2020 BMW X6 reliability

Is it reliable?

Owners have filed 9 complaints with NHTSA about the 2020 BMW X6 over 7 years — 0 per year. That is fewer complaints per year than most X6 years here — under the median of the other years, which is 0. NHTSA has 10 recalls on file, including Starter, Sunroof, and Camera.

2012 BMW X6 — Photo by Alexander-93, resized from the original. Wikimedia Commons CC BY-SA 4.0

Complaints

Per year

Recalls

Years on the road

What owners report

The complaints owners file most often name Electrical system (5 of 9), then Service brakes (2) and Engine and engine cooling (1).

Next to 2019 and 2021

The 2019 X6 has 5 complaints, 0 per year, and the 2021 has 7 complaints, 1 per year. The 2020 has fewer complaints per year than the 2019. The 2020 has fewer complaints per year than the 2021.

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 2020 BMW X6. How we count. Data as of 2026-10-16.

Recalls (10)

Recall electrical system, starter 2025-09-25 · NHTSA campaign 25V644000

Summary BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020 340I, X6, 2020-2025 840I, 2020-2022 740LI, 2019-2020 X7, and X5 vehicles. After repeated attempts, the starter motor may overheat from an electrical overload.

Remedy Dealers will replace the engine starter, free of charge. This recall includes vehicles repaired under recall 24V576 and those owners will need to have their vehicle repaired again. Owner notification letters were mailed February 9, 2026. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov November 17, 2025.

Recall electrical system, starter 2024-08-01 · NHTSA campaign 24V576000

Summary BMW of North America, LLC is recalling certain 2019-2020 X5, X7, 2020 3 Series Sedan, X6, 2020-2021 7 Series Sedan, 2020 8 Series Convertible, 8 Series Coupe, and 2020 8 Series Gran Coupe vehicles. Please see the recall report for the complete list of models. In the event the starter motor fails, repeated attempts to start the vehicle can cause the starter motor to overheat from an electrical overload.

Remedy Dealers will update the vehicle software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 27, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

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 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 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 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 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 structure, body 2020-08-14 · NHTSA campaign 20V484000

Summary BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020 X6 sDrive40i, xDrive40i, X6 M50i and X6M vehicles. The rear spoiler may not be appropriately bonded to its mounting plate.

Remedy BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rear spoiler on the affected vehicles and replace them , if necessary, free of charge. The recall began October 14, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Recall structure, body 2020-02-19 · NHTSA campaign 20V095000

Summary BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020 X6 sDrive40i, X6 xDrive40i, and X6 xDrive50i vehicles. The rear spoiler may detach.

Remedy BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the rear spoiler, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began April 16, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Recall back-over prevention, sensing system, camera 2019-09-27 · NHTSA campaign 19V684000

Summary BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018 540d, 2018-2020 530i, 530i xDrive, 540i, 540i xDrive, M550i xDrive, M5, 530e, 530e xDrive, X3 sDrive, X3 xDrive, X3 M40i, X3 M, and 2019-2020 X4 xDrive, X4 M40i, X4 M, X7 xDrive, X7 M50i, 740Li, 740Li xDrive, 750Li, 750Li xDrive, 8 Series Convertible and Coupe 840i, 840i xDrive, M850i xDrive, X5 sDrive, X5 xDrive, X5 M50i, X6 xDrive, X6 M50i, 330i, 330i xDrive, M340i, M340i xDrive, Z4 sDrive, Z4 M40i, 740Le xDrive and 745Le xDrive, 2018-2019 640i xDrive Gran Turismo and Rolls-Royce Phantom, 2019 M850i xDrive Gran Coupe and Rolls-Royce Cullinan and 2020 Toyota Supra vehicles. The back-up camera and display settings can be adjusted such that the rear view image is no longer visible and the system will retain that setting the next time the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rearview Mirrors."

Remedy BMW will notify owners, and dealers will update the back-up camera software, free of charge. The recall began November 8, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 or Rolls-Royce at 1-877-877-3735. Toyota owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371.

