repaired · 2024 Q1
Visibility: sun/moon roof assembly
Risk. A sunroof that closes without the key fob present inside the vehicle can increase the risk of injury.
2021 BMW X5Problems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 114 owner complaints about the 2021 BMW X5, most often about the electrical system. It is covered by 12 safety recalls, and for recall 21V-096 the manufacturer reports only 96% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through November 5, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: IFCAR, Public domain.
Complaints by system
Where the 2021 BMW X5 has problems
114 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
39Electrical system4 crash/fire/injury
33Power train3 crash/fire/injury
25Engine4 crash/fire/injury
9Back over prevention
7Air bags
7Engine and engine cooling
5Forward collision avoidance
5Service brakes
4Vehicle speed control
2411 other systems4 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical system | 39 | 4 |
| Power train | 33 | 3 |
| Engine | 25 | 4 |
| Back over prevention | 9 | 2 |
| Air bags | 7 | 3 |
| Engine and engine cooling | 7 | 0 |
| Forward collision avoidance | 5 | 3 |
| Service brakes | 5 | 1 |
| Vehicle speed control | 4 | 1 |
| 11 other systems | 24 | 4 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
12 recalls
2021 BMW X5 recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
repaired · 2022 Q4
Mid/rear assembly: head restraint
Risk. In the event of a crash, the head restraints could detach, and increase the risk of injury.
repaired · 2023 Q1
Sensing system: camera
Risk. 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.
repaired · 2021 Q1
Service brakes, hydraulic: critical fasteners
Risk. A loose brake disc could affect vehicle handling and control, and increase the risk of a crash.
Show 8 more recalls
repaired · 2023 Q1
Service brakes, hydraulic
Risk. A loss of ABS and a reduction in braking assistance can increase the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2021 Q2
Steering: column
Risk. A loose steering column shaft universal joint connection can affect vehicle handling and control, increasing the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2022 Q4
Electrical system: 12v/24v/48v battery
Risk. Increased electrical resistance can increase the risk of a fire.
repaired · 2021 Q3
Front: control arm
Risk. 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…
repaired · 2022 Q3
Propulsion system: traction battery
Risk. The debris could result in a short-circuit, increasing the risk of fire or injury.
repaired · 2021 Q2
Exterior lighting: headlights
Risk. Oncoming drivers may be confused by the blue light of approaching vehicles, which could potentially increase the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2020 Q4
Electrical system: 12v/24v/48v battery
Risk. A short-circuited hybrid battery may increase the risk of a fire.
repaired · 2020 Q4
Tires
Risk. A rapid loss of tire pressure while the vehicle is moving can affect vehicle handling and control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with BMW.
Best & worst years
2021 vs. every other X5 year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the X5 median. How we score
'99'00'01'02'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19'20'21'22'23'24'25'26
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2021 BMW X5 safety ratings
2021 BMW X5 SUV AWD in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
★★★★★Overall rating
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side barrier★★★★★
Side pole★★★★★
- Rollover: 4 stars (15.9% risk)
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: Standard
- Lane departure warning: Standard
1 investigation
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2021 BMW X5, and the recalls they led to.
- Pedestrian alert soundsLed to recall 22V-063
In owners' words
What X5 owners report
Recent electrical system complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
The alternator terminal post overheated and broke off. The terminal post from the alternator broke off inside the middle of the cable eyelet and had welded itself to the end of the power cable. The cable showed signs of being overheated and melted. The power cable was loose and dangling next to the…
My 2021 BMW X5 xDrive40i intermittently fails to start, occurring on approximately 80% of start attempts, and displays the message "Repeat Start Attempt." This has been confirmed by code reading to be a starter-related malfunction. This defect significantly affects vehicle reliability and raises a…
My 2021 BMW X5 xDrive40i Sport (112,000 miles) intermittently fails to start, occurring on approximately 80% of start attempts, and displays the message "Repeat Start Attempt." The issue first occurred on September 8, 2026, while the vehicle was parked at my residence and was confirmed by BMW…
Own a 2021 X5?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.