The vehicle has begun failing to start on the first attempt. When this occurs, the vehicle does start on subsequent attempts but logs fault codes and displays icons or warning messages. This condition appears to be the same condition for which recall 25V‑644 was already issued, but my vehicle is outside of the build date range covered by recall 25V‑644. Please continue to investigate this issue for impacted vehicles outside the currently recalled build date range to potentially expand the scope of the recall. Due to the risk of fire identified for 25V‑644, it is necessary for me to have this condition addressed as an out of pocket cost.
The worst 2021 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.
- Engine13
- Transmission11
- Electrical9
- Driver assistance5
- Seats5
- Steering5
- Acceleration4
- Fuel system4
- Brakes3
- Lights2
- Seat belts2
- Airbags1
- Body1
- Suspension1
- Wheels1
Specific symptoms reported on the 2021 BMW X7
Recalls 9
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
Seats: mid/rear assembly: head restraint
- What is wrong
- BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2021 X5 sDrive40i, X5 xDrive50i, X5 M50i, X5 xDrive45e, 2021 X7 xDrive40i, X7 M50i, and XB7 vehicles. The head restraints on the second-row outer seats may be the incorrect type for the vehicle.
- Risk
- In the event of a crash, the head restraints could detach, and increase the risk of injury.
- Remedy
- BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the head restraints, and replace them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began May 3, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1‑800‑525‑7417.
Recall number 21V156000 · 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
Steering: column
- What is wrong
- 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 specifications, and can become loose.
- Risk
- A loose steering column shaft universal joint connection can affect vehicle handling and control, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, depending upon the inspection, either the bolt will be replaced and tightened to specifications, or the steering column shaft, universal joint, and bolt will be replaced and tightened to specifications, free of charge. The recall began March 30, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1‑800‑525‑7417.
Recall number 21V031000 · Recall details
Electrical system: 12v/24v/48v battery
- What is wrong
- 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 xDrive40i vehicles. The connection between the 48-Volt battery and the starter-generator may not have been assembled properly, which can cause increased electrical resistance at the connections.
- Risk
- Increased electrical resistance can increase the risk of a fire.
- Remedy
- BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the connection between the 48-Volt battery and the starter-generator assembly, replacing it if necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin April 12, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1‑800‑525‑7417.
Recall number 20V761000 · 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
Equipment: other: labels
- What is wrong
- BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain X7 xDrive40i and M50i vehicles. The tire information labels may contain tire size and cold tire inflation pressure information that does not match the specific tires that were installed on these vehicles. As such, these vehicles fail to conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
- Risk
- The vehicle operator may be confused by the tire information on the label and this could lead to the installation of an inappropriate size tire and/or inflation pressure, potentially increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the tire information label, free of charge. The recall began October 26, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1‑800‑525‑7417.
Recall number 20V514000 · Recall details
See all 9 recalls for the 2021 BMW X7
Defect investigations
Pedestrian alert sounds
the federal safety agency received a petition on or about July 18, 2022, requesting that Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 141 be applied to all electric and hybrid vehicles operating in the United States. The petition can be reviewed at under ODI Number 11486072. FMVSS 141 establishes performance requirements for pedestrian alert sounds for motor vehicles. The standard applies to hybrid and electric vehicles that have a gross vehicle weight rating of 4,536 KG or less or are defined as low-speed vehicles. The standard became fully applicable to all such vehicles manufactured on or after March 1, 2021.On January 27, 2023, the federal safety agency opened Defect Petition (DP) 22-005 to evaluate the subject matter described in the petition. On June 24, 2023 and as supplemented on June 25, 2023, the petitioner notified the federal safety agency he was withdrawing his petition. The petitioner indicated that, based on his review of data, there is no justification for asserting potential benefits that could be derived from actions sought by my petition. Based on the petitioner's withdrawal, DP22-005 is closed. Closure of this DP does not represent a determination by the federal safety agency regarding the subject matter of the petition.
DP22005
Technical service bulletins for the 2021 BMW X7 293
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- The EVAP systems purge (vent) valve limited warranty for defects in materials and / or workmanship has...
- 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...
- A vehicle listed above may arrive with a Check Control Message (CCM), and/or malfunction indicator...
- If the manual electronic engine oil level measurement aborts or is inoperative and the vehicles I-level is...
- The engine oil pump assembly coveragefor the issue described in the Service Information Bulletin that...
- The manual starting of electronic engine oil level measurement from inside the vehicle, usually...
- A check control message (CCM) for the restraint system (Air bag) appears
- The center console and front cup holder get noticeably too warm to the touch on long journeys with the...