Complaints by component (9 total)

Electrical system

Service brakes

Engine and engine cooling

Powertrain

Seat belts

Crash-flagged

Fire-flagged

Injury reports

Death reports

Complaints filed per year

Excerpts from recent NHTSA complaint filings

"This issue of the Starter not functioning properly was identified by the manufacturer and brought to my attention through their correspondence. Later confirmed on the NHSTA website. To date, no fix has been made…"
Electrical system · filed 2026-01-22
"The contact owns a 2020 BMW X6. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was…"
Electrical system · filed 2026-01-02
"Vehicle: 2020 BMW X6M Problem Category: Interior / Visibility / Structural Integrity Description of the Safety Issue: The dashboard material in my 2020 BMW X6M is peeling, lifting, and separating from the underlying…"
Unknown or other · filed 2025-12-17
"The vehicle would not start and left me stranded over 40 miles from home. I was unable to start the vehicle for over an hour. The road side service was unable to start the vehicle."
Electrical system · filed 2025-10-10
"The contact owns a 2020 BMW X6. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start, with the message "Check Control - Repeat Start Attempt" displayed. In addition, the check engine warning light remained illuminated.…"
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system · filed 2025-06-23

NHTSA crash ratings

Version	Overall	Front	Side	Rollover
2020 BMW X6 M SUV AWD	Not rated	Not rated	Not rated	Not rated
2020 BMW X6 SUV AWD	Not rated	Not rated	Not rated	Not rated
2020 BMW X6 SUV RWD	Not rated	Not rated	Not rated	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
X6 M	4.4L, 8-cyl	Automatic (8-speed)	All-wheel drive	13	18	15 MPG	$5300
X6 M Competition	4.4L, 8-cyl	Automatic (8-speed)	All-wheel drive	13	18	15 MPG	$5300
X6 M50i	4.4L, 8-cyl	Automatic (8-speed)	All-wheel drive	16	22	18 MPG	$4450
X6 sDrive40i	3L, 6-cyl	Automatic (8-speed)	Rear-wheel drive	21	26	23 MPG	$3450
X6 xDrive40i	3L, 6-cyl	Automatic (8-speed)	All-wheel drive	20	26	22 MPG	$3650

Specs and fitment

G06 generation, 2020–present

Body styles Coupe SUV

Oil 0W-20 or 0W-30 (engine-dependent; ~6.9+ qt with filter; higher for some V8s)

Tire size 275/45R20, 275/40R21 or 275/35R22; staggered rears 315/35R21 or 315/30R22 front / 275/45R20–275/35R22 or staggered 315-series rears rear

Known issues for this generation

Recall 20V484000 covers certain 2020 X6 sDrive40i, xDrive40i, M50i, and X6M vehicles (43 units) where the roof rear spoiler may not be bonded correctly and can detach while driving. Recall 20V678000 covers certain 2020 X6 xDrive40i, M50i, and X6M vehicles (with X5 and X7 in the same 83-unit campaign) for a front axle-support weld that may separate and affect handling. Recalls 24V576000 and 25V644000 also name certain X6 model years alongside X5 and other BMW models for starter-motor overheat fire risk (~105,588 and ~145,102 units respectively across all listed models).

Compare

Previous year 2019 BMW X6 Next year 2021 BMW X6 See every BMW X6 model year →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2020 BMW X6 reliable?

What are common problems with a 2020 BMW X6?

The complaints owners file most often name Electrical system (5 of 9), then Service brakes (2) and Engine and engine cooling (1).

Is the 2020 BMW X6 more reliable than the years next to it?

The 2019 X6 has 5 complaints, 0 per year, and the 2021 has 7 complaints, 1 per year. The 2020 has fewer complaints per year than the 2019. The 2020 has fewer complaints per year than the 2021.

Has the 2020 BMW X6 been recalled?

The 2020 BMW X6 has 10 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 2020 BMW X6?

Owners have filed 9 complaints about the 2020 BMW X6 with NHTSA.

What mpg does a 2020 BMW X6 get?

EPA-rated combined fuel economy for the 2020 BMW X6 is 18.6 MPG. See the fuel economy table on this page for city and highway figures by engine and transmission.

What engine oil does a BMW X6 use?

E71/F16 gasoline fills commonly list 0W-30 (~6.9 qt); G06 models commonly list 0W-20 or 0W-30 depending on engine, with higher capacity on some V8s.

What tire sizes does a BMW X6 use?

OEM packages commonly run from 255/50R19 or 255/55R18 through 21–22 inch staggered fitments with 315-series rears on higher packages.

What LATCH-anchor recall covers certain F16 X6 models?

Recall 19V823000 covers certain 2015-2019 X6 models whose rear-seat lower LATCH anchor bars can be damaged by ISOFIX rigid connectors.