2021 Bmw X6 problems, complaints & recalls
Most-reported problem areas: Steering (1) · Service Brakes, Hydraulic (1) · Lane Departure: Blind Spot Detection (1)
🧭 Reliability snapshot
Compared against other Bmw X6 model years — complaint volume vs the model's median year, recalls and severity. How we score →
Safety recalls (7)
Visibility:sun/Moon Roof Assembly 2022-04-20 · campaign 22V267000 · 61,221 vehicles
Defect: 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.
Risk: A sunroof that closes without the key fob present inside the vehicle can increase the risk of injury.
Fix: 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.
Back Over Prevention:software 2021-02-19 · campaign 21V096000 · 13,858 vehicles
Defect: 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 x
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.
Fix: 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.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:power Assist:hydraulic 2021-02-10 · campaign 21V062000 · 893 vehicles
Defect: 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 bra
Risk: A loss of ABS and a reduction in braking assistance can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
Steering:column 2021-01-29 · campaign 21V031000 · 21 vehicles
Defect: 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.
Fix: 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.
Electrical System:12v/24v/48v Battery 2020-12-09 · campaign 20V761000 · 812 vehicles
Defect: 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.
Fix: 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.
Exterior Lighting:headlights 2020-09-01 · campaign 20V528000 · 307 vehicles
Defect: 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.
Fix: 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.
Tires 2020-08-14 · campaign 20V483000 · 42 vehicles
Defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2021 X6 (sDrive40i, xDrive40i and M50i) and X5 (sDrive40i, xDrive40i and M50i) vehicles equipped with certain Pirelli tires. The tires may have a damaged inner layer, possibly resulting in a rapid loss of pressure while the vehicle is moving.
Risk: A rapid loss of tire pressure while the vehicle is moving can affect vehicle handling and control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: BMW has notified all of the affected owners, and dealers will replace the defective tires, free of charge. BMW has contacted owners by telephone and those owners have had their cars remedied. Owner notification letters will not be sent. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Service bulletins (244)
Technical service bulletins are repair instructions manufacturers send dealers for known issues. Unlike recalls, the fix is not automatically free — but naming the bulletin at the service desk can save diagnosis time and support goodwill repairs.
Engine 2026-07-17 · B110426 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
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.
Engine 2026-06-29 · B010324 · Warranty Program/Extension
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.
Air Bags 2026-05-19 · B652724 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
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 930
Structure:body 2026-03-06 · B010325 · Warranty Program/Extension
the radiator grilles lower active air flap assembly 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.
Air Bags 2025-11-25 · B652724 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
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 930
Structure:body 2025-05-14 · B010825 · Warranty Program/Extension
a vehicle listed above may arrive with a check control message (ccm), and/or malfunction indicator lamp(mil) illuminated. after carrying out the vehicle test, one or more of the stored faults indicate that the operation of the front bottomactive air flap is obstructed or blocked. thoroughly inspect
Showing the 6 most recent of 244 bulletins. Search all of them free at nhtsa.gov.
What owners report
2026-01-26 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · 49,000 mi“the contact owns a 2021 bmw x6. the contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to stop as intended. the contact shifted into park while the vehicle was in motion to stop the vehicle. the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic; however, the failure was not duplicated. i…”
2025-11-25 · Air Bags“wiring from knee air bag to module failed. had to repair wiring from front driver and passenger knee air bags. wiring had a short to ground. resulted in a $1600 bill.…”
2025-11-12 · Engine And Engine Cooling · 53,000 mi“the contact owns a 2021 bmw x6. the contact stated that upon start the vehicle, the drivetrain message was displayed. overtime, the contact stated that the vehicle either failed to start or was slow to start while depressing the start/stop button. the vehicle was taken to a dealer and the starter was replaced; however, a month later, the drivetrain…”
2024-05-17 · Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking · 💥 crash“the automatic parking feature was being used to park in garage the vehicle proceed to back up without stopping and the emergency braking system didn’t engage leading to the vehicle crashing. i could have been injured if the structure of the house didn’t stop the vehicle. if someone had been behind the vehicle they would’ve been killed. the inciden…”
2023-03-31 · Unknown Or Other“the ac, air system blows out a bad odor...smell like vinegar, burned plastic and rotten eggs…”
2020-12-20 · Lane Departure: Blind Spot Detection“if i have made the purchase depositing 100000 and the rest in monthly payments…”
Excerpts of consumer complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly truncated. They are owner statements, not verified findings.