Front differential failed at ~79,000 miles. Regular service intervals and BMW specific oil were followed throughout the life of the vehicle. The pinion bearing began to wear prematurely which resulted in gear damage on a ring/pinion from metallic fragment introduction into the compartment.
The worst 2020 BMW X7 problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Engine16
- Transmission16
- Electrical12
- Seats5
- Steering5
- Suspension5
- Body3
- Brakes3
- Driver assistance3
- Fuel system3
- Airbags1
- Seat belts1
- Visibility1
Specific symptoms reported on the 2020 BMW X7
Recalls 12
Electrical system: starter assembly
- What is wrong
- BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020 340I, X6, 2020-2025 840I, 2020-2022 740LI, 2019-2020 X7, and X5 vehicles. After repeated attempts, the starter motor may overheat from an electrical overload.
- Risk
- An overheated starter motor can ignite nearby combustible material in the engine compartment, increasing the risk of a fire.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the engine starter, free of charge. This recall includes vehicles repaired under recall 24V576 and those owners will need to have their vehicle repaired again. Owner notification letters were mailed February 9, 2026. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1‑800‑525‑7417. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on November 17, 2025.
Recall number 25V644000 · Recall details
Engine and engine cooling: engine: engine control module (ecu/ECM): software
- What is wrong
- BMW of North America, LLC is recalling certain 2019-2020 X5, X7, 2020 3 Series Sedan, X6, 2020-2021 7 Series Sedan, 2020 8 Series Convertible, 8 Series Coupe, and 2020 8 Series Gran Coupe vehicles. Please see the recall report for the complete list of models. In the event the starter motor fails, repeated attempts to start the vehicle can cause the starter motor to overheat from an electrical overload.
- Risk
- A starter motor that overheats can ignite nearby combustible material in the engine compartment, increasing the risk of a fire.
- Remedy
- Dealers will update the vehicle software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 27, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1‑800‑525‑7417.
Recall number 24V576000 · Recall details
Seats
- What is wrong
- BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019-2022 BMW X7 xDrive40i, X7 Drive50i, X7 M50i vehicles with third-row seats. One or more of the compression springs that lock the backrest may not have been installed properly, and could dislodge or detach.
- Risk
- In a crash, the seat backrest may not fully lock, increasing the risk of injury.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect the third-row seat and, if necessary, remove and reinstall improperly installed compression springs, and reinstall any missing springs, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 4, 2022. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1‑800‑525‑7417.
Recall number 22V670000 · Recall details
Visibility: sun/moon roof assembly
- What is wrong
- 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 and 2019-2023 X7 xDrive40i, X7 xDrive50i, X7 M50i, X7 xDrive60i, X7 M60i, X7M, Alpina XB7 vehicles. The roof function control unit may be programmed incorrectly, allowing the sunroof to close without the key fob present inside the vehicle. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 118, "Power-Operated Window Systems."
- Risk
- A sunroof that closes without the key fob present inside the vehicle can increase the risk of injury.
- Remedy
- Dealers will reprogram the roof function control unit, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 20, 2022. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1‑800‑525‑7417.
Recall number 22V267000 · Recall details
Back over prevention: software
- What is wrong
- 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 xDrive, M340i, M340i xDrive, and 8 Series Coupe, Convertible and Grand Coupe, 840i, 840i xDrive, M850i xDrive, M8, 2020-2021 530e, 530e xDrive, 330e, 330e xDrive, 745Le, 745Le xDrive, X5 xDrive45e, X3 xDrive30e, X6 sDrive40i, X6 xDrive40i, X6 xDrive50i, X6 M50i, X6M, 530i, 530i xDrive, 540i, 540i xDrive, M550i xDrive, M5, 740i, 740Li, 740Li xDrive, M760i Drive, M760Li xDrive, 750Li xDrive Alpina, Alpina B7 xDrive, and 2021 4 Series Coupe 430i, 430i xDrive, M440i xDrive vehicles. When shifting into Reverse, a small portion of the rearview image may be obscured, or the screen may not illuminate. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."
- Risk
- If the driver relies on only the rearview camera image, the missing or reduced rearview image view can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
- Remedy
- BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rearview camera software and update it if necessary, free of charge. The recall began April 16, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1‑800‑525‑7417.
