2021 BMW X5

NHTSA 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 NHTSA.gov 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, NHTSA 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 NHTSA 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 NHTSA regarding the subject matter of the petition.

Front differential outer pinion bearing failed at 50,000 miles. Bmw states that it has lifetime fluid in the differential so the fluid was never serviced. The inherent design is flawed as the ball bearings are undersized and the factory fluid 75w-80 degrades very quickly with heat from the engine leading to premature bearing failure and potential catastrophic damage. This is a huge safety issue as failed bearings in the front differential have been known to explode the front differential and destroy the oil pan as well as potentially lock up the front wheels at speed. This is well documented in the owner group forums. BMW needs to own up to their poor design and recall all affected front differentials. Instead, they charge $12,000 to replace the differential with another unit that will also fail in 30-50k miles.

NHTSA ID

11776007

Incident

Jul 26, 2026

Component: Power Train (Transmission, Transfer Case, Front Differential) Dates of Failures: First Incident (Front Differential): May 2024 / Second Incident (Transfer Case, Transmission, Front Differential): October–November 2026 Description of Safety Risk and Incident: I am reporting a catastrophic, systemic driveline failure on a 2021 BMW X5 M50i that poses a severe safety hazard to drivers. The vehicle has suffered cascading mechanical failures across all three primary drivetrain components—the transmission, the transfer case, and the front differential—resulting in severe mechanical binding, loud grinding noises, and an immediate threat of complete wheel and drivetrain lockup while operating at speed. The vehicle has a documented history of premature drivetrain failure. At approximately 36,000 miles (2.5 years ago), the front differential suffered an early mechanical failure and required a complete replacement. Recently, at approximately 53,000 miles, the newly replaced transfer case failed. Immediately following that repair, a subsequent diagnostic teardown revealed that the vehicle’s ZF 8HP76 transmission had suffered a catastrophic internal failure, producing heavily burnt black fluid filled with large metal fragments, clutch pack debris, and magnetic shavings. This severe internal transmission failure caused massive rotational resistance and violent torque surges across the xDrive system, destroying the transfer case and subsequently destroying the front differential for a second time in less than 20,000 miles. The safety risk of this defect is extreme. When internal transmission components disintegrate and cause systemic binding across the transfer case and front differential, it can cause the front or rear wheels to lock up suddenly without warning while driving, resulting in an immediate loss of vehicle control, power at highway speeds, and a severe risk of high-speed collisions. Furthermore, the rapid accumulation of heavy metal debris and severe thermal

NHTSA ID

11775416

Incident

Sep 18, 2026

The alternator terminal post overheated and broke off. The terminal post from the alternator broke off inside the middle of the cable eyelet and had welded itself to the end of the power cable. The cable showed signs of being overheated and melted. The power cable was loose and dangling next to the alternator creating a serious fire risk while driving. When this issue occurred I got a vague message indicating a power related failure and then BMW Roadside immediately called my vehicle asking me to pull over or take it to a service center. I immediately took it to the shop that services my vehicle and they documented the issue and informed me of the safety recall that mentions this specific issue. This is the exact problem related to NHTSA Recall 20V-761 though BMW has told me that my specific VIN is not covered. I also understand that this recall has been extended additional porduction dates more than once. I believe my vehicle is an example of later production models built in 2021 that are still at risk for this issue and should also be recalled.

NHTSA ID

11775397

Incident

Nov 1, 2026

My car was parked in a shopping center parking lot, as my husband returns to the car after visiting a store, the car had backed reversed unto another vehicle hitting it from behind. This is a safety concern that needs immediate attention as a malfunction is in place. Luckily no pedestrians were walking by. The crash was reported to the police and a report was given. AutoZone's corporate office is to provide video footage of this incident. Currently, my vehicle is sitting in a body shop as advised by my insurance carrier. I do not feel safe driving this car until this is inspected. I will be reporting this as well directly to BMW, as we should not be liable to any damages obtained.

