Owners have filed 18 complaints with NHTSA about this car, most about the steering, backup camera, and electrical. The 9 checks below target those problems, in the order you would do them at the car.
2022Tick items off on your phone at the car, or print it. Ticks stay on this device.
0/9 checked
2022 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 2022's design and most of its parts, so their problems are the ones to look for on this car too.
Worth adding to your 2022 checks
Worth adding to your 2022 checks
Worth adding to your 2022 checks
EPA figures for each version of the 2022 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 |
|---|---|---|
| 4.4L 8-cylGas | AWD | 17 mpg |
| 3.0L 6-cylHybrid | AWD | 21 mpg |
NHTSA complaints for the 2022 BMW X7, grouped by the part owners named. Open a row to read what goes wrong.
The wheel locks or loses power assist while driving, creating a serious loss-of-control risk. A leaking water pump in one case reached the steering rack and electrical harness and triggered Evasion Assistant and Steering Assistant warnings. Only the pump was approved for replacement. Another report describes a software fault that cut power steering and most braking at highway speed. The fix was a software update, with no parts replaced. A separate complaint describes the SUV wandering left and pulling sharply right at 65 to 75 mph. New tires and an alignment did not fix it.
Rear cross traffic alert misses approaching cars, pedestrians, and cyclists while reversing. Some reports describe no audible warning at all. Others say the system only detects things within about two feet of the rear of the vehicle. All 3 complaints describe a system that rarely works, and one owner counts only three alerts in 2 years. The risk is a collision while backing out of driveways or parking lots, and owners report near misses with moving vehicles and pedestrians.
The SOS emergency call system fails intermittently after rainwater leaks past the roof shark fin antenna and shorts the telematics control unit. The complaint cites a BMW service bulletin that ties the leak to the factory paint and sealing process. A second report describes a cup holder spill reaching the electronics underneath. After that, the car would not go into park and rolled, because park and the emergency brake share one control panel. Both failures can leave the driver without emergency calling or without a reliable way to hold the vehicle still.
Excerpts from complaints X7 owners filed with NHTSA, as written. Listen for the same symptoms on your test drive.
While driving on interstate 10 near New Orleans, the computer software system malfunction resulting in loss of power steering and 90% loss of braking action requiring a great distant to stop.Vehicle was towed into shop and was found to have 184 codes violated. No parts were replaced. only an update. if this would have happened in traffic , I would not have been able to stop for 1,000 feet.
Filed with NHTSA, April 2023
When backing out of my driveway while moving in reverse - I get absolutely zero audio warning of cross traffic vehicles or people. I’ve had two near misses where the vehicle/person was in my blind spot and the car never indicated anyone was close
Filed with NHTSA, December 2024
In 2 years of owning the vehicle they have worked only three times. Two of the times was within 10 feet of a car pass. There has been hundreds of opportunities. The feature does not work.
Filed with NHTSA, July 2024
The vehicle had a spill in the cup holder. The cup holder has holes and does not hold liquid. This spilled into the electronics underneath and around it. The car suddenly could not be put into park. It would roll when attempting to do so. The electronics control park and the emergency brake from the same electronic panel. Preventing save disabling of the vehicle required chalking to prevent movement.
Filed with NHTSA, June 2025
Complaints for this year next to the average for the other model years, area by area.
The 2022 ranks seventh for owner complaints among 8 X7 years, well under 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 2022 is the fourth model year of the X7's first generation (2019–2023).
BMW updated the X7 for 2023, so a 2022 does not have those changes.
What changed for 2023 (not on a 2022)
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 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.
Cars shoppers compare with the BMW X7, with their own 2022 checklists.
2022 owner complaints, side by side
