2021 BMW X6 reliability

Is it reliable?

NHTSA's file on the 2021 BMW X6 holds 7 complaints after 6 years, a rate of 1 per year. That is more complaints per year than most X6 years here — over the median of the other years, which is 0. NHTSA has 7 recalls on file, including Sunroof, Camera, and Hydraulic brakes.

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 (2 of 7), then Forward collision avoidance (2) and Air bags (1). Those filings include 1 that reports a crash.

Next to 2020 and 2022

The 2020 X6 has 9 complaints, 0 per year, and the 2022 has 5 complaints, 1 per year. The 2021 has more complaints per year than the 2020. The 2021 has fewer 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 X6. How we count. Data as of 2026-10-16.

Recalls (7)

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 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 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 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 (7 total)

Electrical system

Forward collision avoidance

Air bags

Back-over prevention

Engine and engine cooling

Hydraulic brakes

Lane departure

Service brakes

Steering

Show 1 more Show less

Crash-flagged

Fire-flagged

Injury reports

Death reports

Complaints filed per year

Excerpts from recent NHTSA complaint filings

"The contact owns a 2021 BMW X6. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to stop as intended. The contact shifted into park while the…"
Hydraulic brakes, Electrical system · filed 2026-01-26
"Wiring from knee air bag to module failed. Had to repair wiring from front driver and passenger knee air bags. Wiring had a short to ground. Resulted in a $1600 bill."
Air bags · filed 2025-11-25
"The contact owns a 2021 BMW X6. The contact stated that upon start the vehicle, the drivetrain message was displayed. Overtime, the contact stated that the vehicle either failed to start or was slow to start while…"
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system · filed 2025-11-12
"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…"
Back-over prevention, Forward collision avoidance · filed 2024-05-17

NHTSA crash ratings

Version	Overall	Front	Side	Rollover
2021 BMW X6 M SUV AWD	Not rated	Not rated	Not rated	Not rated
2021 BMW X6 SUV AWD	Not rated	Not rated	Not rated	Not rated
2021 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	21	25	23 MPG	$3450

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 2020 BMW X6 Next year 2022 BMW X6 See every BMW X6 model year →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2021 BMW X6 reliable?

What are common problems with a 2021 BMW X6?

The complaints owners file most often name Electrical system (2 of 7), then Forward collision avoidance (2) and Air bags (1). Those filings include 1 that reports a crash.

Is the 2021 BMW X6 more reliable than the years next to it?

The 2020 X6 has 9 complaints, 0 per year, and the 2022 has 5 complaints, 1 per year. The 2021 has more complaints per year than the 2020. The 2021 has fewer complaints per year than the 2022.

Has the 2021 BMW X6 been recalled?

The 2021 BMW X6 has 7 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 X6?

Owners have filed 7 complaints about the 2021 BMW X6 with NHTSA.

What mpg does a 2021 BMW X6 get?

EPA-rated combined fuel economy for the 2021 BMW X6 is 18.8 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.