NHTSA ID

11774431

Incident

Oct 27, 2026

My 2021 BMW X5 M50i experienced a sudden drivetrain failure at approximately 62,000 miles while my children were in the vehicle. There was no dashboard warning light, Check Control message, or advance alert. I noticed serious mechanical symptoms and immediately pulled over rather than continue driving. I am concerned that continuing to drive could have caused further drivetrain damage or created a dangerous situation for my family and other motorists. The dealer inspected the vehicle. In a written diagnosis dated September 15, 2026, the technician identified the front differential pinion bearing as the initial point of failure. He stated that the failed bearing damaged the pinion seal, causing differential fluid loss, and that play in the bearing allowed the driveshaft to contact the oil pan. BMW recommended replacing the front differential and driveshaft and separately recommended oil-pan replacement. When asked about external causes, the technician stated, "No external damage was found." Asked whether similar failures had been seen, he responded, "Yes, we have seen this failure occasionally." I previously reported unusual dragging/jerking behavior to BMW and followed its recommendations involving the transfer case and control/thrust arms. It is unknown whether those earlier symptoms were related. The vehicle received regular BMW maintenance, with no skipped required services. I have also identified multiple public owner reports of front differential failures involving 2021 BMW X5 M50i (G05) vehicles, some at considerably lower mileage. These reports are not independently verified however additional complaints have been filed with NHTSA. I request that NHTSA investigate whether this represents a recurring safety defect, especially given the sudden failure absence of warning and low mileage to have such an instrumental piece of equipment fail. The vehicle was inspected by an authorized BMW dealer; availability of failed parts for inspection is unknown.

NHTSA ID

11771996

Incident

Aug 28, 2026

Description of Safety Concern: I am writing to formally submit a vehicle safety complaint regarding the xDrive transfer case on my 2021 BMW X5. While driving, the vehicle exhibits noticeable hesitation, shuddering, and jerking during acceleration at lower speeds and when executing tight turns. This erratic power delivery creates a potential safety hazard, particularly when accelerating into traffic, merging onto highways, or pulling out from intersections, as the momentary loss of predictable drivetrain response increases the risk of a collision. Despite internal technical bulletins from the manufacturer (SI B27 02 20) acknowledging shuddering caused by transfer case clutch breakdown, no official safety recall has been issued. I request that NHTSA open an investigation into these xDrive transfer case failures to evaluate the safety risks posed by drivetrain hesitation and potential sudden power loss. Thank you for your attention to this safety issue.

NHTSA ID

11769659

Incident

Jan 5, 2024

Problem with starter. They don’t start from first time, sometimes from 2-3. As I’m check it in forums, it can burn another parts and make fire. As i now bmw x5 from 2019 to 2024 have problem with starter and have opened recall for it. But when I’m visit now service center, they say me that my vin number not selected for starter recall and I must contact you first.

NHTSA ID

11767455

Incident

Sep 8, 2026

My 2021 BMW X5 xDrive40i intermittently fails to start, occurring on approximately 80% of start attempts, and displays the message "Repeat Start Attempt." This has been confirmed by code reading to be a starter-related malfunction. This defect significantly affects vehicle reliability and raises a potential safety concern. BMW previously recalled vehicles equipped with similar starter motors due to starter solenoid defects that could cause overheating, electrical short circuits, and an increased risk of vehicle fire. The symptoms on my vehicle appear consistent with those associated with the previously identified defect. I respectfully request that NHTSA investigate whether the starter motor defect previously addressed through BMW recalls extends beyond the identified production range, including 2021 model year vehicles. The recurring failure, similarity to previously recalled defects, and potential fire hazard warrants further review.

NHTSA ID

11766408

Incident

Jul 1, 2026

the engine oil pump assembly coveragefor the issue described in the Service Information Bulletin that addresses defects inmaterials and / or workmanship has been extended to 10 years / 120,000 miles, asdetermined from the original first in-service/delivery date

If the manual electronic engine oil level measurement aborts or is inoperative and the vehicles I-level is lower than S18A-26-07-518, a one-time software update procedure is covered up to 10 years / 120,000 miles, as determined from the original first in-service/delivery date.

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% completionrate.

In the affected vehicles, an incorrect screwlocking device (circled) may have been usedfor the mounting bolts of the door latch locks.

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 / delivery date.

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 the ACSM (air bag control unit): 930949 - Knee airbag, driver: Short circuit to negative terminal 93094F - Knee airbag, front passenger: Short circuit to negative terminal 93094C - Knee airbag driver's side: Resistance too great 930952 - Knee airbag, front passenger: Resistance too great