Federal safety data shows 4 recalls and 89 complaints for the 2021 BMW X5, a elevated safety profile overall. Check the known issues section below for the most common problem areas.

Recalls

Complaints

Crashes

Fires

Recall Findings

20V6010002020-30-09

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:TRACTION BATTERY

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020-2021 530e, 530e xDrive, 530e iPerformance and X3 xDrive30e and MINI Cooper Countryman All4 SE, 2020 BMW i8, and 2021 330e, 330e xDrive, 745Le xDrive and X5 xDrive45e vehicles. Debris may have entered one or more of the hybrid battery cells during their production.

The debris could result in a short-circuit, increasing the risk of fire or injury.

View at NHTSA

20V4900002020-18-08

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2021 330e and X5 xDrive45e, 2020-2021 X3 xDrive30e, and 2020 MINI Countryman SE ALL4 vehicles. Loose welding beads may form a conductive path between the hybrid battery cells which could lead to a short-circuit.

A short-circuited hybrid battery may increase the risk of a fire.

View at NHTSA

21V0890002021-18-02

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:CRITICAL FASTENERS

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2021 X5 sDrive40i and X5 xDrive40i vehicles. The right front brake disc may have been assembled with incorrect fasteners, which over time, could result in the front brake disc becoming loose.

A loose brake disc could affect vehicle handling and control, and increase the risk of a crash.

View at NHTSA

View all 4 recalls

20V6780002020-04-11

SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020 X5 sDrive40i, xDrive40i, X5 M50i, X5M, X7 xDrive40i, X7 M50i, X6 xDrive40i, X6 M50i and X6M vehicles and 2021 X5 xDrive45e vehicles. The weld between the front axle support and the right front control arm bearing bracket may separate.

If the weld between the front axle support and the right front control arm bearing bracket separates, vehicle handling and control may be affected, increasing the risk of a crash.

View at NHTSA

Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)

Top Complaint Areas

Of 89 issues reported over 1 model years, electrical system problems are the most common for the 2021 BMW X5. A pre-purchase inspection should focus here first.

01Electrical System14

02Unknown Or Other8

03Power Train7

04Back Over Prevention6

05Engine4

89 total across 1 model years (2021–2021)Full data at NHTSA.gov

BMW X5 Fuel Economy

15–23mpg combined

13-21city

18-26hwy

$2,500-$3,850/yr

The 2021 BMW X5 delivers 15 to 23 MPG combined across 6 powertrain combinations. If fuel cost matters to you, pay attention to engine and drivetrain. The spread is significant.

By Trim

X5 sDrive40i - Automatic (S8)

23mpg

3.0L 6-cyl Turbo · Rear-Wheel Drive

21 city26 hwy~$2,500/yr5/10 Average

X5 xDrive40i - Automatic (S8)

23mpg

3.0L 6-cyl Turbo · All-Wheel Drive

21 city25 hwy~$2,500/yr5/10 Average

X5 xDrive45e - Automatic (S8)

20mpg

3.0L 6-cyl Turbo · All-Wheel Drive

19 city22 hwy~$2,900/yr9/10 Clean

X5 M50i - Automatic (S8)

18mpg

4.4L 8-cyl Turbo · All-Wheel Drive

16 city22 hwy~$3,200/yr3/10 Poor

X5 M - Automatic (S8)

15mpg

4.4L 8-cyl Turbo · All-Wheel Drive

13 city18 hwy~$3,850/yr2/10 Poor

X5 M Competition - Automatic (S8)

15mpg

4.4L 8-cyl Turbo · All-Wheel Drive

13 city18 hwy~$3,850/yr2/10 Poor

Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

Where to Find 2021 BMW X5

30States

31%in top 3

California has the most inventory at 12%, with options spread across 30 states. Willing to ship? Your selection opens up significantly.

CACalifornia

2,18512%

TXTexas

2,02111%

FLFlorida

1,4118%

DCWashington DC

1,1346%

ILIllinois

1,1166%

MDMaryland

1,0966%

PAPennsylvania

8084%

NYNew York

7864%

GAGeorgia

7594%

AZArizona

7264%

NJNew Jersey

6434%

DEDelaware

5893%

NCNorth Carolina

5483%

WAWashington

5243%

CO400

MO393

TN268

OR217

NV212

OH198

MI191

NH172

OK169

MN163

IN160

UT135

CT121

MA116

RI113

AL103

Geographic distribution reflects all active listings for this model, not just 2021.

2021 BMW X5: Questions Buyers Ask

Pricing, reliability, and ownership answers

Is the 2021 BMW X5 a good car to buy?

Here's the short version on the 2021 BMW X5. There are 4 recalls to verify before purchase. Dig into the safety overview and pricing trends for recall-by-recall detail.

Are there recalls on the 2021 BMW X5?

Yes, 4 recalls on record. The good news: recall repairs are always free at any authorized dealer. Check the safety report for specifics, and always run the VIN before buying.

What's the gas mileage of the 2021 BMW X5?

Fuel economy ranges from 15 to 23 MPG combined. If you drive 15,000 miles a year, that gap is worth about $1217 annually. See the fuel economy section for per-trim data.

What are common problems with the 2021 BMW X5?

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM problems top the list with 89 total complaints filed. Not every car is affected, but it's worth asking about and inspecting. Full details in the known issues section.

How does the 2021 compare to other BMW X5 years?

Each BMW X5 model year has different pricing, recall counts, and owner satisfaction patterns. Compare all available years on the BMW X5 overview page.