2021 BMW X5

108 complaints on file, page 1 of 6.

1. Filed Sep 28, 2026Failure Sep 8, 2026Newport Beach, CAPower train, Unknown or other

   Problem with starter. They don’t start from first time, sometimes from 2-3. As I’m check it in forums, it can burn another parts and make fire. As i now bmw x5 from 2019 to 2024 have problem with starter and have opened recall for it. But when I’m visit now service center, they say me that my vin number not selected for starter recall and I must contact you first.

   NHTSA complaint 11767455
2. Filed Sep 23, 2026Failure Jul 1, 2026St Augustine, FLElectrical system, Engine, Power train

   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 malfunction. This defect significantly affects vehicle reliability and raises a potential safety concern. BMW previously recalled vehicles equipped with similar starter motors due to starter solenoid defects that could cause overheating, electrical short circuits, and an increased risk of vehicle fire. The symptoms on my vehicle appear consistent with those associated with the previously identified defect. I respectfully request that NHTSA investigate whether the starter motor defect previously addressed through BMW recalls extends beyond the identified production range, including 2021 model year vehicles. The recurring failure, similarity to previously recalled defects, and potential fire hazard warrants further review.

   NHTSA complaint 11766408
3. Filed Sep 21, 2026Failure Sep 8, 2026Collierville, TNElectrical system, Power train

   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, 2026, while the vehicle was parked at my residence and was confirmed by BMW Roadshow Memphis on September 11, 2026, as a starter-related malfunction. The dealer quoted more than $1,600 to replace the starter motor because the vehicle is outside the warranty period. This defect significantly affects vehicle reliability and raises a potential safety concern. BMW previously recalled vehicles equipped with similar starter motors due to starter solenoid defects that could cause overheating, electrical short circuits, and an increased risk of vehicle fire. The symptoms on my vehicle appear consistent with those associated with the previously identified defect. Publicly available recall information indicates BMW's corrective action included software modifications intended to reduce current flow through the starter system. However, this appears to be a mitigation measure rather than a correction of the underlying hardware defect. I contacted BMW North America seeking assistance and clarification regarding the similarity between my vehicle's failure and the previously recalled condition. I was informed that my vehicle is not included in the recall population, and no resolution was offered despite my attempts to escalate the issue. I respectfully request that NHTSA investigate whether the starter motor defect previously addressed through BMW recalls extends beyond the identified production range, including 2021 model year vehicles. Specifically, whether these vehicles may contain the same defective components, whether the software remedy addresses the root cause, and whether additional vehicles should be included in an expanded recall. The recurring failure, similarity to previously recalled defects, and potential fire hazard warrant further review to protect ve

   NHTSA complaint 11765823
4. Filed Sep 13, 2026Failure May 10, 2026Bloomington, INElectrical system

   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 with the starter motor. I also noticed that there was a similar recall before, so I'm wondering if this one might also pose a risk of fire.

   NHTSA complaint 11763905
5. Filed Sep 8, 2026Failure Sep 8, 2026Wichita Falls, TXElectrical system

   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 each repair. The AC was not replaced. The contact believed that the issue was caused by Hybrid system.

   NHTSA complaint 11762762
6. Filed Sep 4, 2026Failure Sep 3, 2026Mcmurray, PARearview system braking, Warnings, Electrical system

   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. When this occurs, the backup camera is unavailable, creating a safety hazard when reversing. Navigation, radio, Apple CarPlay, and vehicle settings are also unavailable. Failure History/Diagnosis: The first failure occurred about one month ago while I was reversing. After several hard resets and leaving the vehicle unused for two days, the display began working again. The failure occurred again yesterday when my spouse started the vehicle. I took it to Bobby Rahal BMW of South Hills, PA. The BMW technician confirmed that the head unit (MGU) and RAM (Receiver Audio Module) are not communicating. The technician also found corrosion on the head-unit power connector and inside the head unit, suggesting moisture intrusion and/or an internal electrical short. The dealer recommended replacing the head unit, with the part costing over $4,000, plus labor and additional diagnosis to identify the source of the leak/moisture causing the corrosion. Inspection: The defect was inspected and confirmed by the BMW dealer. The failed component is available for inspection upon request. There were no police or insurance inspections. Warning Signs: There were no warning lights or messages before either failure. The display simply went blank. The failure is intermittent and unpredictable. Safety Concern: The CID can suddenly fail during operation, including while reversing, causing loss of the backup camera and other critical functions. Corrosion inside the head unit and on its power connector raises concern about a recurring moisture-intrusion or electrical/design defect. I request that NHTSA investigate whether this is a recurring safety defect affecting BMW X5 G05 vehicles and determine whether a recall or corrective action is warranted.

