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Free public service · Official NHTSA & EPA data

2021 BMW X5

Verified August 31, 2026Sources: NHTSA · EPA · vPIC

Compare
Safety
4
of 5 stars
Recalls
12
on record
MPG
27
combined

Heavily recalled

12 safety recalls on record. Confirm with the seller that every campaign has been completed.

Vehicle Summary

2021 BMW X5

12 recalls
96 complaints
27 MPG combined
4/5 safety rating

Before You Buy

Confirm all 12 recalls were repaired — a dealer checks by VIN, free
Read the 9 complaints reporting a crash
Review the 96 owner complaints on record
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Check vehicle history report
Verify title is clean

Safety record at a glance

Recall campaigns
12
Owner complaints
96
Complaints citing a crash
9

These are raw counts from NHTSA records. They are not normalized by how many of these vehicles are on the road, so a model that sold in large numbers will tend to show more of everything. We do not publish a composite safety or reliability score.

12 Recalls on Record

These recalls have been issued by the manufacturer. Contact any authorized dealer to verify they have been completed — repairs are free.

Enter your VIN to check if specific recalls apply to your vehicle.

Safety recalls

12 NHTSA campaigns affecting this model year.

  • 21V089000high

    Brake system issue

    SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:CRITICAL FASTENERS

    BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2021 X5 sDrive40i and X5 xDrive40i vehicles. The right front brake disc may have been assembled with incorrect fasteners, which over time, could result in the front brake disc becoming loose.

    Consequence

    A loose brake disc could affect vehicle handling and control, and increase the risk of a crash.

    Remedy

    BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the right front brake disc and replace it if necessary, along with the unaffected left side brake disc, free of charge. There are no owner vehicles affected; therefore, owner notification is not necessary and, as such, a planned owner notification date is not entered into the recall schedule. Owners may contact BMW's customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

    Full campaign record
  • 20V761000high

    Battery sensor problem

    ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY

    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.

    Full campaign record
  • 21V096000high

    Rear-visibility system issue

    BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA

    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.

    Full campaign record
  • 21V156000high

    Safety restraint issue

    SEATS:MID/REAR ASSEMBLY:HEAD RESTRAINT

    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.

    Full campaign record
  • 20V528000high

    Lighting issue

    EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

    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.

    Full campaign record
  • 21V062000high

    Brake system issue

    SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

    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.

    Full campaign record
  • 20V483000high

    Tire/wheel issue

    TIRES

    BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2021 X6 (sDrive40i, xDrive40i and M50i) and X5 (sDrive40i, xDrive40i and M50i) vehicles equipped with certain Pirelli tires. The tires may have a damaged inner layer, possibly resulting in a rapid loss of pressure while the vehicle is moving.

    Consequence

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

    Remedy

    BMW has notified all of the affected owners, and dealers will replace the defective tires, free of charge. BMW has contacted owners by telephone and those owners have had their cars remedied. Owner notification letters will not be sent. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

    Full campaign record
  • 21V031000high

    Steering issue

    STEERING:COLUMN

    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.

    Full campaign record
  • 20V678000high

    Suspension issue

    SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM

    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.

    Full campaign record
  • 20V601000high

    Electrical issue

    ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:TRACTION BATTERY

    BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020-2021 530e, 530e xDrive, 530e iPerformance and X3 xDrive30e and MINI Cooper Countryman All4 SE, 2020 BMW i8, and 2021 330e, 330e xDrive, 745Le xDrive and X5 xDrive45e vehicles. Debris may have entered one or more of the hybrid battery cells during their production.

    Consequence

    The debris could result in a short-circuit, increasing the risk of fire or injury.

    Remedy

    BMW will inspect and, if necessary, replace the battery module free of charge. The remedy is currently being developed. Until the remedy is completed, drivers are instructed to not charge their vehicles. Drivers are instructed to not drive in manual mode, sport mode, and to not use the shift paddles. Owners were notified of the safety risk October 23, 2020. The recall began November 24, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

    Full campaign record
  • 20V490000high

    Battery sensor problem

    ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY

    BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2021 330e and X5 xDrive45e, 2020-2021 X3 xDrive30e, and 2020 MINI Countryman SE ALL4 vehicles. Loose welding beads may form a conductive path between the hybrid battery cells which could lead to a short-circuit.

    Consequence

    A short-circuited hybrid battery may increase the risk of a fire.

