2021 BMW X5 Back-over prevention (rear camera) Problems
- Complaints
- 9about this part
- Share
- 8%of 110 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 11,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 9 complaints about the back-over prevention of the 2021 BMW X5, 8% of the 110 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 11,000 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Forward sensors did not activate braking system, vehicle subsequently jumped the curb and struck concrete piling, embedding it into the vehicle. The air bags did not deploy. I sent an email to the company and the incident was reported to the police. The vehicle was determined to be a total loss by New Jersey Manufacturers Insurance company after being inspected by the collision company. As my wife pulled into the parking space, there were no indications observed.”
NHTSA complaint #11493401, filed 2022-11“On Wednesday, December 20, 2023, shortly after 8:30 p.m., I turned into the driveway for my Columbia residence and proceeded with caution toward my carport. The weather was clear, with no rain or ice, and my driveway was free of all obstacles. My 2021 BMW X5 began to accelerate and move forward at a dangerous speed. Though I applied the brakes, they were unresponsive, and the vehicle collided, with force, into the brick steps at the carport entrance to my home. Upon impact, all airbags in the vehicle deployed, and the emergency response system was activated. …”
NHTSA complaint #11561951, filed 2023-12“The contact owns a 2021 BMW X5. The contact stated that while reversing at night, there was not adequate lighting to view the surroundings behind the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who stated that the battery was low. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 11,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11568493, filed 2024-01, 11,000 miles“Vehicle: 2021 BMW X5 xDrive40i (G05) Mileage: 54,423 miles Component: Central Information Display (CID)/ MGU (Media Graphics Unit) Head Unit Safety Defect: The CID intermittently goes completely blank without warning. When this occurs, the backup camera is unavailable, creating a safety hazard when reversing. Navigation, radio, Apple CarPlay, and vehicle settings are also unavailable. Failure History/Diagnosis: The first failure occurred about one month ago while I was reversing. After several hard resets and leaving the vehicle unused for two days, the display began working again. …”
NHTSA complaint #11762076, filed 2026-09“When reversing out of driveway/parking space, the rear cross traffic warning alert doesn't give any warning until my vehicle is inches from another vehicle. The system isn't sensitive enough.”
NHTSA complaint #11434135, filed 2021-09Related recalls
- 21V096000Feb 19, 2021BMW 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…Covers: BMW X5 2019–2021, X4 2019–2021, X3 2019–2021 +17 more
Related service bulletins
- 10242531Aug 1, 2023?During workshop repairs with software updates, certain customer vehicles may be changed to BMW Operating System 8.5 and returned to customers without making them aware of the…
- 10214254Feb 1, 2022In some rare cases a customer vehicle might be excluded from one or more Remote Software Upgrade(RSU) campaigns. This SIB gives an overview how to identify these vehicles and how…
- 10205616Nov 1, 2021A groaning type noise is heard during the height adjustment.
Back-over prevention (rear camera): other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 4 | 14% |
| 2025 | 5 | 8% |
| 2024 | 5 | 3% |
| 2023 | 2 | 6% |
| 2022 | 4 | 6% |
| 2021 | 9 | 8% |
| 2020 | 2 | 2% |
| 2019 | 6 | 3% |
| 2016 | 1 | 1% |
| 2015 | 1 | 1% |
| 2013 | 1 | 1% |
| 2010 | 1 | 1% |
Other parts of the 2021 BMW X5
38 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
31 complaintsEngine
25 complaintsOther or unknown
18 complaintsAir bags
7 complaintsEngine cooling
7 complaintsBrakes
6 complaintsForward collision avoidance
5 complaintsBody and structure
4 complaintsVehicle speed control
4 complaintsFuel system
3 complaintsLane departure
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2021 BMW X5
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology