2021 BMW X5 Forward collision avoidance Problems
- Complaints
- 5about this part
- Share
- 5%of 110 total for the year
- Median mileage
- —not reported
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the forward collision avoidance of the 2021 BMW X5, 5% of the 110 complaints for this model year. 3 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
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“Formally reporting a serious and recurring safety issue with my 2021 BMW X5. Over the past five months, I experienced three separate incidents where the vehicle abruptly stopped while driving, each time displaying a red car warning light on the dashboard. The red malfunction symbol was similar to the below image (found online) Description of the Issue: Each of these terrifying safety experiences occurred while the vehicle was in motion—all on surface streets—the car suddenly came to a jarring and immediate stop on its own without my input or applying the brakes. …”
NHTSA complaint #11674398, filed 2025-07“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“My daughter was driving a vehicle and she was moving to another lane in the process. Car is capable and feature with automatic emergency breaking for front collision. During entire process she didn’t take action for some reason and car collided with another vehicle. Emergency brake didn't full stop vehicle. 10s of video recording was done during the collision.”
NHTSA complaint #11514660, filed 2023-03Related service bulletins
- 10244242Oct 19, 2023Various functions of the camera-based driver assistance systems (ADCAM system) can lead to customer complaints.
- 10227551Oct 1, 2022Due to the semiconductor supply, the Local Interconnect Network module in either of the exterior mirrors was switched to another controller. That one provides an imprecise…
- 10205071Nov 1, 2021BMW AG has issued a Delivery Stop (effective October 15, 2021) on certain Model Year 2022 BMW vehicles that were produced between September 28, 2021 and October 8, 2021. The…
Forward collision avoidance: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 2 | 7% |
| 2025 | 8 | 13% |
| 2024 | 16 | 11% |
| 2023 | 2 | 6% |
| 2022 | 9 | 13% |
| 2021 | 5 | 5% |
| 2020 | 2 | 2% |
| 2019 | 5 | 3% |
| 2017 | 1 | 1% |
| 2016 | 1 | 1% |
| 2015 | 2 | 1% |
| 2013 | 1 | 1% |
Other parts of the 2021 BMW X5
38 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
31 complaintsEngine
25 complaintsOther or unknown
18 complaintsBack-over prevention (rear camera)
9 complaintsAir bags
7 complaintsEngine cooling
7 complaintsBrakes
6 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