2019 BMW X7 Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2019 BMW X7, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Electrical2236.1%
- Engine1626.2%
- Driver assistance711.5%
- Interior & seats58.2%
- Powertrain (other)58.2%
- Brakes34.9%
- Steering11.6%
- Fuel system11.6%
- Airbags11.6%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2019 BMW X7. The contact stated that the Auto START/STOP feature failed to function as intended. There was a fire message displayed. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed; however, the dealer was unable to update the control unit. The control unit was not communicating as intended. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V576000 (Electrical System, Engine, and Engine Cooling). The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 134,000.
BMW has a known issue that the fin antenna on the roof leaks and sets off a cascade of dangerous issues with the Emergency Call function and disabling the heads up dash so that you cannot see your navigation. On April 2, 2026 in Austin, TX it rained and our car started sending an Emergency Call request repeatedly to BMW. BMW operators called repeatedly even though they knew there was no emergency and that they were actively interrupting our driving. The heads up dash would not allow us to see our maps to navigate, but only displayed a notification that an Emergency Call had been initiated. BMW needs to address and recall this antenna seal so that owners can use their cars safely (with all functions) while not paying out of pocket for BMW's failure.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
I am reporting a safety concern involving BMW vehicles equipped with the B58 Technical Update (B58TU) engine, commonly found in model years 2019–2021. These vehicles utilize a variable-displacement engine oil pump containing an internal thermoplastic adjusting component responsible for regulating oil pressure. Field failures are increasingly being reported in which this internal component fractures, resulting in sudden loss or instability of engine oil pressure/lubrication. Loss of lubrication can cause the vehicle to become disabled without warning while driving or shortly after startup. This creates a safety hazard, particularly when vehicles become immobilized in active traffic or during winter conditions the cold is when they fail the most, where occupants may be exposed to freezing temperatures while awaiting assistance. Owners are currently unable to determine whether their vehicles contain the original thermoplastic oil pump design or a later revised version utilizing metal internal components, as VIN-based parts information now identifies updated components in the car even when no replacement has occurred and the old components are actually in the car. Also, BMW has actively removed the plastic part number out of all dealer networks, demonstrating knowledge of the defective component.
The contact owns a 2019 BMW X7. The contact stated that the Auto START/STOP feature failed to function as intended. There was a fire message displayed. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed; however, the dealer was unable to update the control unit. The control unit was not communicating as intended. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V576000 (Electrical System, Engine, and Engine Cooling). The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 134,000.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
I was driving on a 3 lane road during the day with no cars near me with my hands on the steering wheel and eyes on the road when the car applied the emergency braking and came to a complete stop. Thankfully no one was behind me. This was the second time it happened in a two week span.
Remote software update for driver assist, lane departure and other safety updates will not install on the vehicle.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
My 2019 BMW X7 has developed a recurring headrest defect with the 3rd row passenger side seat that has proven impossible for your authorized dealership to repair. This defect substantially impacts the vehicle's use, safety, and value. Despite multiple repair attempts and at least spanning 5-6 months now in the last year, the issue remains completely unresolved.
On October 18, 2024 I got a check engine light after starting my vehicle when leaving the grocery store. I stopped at a mechanic shop near by and was told the code they pulled stated that there was an “Air Flap Control Malfunction.” I’ experienced this same issue a year earlier on December 15, 2024 when I got an engine warning light that stayed on and it gave this same error message. Before I could take the vehicle to the dealership it went out and did not come back on until October 18th. I currently have my vehicle at the dealership to be diagnosed by them, but the light was not on when I took the vehicle to them.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2019 BMW X7. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine overheated and the engine seized. The check engine warning light was illuminated. While attempting to restart the vehicle, the vehicle restarted with the power train warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed, and the failure reoccurred. The failure was a persistent failure. The contact stated that there was thick white smoke coming from the exhaust. The contact noticed a fuel odor on the interior and exterior of the vehicle. In addition, the RPM was elevated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The contact stated that the failure was a known failure with the vehicle. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact was informed that the repair was not covered under recall or warranty. The failure mileage was approximately 102,000.
I am reporting a safety concern involving BMW vehicles equipped with the B58 Technical Update (B58TU) engine, commonly found in model years 2019–2021. These vehicles use a variable-displacement oil pump with an internal thermoplastic component that regulates oil pressure. This component is increasingly failing in the field, often fracturing and causing sudden loss or instability of oil pressure. Failures commonly occur during cold starts in low temperatures. When the component breaks, oil pressure may become erratic or drop entirely, often with little or no warning before engine damage or vehicle shutdown. Early warning signs can include inability to measure oil level, abnormal oil pressure behavior, or drivetrain malfunction alerts. In many cases, failures quickly lead to engine shutdown or severe damage due to oil starvation. This can leave vehicles suddenly disabled while driving or shortly after startup, creating a safety risk—especially in traffic or in cold weather, where occupants may be exposed to freezing conditions while waiting for assistance. Repair requires extensive disassembly, with oil pump replacement alone typically costing $6,000–$8,000, excluding additional engine damage. Owners also cannot reliably determine whether their vehicle has the original thermoplastic component or an updated metal version, as parts databases now default to the revised design regardless of what is actually installed. Failures have been reported across multiple model years, and the full scope of affected vehicles remains unclear. Because this issue can cause sudden vehicle disablement without adequate warning—particularly in cold conditions—it may represent a safety-related defect warranting investigation.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
My 2019 BMW X7 is under Safety Recall 25V-644 for an overheating/fire-risk defect, but the recall remedy is unavailable. The vehicle has now experienced multiple safety-related failures that appear to be progressing. BMW diagnosed the following failures: • Emergency Call System Malfunction • GPS and maps not working • Failure of the TCB telematics module • Failure of the antenna and TCB battery due to fluid ingress • Battery voltage in the red zone • All four tire pressure sensors beginning to fail • Collapsed engine mounts attributed to heat • $11,296 in repair estimates related to electrical and heat damage Immediately after picking up the vehicle from BMW service, a new battery/charging system warning light appeared that was NOT present before the visit. This suggests further deterioration of the electrical system. The combination of: • an open fire-risk recall with no fix available, • fluid ingress damaging telematics components, • multiple electrical and safety-system failures, and • new warning lights appearing after service makes this vehicle unsafe to operate, especially for long-distance highway travel. I am requesting that NHTSA document this as a safety-defect case and assist in ensuring BMW provides a safe resolution.
October 10, 2024, I was pulling out of my job’s parking lot when I was attempting to brake before pulling out into traffic on the Main Street. My vehicle would not stop despite my having the brakes to the floor. I was almost in traffic before the brakes started to work. On October 18, 2024, I experienced the same problem when I was pulling out of a gas station and tried to stop before pulling into traffic on the main road. My vehicle would not stop despite my having my brakes pressed to the floor and me pumping the brakes multiple times. It eventually stopped after I was already out in traffic and panicking.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
Remote software update for driver assist, lane departure and other safety updates will not install on the vehicle.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
Vehicle starter failed to crank the engine. You can smell electric type smoke coming from the under carriage. Vehicle stopped at a light and could not move. Nearly caused a crash or worse a fire. No warning lights or indicators. Just won’t start and smoke.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
Passenger restraint system malfunction.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .