2021 BMW X6 Problems
- Complaints
- 7filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 51,000miles, 2 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 7campaigns on record
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —no overall rating published
- EPA fuel economy
- 15 mpgcombined, 4.4L 8-cyl AWD · 13 city / 18 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2021 BMW X6 (complaints, recalls, investigations), EPA fuel economy. Report an error
NHTSA recorded 7 consumer complaints for the 2021 BMW X6. The part named most often is brakes, with 2 complaints (29% of the total), followed by electrical system (2) and forward collision avoidance (2). 2 of the complaints include a mileage, and 50% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 51,000 miles. Of all complaints, 1 involved a crash, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 7 recall campaigns and 244 technical service bulletins for this model year. Brakes complaints overlap with 1 recall campaign covering the hydraulic and 7 technical service bulletins filed under the same part. Electrical system complaints overlap with 1 recall campaign and 72 technical service bulletins filed under the same part.
This model year has fewer than 25 complaints on record, so the numbers below can change a lot with a few new reports.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Brakes2 29%
- Electrical system2 29%
- Air bags1 14%
- Engine cooling1 14%
- Lane departure1 14%
- Other or unknown1 14%
- Steering1 14%
Example complaints
Brakes: “The contact owns a 2021 BMW X6. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to stop as intended. The contact shifted into park while the vehicle was in motion to stop the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic; however, the failure was not duplicated. In addition, the contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle started after several attempts. No warning lights were illuminated. …”
NHTSA complaint #11713418, filed 2026-01, 49,000 milesElectrical system: “The contact owns a 2021 BMW X6. The contact stated that upon start the vehicle, the drivetrain message was displayed. Overtime, the contact stated that the vehicle either failed to start or was slow to start while depressing the START/STOP button. The vehicle was taken to a dealer and the starter was replaced; however, a month later, the drivetrain message returned. Additionally, the contact stated that while reversing out of a parking space, the vehicle shut off while in reverse(R). …”
NHTSA complaint #11698929, filed 2025-11, 53,000 milesForward collision avoidance: “The automatic parking feature was being used to park in garage the vehicle proceed to back up without stopping and the emergency braking system didn’t engage leading to the vehicle crashing. I could have been injured if the structure of the house didn’t stop the vehicle. If someone had been behind the vehicle they would’ve been killed. The incident was reported to BMW, although the system malfunctioned the driver is responsible for maintaining control of the vehicle.The vehicle is has been repaired but system is still malfunctioning. These problems didn’t exist prior to crash.”
NHTSA complaint #11589248, filed 2024-05Air bags: “Wiring from knee air bag to module failed. Had to repair wiring from front driver and passenger knee air bags. Wiring had a short to ground. Resulted in a $1600 bill.”
NHTSA complaint #11701406, filed 2025-11Mileage when problems were reported
50% of the 2 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 49,000 and 53,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Fewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2021 BMW X6 version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| X6 M AWD | 4.4L 8-cyl | 8-speed automatic | 13 | 18 | 15 | $5,500 |
| X6 M Competition AWD | 4.4L 8-cyl | 8-speed automatic | 13 | 18 | 15 | $5,500 |
| X6 M50i AWD | 4.4L 8-cyl | 8-speed automatic | 16 | 22 | 18 | $4,550 |
| X6 sDrive40i RWD | 3.0L 6-cyl · hybrid | 8-speed automatic | 21 | 26 | 23 | $3,550 |
| X6 xDrive40i AWD | 3.0L 6-cyl · hybrid | 8-speed automatic | 21 | 25 | 23 | $3,550 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 22V267000Apr 20, 2022Visibility › Sun/moon roof assemblyCovers: BMW X6 2020–2022, X7 2019–2023, X5 2019–2022 +2 more
BMW 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 xDrive50i, X5 M50i, X5M; 2021-2022 X5 xdrive45e; 2020-2022 X6 sDrive40i, X6 xDrive40i, X6 xDrive50i, X6M…
- 21V096000Feb 19, 2021Back over prevention › SoftwareCovers: BMW X6 2020–2021, X4 2019–2021, X5 2019–2021 +17 more
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019-2021 X3 sDrive30i, X3 xDrive30i, X3 M40i, X3M, X4 xDrive30i, X4 M40i, M550i, X4M, X5 sDrive40i, X5 xDrive40i, X5 xDrive50i, X5M, X5 M50i, X7 xDrive40i, X7 xDrive50i, X7 M50i, Alpina XB7, 330i, 330i…
- 21V062000Feb 10, 2021Service brakes, hydraulic › Power assist › HydraulicCovers: BMW X6 2020–2021, X5 2019–2021, X7 2019–2021 +7 more
