27, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019 X7 xDrive40i and X7 xDrive50i vehicles. The driver and passenger head air bags may not have been properly aligned with the trim during installation.
Risk: The head air bags may be impaired during deployment, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, as necessary, reinstall the head air bags, free of charge. The recall began July 18, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
BMW of North America, LLC is recalling certain 2019 BMW X7 xDrive40i and X7 xDrive50i vehicles equipped with the "business lounge seat" option. The attachment bolts between the seat adapter and the vehicle may not have been properly tightened.
Risk: If the bolts were not properly tightened, in the event of a crash, the occupants may have an increased risk of injury.
Fix: None of the affected vehicles have been sold and are quarantined on dealer lots. BMW dealers will replace the attachment bolts for the seat adapter, free of charge. The recall began on February 27, 2019. Owners may contact BMW's customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Cars shoppers compare with the BMW X7, with their own 2019 checklists.
2019 owner complaints, side by side