   NHTSA complaint 11762076
7. Filed Aug 24, 2026Failure Aug 9, 202649,000 milesStuart, FLElectrical system, Engine, Engine and engine cooling

   The contact owns a 2021 BMW X5. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to immediately start. The vehicle started later. The engine and a yellow warning light flashed on the instrument panel. Upon research, the contact located the German Federal Motor Transport Authority (Kraftfahrt-Bundesamt), for KBA Reference Number: 16131R, which was associated with the starter motor. The contact stated that the failure was associated with NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V576000 (Electrical System, Engine and Engine Cooling) and 25V644000 (Electrical System). The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who determined that the failure was associated with the starter motor, which was replaced. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and the contact was informed that there was no recall on the VIN associated with the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 49,000.

   NHTSA complaint 11759048
8. Filed Aug 20, 2026Failure Jul 16, 2026Reno, NVAutomatic emergency braking, Power train, Service brakes

   We live in [XXX]. We own a 2021 BMW X5-45e. It has about 85,000 miles and has always been serviced by the BMW dealer here in [XXX] – Pierce BMW. On the evening of XXX I drove the vehicle home at 6:30PM after a 30 mile drive and parked the car outside in the shade of our house. The temperature at the time was approx. 95 degrees F. At 6:45PM we left the house and drove on the freeway and city streets of [XXX] about 8-10 miles to see a concert in downtown [XXX]. The temperature at that time was about 90-92 F. There was no wind. We then parked outside the venue for about an hour and watched the concert. We came out of the concert at about 8:30 and started the car. I drove about 200 feet to the corner and stepped on the brake. As the car slowly came to a stop the emergency/parking brake suddenly engaged at about 2-3 miles per hour. The car jerked to a very sudden and violent stop. To get the car going, I had to disengage the parking brake which was on with the indicated brake light. The engine was still on and there were no warning lights flashing. I turned the corner and accelerated again to about 15 miles per hour and touched the brakes to bring the car to a stop. The same thing happened. The car jerked to a sudden stop. To get the car going, I had to disengage the parking brake. The engine was still on and there were no warning lights flashing. It also happened a third time. That time, my elderly wife complained of pain in her back. After the third time, I turned the engine off and waited about one minute. I then restarted the car and drove it home with no problems. We have had no further issues, but this is a big concern as we no longer trust the car to perform as expected. This is a very worrisome issue and would like some answers, but apparently none are forthcoming. I took the car to Pierce BMW and they could find no fault code or problem. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

   NHTSA complaint 11758372
9. Filed Aug 12, 2026Failure Aug 6, 2026Lafayette, LAEngine, Power train, Suspension

   The front driveshaft universal joint failed causing the drive shaft to bust a hole in the engine and crack the transmission. There was no knocking noise prior to failure. It suddenly failed, disengaged and caused damage. I was told by service manager the u-bolt must have been defective to have failed without warning.

   NHTSA complaint 11756576
10. Filed Aug 9, 2026Failure Jul 23, 2026Riverside, CAElectrical system

    The drivetrain warning light came on shortly after I started the vehicle. I noticed acceleration issues both while driving on side streets and on the freeway. I took the X5 45e into the repair center the day after the notice came on especially given the experience on the freeway, which happened during rush hour traffic. Upon inspection, I was told the starter was beginning to fail and that while there had been a recall on starters on many other BMW models, it did not include the X5 45e. BMW advised I replace the starter immediately due to safety, which cost $2,600. Two weeks later, the same drivetrain light has come on and the X5 is back at the service center for diagnosis.

    NHTSA complaint 11755801
11. Filed Aug 5, 2026Failure Jun 15, 2026Fairway, KSElectrical system

    Auto Start/Stop button needs to be pressed three times to start the vehicle.

