Problem: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019-2022 BMW X7 xDrive40i, X7 Drive50i, X7 M50i vehicles with third-row seats. One or more of the compression springs that lock the backrest may not have been installed properly, and could dislodge or detach.
Risk: In a crash, the seat backrest may not fully lock, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix: Dealers will inspect the third-row seat and, if necessary, remove and reinstall improperly installed compression springs, and reinstall any missing springs, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 4, 2022. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Problem: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2022 4 Series Gran Coupe (430i, 430i xDrive, M440i xDrive); 2019-2022 X5 sDrive40i, X5 xDrive40i, X5 xDrive50i, X5 M50i, X5M; 2021-2022 X5 xdrive45e; 2020-2022 X6 sDrive40i, X6 xDrive40i, X6 xDrive50i, X6M and 2019-2023 X7 xDrive40i, X7 xDrive50i, X7 M50i, X7 xDrive60i, X7 M60i, X7M, Alpina XB7 vehicles. The roof function control unit may be programmed incorrectly, allowing the sunroof to close without the key fob present inside the vehicle. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 118, "Power-Operated Window Systems."
Risk: A sunroof that closes without the key fob present inside the vehicle can increase the risk of injury.
Fix: Dealers will reprogram the roof function control unit, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 20, 2022. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Seats › Mid/rear assembly › Head restraint
NHTSA recall 21V156000 · Mar 10, 2021 · 258 vehicles
Problem: 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.
Risk: In the event of a crash, the head restraints could detach, and increase the risk of injury.
Fix: 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.
Back over prevention › Software
NHTSA recall 21V096000 · Feb 19, 2021 · 13,858 vehicles
Problem: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019-2021 X3 sDrive30i, X3 xDrive30i, X3 M40i, X3M, X4 xDrive30i, X4 M40i, M550i, X4M, X5 sDrive40i, X5 xDrive40i, X5 xDrive50i, X5M, X5 M50i, X7 xDrive40i, X7 xDrive50i, X7 M50i, Alpina XB7, 330i, 330i xDrive, M340i, M340i xDrive, and 8 Series Coupe, Convertible and Grand Coupe, 840i, 840i xDrive, M850i xDrive, M8, 2020-2021 530e, 530e xDrive, 330e, 330e xDrive, 745Le, 745Le xDrive, X5 xDrive45e, X3 xDrive30e, X6 sDrive40i, X6 xDrive40i, X6 xDrive50i, X6 M50i, X6M, 530i, 530i xDrive, 540i, 540i xDrive, M550i xDrive, M5, 740i, 740Li, 740Li xDrive, M760i Drive, M760Li xDrive, 750Li xDrive Alpina, Alpina B7 xDrive, and 2021 4 Series Coupe 430i, 430i xDrive, M440i xDrive vehicles. When shifting into Reverse, a small portion of the rearview image may be obscured, or the screen may not illuminate. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Risk: If the driver relies on only the rearview camera image, the missing or reduced rearview image view can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
Fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rearview camera software and update it if necessary, free of charge. The recall began April 16, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Components: Back over prevention › Software; Back over prevention › Sensing system › Camera
Service brakes, hydraulic › Power assist › Hydraulic
NHTSA recall 21V062000 · Feb 10, 2021 · 893 vehicles
Problem: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020-2021 8 Series Coupe, Grand Coupe and convertible 840i, 840i xDrive, M850i xDrive, M8 and 740 Li, 740 Li xDrive, 750 Li xDrive, M760 Li xDrive, X6 sDrive40i, X6 xDrive40i, X6 xdrive50i, X6 M50i, X6M, and 2019-2021 X5 sDrive40i, X5 xDrive40i, X5 xDrive50i, X5 M50i, X5M, X7 xDrive40i, X7 xDrive50i, X7 M50i, and 2021 M3, M3 Competition, M4 Coupe, M4 Competition Coupe, X5 xDrive45e, 745 Le xDrive. The rotor and shaft within the integrated brake system may not have been welded properly and could separate during a hard braking event, possibly resulting in a loss of the Antilock Brake System (ABS) and braking assistance.
