2021 BMW X5 problems and complaints
Owners have filed 109 complaints with NHTSA about the 2021 BMW X5. The most-reported areas: Electrical System (38), Power Train (30), Engine (25).
Key takeaways
- 109 owner complaints on file with NHTSA.
- 9 involve a crash, 3 a fire, 7 reported injuries.
- Complaints are unverified owner reports; recalls are confirmed defects.
| Component | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical System | 38 | 35% |
| Power Train | 30 | 28% |
| Engine | 25 | 23% |
| Unknown Or Other | 18 | 17% |
| Back Over Prevention | 9 | 8% |
| Engine And Engine Cooling | 7 | 6% |
| Air Bags | 7 | 6% |
| Service Brakes | 6 | 6% |
| Forward Collision Avoidance | 5 | 5% |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 4 | 4% |
| Structure | 4 | 4% |
| Steering | 3 | 3% |
One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 BMW X5 SUV AWD | 4/5 | 4/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| 2021 BMW X5 SUV RWD | Not rated | 4/5 | 5/5 | Not rated |
Latest complaints, as filed
Owner-written and unverified by NHTSA.
Power Train - filed 2026-10-07
Description of Safety Concern: I am writing to formally submit a vehicle safety complaint regarding the xDrive transfer case on my 2021 BMW X5. While driving, the vehicle exhibits noticeable hesitation, shuddering, and jerking during acceleration at lower speeds and when executing tight turns. This erratic power deli...
Power Train,unknown Or Other - filed 2026-09-28
Problem with starter. They don’t start from first time, sometimes from 2-3. As I’m check it in forums, it can burn another parts and make fire. As i now bmw x5 from 2019 to 2024 have problem with starter and have opened recall for it. But when I’m visit now service center, they say me that my vin number not selected f...
Power Train,electrical System,engine - filed 2026-09-23
My 2021 BMW X5 xDrive40i intermittently fails to start, occurring on approximately 80% of start attempts, and displays the message "Repeat Start Attempt." This has been confirmed by code reading to be a starter-related malfunction. This defect significantly affects vehicle reliability and raises a potential safety conc...
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More for the 2021 BMW X5
Complaints are reports filed by owners with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. NHTSA publishes them without verifying them, and counts rise with how many cars were sold, so compare years of the same model rather than different models. Crash ratings are NHTSA's own 5-Star Safety Ratings results.