    NHTSA complaint 11754934
12. Filed Jul 27, 2026Failure Jul 1, 2026Oxford, CTUnknown or other

    Water is leaking from the microphone housing directly above the driver’s seat during normal operation. The water drips onto the driver’s head and into the roof‑mounted electronic components. This creates a safety hazard due to potential electrical shorting, distraction while driving, and possible malfunction of overhead electronics. The vehicle has only 63,000 miles, and I purchased the extended warranty. BMW denied warranty coverage and classified the issue as “wear and tear,” despite the fact that water intrusion into interior electronics is a potential design or assembly defect involving the panoramic roof drainage or sealing system. BMW North America told me the dealership would have a 50% goodwill authorization documented for the repair, but the dealership had **no record** of any goodwill coverage when I picked up my vehicle. Additionally, I was charged **$308 for one hour of diagnostic time**, of this issue and this diagnostic fee does **not** apply toward the repair cost. This is concerning and unfair business practice. I have owned multiple vehicles with sunroofs exceeding 150,000 miles and have never experienced water intrusion of any kind. This appears to be a defect that poses a safety risk and may affect other BMW X5 vehicles.

    NHTSA complaint 11753036
13. Filed Jul 10, 2026Failure Jul 9, 2026Nashville, TNPower train, Steering

    I am reporting a front differential/front drive axle failure and a separate steering wheel/steering column adjustment issue. The vehicle was brought to an independent BMW/German repair shop for a routine oil change/inspection. The shop advised me that the front differential/front drive axle assembly had failed or was severely damaged and needed repair/replacement. The vehicle/component is currently at the shop and should be available for inspection upon request. I am concerned this could put my safety and others at risk because the front differential is part of the AWD drivetrain. If it fails further while driving, it could affect drivability, traction, or vehicle control, especially at speed or in poor road conditions. The issue has been confirmed by an independent service center. To my knowledge, it has not yet been inspected by BMW, police, insurance, or government reps. A third-party warranty inspector may inspect it before repair. The exact cause is UNKNOWN. I was told BMW appears aware of this issue because the replacement part has a newer/superseded part number. This suggests BMW may have revised or updated the original part. I do not know if BMW has formally acknowledged a defect, but I am concerned this may be a broader issue given the low mileage. Separately, the power-adjustable steering wheel/steering column sometimes makes a grinding/vibrating noise when I start the vehicle and the wheel automatically moves out/down into the driving position. There were no warning lamps or dashboard messages. The exact date it first appeared is UNKNOWN, but it has occurred more than once. I previously raised this type of issue with a BMW dealer and was told it was a known issue. The exact cause is UNKNOWN. I am concerned it could involve the steering column adjustment mechanism or related components. I am reporting both issues because the vehicle is low mileage and I am concerned they may be safety-related defects rather than isolated maintenance items.

    NHTSA complaint 11749496
14. Filed Jun 27, 2026Failure Jun 25, 2026Garden City, NYEngine

    I am having issues with the starter motor / battery. I have read extensively about issues with BMW X5 models having recalls during the production period of my vehicle. BMW is trying to charge $3,000 for a new starter and battery. I feel that this is a known and significant issue with BMW X5 vehicles produced during the same period as my vehicle and would like for this to be covered under recall.

    NHTSA complaint 11746875
15. Filed May 26, 2026Failure May 20, 2026Ocala, FLCondensor/evaporator

    The vehicle's HVAC system failed due to a leaking air conditioning evaporator core. This single component handles both cabin cooling and the windshield defrost/defog function, so its failure compromises a safety-critical visibility system in addition to climate control. The failed component is available for inspection upon request. Safety risk: The vehicle is operated primarily in Florida, where ambient temperatures regularly exceed 95°F and interior cabin temperatures without functioning AC can exceed 130°F. Operating a vehicle in these conditions causes driver fatigue, reduced reaction time, and heat-related illness — all of which compromise safe vehicle operation. Loss of the defrost/defog function also creates a visibility hazard in the humid and rainy conditions common to the region. Vulnerable passengers including children and elderly riders are at additional risk of heat-related illness. Confirmation: The failure was diagnosed and confirmed by an authorized BMW dealer service department as a leaking evaporator core requiring complete dashboard removal to repair, with a quoted repair cost in the multiple thousands of dollars. Inspection: The vehicle has been inspected by the dealer only. It has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, or insurance representatives. Warning indicators: No warning lamps or dashboard messages appeared prior to the failure. The first symptom was sudden loss of cabin cooling from the AC system. Critical context: This failure occurred at only 12,500 miles on a five-year-old vehicle that has been driven an average of approximately 2,500 miles per year. AC evaporator cores are not wear items and should not fail under any reasonable use conditions at this mileage. This is a widely documented defect pattern affecting 2019–2026 BMW G-series vehicles (X5, X6, X7, and Alpina XB7). Numerous owners across multiple model years have reported identical premature pinhole evaporator leaks at low mileage. The leading technical analysis attri

