2021 BMW X5 Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 38about this part
- Share
- 35%of 110 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 49,000miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 38 complaints about the electrical system of the 2021 BMW X5, 35% of the 110 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 49,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 3 a fire, according to the filers. 3 recall campaigns on record are filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“My X5 was parked in my garage and started by itself while I was outside of my house with garage doors closed. I was able to stop the engine by using the Bmw connected app. I did not have any scheduled or programmed start events.I called Bmw corporate and was told to take the X5 to a dealer for a diagnostic scan which could not be scheduled for two days from now.”
NHTSA complaint #11407871, filed 2021-04, 2,973 miles“This is a new Bmw X5 2 months old with 2000 miles. The vehicle was parked not running with no power in my garage. On saturday morning it spontaneously combusted into flames. I happened to be near the garage and spotted the flames 4-5 feet tall shooting out from hood. I immediately ran inside to ensure my family was exiting the house and we called 911. I attempted to extinguish the flames with a hose while waiting on the fire dept. They arrived and extinguished and cut all electrical power to the vehicle and winched it out of my garage. …”
NHTSA complaint #11413936, filed 2021-04, 2,000 miles“Car had 2 alerts 2.5 hrs into journey, having gone I-675 to 16: 1. Drivetrain malfunction 2. Power supply. I had stopped for food. I got back in, turned on the engine, and these alerts came on immediately. I called Bmw, they said car should not be driven. Had it towed to hilton head Bmw. They've had it two days and say this is related to the recalled battery and they have no idea as of today how to fix it. They said this problem is happening all over. I also got a third message about driving assistance support last week that I was told to ignore.”
NHTSA complaint #11377377, filed 2020-12, 3,220 miles“The starter motor malfunctioned, which then prevented the car from starting when it was hot. It could only be started after it had completely cooled down. Additionally, the fault code indicated that there was a problem with the starter motor. I also noticed that there was a similar recall before, so I'm wondering if this one might also pose a risk of fire.”
NHTSA complaint #11763905, filed 2026-09“The starter for my 2021 bmw x5 recently went bad and had to be replaced. The defect with the starter ruined my battery as well. Leading up to the starter not working, I received warning messages that the car could not be driven. The BMW representative at United BMW (Alpharetta, GA) stated the starter issue seemed to be a problem as many were needing to be replaced. I am submitting this information because of the recent recall related to the 2020 model staters. It seems it should be investigated whether the 2021s also have problems.”
NHTSA complaint #11608194, filed 2024-08Related recalls
- 20V761000Dec 9, 2020BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2021 M340i xDrive, M440i xDrive Coupe, 530i, 530i xDrive, 540i, 540i xDrive, 740Li, 740Li xDrive, 840i…Covers: BMW X5 2021, X6 2021, 530I 2021 +6 more
- 20V601000Sep 30, 2020BMW 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…Covers: BMW X5 2021, X3 2020–2021, MINI Countryman 2020–2021 +3 more
- 20V490000Aug 18, 2020BMW 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…Covers: BMW X5 2021, X3 2020–2021, MINI Countryman 2020 +1 more
Related service bulletins
- 11035500Jul 17, 2026The manual starting of electronic engine oil level measurement from inside the vehicle, usually afterperforming an engine oil service task, is inoperative or it may lock up at…
- 10252135Mar 25, 2024After performing a BMW Remote Software Upgrade (RSU), the functionality of the Comfort Access andPassive Go/Exit features may be reduced. Also, one or more of the following error…
- 10249437Jan 16, 2024The basic conditions for initializing the power windows are not met.
- 10249027Jan 11, 2024The electrical system of BMW vehicles has been subject to an ongoing development process over the last few years. This has led to increased demands being placed on the battery…
- 10249032Jan 5, 2024The Central Information Display goes black intermittently due to resets of the Head Unit (HU-H3). FaultB7F8F9 ÃÂâÃÂÃÂÃÂàÃÂâÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂHU-H…
- 10249031Jan 5, 2024Check Engine light is on IHKA has stored fault 80131C âÂÂIHKA: 12V voltage sensor plausibilityâÂÂ
- 10245422Nov 22, 2023Customers may state that the alarm system (DWA) is not active after locking their unoccupied vehicle. Depending on the vehicleâÂÂs equipment and settings, no acoustic or…
- 10242533Aug 1, 2023?BMW AG has issued a Delivery Stop for BMW X5, X6, X7, and 7 Series sedan vehicles that were produced between July 7, 2023 and August 15, 2023. Usage of the Highway Assist…
- 10239611Jun 1, 2023Headlight check control (CC) message 128 "High beam headlight failure" is displayed. The following fault codes are stored during a vehicle test: 80419A - Left high-beam…
- 10239603Jun 1, 2023BMW AG has issued an Emissions Recall (effective March 17, 2023) on a certain Model Year 2021 - 2023 BMW vehicles that were produced between June 16, 2020, and December 13, 2022…
Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 10 | 36% |
| 2025 | 8 | 13% |
| 2024 | 25 | 17% |
| 2023 | 8 | 24% |
| 2022 | 16 | 22% |
| 2021 | 38 | 35% |
| 2020 | 39 | 35% |
| 2019 | 72 | 37% |
| 2018 | 15 | 21% |
| 2017 | 17 | 23% |
| 2016 | 23 | 31% |
| 2015 | 13 | 9% |
| 2014 | 15 | 15% |
| 2013 | 21 | 14% |
| 2012 | 29 | 11% |
| 2011 | 19 | 7% |
| 2010 | 23 | 19% |
| 2009 | 16 | 12% |
| 2008 | 35 | 16% |
| 2007 | 9 | 13% |
| 2006 | 20 | 12% |
| 2005 | 15 | 18% |
| 2004 | 10 | 16% |
| 2003 | 17 | 17% |
| 2002 | 16 | 16% |
| 2001 | 24 | 15% |
| 2000 | 2 | 7% |
Other parts of the 2021 BMW X5
31 complaintsEngine
25 complaintsOther or unknown
18 complaintsBack-over prevention (rear camera)
9 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 27, 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