vehicle signal
U.S. public vehicle records

2021 Bmw X7: complaints, problems and recalls

Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.

Key facts

45 owner complaints analyzed

9 distinct recall campaigns

61,000 mi median reported failure mileage

Scope: 2021 model year. Data snapshot: . 4 complaints include usable failure mileage.

Owner-reported patterns

Most common problems

Engine is the most frequently named component, appearing in 11 of 45 complaints (24.4%). A complaint can name multiple components.

Recurring terms in complaint narratives
TopicMatching reportsShare of complaints
Engine operation48.9%
Electrical and battery issues48.9%
Braking behavior36.7%
Steering behavior36.7%
Transmission and shifting24.4%
Fuel system concerns24.4%

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.

Engine
11
Power Train
11
Electrical System
8
Seats
5
Steering
5
Unknown Or Other
5
Vehicle Speed Control
4
Forward Collision Avoidance: Warnings
3
Component breakdown data
CategoryCount
Engine11
Power Train11
Electrical System8
Seats5
Steering5
Unknown Or Other5
Vehicle Speed Control4
Forward Collision Avoidance: Warnings3

Engine: 11; Power Train: 11; Electrical System: 8; Seats: 5; Steering: 5; Unknown Or Other: 5; Vehicle Speed Control: 4; Forward Collision Avoidance: Warnings: 3

Reported problems by failure mileage

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

Under 25,000
0
25,000 to 49,999
2
50,000 to 74,999
0
75,000 to 99,999
2
100,000 to 149,999
0
150,000 and above
0
Reported problems by failure mileage data
CategoryCount
Under 25,0000
25,000 to 49,9992
50,000 to 74,9990
75,000 to 99,9992
100,000 to 149,9990
150,000 and above0

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

25,000 to 49,999 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (2). 41 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.

2022
7
2023
1
2024
8
2025
9
2026
20
Complaints over time data
CategoryCount
20227
20231
20248
20259
202620

2022: 7; 2023: 1; 2024: 8; 2025: 9; 2026: 20

Pattern summary

Engine leads the component reports. Engine operation appears in 4 complaint narratives. Electrical and battery issues appears in 4 complaint narratives. Braking behavior appears in 3 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 11447812 · 2022-01-18 (January 18, 2022)

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. However, in just few seconds the vents started throwing vapors so I stopped the car hoping it may stop if some minor damage. However, the hood started throwing oranges color fumes and by the time we all left the vehicle the entire front hood/engine area started burning. There were no indications of any faults in the car. This was the most shocking incident we had to face with my family where there were two kids of …

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11447812 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 11464104 · 2022-05-10 (May 10, 2022)

Sunroof randomly exploded while driving in the middle of no where . No impact , no debris , no flying objects around at all

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11464104 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 11465047 · 2022-05-17 (May 17, 2022)

When moisture gets into the cupholders of a BMW 2021 X7, it leaks into the electrical system for the airbag sensors and seatbelt sensors. This makes them USELESS in an accident. BMW currently has a lawsuit pending against this VERY ISSUE. A small amount of soda spilled in the cupholders by my daughter. It was quickly cleaned and dried- but this caused a leak and lead to the restraint system failure- which renders my airbags in the driver and passenger seats useless- along with the seatbelts. They will NOT work in the event of an accident. This …

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11465047 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 11472663 · 2022-07-07 (July 7, 2022)

When applying brakes and releasing the brakes there is a grinding sound. The grinding sound is pronounced when applying the brake and turning the steering wheel at the same time. When I took the vehicle to Checkered flag BMW of Virginia Beach, I was told per BMW engineering it was norm operating characteristic. The Shop Foreman said he had several customers complain about the same problem and duplicated the problem while driving my vehicle. He was the person that showed me the noise was much louder when turning the steering while braking. The r…

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11472663 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 11494188 · 2022-11-18 (November 18, 2022)

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.

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11494188 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 11496690 · 2022-12-09 (December 9, 2022)

When starting the vehicle and shifting into drive, "hard" brakes are felt. Brake pedal is "stuck" in a high position and cannot be compressed. The vehicle is extremely unstable - the car lurches forward when brakes are slightly released. Excessive brake pressure is required to prevent the vehicle from moving inadvertently. This persists for 10-60 seconds, then the brakes relax into the normal position and no other issues are experienced. Confirmed NO lights on dash or warnings sounded. This has been experienced 4 times in 6 months. Issue has be…

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11496690 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 11496754 · 2022-12-09 (December 9, 2022)

Exploding moonroof while driving vehicle

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11496754 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 11541234 · 2023-08-28 (August 28, 2023)

While merging onto the highway the car violently jerked itself into the left lane without warning, nearly causing me to collide with another car. Error messages about "driver assistance" appeared. All screens then went black and the car rebooted. It pulled away from the direction I was driving several more times on my way home, but less severely. 3 weeks earlier multiple systems failed and power steering went out. That time the car was pulling me in the opposite direction I was steering. Was told it was a software issue that was fixed. Then th…

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11541234 at NHTSA ↗

Recall history

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

20V514000 · Equipment:Other:Labels | Tires

Reported: 2020-08-27 (August 27, 2020)

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain X7 xDrive40i and M50i vehicles. The tire information labels may contain tire size and cold tire inflation pressure information that does not match the specific tires that were installed on these vehicles. As such, these vehicles fail to conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."

Consequence: The vehicle operator may be confused by the tire information on the label and this could lead to the installation of an inappropriate size tire and/or inflation pressure, potentially increasing the risk of a crash.

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.

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 ↗
20V761000 · Electrical System:12v/24v/48v Battery

Reported: 2020-12-09 (December 9, 2020)

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, and X7 xDrive40i vehicles. The connection between the 48-Volt battery and the starter-generator may not have been assembled properly, which can cause increased electrical resistance at the connections.

Consequence: Increased electrical resistance can increase the risk of a fire.

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

NHTSA campaign record ↗
21V031000 · Steering:Column

Reported: 2021-01-29 (January 29, 2021)

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. The steering column shaft's universal joint connection may not have been tightened to specifications, and can become loose.

Consequence: A loose steering column shaft universal joint connection can affect vehicle handling and control, increasing the risk of a crash.

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 specifications, free of charge. The recall began March 30, 2021. 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 ↗
21V156000 · Seats:Mid/Rear Assembly:Head Restraint

Reported: 2021-03-10 (March 10, 2021)

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.

Consequence: In the event of a crash, the head restraints could detach, and increase the risk of injury.

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.

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 ↗