    NHTSA complaint 11740008
16. Filed May 20, 2026Failure Apr 26, 2026Suitland, MDPower train

    The vehicle’s rear differential has developed significant internal "play" (excessive clearance between gears). This defect manifests as abnormal vibration and inconsistent power delivery to the wheels. The vehicle was inspected by an authorized BMW Technician at Passport BMW . Although I reported hitting a curb (low-speed impact), the official diagnostic report from the BMW Technician explicitly stated that the curb impact did not cause the differential failure. The technician identified the issue as a failure of the internal differential components, which is consistent with numerous reports of drivetrain defects in the B MW X5. Despite the vehicle being well under the 50,000-mile warranty threshold and the technician’s own finding that external damage was not the cause, BMW is currently refusing to honor the warranty repair for this critical mechanical component. I purchased the vehicle in March 2025 Certified Pre owned.

    NHTSA complaint 11738996
17. Filed May 19, 2026Failure May 6, 2026Simpsonville, SCEngine

    After the car was.parked in sun for aome time during shopping at Costco, it did not start. We had to use remote starter which worked. However, upon doing some research I found that overheated starter is a known and recalled problem with 2021 X5 and remote start could have caused fire. Dealership also confirmed it to be the smae pronlem , but BMW has not listed this vin as recalled. I contacted BMW and they denied that it was same.problem, although mine is also 2021 X5 with smae.overheated starter problem.

    NHTSA complaint 11738795
18. Filed May 15, 2026Failure May 1, 2026Wake Forest, NCElectrical system, Engine, Power train

    2021 BMW X5 xDrive45e PHEV, built October 2020 by BMW AG (Germany). In-service Oct 28, 2021. Vehicle intermittently shows "Drivetrain Malfunction — you can continue driving" warning. DME scan reveals 5 fault codes, all for the conventional 12V pinion starter: 21A50A — Pinion starter: timeout occurred several times in succession 21A511 — Pinion starter: timeout 21611A — Pinion starter: starting torque could not be built up; high counter torque and/or undervoltage 216119 — Pinion starter: line break in starter control (KL50/KL30) 216115 — Pinion starter: attempt to start with blocked starter detected 21A50A and 216115 are protected memory codes that cannot be cleared by standard OBD-II tools. The main 12V AGM battery was replaced and registered; codes continue to recur. This signature matches the B58 pinion starter defect addressed in NHTSA Recall 24V-576 (Aug 2024) and 25V644 (Nov 2025, physical starter replacement). The vehicle's German manufacture date falls inside the production windows of KBA recalls 15630R, 15632R, and 15633R — all covering X5 G05 for short-circuit and fire risk from starter relay corrosion or inadequate mounting. BMW AG has issued an ADAC advisory not to leave affected vehicles running unattended after starting. BMW NA Customer Relations was contacted. Initial verbal response: U.S. recalls don't apply because the xDrive45e PHEV uses a different starter than non-hybrid B58 vehicles. However, codes 216115 and 216119 only exist on vehicles equipped with a conventional pinion starter — confirming this vehicle has the same component. The subsequent written denial pivoted to warranty expiration without addressing the technical or recall-scope questions. Filing so the field record reflects this defect signature for future U.S. recall scope expansion analysis.

    NHTSA complaint 11738107
19. Filed May 6, 2026Failure May 5, 202663,382 milesPiscataway, NJAir bags

    The contact owns a 2021 BMW X5. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the air bag warning light unexpectedly illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the air bag had failed and that the air bag and/or the sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA hotline for further assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 63,382.

    NHTSA complaint 11736074
20. Filed Apr 30, 2026Failure Apr 9, 2026San Francisco, CAEngine

    Water pump failed while driving on highway. Completely shut down and began to smoke violently. Luckily wife was able to pull over immediately without crashing. Wife and children very disturbed. Looked up issue and 720000 BMW x5 have been recalled with same exact issue. Ours is not. Why?????

    NHTSA complaint 11734883