2020 BMW X7 Owner Complaints

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)

NHTSA ID

11749192

Incident

Dec 25, 2025

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.

NHTSA ID

11745685

Incident

Jun 1, 2026

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.

NHTSA ID

11744300

Incident

Jun 15, 2026

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.

NHTSA ID

11744077

Incident

Mar 1, 2026

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.

NHTSA ID

11742175

Incident

Jun 3, 2026

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.

NHTSA ID

11733459

Incident

Jan 20, 2026

NHTSA COMPLAINT (VERY IMPORTANT – SAFETY FOCUSED) Subject: Safety Complaint – BMW X7 Electrical Defect and Fire Risk (VIN: [XXX] ) To the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, I am submitting a formal safety complaint regarding a 2020 BMW X7 xDrive40i affected by Recall No. 24V-576 (Engine Starter Defect). My vehicle has experienced: •Sudden battery failure •Electrical system malfunction •Starter-related issues consistent with recall description BMW’s recall states that the defect can cause: •Electrical overload •Starter overheating •Increased risk of engine compartment fire This is not a theoretical issue—I have already experienced a complete system failure requiring towing and major repair, placing my family and me at risk. Serious Concerns •The defect appears systemic and dangerous •The remedy (software update) does not appear sufficient •The failure occurred without adequate warning Request for Investigation I urge NHTSA to: 1.Investigate the effectiveness of BMW’s recall remedy 2.Determine whether additional defects exist in the electrical system 3.Ensure BMW provides a permanent and safe solution This issue poses a serious public safety risk, and stronger regulatory action may be necessary. Sincerely, DLAA REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT, LLC, [XXX] and [XXX] ), regarding the defective BMW, YEAR 2020, MODEL: X7 xDrive40i | COLOR: OC27 ARCTIC GREY METALLIC VIN: [XXX] | CELL: [XXX] | FAX: [XXX] [XXX] | [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11732890

Incident

Feb 6, 2025

I'm reporting a safety issue with BMW vehicles equipped with the B58TU engine, primarily 2019-2021 models. These vehicles have an oil pump with an internal plastic component that regulates oil pressure, and this part is fracturing in the field, causing sudden loss of oil pressure. The failure typically occurs during cold starts in low temperatures. When it fails, oil pressure becomes erratic or is lost entirely, often with little to no warning before engine damage or vehicle disablement. Warning signs, when present, include inability to measure oil level electronically, abnormal oil pressure, or sudden drivetrain malfunction warnings. These can rapidly progress to engine shutdown or severe damage from oil starvation. This creates a dangerous situation because the vehicle can become disabled without warning while driving or after startup. This is especially hazardous when cars become immobilized in traffic or during winter conditions when failures occur most frequently, leaving occupants exposed to freezing temperatures while awaiting assistance. Pump replacement requires extensive disassembly and commonly costs $6,000-$8,000, assuming no engine damage. A critical concern: owners cannot determine if their vehicle has the original plastic pump or the later metal revision. BMW's VIN-based parts lookup now shows updated components even when original plastic parts remain installed, and BMW has removed the original plastic part number from dealer networks entirely. Failures are reported across multiple production years, and the scope of affected vehicles remains unclear. Because this condition causes sudden vehicle disablement without adequate warning, especially in cold weather, I believe this warrants investigation as a potential safety-related defect.

NHTSA ID

11731322

Incident

Apr 6, 2026

The transfer case on my 2020 BMW X7 failed and had to be replaced. Turning the vehicle became unstable as the vehicle shuttered badly. BMW confirmed the shuttering and first changed the transfer case fluid. However, it only slightly helped at first but the shuttering came fully back shortly thereafter. The vehicle was inspected by BMW twice. I don’t remember any warning lights on the dash. The shuttering first occurred in 2024.

NHTSA ID

11721850

Incident

Nov 20, 2024

Oil pum with plastic internals. Repeat hot and cold cycles cause premature failure of the plastic components and cause loss of oil pressure along with the pump grenading itself.

NHTSA ID

11721065

Incident

Feb 1, 2026

Transfer case broke and struck the engine while driving.

