Reliable Auto DB

2021 BMW X5 reliability

Is it reliable?

Owners have filed 107 complaints with NHTSA about the 2021 BMW X5 over 6 years — 15 per year. That is more complaints per year than most X5 years here — over the median of the other years, which is 4. NHTSA has 12 recalls on file, including Sunroof, Head restraint, and Camera.

2012 BMW X5
Photo by Alexander Migl, resized from the original. Wikimedia Commons CC BY-SA 4.0
Complaints

107

Per year

15

Recalls

12

Years on the road

6

What owners report

The complaints owners file most often name Electrical system (38 of 107), then Powertrain (28) and Engine (25). Those filings include 9 that report a crash, 3 that report a fire, and 4 that report an injury.

Next to 2020 and 2022

The 2020 X5 has 111 complaints, 5 per year, and the 2022 has 69 complaints, 11 per year. The 2021 has more complaints per year than the 2020. The 2021 has more complaints per year than the 2022.

The complaint rate is complaints filed in this year’s first 3 years on the road, divided by however many of those years have passed. Recalls are a separate count. The numbers are for the US-market 2021 BMW X5. How we count. Data as of .

Recalls (12)

Recall visibility, sunroof 2022-04-20 · NHTSA campaign 22V267000
Summary 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."
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.
Recall seats, middle or rear assembly, head restraint 2021-03-10 · NHTSA campaign 21V156000
Summary 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.
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.
Recall back-over prevention, sensing system, camera 2021-02-19 · NHTSA campaign 21V096000
Summary 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."
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.
Recall hydraulic brakes, critical fasteners 2021-02-18 · NHTSA campaign 21V089000
Summary 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.
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.
Recall Hydraulic brakes 2021-02-10 · NHTSA campaign 21V062000
Summary 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.
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.
Recall steering, column 2021-01-29 · NHTSA campaign 21V031000
Summary 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.
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.
Recall electrical system, 12V/24V/48V battery 2020-12-09 · NHTSA campaign 20V761000
Summary 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.
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.
Recall suspension, front, control arm 2020-11-04 · NHTSA campaign 20V678000
Summary 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.
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.
Recall electrical system, propulsion system, traction battery 2020-09-30 · NHTSA campaign 20V601000
Summary 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.
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.
Recall exterior lighting, headlights 2020-09-01 · NHTSA campaign 20V528000
Summary 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."
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.
Recall electrical system, 12V/24V/48V battery 2020-08-18 · NHTSA campaign 20V490000
Summary 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.
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.
Recall Tires 2020-08-14 · NHTSA campaign 20V483000
Summary 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.
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.

Complaints by component (107 total)

Electrical system
38
Powertrain
28
Engine
25
Back-over prevention
9
Air bags
7
Engine and engine cooling
7
Forward collision avoidance
5
Service brakes
5
Speed control
4
Structure
4
Fuel and propulsion system
3
Lane departure
3
Seat belts
3
Steering
3
Suspension
2
Visibility and wipers
2
Exterior lighting
1
Hydraulic brakes
1
Seats
1
Visibility
1
Show 12 more Show less
Crash-flagged

9

Fire-flagged

3

Injury reports

4

Death reports

0

Complaints filed per year

22020192021112022122023102024252025282026
Excerpts from recent NHTSA complaint filings
  • "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…"
    Powertrain, Electrical system, Engine · filed 2026-09-23
  • "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,…"
    Powertrain, Electrical system · filed 2026-09-21
  • "The starter motor malfunctioned, which then prevented the car from starting when it was hot. It could only be started after it had completely cooled down. Additionally, the fault code indicated that there was a problem…"
    Electrical system · filed 2026-09-13
  • "The contact owns a 2021 BMW X5. The contact stated that the AC was inoperable. The vehicle was taken to a dealer and an independent mechanic on several occasions to repair the AC; however, the failure reoccurred after…"
    Electrical system · filed 2026-09-08
  • "Vehicle: 2021 BMW X5 xDrive40i (G05) Mileage: 54,423 miles Component: Central Information Display (CID)/ MGU (Media Graphics Unit) Head Unit Safety Defect: The CID intermittently goes completely blank without warning.…"
    Electrical system, Back-over prevention · filed 2026-09-04

NHTSA crash ratings

Version Overall Front Side Rollover
2021 BMW X5 Hybrid SUV AWD Not rated Not rated Not rated Not rated
2021 BMW X5 M SUV AWD Not rated Not rated Not rated Not rated
2021 BMW X5 SUV AWD 4 stars 4 stars 5 stars 4 stars
2021 BMW X5 SUV RWD Not rated 4 stars 5 stars Not rated

Stars are how this vehicle did in NHTSA crash tests. They are a safety result, separate from the complaint record. Not rated means that test was not run for this version.

