2021 BMW X7
Not enough comparison years on file yet for a fair verdict.
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.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2019 | 43 |
| 2020 | 52 |
| 2021 | 36 |
| 2022 | 18 |
| 2023 | 41 |
| 2024 | 62 |
| 2025 | 26 |
| 2026 | 4 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
25% of complaints: power train — 9 distinct reports on file.
25% of complaints: engine — 9 distinct reports on file.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
I was driving a car with family and all of a sudden we all started smelling a burning smell but we thought it must be from outside.
NHTSA ODI report, 20220118
14% of complaints: steering — 5 distinct reports on file.
11% of complaints: seats — 4 distinct reports on file.
INJURYShow complaint excerpts
Sunroof exploded, just driving down the road, and BOOM! Most of the glass exploded outward, but it was definitely a hazard. The sunroof cover was open about 8-10 inches to let light in, but the glass sunroof was closed.
NHTSA ODI report, 20221118
The contact owns a 2021 BMW X7. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the warning light illuminated "third row rear seats not fully locked".
NHTSA ODI report, 20240131
11% of complaints: electrical system — 4 distinct reports on file.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
The contact owns a 2021 BMW X7. The contact stated that while the contact's wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact's wife noticed a smoky fume in the interior of the vehicle.
NHTSA ODI report, 20240202
I was driving a car with family and all of a sudden we all started smelling a burning smell but we thought it must be from outside.
NHTSA ODI report, 20220118
SAFETY TIMELINE
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain X7 xDrive40i and M50i vehicles.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the tire information label, free of charge. The recall began October 26, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Campaign 20V514000 — check if this car was fixed
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019-2022 BMW X7 xDrive40i, X7 Drive50i, X7 M50i vehicles with third-row seats.
Remedy: 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.
Campaign 22V670000 — check if this car was fixed
Pedestrian alert sounds
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2021 BMW X7 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for power train issues (9 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine issues (9 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for steering issues (5 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 20V514000 (equipment, tires) has been completed.
- Verify recall 20V528000 (exterior lighting) 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.
- Verify recall 22V670000 (seats) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 2021 BMW X7 reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 2021 BMW X7?
The most-reported component is power train, accounting for 25% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2021 BMW X7 have?
9 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.