Risk: A loss of ABS and a reduction in braking assistance can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the integrated brake system, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 25, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Components: Service brakes, hydraulic › Power assist › Hydraulic; Service brakes, hydraulic
Steering › Column
NHTSA recall 21V031000 · Jan 29, 2021 · 21 vehicles
Problem: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2021 X5 sDrive40i, X5 xDrive40i, X5M, X5 xDrive45e, X6 sDrive40i, X6 xDrive40i, X7 xDrive40i, X7 M50i vehicles. The steering column shaft's universal joint connection may not have been tightened to specifications, and can become loose.
Risk: A loose steering column shaft universal joint connection can affect vehicle handling and control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, depending upon the inspection, either the bolt will be replaced and tightened to specifications, or the steering column shaft, universal joint, and bolt will be replaced and tightened to specifications, free of charge. The recall began March 30, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Electrical system › 12v/24v/48v battery
NHTSA recall 20V761000 · Dec 9, 2020 · 812 vehicles
Problem: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2021 M340i xDrive, M440i xDrive Coupe, 530i, 530i xDrive, 540i, 540i xDrive, 740Li, 740Li xDrive, 840i Gran Coupe, 840i xDrive Gran Coupe, X5 sDrive40i, X5 xDrive40i, X6 sDrive40i, X6 xDrive40i, and X7 xDrive40i vehicles. The connection between the 48-Volt battery and the starter-generator may not have been assembled properly, which can cause increased electrical resistance at the connections.
Risk: Increased electrical resistance can increase the risk of a fire.
Fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the connection between the 48-Volt battery and the starter-generator assembly, replacing it if necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin April 12, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Problem: 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."
Risk: Oncoming drivers may be confused by the blue light of approaching vehicles, which could potentially increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
Equipment › Other › Labels
NHTSA recall 20V514000 · Aug 27, 2020 · 397 vehicles
Problem: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain X7 xDrive40i and M50i vehicles. The tire information labels may contain tire size and cold tire inflation pressure information that does not match the specific tires that were installed on these vehicles. As such, these vehicles fail to conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
Risk: The vehicle operator may be confused by the tire information on the label and this could lead to the installation of an inappropriate size tire and/or inflation pressure, potentially increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the tire information label, free of charge. The recall began October 26, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Components: Equipment › Other › Labels; Tires
Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.
Crash test ratings
2021 BMW X7 SUV AWD
Overall
Not Rated
Frontal crash
Not Rated
Side crash
Not Rated
Rollover
Not Rated
Forward collision warning: Standard · Lane departure warning: Standard
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (New Car Assessment Program). Ratings are comparable only between vehicles of similar size and weight, and ratings from 2011 on use tougher tests than earlier years. Photos: NHTSA.
Fuel economy
X7 xDrive40i Hybrid
21mpg combined
City / highway
19 / 24 mpg
Fuel
Premium Gasoline
3 L · 6 cyl · Automatic (S8) · All-Wheel Drive · about $3,900/year to fuel
X7 M50i
17mpg combined
City / highway
15 / 21 mpg
Fuel
Premium Gasoline
4.4 L · 8 cyl · Automatic (S8) · All-Wheel Drive · about $4,850/year to fuel
EPA estimates from fueleconomy.gov for each engine and transmission sold. Annual cost is the EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year at its current fuel and electricity price assumptions. Your results will vary.
What owners report
Problem area
Complaints
Crashes
Fires
Injuries
Typical mileage*
Engine
11
0
1
0
—
Power train
11
0
0
0
—
Electrical system
8
0
2
0
—
Unknown or other
5
0
0
0
—
Seats
5
0
0
1
—
Steering
5
0
0
0
—
Fuel/propulsion system
4
0
0
0
—
Vehicle speed control
4
0
0
0
—
Forward collision avoidance Warnings; Adaptive cruise control
4
0
0
0
—
Service brakes
3
0
0
0
—
Exterior lighting
2
0
0
1
—
Seat belts
2
0
0
1
—
*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.