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020-2021 8 Series Coupe, Grand Coupe and convertible 840i, 840i xDrive, M850i xDrive, M8 and 740 Li, 740 Li xDrive, 750 Li xDrive, M760 Li xDrive, X6 sDrive40i, X6 xDrive40i, X6 xdrive50i, X6 M50i, X6M…
- 21V031000Jan 29, 2021Steering › ColumnCovers: BMW X6 2021, X5 2021, X7 2021
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2021 X5 sDrive40i, X5 xDrive40i, X5M, X5 xDrive45e, X6 sDrive40i, X6 xDrive40i, X7 xDrive40i, X7 M50i vehicles. The steering column shaft's universal joint connection may not have been tightened to…
- 20V761000Dec 9, 2020Electrical system › 12v/24v/48v batteryCovers: BMW X6 2021, X5 2021, 530I 2021 +6 more
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2021 M340i xDrive, M440i xDrive Coupe, 530i, 530i xDrive, 540i, 540i xDrive, 740Li, 740Li xDrive, 840i Gran Coupe, 840i xDrive Gran Coupe, X5 sDrive40i, X5 xDrive40i, X6 sDrive40i, X6 xDrive40i, and X7…
- 20V528000Sep 1, 2020Exterior lighting › HeadlightsCovers: BMW X6 2020–2021, X7 2020–2021, X5 2020–2021
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020-2021 X5 sDrive40i, xDrive40i, xDrive50i, X5 M50i, X5M, X6 sDrive40i, xDrive40i, X6 M50i, X6M, X7 M50i and 2021 X5 xDrive45e vehicles. The headlamps may allow a blue light to illuminate. As such, these…
See all 7 recalls for the 2021 BMW X6 → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 244 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11035500Jul 17, 2026Engine, Electrical system. The 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 between a 15% to 30%…
- 11035497Jun 29, 2026Engine. The 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 first in-service /…
- 11033033May 19, 2026Air bags. A check control message (CCM) for the restraint system (Air bag) appears. In the instrument cluster, the redair bag warning light lights up permanently. One of the following fault codes is stored in…
- 11030060Mar 6, 2026Body and structure. The Radiator Grilles Lower Active Air Flap Assembly limited warranty for defects in materials and/or workmanship has been extended to 15 years / 150,000 miles as determined from the original first…
- 11025835Nov 25, 2025Air bags. A check control message (CCM) for the restraint system (Air bag) appears. In the instrument cluster, the redair bag warning light lights up permanently. One of the following fault codes is stored in…
- 11018730May 14, 2025Body and structure. A vehicle listed above may arrive with a Check Control Message (CCM), and/or malfunction indicator lamp(MIL) illuminated. After carrying out the vehicle test, one or more of the stored faults…
- 11017506Apr 29, 2025Body and structure. A groaning noise is present from the door frame of any door, most commonly when driving over rough roadsor during body flex. This situation may be worse in vehicles which are regularly waxed in th e…
- 11017103Apr 15, 2025Body and structure. The Radiator Grilles Lower Active Air Flap Assembly limited warranty for defects in materials and/or workmanship has been extended to 15 years / 150,000 miles as determined from the original first…
- 11016446Mar 26, 2025Body and structure. A check control message is displayed, indicating that the parking assistance systems have limitedfunctionality due to errors detected within PDC sensors. The warning indicates parking assistance…
- 11015850Mar 12, 2025Other or unknown. Class action settlement: f95 f96 g05 g06 g07 front center console cupholder
Other model years of the BMW X6
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 9 | — | 5 | — | 19 | — | Too new |
| 2022 | 5 | 55,000 | 1 | — | 15 | — | Not enough data |
| 2021 | 7 | 51,000 | 7 | — | 15 | — | Not enough data |
| 2020 | 9 | 63,843 | 10 | — | 23 | — | Not enough data |
| 2019 | 5 | 99,912 | 4 | — | 20 | — | Not enough data |
| 2016 | 9 | 48,000 | 1 | — | 21 | — | Not enough data |
| 2015 | 9 | 51,500 | 1 | — | 22 | — | Not enough data |
| 2014 | 11 | 100,000 | 3 | — | 17 | — | Not enough data |
| 2013 | 25 | 55,000 | 5 | — | 16 | 32 · Fewer | Stable |
| 2012 | 32 | 72,450 | 7 | — | 16 | 50 · Typical | Falling |
| 2011 | 31 | 60,000 | 11 | — | 16 | 58 · Typical | Falling |
| 2010 | 15 | 79,966 | 9 | — | 15 | — | Stable |
| 2009 | 19 | 58,244 | 10 | — | 17 | — | Falling |
All BMW X6 model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2021 BMW X6 have?
NHTSA recorded 7 consumer complaints for the 2021 BMW X6 as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2021 BMW X6 is reported most often?
Brakes is named most often, in 2 complaints (29% of the total), followed by electrical system with 2.
Has the 2021 BMW X6 been recalled?
NHTSA lists 7 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2021 BMW X6 get?
The EPA rates the 2021 BMW X6 (X6 M, 4.4L 8-cyl) at 15 mpg combined, 13 city and 18 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $5,500 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2021 BMW X6 reported?
Among the 2 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 51,000 miles and the middle half falls between 49,000 and 53,000 miles; 50% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
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. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.