    Remedy

    BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the battery modules, free of charge. BMW issued owners an interim notification on October 16, 2020. Although potentially affected BMW owners received interim owner notification letters, all potentially affected BMW owner vehicles have been remedied; therefore, BMW Final owner notification letters will not be necessary. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

    Full campaign record
  • 22V267000high

    Visibility issue

    VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY

    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.

    Full campaign record

NHTSA crash-test ratings

NCAP star ratings and the underlying test breakdown for the 2021 BMW X5.

  • Frontal crash

    Driver
    4 / 5
    Passenger
    4 / 5
  • Side crash

    Driver
    5 / 5
    Passenger
    5 / 5
    Side pole
    5 / 5
  • Rollover

    Rollover risk
    15.9%
    Dynamic tip
    No Tip

Driver-assistance technologies

Electronic stability control
Standard
Forward collision warning
Standard
Lane departure warning
Standard

What the ratings mean

NHTSA gives the 2021 BMW X5 4 out of 5 stars overall. NHTSA does not publish enough comparable results for this class and year to rank it against peers.

NHTSA published results for every NCAP test in this program, so the overall star rating rests on a complete set of crash and rollover results.

NHTSA's dynamic test put this vehicle's rollover probability at 15.9% in a single-vehicle crash — the figure behind the rollover star rating, published here because the star alone hides how wide each band is.

NHTSA crash tests

2021 BMW X5 Frontal crash crash test
Frontal crash Video
2021 BMW X5 Side crash crash test
Side crash Video
2021 BMW X5 Side pole crash test
Side pole Video

Fuel economy & emissions

EPA figures for the 2021 BMW X5, with tailpipe CO₂ and class context.

22

City

34

Hwy

27

Comb

Annual fuel cost
$1,944
Tailpipe CO₂
329 g/mi

How this compares

The EPA holds too few vehicles in this class and model year to rank the 2021 BMW X5 against its peers.

Tailpipe CO₂ is 329 grams per mile — about 4.9 metric tons over 15,000 miles of driving.

Consumer complaints

96 owner reports filed with NHTSA.

96
Total
9
Crashes
3
Fires
7
Injuries

Most reported components

  • ENGINE42
  • OTHER17
  • ELECTRICAL15
  • AIR BAGS7
  • BRAKES5

Notable Issues

96 consumer complaints filed with NHTSA. 7 reports involve injuries. 9 reports involve a crash.

Most reported problems

engine problems (stalling, power loss, warning lights)42
miscellaneous issues17
electrical issues (battery, wiring, infotainment)15

Safety timeline

Every dated recall and NHTSA investigation for the 2021 BMW X5, newest first.

  1. Investigation closed

    NHTSA closed investigation DP22005

    Pedestrian alert sounds

  2. Investigation opened

    NHTSA opened investigation DP22005

    Pedestrian alert sounds

  3. Recall

    Recall 22V267000

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

  4. Recall

    Recall 21V156000

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

  5. Recall

    Recall 21V096000

    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.

  6. Recall

    Recall 21V089000

    A loose brake disc could affect vehicle handling and control, and increase the risk of a crash.

  7. Recall

    Recall 21V062000

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

  8. Recall

    Recall 21V031000

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

  9. Recall

    Recall 20V761000

    Increased electrical resistance can increase the risk of a fire.

  10. Recall

    Recall 20V678000

    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.

  11. Recall

    Recall 20V601000

    The debris could result in a short-circuit, increasing the risk of fire or injury.

  12. Recall

    Recall 20V528000

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

  13. Recall

    Recall 20V490000

    A short-circuited hybrid battery may increase the risk of a fire.

  14. Recall

    Recall 20V483000

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

Dates are the NHTSA report-received date for recalls and the ODI open/close date for investigations. Crash-test ratings are not shown here because the source does not provide a reliable publication date for them.

Specifications & ratings

Specifications

Body class
Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV)
Drive type
FWD
Engine
2.5L 4-cyl
Fuel type
Regular Gasoline
Transmission
Automatic
Seats
5

Fuel economy

22

City

34

Hwy

27

Comb

Annual cost
$1,944
Fuel
Regular Gasoline

NHTSA crash ratings

Overall
Frontal
Side
Rollover

Explore related

Safety timeline

Full timeline
  1. Investigation closed

    NHTSA closed investigation DP22005

    Pedestrian alert sounds

  2. Investigation opened

    NHTSA opened investigation DP22005

    Pedestrian alert sounds

  3. Recall

    Recall 22V267000

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

  4. Recall

    Recall 21V156000

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

  5. Recall

    Recall 21V096000

    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.