RECALLS — MAKE · MODEL · YEAR
2021 BMW X5 recalls
20 safety recall campaigns have been filed for the 2021 BMW X5 with Transport Canada and the U.S. NHTSA. Here is what both agencies say.
- Canadian recalls
- 08
- U.S. recalls
- 12
- Total campaigns
- 20
Transport Canada recalls
08- Lights And Instruments#2026285
25,552 units affected
Issue: Under certain conditions, the windshield wiping system may not meet certain requirements of Canadian regulations. Safety Risk: This small error does not affect safety. Corrective Actions: This is not a recall. BMW has made changes to ensure that all new vehicles meet Canadian regulations.
- Label#2024544
587,250 units affected
Issue: On certain vehicles, the tire and loading information label does not list that there is no spare tire in both official languages. The label reads as "NONE" when it should read as "NONE / AUCUN". Canadian regulations require the information to be listed on the label in both English and French. Safety Risk: This error does not affect vehicle safety. Corrective Actions: This is not a recall. The company has corrected the tire and loading information label for all new vehicles.
- Structure#2022202
6,235 units affected
Issue: On certain vehicles, a software problem could allow you to close the sunroof remotely without the key fob inside the vehicle. Canadian regulations require the key fob to be in or near the vehicle when closing the sunroof. Safety Risk: A sunroof that can be closed without the key fob in or near the vehicle could create a risk of injury. Corrective Actions: BMW will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your vehicle to a dealership to reprogram the roof function control unit. Alternatively, you can download an over-the-air update to fix this problem.
- High Voltage#2021596
170 units affected
Issue: On certain plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV), debris may have entered the high-voltage battery during production. As a result, the battery could short circuit. Note: This recall is for potentially affected vehicles that did not have battery cell module(s) replaced as a part of TC Recall No. 2020-464. Under this new recall the battery cell module(s) must be replaced. Safety Risk: A short circuit in the battery could create a fire risk. Corrective Actions: BMW will notify owners by mail and inform you to take your vehicle to a dealer to replace the battery cell module(s) of the high-voltage battery. BMW recommends that you should not charge your vehicle and that you should not drive the vehicle in manual mode, sport mode or use the shift paddles until the recall repairs have been completed. BMW also recommends that you should drain the high-voltage battery via iDrive, by setting/leaving the charging state at 30%, until the recall repairs have been completed.
- Visual System#2021078
2,263 units affected
Issue: On certain vehicles, a software problem could cause the rearview camera image not to appear correctly in the central display. Canadian regulations require the rearview image to display when the transmission is shifted into reverse gear. Safety Risk: A rearview camera image that does not display correctly could reduce a driver's ability to see behind the vehicle while backing up. This could increase the risk of a crash. Corrective Actions: BMW will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your vehicle to a dealer to update the rearview camera software, if necessary.
- Electrical#2020605
130 units affected
Issue: On certain vehicles, the bolts that connect the 48-V battery cables to the starter-generator may not have been installed correctly. As a result, the electrical connections could overheat. Safety Risk: Electrical connections that overheat could increase the risk of a fire. Corrective Actions: BMW will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your vehicle to a dealer to inspect the bolts connecting the 48-V battery cables to the starter-generator and replace them, if necessary.
- High Voltage#2020464
194 units affected
Issue: On certain plug-In hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV), debris may have entered the high-voltage battery during production. As a result, the battery could short circuit. Safety Risk: A short circuit in the battery could create a fire risk. Corrective Actions: BMW will notify owners by mail and inform you to take your vehicle to a dealer to test the high-voltage battery. The cell module(s) will be replaced, if necessary. BMW recommends that you should not charge your vehicle and that you should not drive the vehicle in manual mode, sport mode or use the shift paddles until the recall repairs have been completed. BMW also recommends that you should drain the high-voltage battery via iDrive, by setting/leaving the charging state at 30%, until the recall repairs have been completed.
- Lights And Instruments#2020409
160 units affected
Issue: On certain vehicles, the wrong headlight lenses may have been installed. This could cause the headlights to produce blue light. Canadian regulations do not allow headlights to emit a blue light. Safety Risk: Headlights that produce blue light may confuse other road users. This could increase the risk of a crash. Corrective Actions: BMW will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your vehicle to a dealer to inspect the headlights. They will be replaced, if necessary.
