2021 BMW X5 Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 25about this part
- Share
- 23%of 110 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 8,610miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 25 complaints about the engine of the 2021 BMW X5, 23% of the 110 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 8,610 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved and 2 a fire, according to the filers.
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“BMW 2021 X5 Engine starter failed. BMW South Miami dealership troubleshooting found the starter motor faulty and replaced it. This failure is NOT part of the current starter recall for BMW X5. (25V644000) My X5 maufactured date is June of 2021. I purchased the X5 In July of 2021. I paid $2166.35 for repairs and I am seaking a refund.”
NHTSA complaint #11703980, filed 2025-12“I am having issues with the starter motor / battery. I have read extensively about issues with BMW X5 models having recalls during the production period of my vehicle. BMW is trying to charge $3,000 for a new starter and battery. I feel that this is a known and significant issue with BMW X5 vehicles produced during the same period as my vehicle and would like for this to be covered under recall.”
NHTSA complaint #11746875, filed 2026-06Related 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…
- 11035497Jun 29, 2026The EVAP systems purge (vent) valve limited warranty for defects in materials and / or workmanship has been extended to 15 years / 150,000 miles as determined from the original…
- 11032731May 6, 2026The EVAP systems purge (vent) valve limited warranty for defects in materials or workmanship has been extended to 15 years / 150,000 miles as determined from the original…
- 11012077Dec 6, 2024The belt pulley on the mechanical coolant pump may fracture allowing the engine drive belt to come off thecoolant pump and alternator.
- 10236387Feb 6, 2023Engine Variants Updated.
- 10206690Dec 1, 2021Vehicle cannot be opened or closed using comfort access, engine start is not possible, and the vehicle may not start when placing the key against the steering column.
Engine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 3 | 11% |
| 2025 | 3 | 5% |
| 2024 | 13 | 9% |
| 2023 | 5 | 15% |
| 2022 | 13 | 18% |
| 2021 | 25 | 23% |
| 2020 | 33 | 29% |
| 2019 | 52 | 27% |
| 2018 | 11 | 15% |
| 2017 | 12 | 16% |
| 2016 | 14 | 19% |
| 2015 | 42 | 28% |
| 2014 | 16 | 16% |
| 2013 | 45 | 30% |
| 2012 | 92 | 34% |
| 2011 | 110 | 42% |
| 2010 | 40 | 32% |
| 2009 | 30 | 22% |
| 2008 | 66 | 31% |
| 2007 | 9 | 13% |
| 2006 | 7 | 4% |
| 2005 | 12 | 15% |
| 2004 | 9 | 14% |
| 2003 | 11 | 11% |
| 2002 | 7 | 7% |
| 2001 | 7 | 4% |
| 2000 | 1 | 3% |
Other parts of the 2021 BMW X5
38 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
31 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