Recall number 21V096000 · Recall details
Service brakes, hydraulic: power assist: hydraulic
- What is wrong
- 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, and 2019-2021 X5 sDrive40i, X5 xDrive40i, X5 xDrive50i, X5 M50i, X5M, X7 xDrive40i, X7 xDrive50i, X7 M50i, and 2021 M3, M3 Competition, M4 Coupe, M4 Competition Coupe, X5 xDrive45e, 745 Le xDrive. The rotor and shaft within the integrated brake system may not have been welded properly and could separate during a hard braking event, possibly resulting in a loss of the Antilock Brake System (ABS) and braking assistance.
- Risk
- A loss of ABS and a reduction in braking assistance can increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the integrated brake system, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 25, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1‑800‑525‑7417.
Recall number 21V062000 · Recall details
Suspension: front: control arm
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- 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.
- Remedy
- BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front axle support, free of charge. The recall began December 18, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1‑800‑525‑7417.
Recall number 20V678000 · Recall details
Exterior lighting: headlights
- What is wrong
- 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 vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
- Risk
- Oncoming drivers may be confused by the blue light of approaching vehicles, which could potentially increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the headlamps and, if necessary, replace them, free of charge. The recall began October 30, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1‑800‑525‑7417.
Recall number 20V528000 · Recall details
Electrical system: starter assembly
- What is wrong
- BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020 X5 sDrive 40i, X5 xDrive 40i and one X7 xDrive 40i vehicle. The starter motor may have an extra bolt that could potentially fall into the transmission housing and cause an engine stall.
- Risk
- An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the starter motor for the extra bolt, removing it if necessary. Dealers will also inspect the starter for damage, and check if the bolt has fallen into the transmission housing, replacing any damaged parts as necessary. All repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on October 2, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1‑800‑525‑7417.
Recall number 20V465000 · Recall details
Exterior lighting
- What is wrong
- BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020 X7 xDrive40i and X7 xDrive50i vehicles. The rear reflex reflectors may not reflect an adequate amount of light. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
- Risk
- An inadequate amount of reflected light will decrease the vehicle's visibility to other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace both rear reflex reflectors, free of charge. The recall began March 30, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1‑800‑525‑7417.
Recall number 20V052000 · Recall details
Back over prevention: sensing system: camera
- What is wrong
- BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018 540d, 2018-2020 530i, 530i xDrive, 540i, 540i xDrive, M550i xDrive, M5, 530e, 530e xDrive, X3 sDrive, X3 xDrive, X3 M40i, X3 M, and 2019-2020 X4 xDrive, X4 M40i, X4 M, X7 xDrive, X7 M50i, 740Li, 740Li xDrive, 750Li, 750Li xDrive, 8 Series Convertible and Coupe 840i, 840i xDrive, M850i xDrive, X5 sDrive, X5 xDrive, X5 M50i, X6 xDrive, X6 M50i, 330i, 330i xDrive, M340i, M340i xDrive, Z4 sDrive, Z4 M40i, 740Le xDrive and 745Le xDrive, 2018-2019 640i xDrive Gran Turismo and Rolls-Royce Phantom, 2019 M850i xDrive Gran Coupe and Rolls-Royce Cullinan and 2020 Toyota Supra vehicles. The back-up camera and display settings can be adjusted such that the rear view image is no longer visible and the system will retain that setting the next time the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rearview Mirrors."
- Risk
- The lack of an image in the back-up camera display increases the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- BMW will notify owners, and dealers will update the back-up camera software, free of charge. The recall began November 8, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1‑800‑525‑7417 or Rolls-Royce at 1‑877‑877‑3735. Toyota owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1‑888‑270‑9371.
Recall number 19V684000 · Recall details
Steering: rack and pinion: rack
- What is wrong
- BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020 X5 sDrive40i, X5 xDrive40i, X5 M50i, X7 xDrive40i and X7 M50i vehicles. The steering rack pinion teeth may break under load, resulting in a loss of steering control.
- Risk
- A loss of steering control increases risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering rack, free of charge. The recall began August 21, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1‑800‑525‑7417.
Recall number 19V631000 · Recall details
Technical service bulletins for the 2020 BMW X7 361
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- The NVLD modules limited warranty for defects in materials and/or workmanship has been extended to 15...
- The EVAP systems purge (vent) valve limited warranty for defects in materials and / or workmanship has...
- Shark fin roof antenna sealing settlement
- The EVAP systems purge (vent) valve limited warranty for defects in materials or workmanship has been...
- The Radiator Grilles Lower Active Air Flap Assembly limited warranty for defects in materials and/or...
- After carrying out the vehicle test, one or more of the stored faults indicate that the operation of the...
- A vehicle listed above may arrive with a Check Control Message (CCM), and/or malfunction indicator...
- The limited warranty for the Knee Air Bag wire harness repair cable procedure for defects in materials...
- The NVLD modules limited warranty for defects in materials and/or workmanship has been extended to 15...
- For this vehicle, the engine coolant thermostat limited warranty for defects in materials or workmanship...
2020 BMW X7 fuel economy
Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.
| Engine | Drive | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.0L 6‑cyl | AWD | 20 | 25 | 22 |
| 4.4L 8‑cyl | AWD | 15 | 21 | 17 |
What 2020 BMW X7 owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
The vehicle suffered a complete premature failure of the factory aluminum A/C evaporator core due to internal corrosion. This is a known, widespread issue on BMW G-chassis vehicles. The failure causes pressurized R-1234yf chemical refrigerant and atomized PAG compressor oil to leak directly into the passenger cabin ventilation stream, creating a health hazard from chemical fumes. Additionally, the complete loss of climate control dehumidification causes immediate, severe windshield fogging during inclement weather, creating a sudden and significant visibility hazard while driving. A formal diagnostic by a BMW dealership confirmed the leak and estimated the repair cost at $7,600.
2020 bmw x7 with 34k miles 1 driver, front suspension control arm leaking causing clunk and un even steering / braking feel due to premature leaking of the hydraulic fluid do to a design flaw. As a 40 Honda master tech and 30yr dealer principal I cant believe bmw will not warranty this defect or up grade the part as it seems its still used today and thousands have complained about the issue not even to mention the car is 95k new totally unexceptable. Thank you, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Approximately 67,000 miles, my 2020 BMW X7 XDrive 40i began falsely indicating that the driver's door was open even though the door was securely closed. While the vehicle was in drive and moving, the false door open signal caused the vehicle to automatically shift into park and abruptly react. This caused a serious risk of an unexpected stop and loss of vehicle control. BMW Fairfax inspected the vehicle and verified that it indicated the driver's door was open and shifted or attempted to shift into park while driving and moving. BMW found fault code 804168 relating to the driver door contact circuit and reported that the fault had occurred more than 53 times. BMW also found multiple invalid signal faults and loss of communication with the body domain controller. At approximately the same time, the vehicle displayed chassis malfunction and parking assistant malfunction warnings. The vehicle also has an ongoing water intrusion problem involving the panoramic roof, including water entering the passenger compartment. It's not yet known whether the water intrusion contributed to the electrical and communication faults. Additionally, there have been multiple issues with the rear sunroof not working properly and noises happening when the front sunroof is opened. BMW is recommending replacing the driver door actuator and attempting to program the body domain controller with a possible BDC replacement if programming is unsuccessful. The safety condition has not yet been repaired or conclusively resolved. There was no crash or injury. I'm reporting this because an erroneous door open signal that causes a moving vehicle to shift or attempt to shift and depart could result in sudden deceleration, loss of control, or collision.
We came from [XXX] to [XXX] at night. It was rainy in [XXX]. We parked the vehicle in the front of the garage door of the house and went to sleep. Around 8:00-9:00AM two police cars from [XXX] PD came to our house. The officer said that the vehicle calls to BMW or 911 as an emergency and they forwarder that call to FPD. The officers checked the vehicle and they figured that the vehicle did the emergency call when was parked. Now, the emergency call system is not working, because of the bad factory sealant in the top of the roof and the water leaks exactly to the Telecomunication module (TCM). INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Low oil sensor continues to light up and says i am low on oil. Found out that my oil pump was the main cause of the issue. At this time I have to have the oil pump replaced. It was also determined there have been numerous reports regarding oil pump failure in the 2020 BMW x7 due to an internal plastic part.