NHTSA ID

11717153

Incident

Aug 8, 2025

My vehicle is included in BMW Recall Campaign No. 25V 644 – Engine Starter. It has repeatedly failed to start, and on two separate occasions the engine completely stalled while I was stopped at a traffic light. Each time, it took multiple attempts before the car would restart. I have also been stranded in numerous parking lots—during both extreme heat and freezing temperatures—with my children because the vehicle would not start. These incidents were unexpected, unsafe, and entirely consistent with the symptoms described in the recall. We have experienced these problems since purchasing the vehicle, but at the time we had no reason to believe we needed to document every occurrence. Now that BMW has acknowledged a fire risk defect and still has no available remedy, I do not feel safe continuing to operate this car. BMW has even advised owners not to park in a garage due to the potential fire hazard. The first recall was issued in 2024 and did not resolve the issue. The subsequent recall in August 2025 still has no fix. This ongoing situation presents a serious safety risk, and it is unacceptable that it remains unresolved. BMW should be buying these vehicles back and compensating owners for the significant inconvenience and danger this defect has caused.

NHTSA ID

11715264

Incident

Sep 30, 2023

The check engine light on my 2020 BMW X7 intermittently illuminates and then clears without warning. A BMW technician diagnosed the cause as a malfunctioning active grille shutter assembly at the front of the vehicle. Research shows this is a widespread issue among BMW X5 and X7 models of similar years, with many owners reporting the same failure and expensive repairs. This appears to be a systemic defect, not an isolated incident. Because the grille shutter directly affects engine airflow and cooling, this issue raises reliability and potential safety concerns and should be reviewed for a possible recall.

NHTSA ID

11715043

Incident

Dec 1, 2025

Low oil pressure warning. Oil pump replacement

NHTSA ID

11709010

Incident

Dec 15, 2025

The contact owns a 2020 BMW X7. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V644000 (Electrical System). The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and making a left turn, the vehicle stalled in the middle of traffic. The contact immediately depressed the brake and attempted to shift into park(P), but the transmission failed to respond as needed. The contact remained in the vehicle with the brake pedal depressed until Roadside Assistance arrived. The contact stated that the Roadside Assistance team held the start button down and the gear selector was shifted into neutral(N) for a second and continued to inadvertently shift back to park(P). The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who was unable to properly diagnose the vehicle and referred the contact to the dealer. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the starter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 85,600.

NHTSA ID

11704522

Incident

Dec 3, 2025

Mileage

85,600 mi

• Third-row seat in my 2020 BMW X7 failed during normal operation and trapped my [XXX] daughter between the seatbacks. • She sustained injuries to her legs (documented in photos). I injured my arm while trying to free her. • Approximately 10 people witnessed the incident. • Seat would not move or release electronically or manually—no functional emergency release. • Multiple BMW system warnings occurred before the incident, including:  – “Third row seat risk of injury”  – “Right/left rear seat unlocked”  – “Right/left rear seat back unlocked” • BMW’s inspection found the passenger-side third-row seat motor housing broken. • There was no misuse and the failure occurred during normal operation • BMW refuses to repair the defect under warranty and attempted to return the vehicle unrepaired. • BMW suggested an “outside influence,” but evidence does not support this. • This defect creates a serious entrapment and injury hazard with no reliable manual release. • Requesting NHTSA investigation into BMW X7 third-row seat motors, locking mechanisms, and lack of emergency release due to risk of occupant injury or inability to evacuate a trapped passenger. There is an open and unresolved case with the manufacturer. Please help us and others that may be in danger. We still don’t have our vehicle back after 6 weeks and they state they will not fix it and return it to us broken, unsafe, and not usable. Here is the contact at BMW Gabrielle Dorcean Executive Customer Care, Customer Relations and Services BMW of North America, LLC Phone: [XXX] [XXX] Email: [email protected] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11703716

Incident

Oct 3, 2025

I am filing this complaint because the third-row passenger seat in my 2020 BMW X7 has a serious defect that poses an immediate safety risk to children and passengers. The third-row seat malfunctioned while my child was exiting the vehicle. The powered seat began moving unexpectedly and trapped my child’s leg, and we had extreme difficulty getting the seat to release. This is an extremely dangerous failure for any powered seat, especially one that is frequently used by children. This is not normal wear and tear — this is a mechanical and electrical failure of a safety-critical seat system. BMW Fresno has had the vehicle for more than six weeks and cannot fix the problem. BMW North America reviewed the case but denied responsibility and closed it, even though the defect affects a powered safety-critical seat. We still have no repair, no explanation, and no assurance that the seat is safe. I am filing this because the powered seat poses a clear risk of injury, and BMW has not resolved or acknowledged the safety defect. I request that NHTSA investigate the 2020 BMW X7 third-row seat system for potential entrapment hazards. Actions Taken •BMW Fresno inspected the vehicle and kept it for 6+ weeks. •BMW NA conducted a review but has refused to cover cost of repair or acknowledge a defect. •I am seeking NHTSA’s involvement because this is a clear safety problem that BMW has not corrected.

NHTSA ID

11703170

Incident

Oct 3, 2025

Hello , I would like to report a failed front differential on my vehicle. This issue was diagnosed by an independent BMW shop and is currently being repaired. Mine made it to 69k miles but many others have had theirs failed before 50k miles. My main goal is to bring light to this issue since it seems to be a design flaw. There's also numerous reports for failed transfer cases since they aren't normally serviced by BMW dealers. I've attached both repair invoices.

NHTSA ID

11702895

Incident

Nov 12, 2025

My front differential has failed and my vehicle has 62,000 miles. There is no recommended service and maintenance schedule for replacing fluids for the front differential so I thinking that this failure is due to an engineering design flaw including no recommended schedule to service the unit. It also seems this component may be too small/weak for the engine output. I has seem this failure reported on many blobs and users groups and seems to be recurring issue that BMW turns a blind side to. They ask why an extended warranty was not purchased and seeing that this is a recurring problem I am asking for a possible recall to force BMW to pay or reimburse others for repairs.

NHTSA ID

11701054

Incident

Oct 29, 2025

The contact owns a 2020 BMW X7. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal sound coming from the wheels while turning to the right or the left. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that both front control arms needed to be replaced; however, the vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. Upon investigation, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V678000 (SUSPENSION); however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was previously serviced under NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V644000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 42,000.

NHTSA ID

11699161

Incident

Apr 13, 2025

Mileage

42,000 mi

The contact works for a company that owns a 2020 BMW X7. The contact stated that while his boss was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. The driver was able to veer to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to a station. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the front trans-axle had disintegrated, causing the shaft to pinch and to create an 8-inch hole at the bottom of the oil pan. The contact stated that a significant amount of oil had leaked from the vehicle. The dealer determined that the transmission and engine had failed and needed to be replaced. The dealer informed the contact that it was a known failure, but the vehicle failure was the most dangerous reported failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that no assistance could be provided because the VIN was not included in a related recall. The failure mileage was approximately 140,218.

NHTSA ID

11697151

Incident

Oct 15, 2025

Mileage

140,218 mi

The contact owns a 2020 BMW X7. The contact stated that while driving at 55 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power, with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the fuel pump module had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.

NHTSA ID

11680649

Incident

Aug 14, 2025

Mileage

50,000 mi

Transfer case causes vehicle to shake when driving straight or turning from a complete stop or low speeds.

NHTSA ID

11679631

Incident

Mar 1, 2025

X7 models from year 2020 -2022 have a particular issue at stake which is a manufacture default as it's been reported in many cases in X7 models. I'd like have this Transportation safety to please look into this issue a safety recall as there is a shuddering issue in most x7's when turning right or left at a lower speed which slips the vehicle. I would appreciate it if someone could look into this. Thanks,

NHTSA ID

11678527

Incident

Aug 5, 2025

The contact owns 2020 BMW X7. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the message "Oil Pump Leak Over - Get the Vehicle Towed to Local Service Dealer" was displayed. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who could not repair the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where an unknown diagnosis was made. The vehicle was then towed to Baltimore Motor Works, where it was diagnosed that the engine oil pump had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was 60,000.

NHTSA ID

11677774

Incident

Feb 16, 2025

Mileage

60,000 mi