RoadVitals

2020 BMW X7 Engine Problems

Owner-reported complaints naming the engine system, filed with NHTSA

Data refreshed

Engine reportsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
16
Latest Jun 22, 2026
Share of all reportsThis category as a share of every owner report on file for this model year. One report can name more than one component, so the categories overlap.
31%
of 52 total
Crash or fire reportedReports in this category whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. The reporter's own answer on the NHTSA form, not a verified finding.
1
Injuries or deaths reportedTotals the submitters entered on their own reports in this category. Not verified by NHTSA and not a casualty statistic.
0

What this page shows

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components. Every record below is an owner-reported complaint about the 2020 BMW X7 submitted to NHTSA — not a confirmed defect, not a recall and not a manufacturer bulletin. 16 reports on file name it.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Owner reports naming engine

Shown in the owner’s own words, exactly as filed

Engine
Filed Jun 22, 2026

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
Engine
Filed Jun 4, 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
Engine
Filed Apr 23, 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
Engine
Filed Apr 15, 2026

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
Engine
Filed Feb 27, 2026

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
ElectricalEngine
Filed Feb 3, 2026

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
ElectricalEngine
Filed Feb 2, 2026

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
Engine
Filed Jan 6, 2026

Low oil pressure warning. Oil pump replacement

NHTSA ID
11709010
Incident
Dec 15, 2025
EnginePowertrain (other)
Filed Nov 3, 2025

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
Engine
Filed Aug 1, 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
ElectricalEngine
Filed May 12, 2025

The contact owns a 2020 BMW X7. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the engine failed to turn over. The message "Starter Motor Overheating" was displayed; however, there was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer where it was diagnosed, and the contact was advised that the starter motor and battery were faulty and needed to be replaced. The contact was also advised that the coolant needed to be drained and refilled. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V576000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); as a possible cause for the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 58,000.

NHTSA ID
11660517
Incident
May 8, 2025
Mileage
58,000 mi
ElectricalEngine
Filed Feb 10, 2025

The contact owns a 2020 BMW X7. The contact stated that after parking and later attempting to start the vehicle, the message "Starting Engine Possible After Engine Overheat" was displayed, and the vehicle failed to start. The contact waited several hours before the vehicle was able to be restarted. The vehicle was driven to the local mechanic who diagnosed that the starter had overheated. The vehicle was later taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the starter module was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously serviced under NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V576000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) which required a software update. The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall after the recall repair was performed. The failure mileage was 44,000.

NHTSA ID
11641679
Incident
Feb 8, 2025
Mileage
44,000 mi
Engine
Filed Oct 14, 2024

I was driving on the freeway when due to heavy traffic, it was a stop and go. the engine stalled and on re-started on multiple trials. this created a very dangerous situation for an immediate accident as there were vehicles all around me. the engine stalling continued the next day also and I took my vehicle to BMW for servicing and they diagnosed engine starter motor failure which they then replaced and charged me $1,411.44 on June 27, 2024. NHTSA has issued the following recall stating that the starter motor may fail and overheat. NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V576000 Manufacturer BMW of North America, LLC Components ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING [XXX] I called BMW customer service and they told me that my vehicle VIN number was not on the affected vehicles list and hence, they can't do anything and that I should make a complaint with NHTSA. since the issue with NHTSA recall was starter motor on BMW and since I had to pay to get it replaced before NHTSA issued the recall, I strongly feel that BMW sold the car with a faulty starter motor and that they should reimburse me for my out of pocket expenses to get the stater motor replaced. Please advise. thanks, [XXX] , Tel: [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID
11619696
Incident
Jun 20, 2024
Engine
Filed Dec 22, 2023
Fire reported

On October 21, 2021 we purchased a 2020 BMW X7 from West Houston Land Rover (AutoNation) in Oct 2021. Purchased extended warranties. Within 3 months: Technicians advised replacing nearly new tires. Car smoked on highway after oil change, dismissed as spilled oil. Nov 28, 2023: Car burst into flames 5 minutes after oil change and passed multipoint inspection. Car burned completely to the ground Escaped unharmed but met with rudeness and dismissal from dealership. GM initially promised help, then stopped communication after seeing evidence. Unacceptable: Horrific experience with fire and previous issues. Appalling service and intimidation tactics (threat of lawsuit for sharing story). We demanded immediate action to reimburse our losses and hold the dealership accountable. We will actively share our story to warn others. When I did mention about sharing this experience with consumers the GM said Autonation would sue us for slander if we put any information about this event online. [XXX] Fire started under the hood (engine) [XXX] (owner) was driving a car that was burning it could have exploded or killed her while driving. Also other vehicles were put in danger while driving near a burning flaming car. I do not know if anyone has reproduced this. the following are researching this by investigating: Geico insurance We were told the dealer also filed an insurance claim (not verified as no info was provided) BMW communicated they would also view the car and do an investigation Police were on the scene Fire dept was on the scene and put the fire out No warning lights, no vehicle warning, just burst into flames while driving home from the oil change I have pictures/video/copy of multipoint inspection performed 5 min before the fire started, as well as a receipt for the oil change/multipoint inspection as well as all communications with the GM. The website is not allowing upload of files INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID
11561478
Incident
Nov 28, 2023
EngineFuel systemPowertrain (other)
Filed Aug 1, 2023

Engine shut off after a brief warning message on the dash while highway driving. I don't remember the exact words but it was a "drivetrain" problem. After the the message came on the car sputtered 2 or 3 times and then the engine shut down without warning. The car would not re-start. The car was stuck in the middle of the highway dead in it's track, in real danger of being rear ended by oncoming traffic driving at highway speeds. The car was towed to a nearby dealership that said the fuel pump failed. The odometer on the car was at 48,000, well below the typical mileage associated with fuel pump failure.

NHTSA ID
11535937
Incident
Jul 29, 2023
EngineFuel systemPowertrain (other)
Filed Mar 22, 2021

我的BMW X7 M50I开在高速公路上,全车突然没有任何动力,然后我打了BMW ROADSIDE ASSISTANT,在I80-W高速公路上等待3小时没有任何BMW的ROADSIDE ASSISTANT,这个我对BMW USA 的服务真差,还好我人没事,我的车从2/26号开始没法启动,自己付拖车费拖回来纽约,等待到3/1号车自付费用拖车去BROOKLYN BMW,到目前我的车还没有修好,同时BROOKLYN BMW也没有提供任何临时车我使用,我的车整整放在DEALERSHIP 目前3/22还没有任何消息维修好,这车让我感觉非常之危险了,威胁我的生命,你能想象这么高科技的车,新车,2020年的,车开着突然熄火在高速公路上吗?

NHTSA ID
11404234
Incident
Feb 26, 2021
Mileage
14,191 mi

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.

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