The front thrust arm bushing was previously replaced on December 19, 2023, at 34,750 miles (after three years of ownership). It has now failed again at 57,203 miles, lasting only about 22,500 miles. This repeat failure within a relatively short timeframe and mileage interval suggests an underlying issue or defective part. The dealer wants me to replace both Front Thrust Arm bushings again.
My X7’s front differential went bad at 50k miles. I paid over 100k for a vehicle of this caliber to have something like this fail and have to pay 8k with no help from BMWNA. I’ve been a loyal customer with bmw having owned over 5 bmw vehicles in the past. And for me to get treated like this is unacceptable. I hope we can have a law suit against bmw for this.
While driving the vehicle sensor lights began to come on. I assumed it was a dirty outside sensor. Not long after the ABS system lit up and my car said traction even though I was just pulling into my driveway. I quickly turned around and drove to my mechanic. Showed him all the lights and he connected the computer to read the error codes. Found out that my oil pump was the main cause of the issue. Double checked to make sure it wasn't a battery failure causing incorrect error codes and the battery was in good condition. At this time I have to have the oil pump replaced. It was also determined there have been numerous reports regarding oil pump failure in the 2020 BMW x7 due to an internal plastic part.
I am writing to formally report a potential safety-related defect involving BMW vehicles equipped with the B58TU engine, primarily affecting model years 2019 through 2021. My vehicle experienced a sudden loss of engine oil pressure that resulted in catastrophic engine failure. This condition occurred with little to no warning and led to immediate vehicle disablement. The failure created a hazardous situation, as the vehicle was no longer able to maintain propulsion and could have placed occupants at risk because it occurred in active traffic or unsafe conditions. Based on my experience and additional research, the issue appears to originate from the engine’s oil pump design. Specifically, the oil pump contains an internal pressure-regulating component originally manufactured from plastic. This component is prone to fracturing, particularly during cold starts or low ambient temperatures. When this failure occurs, oil pressure becomes erratic or is lost entirely, often without sufficient warning to prevent engine damage or vehicle shutdown. My vehicle had this occur on January 20th 2026, as it was 5 Degrees outside. I suddenly lost oil pressure and had my vehicle’s engine catastrophically fail on a highway with my two small children ages (3) and (7 months) in the vehicle. In some cases, drivers may observe warning signs such as inability to measure oil level electronically, abnormal oil pressure readings, or drivetrain malfunction warnings. However, these indicators are inconsistent and often appear only moments before complete failure, leaving insufficient time for corrective action. This issue represents a significant safety concern for the following reasons: * Sudden loss of oil pressure can result in immediate engine shutdown or loss of propulsion while driving * Failures frequently occur under predictable conditions (cold starts in low temperatures), indicating a repeatable defect * Drivers are not provided with adequate warning to safely respond before damage.
Compare the 2020 BMW X7
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Questions about the 2020 BMW X7
Is the 2020 BMW X7 reliable?
Owners have filed 56 complaints about the 2020 BMW X7, 1.2 times a typical X7 model year.
What is the 2020 BMW X7 year score?
The 2020 BMW X7 scores 59 out of 100 (below average). The score compares it with the other model years of the BMW X7: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.
What is the most common problem with the 2020 BMW X7?
Engine and cooling, with 16 complaints, typically around 58,000 miles. Next is transmission (16).
How many recalls does the 2020 BMW X7 have?
12 recalls, covering electrical system, engine and engine cooling and seats.
Was there a recall on the 2020 BMW X7 engine?
Yes, 1 recall: 24V576000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
What year does the BMW X7 have bad engine?
The BMW X7 model years with the most engine complaints are 2019 (16 complaints), 2020 (16 complaints) and 2021 (12 complaints).
What gas mileage does the 2020 BMW X7 get?
Official estimates for the 2020 BMW X7 range from 17 to 22 mpg combined. The most efficient version (3.0L 6-cyl, AWD) gets 20 city and 25 highway.
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