Model yearPark outside

2021 BMW X4

SUV, gasoline, AWD/All-Wheel Drive, built in United States. Owner complaints on file from Feb 16, 2023 to Apr 7, 2026.

Recall campaigns covering this model year7351k vehicles or units across those campaigns
Owner complaints6Below the median 2021 suv
Severity index0.02021 suvs average 6.1
First 24 months0Complaints in its first two years
Complaints over time

Complaints about the 2021 BMW X4 peaked in 2023, with 1 filed

Owner complaints about this model year, by the year they were filed with NHTSA.

024620232024202520265
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file. The lighter column runs through October.
Components

33% of complaints about the 2021 BMW X4 name engine and cooling

Owner complaints by component. Hover or focus a bar for the crash, fire, injury or death count.

Engine and cooling
2
Seat belts
2
Powertrain
1
Suspension
1
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file. A complaint can name more than one component; it is counted under the first.
Recalls

7 recall campaigns cover the 2021 BMW X4

Check a specific vehicle by VIN on NHTSA's site: a campaign may cover only part of a model year's production.

Recall campaigns for the 2021 BMW X4
CampaignFiledSubjectComponentVehiclesRemedy
26V-056Jan 30, 2026Engine starter may overheat and catch fire due to wear on an internal componentElectrical system87,394Part replacement
25V-636Sep 23, 2025Engine starter relay may corrode, causing the relay to overheat and short circuitPark outsideElectrical system199,674Part replacement
23V-211Mar 29, 2023Seat frame may not have been welded properly to the seat railsSeats51Part replacement
21V-598Aug 2, 2021During engine start, the engine management software may cause loss of braking assistEngine and cooling50,024Software update
21V-199Mar 24, 2021Inlet check valve weld may fail, allowing the filling pipe to separate from the fuel tankFuel system17Part replacement
21V-096Feb 19, 2021When shifting into Reverse, a small portion of the rearview image may be obscured, or the screen may not illuminateBack-over prevention13,858Software update
20V-598Sep 30, 2020Small portion of the rearview image may be slightly obscuredBack-over prevention312Software update
Source: NHTSA ODI recalls file.
Owner complaints

What owners reported about the 2021 BMW X4

The full text of every complaint filed with NHTSA about this model year, newest first. Complaints are filed by owners and are not verified by NHTSA; NHTSA removes personal details before publishing.

6 complaints on file, page 1 of 1.

  1. Filed Apr 7, 2026Failure Mar 27, 2026houston, TXEngine, Power train

    I am reporting a safety concern regarding BMW vehicles equipped with the B58 Technical Update (B58TU) engine, commonly found on models from 2019 to 2021. The oil pump in these vehicles is failing prematurely. I was told this by service technicians at BMW and confirmed it through my own research. The oil pump failure is due to a plastic adjusting ring breaking. The result is severe oil pressure loss and engine failure. This is uncommon for a vehicle that has 65k miles. The engine failure comes without warning; there are no check engine light warnings. The vehicle's engine just fails I discovered the oil pump failure when I found it unusual that I had to add oil twice over a 6-month period. I took it to the dealer, where they informed me of the issue. This is extremely dangerous, especially when an engine locks up at high speeds on a highway.

    NHTSA complaint 11729655
  2. Filed Feb 11, 2026Failure Dec 15, 202470,000 milesSan Diego, CAEngine

    The contact owns a 2021 BMW X4. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V636000 (Electrical System). While the vehicle was in park(P), there were abnormal sounds coming from the engine. The contact stated that when the vehicle was shifted into drive(D) and the brake pedal was depressed, there was an abnormal sound coming from the front of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a dealer on several occasions, but the failure was not duplicated. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic and was currently being diagnosed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.

    NHTSA complaint 11717328
  3. Filed Feb 3, 2026Failure Jan 10, 2026Visalia, CASeat belts

    Went to sit in driver rear seat and put on my seat belt and found it frayed apart. Thought this was od and tried the rear passenger side only to find the exact same thing. Took it to the dealer in Visalia, CA. They said that they have never seen anything like that before. After discovering that both belts were broken in the same spot, they concluded it must be caused by wear in the retracting mechanism, but because the car was out of manufacturer's warranty they could only sell me new ones. I believe this is a very serious safety issue because as they were starting to fray apart the belts may have not had enough strength to restrain someone during an accident. Glad this was discovered before that happened!

