MYRModel Year Report

2021 BMW X5

● Typical for this model
2021 BMW X5
RENDERED 2026-09-17T03:35:10.370Z

This year's complaint volume is within 30% of this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, BMW X5 Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 2021 highlighted. 2000: 29 complaints 2000 2001: 160 complaints 2002: 102 complaints 2003: 99 complaints 2004: 64 complaints 2004 2005: 82 complaints 2006: 168 complaints 2007: 71 complaints 2008: 215 complaints 2008 2009: 138 complaints 2010: 124 complaints 2011: 263 complaints 2012: 271 complaints 2012 2013: 148 complaints 2014: 98 complaints 2015: 152 complaints 2016: 73 complaints 2016 2017: 73 complaints 2018: 71 complaints 2019: 184 complaints 2020: 110 complaints 2020 2021: 103 complaints 2021 2022: 67 complaints 2023: 31 complaints 2024: 145 complaints 2024 2025: 61 complaints 2026: 22 complaints 2026
2021: 103 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
19990
200029
2001160
2002102
200399
200464
200582
2006168
200771
2008215
2009138
2010124
2011263
2012271
2013148
201498
2015152
201673
201773
201871
2019184
2020110
2021103
202267
202331
2024145
202561
202622

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 33%

33% of complaints: electrical system — 34 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing starter assembly and 12v/24v/48v battery.

CRASH FIRE INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

THIS IS A NEW BMW X5 2 MONTHS OLD WITH 2000 MILES. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED NOT RUNNING WITH NO POWER IN MY GARAGE. ON SATURDAY MORNING IT SPONTANEOUSLY COMBUSTED INTO FLAMES.

NHTSA ODI report, 20210426

Also filed under ENGINE and STRUCTURE

The drivetrain warning light came on shortly after I started the vehicle. I noticed acceleration issues both while driving on side streets and on the freeway.

NHTSA ODI report, 20260809

Auto Start/Stop button needs to be pressed three times to start the vehicle.

NHTSA ODI report, 20260805

POWER TRAIN 25%

25% of complaints: power train — 26 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing differential unit.

CRASH INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

The contact owned a 2021 BMW X5. The contact stated that while sitting in the vehicle and with the vehicle running, it suddenly accelerated on its own.

NHTSA ODI report, 20230927

Also filed under VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

I am reporting a front differential/front drive axle failure and a separate steering wheel/steering column adjustment issue. The vehicle was brought to an independent BMW/German repair shop for a routine oil change/inspection.

NHTSA ODI report, 20260710

Also filed under STEERING

ENGINE 22%

22% of complaints: engine — 23 distinct reports on file.

CRASH FIRE INJURY
BACK OVER PREVENTION 10%

10% of complaints: back over prevention — 10 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing rearview system braking and warnings.

CRASH INJURY
AIR BAGS 7%

7% of complaints: air bags — 7 distinct reports on file.

CRASH INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

2021 X5 M50i: The driver's knee airbag deployed in a crash and lacerated my left lower leg down to the muscle and abraded most of the layers of skin on my right shin. I was taken to the ER by ambulance.

NHTSA ODI report, 20231026

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 20200822 — tires

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.

Remedy: 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.

Campaign 20V483000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20201012 — electrical system

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.

Remedy: 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.

Campaign 20V490000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20201030 — exterior lighting

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.

Remedy: 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.

Campaign 20V528000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20201124 — electrical system

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.

Remedy: 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.

Campaign 20V601000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20201218 — suspension

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.

Remedy: 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.

Campaign 20V678000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20210302 — service brakes, hydraulic

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.

Remedy: 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.

Campaign 21V089000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20210330 — electrical system

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,...

Remedy: 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.

Campaign 20V761000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20210330 — steering

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.

Remedy: 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...

Campaign 21V031000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20210416 — back over prevention

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,...

Remedy: 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.

Campaign 21V096000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20210503 — seats

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.

Remedy: 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.

Campaign 21V156000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20210525 — service brakes, hydraulic

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...

Remedy: 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.

Campaign 21V062000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20220620 — visibility

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...

Remedy: 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.

Campaign 22V267000 — check if this car was fixed

I 20230127 — DP (closed 20230807)

Pedestrian alert sounds

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

2021 BMW X5 — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for electrical system issues (34 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for power train issues (26 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for engine issues (23 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 20V483000 (tires) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 20V490000 (electrical system) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 20V528000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 20V601000 (electrical system) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 20V678000 (suspension) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 21V089000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 20V761000 (electrical system) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 21V031000 (steering) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 21V096000 (back over prevention) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 21V156000 (seats) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 21V062000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 22V267000 (visibility) has been completed.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 2023 ▲ 2025 ▲ 2004

WORST YEARS

■ 2012 ■ 2011 ■ 2008

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 2021 BMW X5 reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2021 BMW X5 is rated "typical".

What are the most common problems with the 2021 BMW X5?

The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 33% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2021 BMW X5 have?

12 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.