2021 BMW X6Problems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 7 owner complaints about the 2021 BMW X6, most often about the forward collision avoidance. It is covered by 7 safety recalls, and for recall 21V-096 the manufacturer reports only 96% of affected cars repaired.

2021 BMW X6

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through January 26, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: Calreyn88, CC BY-SA 4.0.

Complaints by system

Where the 2021 BMW X6 has problems

7 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.

Box size = number of complaints naming that system. Darker = larger share. One complaint can name more than one system.
Complaints by system
SystemComplaintsCrash, fire or injury
Forward collision avoidance21
Electrical system20
Engine and engine cooling10
Lane departure10
Service brakes10
Service brakes, hydraulic10
Steering10
Air bags10
Back over prevention11

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.

7 recalls

2021 BMW X6 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.

98%repaired · 2024 Q1

Visibility: sun/moon roof assembly

Recall 22V-267 · Apr 20, 2022 · 61,221 vehicles · 59,928 repaired

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

Problem, fix and repair progress →

96%repaired · 2023 Q1

Sensing system: camera

Recall 21V-096 · Feb 19, 2021 · 13,858 vehicles · 13,324 repaired

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.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

97%repaired · 2023 Q1

Service brakes, hydraulic

Recall 21V-062 · Feb 10, 2021 · 893 vehicles · 868 repaired

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

Problem, fix and repair progress →

100%repaired · 2021 Q2

Steering: column

Recall 21V-031 · Jan 29, 2021 · 21 vehicles · 21 repaired

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

Problem, fix and repair progress →

Show 3 more recalls
98%repaired · 2022 Q4

Electrical system: 12v/24v/48v battery

Recall 20V-761 · Dec 9, 2020 · 812 vehicles · 796 repaired

Risk. Increased electrical resistance can increase the risk of a fire.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

100%repaired · 2021 Q2

Exterior lighting: headlights

Recall 20V-528 · Sep 1, 2020 · 307 vehicles · 307 repaired

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

Problem, fix and repair progress →

100%repaired · 2020 Q4

Tires

Recall 20V-483 · Aug 14, 2020 · 42 vehicles · 42 repaired

Risk. A rapid loss of tire pressure while the vehicle is moving can affect vehicle handling and control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

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 X6 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 X6 median. How we score

'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 X6 safety ratings

2021 BMW X6 SUV AWD in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.

  • Stability control: Standard
  • Forward collision warning: Standard
  • Lane departure warning: Standard
1 investigation

NHTSA defect investigations

Federal investigations that included the 2021 BMW X6, and the recalls they led to.

  1. Pedestrian alert soundsDP22005 · closed Aug 7, 2023
    Led to recall 22V-063
In owners' words

What X6 owners report

Recent forward collision avoidance complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

The automatic parking feature was being used to park in garage the vehicle proceed to back up without stopping and the emergency braking system didn’t engage leading to the vehicle crashing. I could have been injured if the structure of the house didn’t stop the vehicle. If someone had been behind…
Complaint 11589248 · May 17, 2024

Own a 2021 X6?

Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.