    NHTSA complaint 11715323
  4. Filed Jan 26, 2026Failure Jan 10, 2026Visalia, CASeat belts

    BOTH rear seat belts have broken off in the same spot. Went to use the driver's side rear seat belt and found it had been broken (frayed off). Moved to the passenger side and found the exact same thing. This could have been a bad situation if in an accident had occurred where they had not completely frayed but would have failed. Took it to my local dealer and they had no answers as to how this could have happened but suggesting that it most likely happened inside the recoil mechanism. They offered no other remedy other than to have me pay for replacement since the car was out of manufactory warranty,

    NHTSA complaint 11713399
  5. Filed Jan 9, 2026Failure Jan 7, 2026cleveland, OHUnknown or other

    transfer case AWD/xDrive system drivetrain components The dealer diagnosed a transfer case failure on the BMW X4 xDrive. Vehicle displayed drivetrain malfunction warning. Repair estimate exceeds $20,000. The vehicle has under 50,000 miles. The issue appears consistent with known xDrive transfer case complaints. The warning light came on on January 7, 2026, at approximately 6 pm.

    NHTSA complaint 11709969
  6. Filed Feb 16, 2023Failure Jan 2, 2023Irving, TXSuspension

    What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? - Suspension How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? - Its giving head ache and body pain, driver & passengers are jumping / shaking / feeling very uncomfortable Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? - Dealer mentioned all good, it designed this way Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? - yes by BMW Service center Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? - No The car's performance and handling is good, but the biggest concern is with suspension. Bad experience in the driver's seat and more bad in the passenger seat. I understand if the suspension is not performing in sport mode, but even in comfort mode the suspension is not even working 10%. Really frustrated and getting depressed. Why is it mentioned as comfort mode and not doing the intended job ? Why is the car being advertised and sold as it has Adaptive suspension ? really the car has suspension ? The car is wobbling / shaking and very rough even for very small bumps / uneven surfaces (the car is just falling into it). It gives a headache when driving on a speed breaker even at 5 MPH. I really feel like the car has no suspension. Mentioning and selling with comfort mode where it is not doing the intended job is definitely a defective and design flaw. I would not have purchased it if it does not has comfort mode. Its happening all the time and from 5 to 70 mile speed. Please help me on this.

    NHTSA complaint 11507631
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file.
Investigations

NHTSA has not opened an investigation on this model year

Source: NHTSA ODI investigations file.
Service bulletins

168 manufacturer communications cover this model year

Technical service bulletins and other notices the manufacturer sent to dealers. A bulletin is not a recall; the 60 most recent are listed.