Recent owner complaints
Oct 25, 2026Service brakes While driving my 2021 BMW X7, the brake pedal suddenly became extremely hard and would not depress normally. I turned on the hazard lights and was able to slow down and pull over. After stopping, I pressed the brake pedal hard; it went down but remained depressed and did not return to its normal position. The brakes remained engaged. Turning the vehicle off and restarting it several times did not resolve the problem. I moved the vehicle approximately 5â6 yards to a safer location. About over an hour later, a tow-truck driver arrived and tested the vehicle and the brake pedal appeared to function normally again. The vehicle was taken to a BMW dealership (Hansel BMW of Santa Rosa). The…
Aug 21, 2026 · 80,000 milesSuspension The contact owns a 2021 BMW X7. The contact stated that while driving 40 MPH, there was an abnormal sound coming from underneath the front of the vehicle. The contact referenced an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not associated with a recall for the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.
Aug 7, 2026Fuel/propulsion system Both factory key fobs simultaneously ceased being recognized for vehicle starting. The vehicle instructed me to hold the key against the emergency key-recognition point on the steering column, but that backup procedure also failed and the vehicle could not be started. A BMW Digital Key Card, which is not something drivers are expected to carry with them at all times and was kept in a drawer at my home, happened to start the vehicle. The BMW dealer subsequently diagnosed/repaired the condition under SIB 61 07 22 and Defect Code 6138270200, which BMW defines as a Body Domain Controller software error/internal equipment fault. BMW also has SIB 66 24 19 for the G07 X7 specifically describing an…
Aug 1, 2026Forward collision avoidance › Adaptive cruise control The IP Cluster that shows details on the speed the vehicle is traveling at, gas left, mileage left etc. were left inaccessible when the Instrument Panel cluster on the BMW X7 blanked out. Big Safety concern when the vehicle is unable to display travelling speed mid-drive
Jun 1, 2026Vehicle speed control Under FMVSS 101, if a screen experiences a momentary "black screen" or reset cycle while driving, it is considered non-compliant because the driver loses immediate access to the speedometer, safety and ADAS functions of the vehicle. The OEM (BMW North America) does not acknowledge this issue in their vehicles and ignores repairs violating NHTSA standards.
Aug 12, 2026Electrical system The entire car shut down while on the highway with no prior notifications on/from the system. The entire safety of myself and family was put at risk because there where several cars behind us on the highway that could have hit us. I am not sure the dealer has been able to reproduce the issue - Unknown. There was no warning lamps, messages or symptoms of the problem prior to the failure or the car shutting off on the highway.
Aug 11, 2026Seats ERROR MESSAGE ON SCREEN STATING RIGHT 3RD ROW SEAT NOT LATCHED. THE SEAT WORKS PROPERLY BUT IT POPS UP EVERY TIME YOU START THE CAR. THE DEALER SAID THIS IS NOT COVERED UNDER THE APPARENT RECALL FOR OTHER LIKE VEHICLES. SEE (NHTSA Recall 22V670000) for 2019â2022 models). THIS IS REALLY SAD.
May 15, 2026Power train Just over 50k miles and barely out of warranty, the pinion bearing in the front differential failed. This is a known issue with many people on BMW forums reporting the same failure in 8 cylinder X7's. Some failures occurred in vehicles with less than 30k miles, but most seem to happen in the 40-50k mile range. This is a $10k repair and BMW does not offer an upgraded replacement part, they just replace it with the same part so the issue will reoccur. BMW should be made to replace the failing part with an upgraded part or do the repairs under warranty.
Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.
NHTSA defect investigations
DP22005 · opened Jan 27, 2023 · closed Aug 7, 2023 · led to recall 22V063000Pedestrian alert sounds NHTSA received a petition on or about July 18, 2022, requesting that Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 141 be applied to all electric and hybrid vehicles operating in the United States. The petition can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI Number 11486072. FMVSS 141 establishes performance requirements for pedestrian alert sounds for motor vehicles. The standard applies to hybrid and electric vehicles that have a gross vehicle weight rating of 4,536 KG or less or are defined as low-speed vehicles. The standard became fully applicable to all such vehicles manufactured on or after March 1, 2021.On January 27, 2023, NHTSA opened Defect Petition (DP) 22-005 to evaluate the subject matter described in the petition. On June 24, 2023 and as supplemented on June 25, 2023, the petitioner notified NHTSA he was withdrawing his petition. The petitioner indicated that, based on his review…