2020 BMW X7: What to check before buying
Owners have filed 52 complaints with NHTSA about this car, most about the transmission, engine, and electrical. The 9 checks below target those problems, in the order you would do them at the car.
2020- Owner complaints
- 52
- Recalls
- 12
- Crashes reported
- 2
- 3 injuries
Your inspection sheet
Tick items off on your phone at the car, or print it. Ticks stay on this device.
0/9 checked
2020 BMW X7: inspection sheet
Paperwork and questions
Before you go, or before you touch the car0/3
Walk-around and cabin
Engine off, key in hand0/3
Cold start, engine bay, and underside
Ask the seller not to warm the car up first0/2
Test drive
At least 20 minutes, with some highway0/1
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 X7 is it?
EPA figures for each version of the 2020 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 |
- The 2020 BMW X7 was sold in two versions. Confirm which one this is from the window sticker, the engine cover, or the VIN report before you compare prices.
- Reset the trip computer at the start of the drive. A X7 that averages well under the EPA 17 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.
Front differential failure
50,000–69,000 miles
Why these checks: what owners reported
NHTSA complaints for the 2020 BMW X7, grouped by the part owners named. Open a row to read what goes wrong.
Transmission121 crash
Front differential and transfer case failures dominate these reports. Common symptoms are shuddering or shaking when turning from a stop or at low speed, a neutral-like loss of drive, and fluid dripping from the front of the car. Several failures happen suddenly and without warning. The car stops abruptly, stalls, or loses all power on the highway. Front differential failures are reported at 62,000 miles and earlier, and one owner reports a repair bill of 8k. Dealer fluid changes ease the shudder only briefly. One crash report describes the engine racing and the car lunging into a building while parked.
Engine11No crashes
Oil pump failure is the main pattern. Owners describe an internal plastic part that fractures, often on cold starts. The result is a sudden loss of oil pressure, low-oil or oil-pressure warnings, and in some cases severe engine damage and a car that will not move. Early signs include the electronic oil level reading failing and drivetrain malfunction warnings. Other reports describe the starter failing and the engine stalling in stop-and-go freeway traffic, and a car that caught fire minutes after an oil change and burned completely.
Starter overheating is the main pattern. The engine will not turn over, and messages such as "Starter Motor Overheating" or "Starting Engine Possible After Engine Overheat" appear, sometimes with no warning light. Some owners wait hours before the car will restart. Dealers replace the starter or starter module, sometimes along with the battery and a coolant drain and refill. Owners cite a recall campaign as a possible cause. A separate report describes oil pump failure at 60,000 miles, with a dash message telling the driver to have the car towed.
Electrical81 crash
Starting failures and stalling lead this category. Reports describe no-starts, stranding in parking lots, and stalls at traffic lights or mid-turn. In one case the transmission would not shift into park afterward. Owners often link these to recall notices. A second pattern is water getting past the roof or shark fin antenna seal and damaging the telematics module. That disables SOS emergency calling, GPS, and connected services, and it can trigger false emergency calls. Other reports cover check engine lights traced to the active grille shutter, an instrument cluster going dark with parts back ordered, and a fire traced to the fuse box.
Steering4No crashes
Sudden heavy or locked steering is the most serious pattern. Reports describe an "Increased Steering efforts" message followed by a wheel that feels locked, and a highway episode where steering and braking both became less responsive while several chassis and restraint warnings appeared. Another problem starts as a squeak from the steering column when turning and worsens until the car feels unstable at highway speed. Dealers diagnose a faulty steering rack. One report filed here actually describes a front differential failure at 69k miles.
Seats3No crashes
The powered third-row seats can move unexpectedly or lock up and trap a passenger. Children's legs are caught between the seatbacks, and these reports count 3 injuries. Owners describe no working electronic or manual release. Warnings such as "Third row seat risk of injury" and "rear seat back unlocked" appear before or alongside the failure. Inspections find a broken seat motor housing or a faulty seat switch. One dealer could not fix the problem after more than six weeks.
Body and structure3No crashes
The panoramic sunroof can crack on its own. In one report it shattered at interstate speed with under 1000 miles on the car, and pieces fell into the cabin. Other reports describe a whistling noise in a nearly new car that dealers attribute to the vehicle's design, along with repeat service visits. A check engine light that comes on after long drives and then clears is traced to the active grille shutter at the front of the body.