  • B110426 Jul 17, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    The manual starting of electronic engine oil level measurement from inside the vehicle, usually afterperforming an engine oil service task, is inoperative or it may lock up at between a 15% to 30% completionrate.
  • B010324 Jun 29, 2026 · Warranty Program/Extension
    The EVAP systems purge (vent) valve limited warranty for defects in materials and / or workmanship has been extended to 15 years / 150,000 miles as determined from the original first in-service / delivery date.
  • B010324 May 6, 2026 · Warranty Program/Extension
    The EVAP systems purge (vent) valve limited warranty for defects in materials or workmanship has been extended to 15 years / 150,000 miles as determined from the original in-service date.
  • B661719 Apr 30, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    The vehicle applies the brakes on its own when reversing onto an inclined roadway or driveway. This appliesonly to the situation where the Active PDC option is activated via the iDrive.
  • B650122 Jan 6, 2025 · Warranty Program/Extension
    The limited warranty for the Knee Air Bag wire harness repair cable procedure for defects in materials and / or workmanship has been extended to 10 years / 120,000 miles as determined from the original first in-service / delivery date.
  • B410722 Apr 4, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    While driving the vehicle on normal roads at10mph and above, a "cracking" sound from the top of the B-pillar(s) is heard.
  • B310122 Mar 14, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    During inspection and/or diagnosis there is noticeable dirt/grease buildup on the axles near the inner and/o router CV boots.
  • B630418 Mar 14, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    One or more of the LED daytime running lights are dim or discolored.
  • B640422 Feb 16, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    An interference noise (groaning noise) can be heard from within the heating and air-conditioning unit in thecenter of the instrument panel. The groaning noise always occurs when either a ventilation flap, air stratification flap or the recirculated airflap…
  • B510819 Jan 16, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    The basic conditions for initializing the power windows are not met.
  • B170122 Jan 29, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    The Check Control message below appears even though the coolant level is not below minimum when theengine is cold. Check Control message (ID 166): Top up coolant.
  • B610524 Jan 5, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    The Central Information Display goes black intermittently due to resets of the Head Unit (HU-H3). FaultB7F8F9 âÃÂÓ âÃÂÃÂHU-H: ResetâÃÂàwill be stored in the HU-H3.
  • B611305 Jan 11, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    The electrical system of BMW vehicles has been subject to an ongoing development process over the last few years. This has led to increased demands being placed on the battery. This document covers important information for the dealer on how to handle âdisc…
  • B541119 Jan 8, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin outlines known areas of possible water entry, operational noise, or wind noise for the vehicles listed above. It serves only as a diagnostic resource in troubleshooting complaints from the roof area. This bulletin and the associated attachme…
  • B360121 Jan 8, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    At low outside temperatures (below 40 degrees F) and slow driving speeds (i.e. when parking, maneuvering)with a large steering angle, the front end can be slightly axially misaligned. This can be felt (jerking)/ heard via an acoustic acknowledgement (clunk…
  • B310124 Jan 9, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    With the vehicle is on a lift and the front struts are in the extended position, there may be a cracking and orclicking type noise when turning the steering wheel left/right. See attached video V31 01 24. The sound can reoccur when the vehicle is lowered, …
  • B160123 Jan 5, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    A vehicle arrives at your center to be diagnosed for a micro-leak in the fuel evaporative (EVAP) system(NVLD natural vacuum leak detection). For this condition, the following fault is stored in the DME: 190302 - fuel tank ventilation and scavenging air sy…
  • B521823 Dec 15, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    A noise can be heard from underneath the seat while the seat is being moved either forwards or backwards. This can occur to the driverâ™s and/or the passengerâ™s front seat.
  • B650122 Nov 28, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    A check control message (CCM) for the restraint system (Air bag) appears. In the instrument cluster, the red air bag warning light lights up permanently. One of the following fault codes is stored in the ACSM (air bag control unit): 930949 - Knee airbag,…
  • B540421 Oct 18, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This situation can result in two customer complaints: 1. Wind noise 2. Excess water entry
  • B511823 Sep 25, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    A groaning noise is heard from the trunk when driving on rough roads.
  • B652823 Sep 11, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Customers may be experiencing one or more of these following issues with Bluetooth operation: Bluetooth cannot be switched on or off in the head unit (HU-H4) Paired mobile devices cannot be deleted Customer is unable to make phone calls or stream music w…
  • B610220 Aug 1, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    ?When driving over uneven pavement or cobblestones, a knocking noise is present from the passenger side front area (A pillar). Once the vehicle is driven on a flat, even surface; the noise is no longer present.
  • B540123 Aug 1, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    ?Water leaking into the vehicle from the headliner/microphone area.
  • B410722 Aug 1, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    While driving the vehicle on normal roads at 10mph and above, a "cracking" sound from the top of the B-pillar(s) is heard.
  • B310223 Aug 1, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    ?Disturbing noises (thump/pop) when reversing slowly near the steering wheel limit position; for example, when leaving a parking space.
  • B120423 Aug 1, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    ?An unapproved nut was used for the ground point for the chassis ground.
  • B650122 Aug 1, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    A check control message (CCM) for the restraint system (Air bag) appears. In the instrument cluster, the red air bag warning light lights up permanently.
  • B630821 Jun 1, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Headlight check control (CC) message 128 "High beam headlight failure" is displayed. The following fault codes are stored during a vehicle test: 80419A - Left high-beam headlight: Short circuit and/or 8041A5 - light outputs: Number of permitted short circui…
