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2020 Bmw X7: complaints, problems and recalls

Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.

Key facts

52 owner complaints analyzed

12 distinct recall campaigns

43,000 mi median reported failure mileage

Scope: 2020 model year. Data snapshot: . 14 complaints include usable failure mileage.

Owner-reported patterns

Most common problems

Power Train is the most frequently named component, appearing in 14 of 52 complaints (26.9%). A complaint can name multiple components.

Recurring terms in complaint narratives
TopicMatching reportsShare of complaints
Electrical and battery issues917.3%
Engine operation59.6%
Braking behavior59.6%
Steering behavior35.8%
Transmission and shifting23.8%
Fuel system concerns23.8%

Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.

Component breakdown

Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.

Power Train
14
Engine
13
Electrical System
11
Unknown Or Other
9
Seats
5
Steering
4
Suspension
4
Structure:Body
3
Component breakdown data
CategoryCount
Power Train14
Engine13
Electrical System11
Unknown Or Other9
Seats5
Steering4
Suspension4
Structure:Body3

Power Train: 14; Engine: 13; Electrical System: 11; Unknown Or Other: 9; Seats: 5; Steering: 4; Suspension: 4; Structure:Body: 3

Reported problems by failure mileage

Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.

Under 25,000
6
25,000 to 49,999
2
50,000 to 74,999
4
75,000 to 99,999
1
100,000 to 149,999
1
150,000 and above
0
Reported problems by failure mileage data
CategoryCount
Under 25,0006
25,000 to 49,9992
50,000 to 74,9994
75,000 to 99,9991
100,000 to 149,9991
150,000 and above0

Under 25,000: 6; 25,000 to 49,999: 2; 50,000 to 74,999: 4; 75,000 to 99,999: 1; 100,000 to 149,999: 1; 150,000 and above: 0

Under 25,000 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (6). 38 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.

Complaints over time

Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.

2019
1
2020
3
2021
3
2022
2
2023
3
2024
8
2025
18
2026
14
Complaints over time data
CategoryCount
20191
20203
20213
20222
20233
20248
202518
202614

2019: 1; 2020: 3; 2021: 3; 2022: 2; 2023: 3; 2024: 8; 2025: 18; 2026: 14

Pattern summary

Power Train leads the component reports. Electrical and battery issues appears in 9 complaint narratives. Engine operation appears in 5 complaint narratives. Braking behavior appears in 5 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.

Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.

Examples from the source records

Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.

Owner report 11271054 · 2019-10-25 (October 25, 2019)

ON AUGUST 27, 2019, I PURCHASED A 2020 BMW X7. SINCE PURCHASING THE VEHICLE, IT'S BEEN RETURNED FOR REPAIRS AT TWO AUTHORIZED DEALERS AT LEAST TWO TIMES AND SPENDS TWO WEEKS OF MY 2 MONTHS OWNERSHIP IN THE SERVICE. ACCORDING TO THE AUTHORIZED DEALER, THE DEFECTS AFFECTING THE VEHICLE AND CREATING UNPLEASANT, WHISTLING NOISE IS DUE TO THE DESIGN OF THE VEHICLE. IT IS TOO MUCH MONEY FOR A VEHICLE THAT GIVES ME HEADACHES.

Owner-reported narrative. 1,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 11271054 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 11328054 · 2020-06-09 (June 9, 2020)

DRIVING NEW BMW X7 (LESS THAN 1000 TOTAL MILES) ON MARYLAND INTERSTATE & PANORAMIC SUNROOF SPONTANEOUSLY CRACKED AND PIECES FELL INTO THE CAR. NO INDICATION OF SOMETHING FALLING ONTO THE ROOF - SUNNY, CLEAR DAY, VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION AND NOT UNDERNEATH A BRIDGE OR ANY OTHER STRUCTURE. *TR

Owner-reported narrative. 750 miles reported. Look up ODI 11328054 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 11374124 · 2020-11-11 (November 11, 2020)

I WAS CALLED BY A BMW REPRESENTATIVE AND TOLD A SAFETY RECALL WAS IN AFFECT AND I WAS NOT TO DRIVE MY BRAND NEW BMW X7 NOT EVEN TO THE DEALERSHIP. THEY WOULD ARRANGE TO COME GET IT VIA A WRECKER AND WOULD BE KEEPING IT APPROXIMATELY A MONTH. NO ONE WILL DISCLOSE TO ME THE ISSUE OR THE FIX. THEY ARE BEING VERY CLOSED TO ALL MY QUESTIONS. MUST BE SERIOUS AND LAWYERS MUST BE ALREADY INVOLVED. BEST I CAN TELL VIA THE NHTSA WEBSITE, NO NOTIFICATION HAS BEEN MADE TO THE NHTSA AS REQUIRED BY LAW.