Canadian data updated August 24, 2026
U.S. NHTSA recalls
12- VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY#22V267000
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.
Remedy: 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#21V156000
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.
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.
- BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA#21V096000
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.
Remedy: 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.
- SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:CRITICAL FASTENERS#21V089000
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2021 X5 sDrive40i and X5 xDrive40i vehicles. The right front brake disc may have been assembled with incorrect fasteners, which over time, could result in the front brake disc becoming loose.
Risk: A loose brake disc could affect vehicle handling and control, and increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the right front brake disc and replace it if necessary, along with the unaffected left side brake disc, free of charge. There are no owner vehicles affected; therefore, owner notification is not necessary and, as such, a planned owner notification date is not entered into the recall schedule. Owners may contact BMW's customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
- SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC#21V062000
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.
Remedy: 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.
- STEERING:COLUMN#21V031000
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.
Remedy: 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#20V761000
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.
Remedy: 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.
- SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM#20V678000
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020 X5 sDrive40i, xDrive40i, X5 M50i, X5M, X7 xDrive40i, X7 M50i, X6 xDrive40i, X6 M50i and X6M vehicles and 2021 X5 xDrive45e vehicles. The weld between the front axle support and the right front control arm bearing bracket may separate.
Risk: If the weld between the front axle support and the right front control arm bearing bracket separates, vehicle handling and control may be affected, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front axle support, free of charge. The recall began December 18, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:TRACTION BATTERY#20V601000
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020-2021 530e, 530e xDrive, 530e iPerformance and X3 xDrive30e and MINI Cooper Countryman All4 SE, 2020 BMW i8, and 2021 330e, 330e xDrive, 745Le xDrive and X5 xDrive45e vehicles. Debris may have entered one or more of the hybrid battery cells during their production.
Risk: The debris could result in a short-circuit, increasing the risk of fire or injury.
Remedy: BMW will inspect and, if necessary, replace the battery module free of charge. The remedy is currently being developed. Until the remedy is completed, drivers are instructed to not charge their vehicles. Drivers are instructed to not drive in manual mode, sport mode, and to not use the shift paddles. Owners were notified of the safety risk October 23, 2020. The recall began November 24, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
- EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS#20V528000
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.
Remedy: 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.
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY#20V490000
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2021 330e and X5 xDrive45e, 2020-2021 X3 xDrive30e, and 2020 MINI Countryman SE ALL4 vehicles. Loose welding beads may form a conductive path between the hybrid battery cells which could lead to a short-circuit.
Risk: A short-circuited hybrid battery may increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the battery modules, free of charge. BMW issued owners an interim notification on October 16, 2020. Although potentially affected BMW owners received interim owner notification letters, all potentially affected BMW owner vehicles have been remedied; therefore, BMW Final owner notification letters will not be necessary. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
- TIRES#20V483000
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2021 X6 (sDrive40i, xDrive40i and M50i) and X5 (sDrive40i, xDrive40i and M50i) vehicles equipped with certain Pirelli tires. The tires may have a damaged inner layer, possibly resulting in a rapid loss of pressure while the vehicle is moving.
Risk: A rapid loss of tire pressure while the vehicle is moving can affect vehicle handling and control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: BMW has notified all of the affected owners, and dealers will replace the defective tires, free of charge. BMW has contacted owners by telephone and those owners have had their cars remedied. Owner notification letters will not be sent. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Does this recall apply to my vehicle?
Matched by make, model, and model year. Many recalls affect only specific VIN ranges — confirm with your dealer using your full VIN.
What to do
Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer in both countries. To confirm a recall applies to your specific vehicle, or to book the work, contact your manufacturer or dealer with your full VIN, or use the official channel:
- NHTSA recall lookup (search by VIN) — U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
- Defects and recalls database — Transport Canada
Check a 2021 BMW X5 VIN
A VIN decode confirms your vehicle's exact model year, trim and assembly plant, then runs this same recall check against it.