2021 BMW X5 Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 3about this part
- Share
- 3%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 3 complaints about the steering of the 2021 BMW X5, 3% of the 110 complaints for this model year. 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.
“My vehicle only has 28,000 miles on it has a very loud rattling noise in the front end. My mechanic said the steering linkage is loose and the steering assembly is leaking. I see there are other similar recalls for this vehicle but my specific VIN isn’t coming up under those recalls.”
NHTSA complaint #11671793, filed 2025-07“I am reporting a front differential/front drive axle failure and a separate steering wheel/steering column adjustment issue. The vehicle was brought to an independent BMW/German repair shop for a routine oil change/inspection. The shop advised me that the front differential/front drive axle assembly had failed or was severely damaged and needed repair/replacement. The vehicle/component is currently at the shop and should be available for inspection upon request. I am concerned this could put my safety and others at risk because the front differential is part of the AWD drivetrain. …”
NHTSA complaint #11749496, filed 2026-07“Steering the vehicle in a low gear causes the vehicle to tremble or shudder. The dealership identified the problem to be the transfer case fluid. In manufacturing, BMW put a fluid which did not meet the specifications of the vehicle. The transfer case fluid is documented in the manual of BMW X5 M50i (2021) to be something which does not require replacement in the lifetime of the vehicle. I raised this issue when the vehicle was under warranty, but the dealership ignored the issue. …”
NHTSA complaint #11689259, filed 2025-09Related recalls
- 21V031000Jan 29, 2021BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2021 X5 sDrive40i, X5 xDrive40i, X5M, X5 xDrive45e, X6 sDrive40i, X6 xDrive40i, X7 xDrive40i, X7 M50i…Covers: BMW X5 2021, X6 2021, X7 2021
Related service bulletins
- 10249017Jan 4, 2024SITUATION Unusual noises occur only when operating the steering column in the axial direction. 1. A one-time thump sound at the start of movement Shortly after the steering…
- 10242691Aug 1, 2023?Unusual noises occur only when operating the steering column in the axial direction.
- 10239604Jun 1, 2023A groaning type noise is heard during the height adjustment.
- 10235181Mar 1, 2023A groaning type noise is heard during the height adjustment.
- 10235180Mar 1, 2023When turning the steering wheel while stationary or when driving on uneven roads; cracking, creaking, or knocking noises may be heard.
- 10230732Dec 1, 2022The saved steering column positions, vertical and horizontal, are not stored long term.
- 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…
- 10211809Mar 1, 2022The steering intervention for Lane Departure Warning (LDW) is too strong (severe), which can create an uncomfortable feeling for the driver. Background: Steering intervention…
- 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.
- 10204661Sep 1, 2021Vehicle cannot be opened or closed using comfort access, engine start is not possible, and the vehicle maynot start when placing the key against the steering column.
Steering: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 3 | 5% |
| 2024 | 3 | 2% |
| 2023 | 1 | 3% |
| 2022 | 5 | 7% |
| 2021 | 3 | 3% |
| 2020 | 3 | 3% |
| 2019 | 18 | 9% |
| 2018 | 2 | 3% |
| 2017 | 3 | 4% |
| 2016 | 3 | 4% |
| 2015 | 7 | 5% |
| 2014 | 1 | 1% |
| 2013 | 2 | 1% |
| 2012 | 20 | 7% |
| 2011 | 18 | 7% |
| 2010 | 8 | 6% |
| 2009 | 6 | 4% |
| 2008 | 2 | 1% |
| 2007 | 2 | 3% |
| 2006 | 2 | 1% |
| 2004 | 4 | 6% |
| 2003 | 3 | 3% |
| 2002 | 6 | 6% |
| 2001 | 11 | 7% |
| 2000 | 1 | 3% |
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 complaintsForward collision avoidance
5 complaintsBody and structure
4 complaintsVehicle speed control
4 complaintsFuel system
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