BMW X5 and X7 may have incorrect second-row head restraints
medium How serious is it? About this label
In the event of a crash, the head restraints could detach and increase the risk of injury. The notice does not tell owners to stop driving.
Key facts
| NHTSA campaign number | 21V156000 |
|---|---|
| Reported to NHTSA | Mar 10, 2021 |
| Manufacturer | BMW of North America, LLC |
| Part affected | Seats:mid/rear Assembly:head Restraint |
| Vehicles covered | 3 model/year combinations, model years 2021 |
| Do-not-drive advisory | No |
| Park-outside advisory | No |
| Repair | Free at any franchised dealer |
What's wrong, in plain English
On these BMW X5 and X7 vehicles, the head restraints, meaning the padded supports at the top of the seat backs, on the two outer seats in the second row may be the wrong type for the vehicle. A dealer will look at those head restraints and, if they are not the correct ones, replace them. BMW is writing to owners about the problem.
What you should do
2. Contact a BMW dealer to have the second-row head restraints inspected and replaced if needed, or call BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
3. The inspection and any replacement are free.
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 21V156000. More in how recalls work.
Affected vehicles (3)
Who to contact
BMW — official BMW recall lookup
Customer service: 1-800-525-7417
The bigger picture
- BMW Seat Recalls Involve Loose Bolts, Welds, and Head Restraints · all 9 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
- SEATS:MID/REAR ASSEMBLY:HEAD RESTRAINT
- Summary
- BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2021 X5 sDrive40i, X5 xDrive50i, X5 M50i, X5 xDrive45e, 2021 X7 xDrive40i, X7 M50i, and XB7 vehicles. The head restraints on the second-row outer seats may be the incorrect type for the vehicle.
- Safety risk
- In the event of a crash, the head restraints could detach, and increase the risk of injury.
- Remedy
- BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the head restraints, and replace them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began May 3, 2021. 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.