Fuel economy

Trim Engine Transmission Drive City Hwy Combined Annual fuel cost
X5 M 4.4L, 8-cyl Automatic (8-speed) All-wheel drive 13 18 15 MPG $5300
X5 M Competition 4.4L, 8-cyl Automatic (8-speed) All-wheel drive 13 18 15 MPG $5300
X5 M50i 4.4L, 8-cyl Automatic (8-speed) All-wheel drive 16 22 18 MPG $4450
X5 sDrive40i 3L, 6-cyl Automatic (8-speed) Rear-wheel drive 21 26 23 MPG $3450
X5 xDrive40i 3L, 6-cyl Automatic (8-speed) All-wheel drive 21 25 23 MPG $3450
X5 xDrive45e 3L, 6-cyl Automatic (8-speed) All-wheel drive 19 22 20 MPG / 400 mi range $4000

Specs and fitment

G05 generation, 2019–present
Body styles SUV
Oil 0W-20 full synthetic (common US gasoline fills) , 7 qt capacity
Tire size 265/50R19 to 315/35R21 (trim-dependent)
Towing capacity 7,200 lbs

Known issues for this generation

Recall 24V576000 covers certain 2019-2020 X5 models (with X7, 3 Series, X6, 7 Series, and 8 Series in the same ~105,588-unit campaign) where repeated start attempts after a starter failure can overheat the starter and raise engine-compartment fire risk; dealers update software. Recall 25V644000 later covers overlapping X5/X6 and other models (~145,102 units) for the same starter overheat concern and requires starter replacement, including vehicles already repaired under 24V576. Recall 24V739000 covers certain 2023-2024 X5 models (with X1, X6, X7, 530i, and other BMW/MINI/ Rolls-Royce vehicles) for an integrated brake system that may lose power assist or impair ABS/DSC; the campaign notes prior 24V104 repairs must be redone with a new module.

Compare

Previous year 2020 BMW X5 Next year 2022 BMW X5 See every BMW X5 model year →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2021 BMW X5 reliable?

Owners have filed 107 complaints with NHTSA about the 2021 BMW X5 over 6 years — 15 per year. That is more complaints per year than most X5 years here — over the median of the other years, which is 4. NHTSA has 12 recalls on file, including Sunroof, Head restraint, and Camera.

What are common problems with a 2021 BMW X5?

The complaints owners file most often name Electrical system (38 of 107), then Powertrain (28) and Engine (25). Those filings include 9 that report a crash, 3 that report a fire, and 4 that report an injury.

Is the 2021 BMW X5 more reliable than the years next to it?

The 2020 X5 has 111 complaints, 5 per year, and the 2022 has 69 complaints, 11 per year. The 2021 has more complaints per year than the 2020. The 2021 has more complaints per year than the 2022.

Has the 2021 BMW X5 been recalled?

The 2021 BMW X5 has 12 recalls on file with NHTSA. See the recalls table on this page for dates, components, and remedies.

How many complaints have owners filed about the 2021 BMW X5?

Owners have filed 107 complaints about the 2021 BMW X5 with NHTSA.

What mpg does a 2021 BMW X5 get?

EPA-rated combined fuel economy for the 2021 BMW X5 is 19 MPG. See the fuel economy table on this page for city and highway figures by engine and transmission.

What generation is the 2020 BMW X5?

G05 generation (2019-on).

What oil does a recent BMW X5 take?

G05 US gasoline fills commonly use 0W-20 full synthetic; earlier F15/E70 notes often list 5W-30.

What tire sizes does a BMW X5 use?

Sizes span a wide trim range; G05 examples run about 265/50R19 to 315/35R21.