Owner-reported narrative. 2,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 11374124 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 11384398 · 2020-12-21 (December 21, 2020)

ON TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 17TH, AROUND 7PM ET, I PARKED IN FRONT OF A BUILDING COMPLEX. THE CAR WAS IN PARKING MOD WITH ENGINE ON. I WAS TALKING TO MY BROTHER IN LAW IN THE CAR WHEN WITHIN 4-5 MIN FROM THE TIME OF THE CAR WAS IN FULL STOP, WE HEARD THE ENGINE ROARING LOUDER AND LOUDER AND THE CAR ACCELERATED WITH TREMENDOUS SPEED TOWARDS THE BUILDING (PARKING SPOT IS AROUND 20 FEET FROM THE BUILDING). I PRESSED THE BRAKES, BUT THE CAR DIDN'T STOPPED UNTIL WE ENDED UP INSIDE THE BUILDING GOING THROUGH A BRICK WALL. THE ENGINE WAS STILL ROARING LOUDE…

Owner-reported narrative. 9,800 miles reported. Look up ODI 11384398 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 11404234 · 2021-03-22 (March 22, 2021)

我的BMW X7 M50I开在高速公路上,全车突然没有任何动力,然后我打了BMW ROADSIDE ASSISTANT,在I80-W高速公路上等待3小时没有任何BMW的ROADSIDE ASSISTANT,这个我对BMW USA 的服务真差,还好我人没事,我&…

Owner-reported narrative. 14,191 miles reported. Look up ODI 11404234 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 11406356 · 2021-04-04 (April 4, 2021)

WHILE DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY AT 70MPH, MY STEERING AND BRAKE SYSTEM BECOME LESS RESPONSIVE. COULD NOT BRAKE FULLY. ELECTRONIC CONSOLE GAVE A NUMEROUS WARNING ALERTS, INCLUDING: CROSS TRAFFIC WARNING, FOUR WHEEL DRIVE SYSTEM TEMPORARILY NOT AVAILABLE, RESTRAINT SYSTEM MALFUNCTION, AND POSSIBLE CHASSIS MALFUNCTION. I WAS TO PULL OVER TO THE SIDE OF AN OFFRAMP, AND NEEDED ABOUT 100-200 FEET FOR THE CAR TO COME TO A COMPLETE STOP, DESPITE PUMPING THE BRAKES.

Owner-reported narrative. 7,940 miles reported. Look up ODI 11406356 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 11441886 · 2021-11-28 (November 28, 2021)

The BMW X7 caught on fire going down the HW.

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11441886 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 11460379 · 2022-04-11 (April 11, 2022)

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

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11460379 at NHTSA ↗

Recall history

12 distinct campaigns affect this selection. Announcement dates below are different from vehicle model years. A campaign may cover multiple years.

19V631000 · Steering:Rack And Pinion:Rack

Reported: 2019-08-28 (August 28, 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.

Consequence: A loss of steering control increases risk of a crash.

Remedy: 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.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
19V684000 · Back Over Prevention: Sensing System: Camera

Reported: 2019-09-27 (September 27, 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."

Consequence: The lack of an image in the back-up camera display increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy: 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.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
20V052000 · Exterior Lighting

Reported: 2020-01-30 (January 30, 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."

Consequence: An inadequate amount of reflected light will decrease the vehicle's visibility to other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: 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.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
20V465000 · Electrical System:Starter Assembly | Power Train:Automatic Transmission

Reported: 2020-08-07 (August 7, 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.

Consequence: An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy: 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.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
20V528000 · Exterior Lighting:Headlights

Reported: 2020-09-01 (September 1, 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."

Consequence: Oncoming drivers may be confused by the blue light of approaching vehicles, which could potentially increase the risk of a crash.

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.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
20V678000 · Suspension:Front:Control Arm

Reported: 2020-11-04 (November 4, 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.

Consequence: 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.

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.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
21V062000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Power Assist:Hydraulic | Service Brakes, Hydraulic

Reported: 2021-02-10 (February 10, 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.

Consequence: A loss of ABS and a reduction in braking assistance can increase the risk of a crash.

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.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
21V096000 · Back Over Prevention:Software | Back Over Prevention: Sensing System: Camera

Reported: 2021-02-19 (February 19, 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."

Consequence: 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.

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.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
22V267000 · Visibility:Sun/Moon Roof Assembly

Reported: 2022-04-20 (April 20, 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."

Consequence: A sunroof that closes without the key fob present inside the vehicle can increase the risk of injury.

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.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
22V670000 · Seats

Reported: 2022-09-07 (September 7, 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.

Consequence: In a crash, the seat backrest may not fully lock, increasing the risk of injury.

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. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
24V576000 · Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Engine Control Module (Ecu/Ecm):Software | Electrical System:Starter Assembly

Reported: 2024-08-01 (August 1, 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.

Consequence: A starter motor that overheats can ignite nearby combustible material in the engine compartment, increasing the risk of a fire.

Remedy: 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.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
25V644000 · Electrical System:Starter Assembly

Reported: 2025-09-25 (September 25, 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.

Consequence: An overheated starter motor can ignite nearby combustible material in the engine compartment, increasing the risk of a fire.

Remedy: 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.

NHTSA campaign record ↗