Buying a used 2021 BMW X5? Check these 12 recalls first
The 2021 BMW X5 has 12 recalls in this group. Hybrid battery fire concerns and a 48-volt battery connection fire risk require careful VIN applicability checks. Tire pressure loss, suspension welds, steering column looseness, brake disc attachment, and ABS issues broaden the mechanical record. Its 105 NHTSA owner complaints are unverified reports, including 36 electrical, 26 power train, and 24 engine reports. The complaint record includes 9 reported crashes, 3 fires, and 7 injuries.
Before you buy
- Get the 17-character VIN from the seller and run it at nhtsa.gov/recalls. It shows which recalls are still unrepaired on that exact car.
- Verify VIN applicability and completion of all listed battery fire recalls.
- Request tire, suspension weld, steering column, and brake recall repair records.
- Ask about electrical or power train faults and confirm head restraint corrections.
- Open recalls are repaired free at any BMW dealer, whoever owns the car — an open recall is a to-do item, not a bill.
Recalls covering the 2021 BMW X5
| Recall | Area | Severity |
|---|---|---|
| BMW and Mini Plug-In Hybrid Battery Fire Risk | Electrical System | critical |
| BMW, MINI Hybrid Battery Debris Fire Risk | Electrical System | critical |
| BMW 48-Volt Battery Connection May Cause Fire | Electrical System | critical |
| BMW X5 and X6 Tires May Lose Pressure Fast | Tires | high |
| BMW X5, X6, X7 Front Suspension Weld May Fail | Suspension | high |
| BMW X5, X6 and X7 Loose Steering Column Risk | Steering | high |
| BMW Models: Integrated Brake System May Lose ABS | Service Brakes, Hydraulic | high |
| BMW X5 Front Brake Disc May Come Loose | Service Brakes, Hydraulic | high |
| BMW backup camera may show partial or blank image | Back Over Prevention | medium |
| BMW X5 and X7 may have incorrect second-row head restraints | Seats | medium |
| BMW X5, X6 and X7 sunroof may close unexpectedly | Visibility | medium |
| BMW X5, X6 and X7 headlights may glow blue | Exterior Lighting | low |
What owners have reported to NHTSA
105 complaints filed for this model year, including 9 mentioning a crash, 3 a fire and 7 injuries. Complaints are unverified owner reports, and popular models collect more of them simply because more are on the road.
| Problem area | Complaints | Recall in this area? |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical System | 36 | Yes |
| Engine | 31 | None found |
| Power Train | 26 | None found |
| Rear Camera | 9 | Yes |
| AIR Bags | 7 | None found |
| Brakes | 6 | Yes |