Suspension3No crashes
The front control arms and thrust arm bushings wear out early. Owners hear abnormal noise from the front wheels when turning left or right. Dealers recommend replacing both front control arms or both thrust arm bushings, and one replacement bushing failed again after about 22,500 miles. Another report describes a shudder and slipping feel when turning at low speed, which matches the drivetrain complaints filed under power train.
In owners' own words
Excerpts from complaints X7 owners filed with NHTSA, as written. Listen for the same symptoms on your test drive.
My X7’s front differential went bad at 50k miles. I paid over 100k for a vehicle of this caliber to have something like this fail and have to pay 8k with no help from BMWNA. I’ve been a loyal customer with bmw having owned over 5 bmw vehicles in the past. And for me to get treated like this is unacceptable. I hope we can have a law suit against bmw for this.
Filed with NHTSA, June 2026
The transfer case on my 2020 BMW X7 failed and had to be replaced. Turning the vehicle became unstable as the vehicle shuttered badly. BMW confirmed the shuttering and first changed the transfer case fluid. However, it only slightly helped at first but the shuttering came fully back shortly thereafter. The vehicle was inspected by BMW twice. I don’t remember any warning lights on the dash. The shuttering first occurred in 2024.
Filed with NHTSA, March 2026
Low oil sensor continues to light up and says i am low on oil. Found out that my oil pump was the main cause of the issue. At this time I have to have the oil pump replaced. It was also determined there have been numerous reports regarding oil pump failure in the 2020 BMW x7 due to an internal plastic part.
Filed with NHTSA, June 2026
Oil pum with plastic internals. Repeat hot and cold cycles cause premature failure of the plastic components and cause loss of oil pressure along with the pump grenading itself.
Filed with NHTSA, February 2026
On 11/23/2021 while driving the computer screen stated malfunction with personal protection device with in 10 seconds the rear of the car burst into flames the fire inspector from our insurance company traced the cause of the event to the fuse box neither BMW or the dealership will take any responsibility this car had never been repaired and only authorized dealership did yearly service
Filed with NHTSA, April 2022
I was driving and as I parked on my driveway a message popped up on my dash board saying " " Increased Steering efforts" then I wasn't able to move the steering wheel at all, it feel like it got locked.
Filed with NHTSA, July 2025
How the 2020 compares with other X7 years
Complaints for this year next to the average for the other model years, area by area.
The 2020 ranks second for owner complaints among 8 X7 years, about 1.6 times the average of the others. Newer years have had less time to collect complaints, so compare like with like.
- Transmission122
- Engine112
- Electrical85
- Steering41
- Seats31
- Body and structure30
Where the 2020 fits in the X7's history
Redesigns and mid-cycle updates change what can go wrong.
The 2020 is the second model year of the X7's first generation (2019–2023).
BMW updated the X7 for 2023, so a 2020 does not have those changes.
What changed for 2023 (not on a 2020)
- Revised front end design with horizontally split headlight units
- New curved widescreen dashboard
- Standard MHEV powertrain
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.
25V644000ElectricalSep 2025
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.
24V576000ElectricalAug 2024
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.
22V670000SeatsSep 2022
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
20V465000TransmissionAug 2020
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020 X5 sDrive 40i, X5 xDrive 40i and one X7 xDrive 40i vehicle. The starter motor may have an extra bolt that could potentially fall into the transmission housing and cause an engine stall.
Risk: An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
Fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the starter motor for the extra bolt, removing it if necessary. Dealers will also inspect the starter for damage, and check if the bolt has fallen into the transmission housing, replacing any damaged parts as necessary. All repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on October 2, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
20V052000Exterior lightsJan 2020
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020 X7 xDrive40i and X7 xDrive50i vehicles. The rear reflex reflectors may not reflect an adequate amount of light. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment.".
Risk: An inadequate amount of reflected light will decrease the vehicle's visibility to other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace both rear reflex reflectors, free of charge. The recall began March 30, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
19V684000Backup cameraSep 2019
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.
19V631000SteeringAug 2019
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020 X5 sDrive40i, X5 xDrive40i, X5 M50i, X7 xDrive40i and X7 M50i vehicles. The steering rack pinion teeth may break under load, resulting in a loss of steering control.
Risk: A loss of steering control increases risk of a crash.
Fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering rack, free of charge. The recall began August 21, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
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