- As a result of a data input error, certain fault memories are permanently stored
2021 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 Hybrid | AWD | 19 | 24 | 21 |
| 4.4L 8‑cyl | AWD | 15 | 21 | 17 |
What 2021 BMW X7 owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
While driving my 2021 BMW X7, the brake pedal suddenly became extremely hard and would not depress normally. I turned on the hazard lights and was able to slow down and pull over. After stopping, I pressed the brake pedal hard; it went down but remained depressed and did not return to its normal position. The brakes remained engaged. Turning the vehicle off and restarting it several times did not resolve the problem. I moved the vehicle approximately 5–6 yards to a safer location. About over an hour later, a tow-truck driver arrived and tested the vehicle and the brake pedal appeared to function normally again. The vehicle was taken to a BMW dealership (Hansel BMW of Santa Rosa). The initial visual inspection found no obvious issue, and the dealership escalated the case to BMW Engineering for further review. The cause has not been determined. I am reporting this because the brake problem occurred while driving and temporarily prevented normal brake-pedal operation. Date of incident: XXX Approximate speed/location: 40-50mph (near [XXX]) Crash or injuries: None but very dangerous situation (brake not working) INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The contact owns a 2021 BMW X7. The contact stated that while driving 40 MPH, there was an abnormal sound coming from underneath the front of the vehicle. The contact referenced an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not associated with a recall for the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.
Both factory key fobs simultaneously ceased being recognized for vehicle starting. The vehicle instructed me to hold the key against the emergency key-recognition point on the steering column, but that backup procedure also failed and the vehicle could not be started. A BMW Digital Key Card, which is not something drivers are expected to carry with them at all times and was kept in a drawer at my home, happened to start the vehicle. The BMW dealer subsequently diagnosed/repaired the condition under SIB 61 07 22 and Defect Code 6138270200, which BMW defines as a Body Domain Controller software error/internal equipment fault. BMW also has SIB 66 24 19 for the G07 X7 specifically describing an inability to start the engine, failure of the steering-column emergency key recognition method, Digital Key continuing to function, and a BDC software error as the cause. My concern is that this defect can unexpectedly immobilize a vehicle while simultaneously defeating the normal emergency-start procedure.
The IP Cluster that shows details on the speed the vehicle is traveling at, gas left, mileage left etc. were left inaccessible when the Instrument Panel cluster on the BMW X7 blanked out. Big Safety concern when the vehicle is unable to display travelling speed mid-drive
Under FMVSS 101, if a screen experiences a momentary "black screen" or reset cycle while driving, it is considered non-compliant because the driver loses immediate access to the speedometer, safety and ADAS functions of the vehicle. The OEM (BMW North America) does not acknowledge this issue in their vehicles and ignores repairs violating the federal safety agency standards.
The entire car shut down while on the highway with no prior notifications on/from the system. The entire safety of myself and family was put at risk because there where several cars behind us on the highway that could have hit us. I am not sure the dealer has been able to reproduce the issue - Unknown. There was no warning lamps, messages or symptoms of the problem prior to the failure or the car shutting off on the highway.
Error message on screen stating right 3rd row seat not latched. The seat works properly but it pops up every time you start the car. The dealer said this is not covered under the apparent recall for other like vehicles. See (the federal safety agency recall 22v670000) for 2019–2022 models). This is really sad.
Just over 50k miles and barely out of warranty, the pinion bearing in the front differential failed. This is a known issue with many people on BMW forums reporting the same failure in 8 cylinder X7's. Some failures occurred in vehicles with less than 30k miles, but most seem to happen in the 40-50k mile range. This is a $10k repair and BMW does not offer an upgraded replacement part, they just replace it with the same part so the issue will reoccur. BMW should be made to replace the failing part with an upgraded part or do the repairs under warranty.
The IP cluster (gauges that display speedometer, fuel levels and other ADAS features) was blanking intermittently, BMW service center suggested software update as they believed it to be a software bug. Later, when the software update did not work, they suggested we replace the battery even though we tested it months ago and it was fine. After the battery replacement when the IP cluster was still inoperable, BMW recommended i pay another $3k for the IP replacement. I am seeing Hyundai have a similar issue but they have shared a proper recall and repair notice to consumers at NO COST. Many BMW X7 owners have faced a similar issue to mine. I am hoping to gather the complaints and pursue a national recall bulletin as the IP cluster blanking out mid drive can lead to a catastrophic scenario
Compare the 2021 BMW X7
Other model years
Questions about the 2021 BMW X7
Is the 2021 BMW X7 reliable?
Owners have filed 49 complaints about the 2021 BMW X7, close to a typical X7 model year.
What is the 2021 BMW X7 year score?
The 2021 BMW X7 scores 68 out of 100 (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 2021 BMW X7?
Engine and cooling, with 13 complaints. Next is transmission (11).
How many recalls does the 2021 BMW X7 have?
9 recalls, covering seats, visibility and back over prevention.
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 (13 complaints).
What gas mileage does the 2021 BMW X7 get?
Official estimates for the 2021 BMW X7 range from 17 to 21 mpg combined. The most efficient version (3.0L 6-cyl hybrid, AWD) gets 19 city and 24 highway.
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