2021 BMW X4 Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
GoodComplaint Index
27/100
#9 most-complained of 12 X4 years
The 2021 BMW X4 has a Complaint Index of 27 with 6 complaints and 7 recalls on file, ranking 9th out of 12 model years — a Good result compared to other X4 years like 2020 (91) and 2023 (100).
- Complaints
- 6
- Recalls
- 7
- Crashes / fires
- 0 / 0
- Injuries / deaths
- 0 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 19.5
- 17.5 city / 23 hwy
Top 2021 BMW X4 problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine2 (33%)
- Seat Belts2 (33%)
- Other1 (17%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires1 (17%)
- Transmission & Powertrain1 (17%)
What owners report
- Rear seat belts fray and break at the same spot on both sides without warning.
- Engine makes abnormal sounds while in park and when shifting into drive with the brake depressed.
- Oil pump on the B58 engine reportedly fails prematurely due to a plastic adjusting ring breaking.
- Engine-related failures were reported at a median mileage of 70,000 miles.
2021 BMW X4 recalls
7 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 26V056000Jan 30, 2026Electrical System87,394 vehicles
Electrical system:starter assembly
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Toyota Supra, 2022-2023 2 Series Coupe, 2021-2024 5 Series (xDrive), 2021-2022 Z4, 2022-2024 4 Series (Gran Coupe), 2021-2024 4 Series (Convertible and xDrive Convertible), 2021-2023 4 Series (Coupe), 2021-2024 3 Series, 2021-2023 X4, 2021-2024 X3 vehicles. Please see the recall report for a complete list of all models. The engine starter may overheat and catch fire due to wear on an internal component.
Risk: Fire increases the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the engine starter, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 21, 2026. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 or Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning March 24, 2026.
- NHTSA 25V636000Sep 23, 2025Electrical System199,674 vehiclesPark Outside
Electrical system:starter assembly:relay
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019-2021 BMW 330i, 2019-2022 BMW Z4, 2020-2022 BMW 530i, X3, X4, Toyota Supra, 2021-2022 BMW 430i, 430i Convertible, and 2022 BMW 230i vehicles. The engine starter relay may corrode, causing the relay to overheat and short circuit.
Risk: A short circuit in the starter relay may increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Owners are advised to park their vehicles outside and away from structures until the remedy is complete. Dealers will replace the engine starter, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 6, 2026. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov November 14, 2025.
- NHTSA 23V211000Mar 29, 2023Structure & Body51 vehicles
Seats
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019-2021 330i, 330i xDrive, M340i xDrive, 2020-2021 X3 sDrive30i, X3 xDrive30i, X3 M40i, X3M, 2021 X3 xDrive30e, X4 xDrive30i, and X4M vehicles. The seat frame may not have been welded properly to the seat rails.
Risk: An improperly welded seat frame may not properly restrain the occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the seat frame and back rest, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 22, 2023. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
2021 BMW X4 fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 17.5 MPG
- Highway
- 23 MPG
- Combined
- 19.5 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $4,225
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Premium
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2021 compared with other X4 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2021 BMW X4 reliable?
- NHTSA data gives the 2021 BMW X4 a Complaint Index of 27 with only 6 complaints logged, earning a Good verdict — the 3rd-best of the 12 model years tracked.
- What year BMW X4 should I avoid?
- Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2020 (index 91) and 2023 (index 100) X4 model years rank worst, while 2015 also carries an Avoid verdict; 2021 is not one of the years to avoid.
- Does the 2021 BMW X4 have any recalls?
- Yes, NHTSA lists 7 recalls for the 2021 BMW X4, covering the engine starter, seat frame, engine management software, fuel tank, and rearview camera software; none are do-not-drive recalls.
- What is the top reported problem on the 2021 BMW X4?
- NHTSA complaints show Engine issues as the top problem area, tied with Seat Belts, each making up 33% of the 6 total complaints filed.