Buying a used 2021 BMW X5? Check these 12 recalls first
The 2021 X5 carries an unusually broad recall list for one model year — three separate fire-related campaigns (plug-in hybrid battery, hybrid battery short, 48-volt battery connection), plus front suspension weld, steering column bolt, brake unit and right front brake disc repairs. Pirelli tires that can lose air suddenly were also recalled. Owners filed 105 unverified NHTSA complaints, concentrated in electrical system, power train and engine, and including 3 fire reports.
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.
- Run the VIN with a BMW dealer to confirm the battery fire recalls are closed — especially on a plug-in hybrid.
- Ask whether the suspension weld, steering column bolt and brake unit recalls were performed; listen for clunks and steering play on the test drive.
- Confirm the recalled Pirelli tires were replaced or inspected, and verify the backup camera and rear head restraints work as intended.
- 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 X5 and X6 Pirelli Tires Can Lose Air Suddenly | Tires | critical |
| BMW and MINI plug-in hybrid batteries may catch fire | Electrical System | critical |
| BMW 48-Volt Battery Connection May Overheat and Cause Fire | Electrical System | critical |
| BMW and MINI Hybrid Battery May Short and Catch Fire | Electrical System | high |
| BMW X5, X6 and X7 front suspension weld may break | Suspension | high |
| BMW X5, X6 and X7 steering column bolt may loosen | Steering | high |
| BMW X5, X6, X7 and M cars: brake unit failure | Service Brakes, Hydraulic | high |
| BMW X5 right front brake disc may loosen | Service Brakes, Hydraulic | high |
| BMW backup camera may show partial or blank image | Back Over Prevention | medium |
| BMW X5 and X7 rear head restraints may detach | Seats | medium |
| BMW X5, X6 and X7 sunroof closes without key | Visibility | medium |
| BMW X5, X6, X7 headlights may shine blue light | 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 |