  • B160123 Jun 1, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    A vehicle arrives at your center to be diagnosed for a micro-leak in the fuel evaporative (EVAP) system (NVLD natural vacuum leak detection). For this condition, the following fault is stored in the DME: 190302 - fuel tank ventilation and scavenging air sys…
  • B120323 Jun 1, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    BMW AG has issued a Delivery Stop effective June 6, 2023 on certain Model Year 2023 - 2024 BMW vehicles that were produced between October 26, 2022 and May 8, 2023.
  • B090221 Jun 1, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    With the introduction of the BMW Remote Software Upgrade, all Service Pack 18 vehicles and partial Service Pack 15 vehicles may receive new functionality or modifications in their features.
  • B651921 May 1, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    BMW AG has issued a Delivery Stop (effective October 15, 2021) on certain Model Year 2022 BMW vehicles that were produced between September 28, 2021 and October 8, 2021. The issue involves the Active Crash Safety Module (ACSM) sensor.
  • B651523 May 1, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    After programming the head unit (HU-H2), activating the FSC (German word Freischaltcode) Enabling Codes repeatedly fails.
  • B610123 May 1, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Due to a software error, the vehicle sporadically does not achieve sleep mode. As a result, the 12-volt battery becomes discharged and may cause a no-start condition.
  • B514616 May 1, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Upon opening and closing the tailgate, a creaking/groaning sound can be heard from tailgate actuator.
  • B511722 May 1, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Due to the semiconductor supply, the Local Interconnect Network module in either of the exterior mirrors was switched to another controller. That one provides an imprecise voltage measurement, which the main controller interprets as a fault.
  • B510823 May 1, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Upon opening or closing (i.e., folding in or out) the exterior mirror assembly, a creaking sound is heard from either the driver and/or passenger side.
  • B340223 May 1, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Brake squeak may occur with cold brakes and driving slowly or reversing
  • SIB660823 Apr 1, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Issues with the various functions of the camera-based driver assistance systems (KAFAS system) can possibly lead to following customer complaints: KAFAS camera system deactivates itself, due to system restrictions that are not clear to the customer KAFAS ca…
  • SIB511722 Apr 1, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Due to the semiconductor supply, the Local Interconnect Network module in either of the exterior mirrors was switched to another controller.
  • SIB310223 Apr 1, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Disturbing noises (thump/pop) when reversing slowly near the steering wheel limit position; for example, when leaving a parking space.
  • SIB120123 Apr 1, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    In hot ambient conditions, if the engine was running for a prolonged time while the vehicle is stationary, a jolt may be experienced while lightly accelerating.
  • B841422 Mar 1, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Customer is shown an incorrect GPS location in the vehicle (i.e., Nav Map, coordinates).
  • B840822 Mar 1, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    The 3G network in the US has been shut down. This means that only the 4G network will be available. In the 4G network, voice calls will be transferred via the Voice over LTE (VoLTE) function. For this purpose, the SIM card must perform an IMS registration i…
  • B651623 Mar 1, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Customer states there is no audio playback (telephony, navigation, radio) and system sounds (PDC, turn indicators, acoustic signals) may also have failed.
  • B630418 Mar 1, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    One or more of the LED daytime running lights are dim or discolored.
  • B620223 Mar 1, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    In SPORT mode, a black square appears in the RPM gauge (tachometer) section of the instrument cluster display.
  • B610923 Mar 1, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    The gear selector switch (GWS) consists of the control electronics circuit and the selector lever. The sensors for recording the gearshift lever position and for inhibiting inadvertent gearshifts are integrated in the control electronics.
  • B610123 Mar 1, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Due to a software error, the vehicle sporadically does not achieve sleep mode. As a result, the 12-volt battery becomes discharged and may cause a no-start condition.
  • B410722 Mar 1, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    While driving the vehicle on normal roads at 10mph and above, a cracking sound from the top of the B-pillar(s) is heard.
  • B841422 Dec 1, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Customer is shown an incorrect GPS location in the vehicle (i.e., Nav Map, coordinates).
  • B652422 Dec 1, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Visible white spots on the edge of the central information display (CID) from being touched with a finger.
  • B630822 Dec 1, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Uneven ambient lighting emission (bright spots/dark spots) on the door trim panel.
  • B650122 Nov 1, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    A check control message for the restraint system appears. In the instrument cluster, the red air bag warning light lights up permanently. One of the following fault codes is stored in the ACSM (air bag control unit): 930949 - Knee airbag, driver: short ci…
  • B410722 Nov 1, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    While driving the vehicle on normal roads at 10mph and above, a cracking sound from the top of the B-pillar(s) is heard.
  • B651922 Oct 1, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    The customer complains that the radio stations change by themselves.
  • B651222 Oct 1, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    The seal of the roof-mounted antenna housing is separating from the vehicle.
  • B611222 Oct 1, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    After opening the vehicle with the radio remote control and changing the profile, the exterior mirror settings are lost.
  • B511722 Oct 1, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Due to the semiconductor supply, the Local Interconnect Network module in either of the exterior mirrors was switched to another controller. That one provides an imprecise voltage measurement, which the main controller interprets as a fault. For the driving…
Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications files.