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ProblemsByVin Index / 2021-BMW-X5 / COMPLAINTS
Full complaint record · NHTSA

2021 BMW X5 owner complaints

94 complaints filed with NHTSA on this vehicle , including 3 reporting a crash, fire, injury, or fatality. Showing the 300 most recent — grouped by category for scanning.

powertrain 7 complaints shown

22 total in this category · severe · avg repair $2,500 · see powertrain cluster analysis →
12/29/2021 ODI #11445512.0

After stopping for a red light for a right turn vehicle does not accelerate in hybrid mode when commanded to do so. No alarms are present. Car is shown to be in Drive. After numerous attempts to switch transmission gears and restart the engine, switched to gas (sport) mode and was able to accelerate the car. Occurred on at least 3 occasions. A dangerous event because drivers behind the car could accelerate thus causing an accident. The incident could also cause driver rage from drivers behind my car attempting to make the left turn.

12/26/2021 ODI #11445005.0

Unknown car started shaking on the highway and suddenly lost power. Shown error 'power train mailfunction'

12/15/2025 ODI #11705036.0

I am writing to formally file a complaint and request an expansion of recall coverage regarding a starter motor failure on my 2021 BMW X5, which occurred at approximately 38,000 miles. Recently, my vehicle experienced a sudden failure to start. After inspection, the issue was diagnosed as a starter malfunction. I am aware that BMW has issued a recall addressing starter-related defects for certain vehicles of the same model year and configuration. However, I was informed that my vehicle’s VIN is not included in the current recall list. Given the relatively low mileage, the nature of the failure, and the existence of an official BMW recall for the same defect, I believe this issue represents a manufacturing or design defect rather than normal wear and tear. A starter motor failure at 38,00

12/01/2020 3,220 mi ODI #11377377.0

Car had 2 alerts 2.5 hrs into journey, having gone I-675 to 16: 1. Drivetrain malfunction 2. Power supply. I had stopped for food. I got back in, turned on the engine, and these alerts came on immediately. I called BMW, they said car should not be driven. Had it towed to hilton head BMW. They've had it two days and say this is related to the recalled battery and they have no idea as of today how to fix it. They said this problem is happening all over. I also got a third message about driving assistance support last week that I was told to ignore.

11/28/2025 36,400 mi ODI #11701920.0

The contact owns a 2021 BMW X5. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, there was an abnormal grinding and clanking sound coming from the front end of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the front differential was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 36,400.

11/08/2025 ODI #11698378.0

The vehicle shakes at low speeds with a jolt and vibration when turning. When I pressed the accelerator from a standstill, the gas pedal broke off from its floor mounted bracket.

10/20/2023 ODI #11551012.0

Drivetrain - A drivetrain malfunction message came-up a few weeks back on the high-way indicating “It is safe to drive but with reduced power” and the vehicle suddenly slowed down on the highway with less power to drive putting us in unsafe condition. The vehicle has less than 25,000 miles. The incident was reported to a BMW dealer for reporting to BMW and with a request for investigation and fixing prior to warranty expiration. Unknown - After a long drive (some times after a short drive) when the vehicle (PHEV) is parked and plugged-in, a loud noise can be heard. The noise goes away once its unplugged and locked. The incident was reported to a BMW dealer for reporting to BMW and with a request for investigation and fixing prior to warranty expiration.

other 4 complaints shown

12/26/2023 Crash ODI #11561951.0

On Wednesday, December 20, 2023, shortly after 8:30 p.m., I turned into the driveway for my Columbia residence and proceeded with caution toward my carport. The weather was clear, with no rain or ice, and my driveway was free of all obstacles. My 2021 BMW X5 began to accelerate and move forward at a dangerous speed. Though I applied the brakes, they were unresponsive, and the vehicle collided, with force, into the brick steps at the carport entrance to my home. Upon impact, all airbags in the vehicle deployed, and the emergency response system was activated. Prior to impact, none of the vehicle’s safety monitoring features responded. These would include the system by which the vehicle’s speed is regulated whenever a vehicle on the roadway, in front of the X5, slows down or brakes. Neit

12/05/2025 ODI #11703190.0

I was driving 75mph on the highway and my sunroof exploded while driving. It sounded like a gunshot above my head and shattered while going 75mph. This vehicle and other bmws that share the same sunroof glass are not fit to drive on the road until investigated further. There has been recalls and lawsuits for this. This a supplier or install issue when the car was manufactured. It’s not safe while driving and the glass spontaneously combusts into a million pieces. I have contacted BMW NA and they stated there is nothing they can do about it. The service was paid for because I need a vehicle. I would like this investigated as a warranty claim so I can claim back the fees I have paid.

