2021 BMW X5 Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) 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 visibility 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.
“The auto dimming function of the rearview mirror and the driver side mirror does not work consistently. During nighttime driving, the auto dimming can suddenly turn off unexpectedly, blinding the driver. I took the car into BMW and they confirmed that it is a known issue with the positioning of the sensor that controls the systems that affects all X5’s, but they did not say specifically which year models. …”
NHTSA complaint #11451567, filed 2022-02“The vehicle's HVAC system failed due to a leaking air conditioning evaporator core. This single component handles both cabin cooling and the windshield defrost/defog function, so its failure compromises a safety-critical visibility system in addition to climate control. The failed component is available for inspection upon request. Safety risk: The vehicle is operated primarily in Florida, where ambient temperatures regularly exceed 95°F and interior cabin temperatures without functioning AC can exceed 130°F. …”
NHTSA complaint #11740008, filed 2026-05Related recalls
- 22V267000Apr 20, 2022BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2022 4 Series Gran Coupe (430i, 430i xDrive, M440i xDrive); 2019-2022 X5 sDrive40i, X5 xDrive40i, X5…Covers: BMW X5 2019–2022, X7 2019–2023, X6 2020–2022 +2 more
Related service bulletins
- 10249437Jan 16, 2024The basic conditions for initializing the power windows are not met.
- 10244239Oct 18, 2023This situation can result in two customer complaints: 1. Wind noise 2. Excess water entry
- 10242696Aug 1, 2023?Water leaking into the vehicle from the headliner/microphone area.
- 10242530Aug 1, 2023A check control message (CCM) for the restraint system (Air bag) appears.
- 10239614Jun 1, 2023The air conditioning cycles from cold to warm air while driving or while at a stand still. The vent outlet temperatures vary by 25 degrees Fahrenheit or more (38 F to 60 F +)…
- 10238080May 1, 2023Due 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…
- 10238077May 1, 2023Upon opening or closing (i.e., folding in or out) the exterior mirror assembly, a creaking sound is heard from either the driver and/or passenger side.
- 10236229Apr 1, 2023Due to the semiconductor supply, the Local Interconnect Network module in either of the exterior mirrors was switched to another controller.
- 10233163Feb 1, 2023Check control message (CCM) 183 Windscreen wiper malfunction is displayed.
- 10227558Oct 1, 2022After opening the vehicle with the radio remote control and changing the profile, the exterior mirror settings are lost.
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors): other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 4 | 6% |
| 2024 | 5 | 3% |
| 2023 | 2 | 6% |
| 2022 | 1 | 1% |
| 2021 | 3 | 3% |
| 2020 | 2 | 2% |
| 2019 | 4 | 2% |
| 2018 | 3 | 4% |
| 2017 | 1 | 1% |
| 2016 | 5 | 7% |
| 2015 | 2 | 1% |
| 2014 | 3 | 3% |
| 2013 | 2 | 1% |
| 2012 | 3 | 1% |
| 2011 | 3 | 1% |
| 2010 | 3 | 2% |
| 2009 | 2 | 1% |
| 2008 | 5 | 2% |
| 2006 | 2 | 1% |
| 2004 | 5 | 8% |
| 2003 | 1 | 1% |
| 2002 | 14 | 14% |
| 2001 | 14 | 9% |
| 2000 | 7 | 24% |
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