BMW X5, X6 and X7 headlights may glow blue
low How serious is it? About this label
Drivers coming the other way may be confused by the blue light of an approaching vehicle, which could increase the risk of a crash. The notice does not tell owners to stop driving.
Key facts
| NHTSA campaign number | 20V528000 |
|---|---|
| Reported to NHTSA | Sep 1, 2020 |
| Manufacturer | BMW of North America, LLC |
| Part affected | Exterior Lighting:headlights |
| Vehicles covered | 6 model/year combinations, model years 2020–2021 |
| Do-not-drive advisory | No |
| Park-outside advisory | No |
| Repair | Free at any franchised dealer |
What's wrong, in plain English
BMW is recalling certain X5, X6 and X7 models, including several performance and plug-in versions, because the headlights may give off a blue light. Federal rules set which colors a vehicle's lamps are allowed to show, and headlights that let blue light through do not meet that standard. BMW is having dealers look at the headlamps on the vehicles covered and fit new ones where an inspection shows they are needed.
What you should do
2. Contact a BMW dealer to have the headlamps inspected and replaced if needed, or call BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
3. The inspection and any replacement are free of charge.
Where do I find my VIN, and what do I tell the dealer?
Your VIN is the 17-character code on the lower left of the windshield, on your registration and usually on your insurance card. Enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether this recall is still open on your car. When you call the dealer, say you have an open safety recall and give them NHTSA campaign number 20V528000. More in how recalls work.
Affected vehicles (6)
Who to contact
BMW — official BMW recall lookup
Customer service: 1-800-525-7417
The bigger picture
- BMW Exterior Lighting Recalls Cover Headlight Failures and Loose Lamps · all 10 BMW recalls in this area
Other BMW X5 recalls
- Jul 1, 2026BMW, Mini Integrated Brake System May Malfunctionhigh
- Sep 25, 2025BMW X5, X6, X7 Starter May Overheatcritical
- Oct 2, 2024BMW Brake System May Lose Power Assisthigh
- Sep 18, 2024BMW and MINI Brake System Weld May Failhigh
- Aug 13, 2024BMW X4, X5 Water Pump Connector May Shorthigh
- Aug 1, 2024BMW Starter Motor Overheating May Cause Engine Firecritical
Official notice
- Component
- EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
- 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."
- Safety risk
- Oncoming drivers may be confused by the blue light of approaching vehicles, which could potentially increase the risk of a crash.
- 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.
Verify your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov. Recall repairs are free of charge by law.