11/14/2022 Crash ODI #11493401.0

Forward sensors did not activate braking system, vehicle subsequently jumped the curb and struck concrete piling, embedding it into the vehicle. The air bags did not deploy. I sent an email to the company and the incident was reported to the police. The vehicle was determined to be a total loss by New Jersey Manufacturers Insurance company after being inspected by the collision company. As my wife pulled into the parking space, there were no indications observed.

10/15/2025 ODI #11693718.0

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The engine/transmission mounts were diagnosed by Sterling BMW (Newport Beach, CA) as “sagging” and in need of replacement at only 38,437 miles. The components remain on the vehicle and are available for inspection. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? If engine mounts are in fact deteriorating prematurely, the drivetrain may shift during operation, affecting vehicle stability, steering alignment, and braking response. This could cause a sudden loss of control and create a hazard to occupants and other drivers. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes. Sterling BMW performed the inspection on October 2, 2025, and docum

electrical 3 complaints shown

22 total in this category · severe · avg repair $850 · see electrical cluster analysis →
12/31/2024 ODI #11633410.0

The vehicle starter fails intermittently. I have to also keep it out of start/stop mode for efficiency due to this starter issue.

12/09/2020 ODI #11382731.0

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 BMW x5. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 20v601000 (electrical system) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. An unknown dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

11/08/2024 56,000 mi ODI #11624148.0

The contact owns a 2021 BMW X5. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start immediately and required several attempts before starting. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the starter had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V761000 (Electrical System); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 56,000.

engine 3 complaints shown

11 total in this category · moderate · avg repair $3,100 · see engine cluster analysis →
12/09/2025 ODI #11703980.0

BMW 2021 X5 Engine starter failed. BMW South Miami dealership troubleshooting found the starter motor faulty and replaced it. This failure is NOT part of the current starter recall for BMW X5. (25V644000) My X5 maufactured date is June of 2021. I purchased the X5 In July of 2021. I paid $2166.35 for repairs and I am seaking a refund.

10/22/2025 55,000 mi ODI #11695040.0

The contact owns a 2021 BMW X5. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, there was an abnormal sputtering sound coming from the vehicle. After several attempts, the vehicle was able to start. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with starter failure. The contact was provided with the following DTC: 0012240600. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The contact stated that the failure persisted. Upon further investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V576000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). However, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 55,000.

10/16/2025 40,000 mi ODI #11693874.0

The contact owns a 2021 BMW X5. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the coolant warning light illuminated with the message "Coolant Dangerously Low - Fill Right Away" displayed on the instrument panel. The message was displayed on several occasions. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where the dealer discovered coolant leaking from the bottom of the vehicle and diagnosed that the water pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was no longer under warranty. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000. The VIN was not available.

suspension 1 complaint shown

12/10/2025 ODI #11704139.0

In the middle of driving, multiple warning lights came on in the car and the steering became very stiff, which made it difficult to steer the car. We brought the car to the dealer service station and they identified that the crank pulley system had a failure and the vibration damper needed to be replaced. Apparently, this issue also resulted in the engine not properly charging the car battery, which also resulted in battery failure. This car only has about 38,000 miles on it and has been plagued by safety issues. The difficulty steering the car could have resulted in an accident on the road. This same car also had a water pump failure at approximately 35-36k miles that was separately reported to NHTSA previously.

airbags 1 complaint shown

6 total in this category · severe · avg repair $1,100 · see airbags cluster analysis →
10/26/2023 Crash ODI #11551979.0

2021 X5 M50i: The driver's knee airbag deployed in a crash and lacerated my left lower leg down to the muscle and abraded most of the layers of skin on my right shin. I was taken to the ER by ambulance. The laceration could only be partially sutured together. There was no shrapnel in the wounds. I have to go to a wound care center to treat the mentioned injuries. Everything else on me was fine, just some bruises and sore muscles; my car saved my life. I was not at fault. All airbags, except the vacant front passenger, were deployed. I was the only occupant of the vehicle. The airbags have not been inspected by the dealer or anyone else as it was a total loss and taken away to a salvage lot to be sold at auction. The insurance company went by the photos that I sent in. I have a lot of photo

Showing 300 of 94 total complaints. The full federal record is available at nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2021/BMW/X5#complaints.
Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) owner complaint database. Last synced 2026-06-14. Complaints are owner-submitted and unverified — the existence of a complaint is not proof of a defect, but a pattern of complaints around the same component is a signal worth weighing. Verify any specific filing at nhtsa.gov.
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