2021 BMW X6 Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Good The 2021 BMW X6 ranks 11th out of 20 model years with a complaint index of 47, earning a Good verdict. NHTSA lists 7 complaints, 7 recall campaigns, and no fires, deaths, or do-not-drive recalls for this year.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 47/100
- #11 of 20 X6 years
- Verdict
- Good
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 7
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 7
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 1
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Top issue
- Brakes
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 18
- 16 city / 22 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 0 / 0
Top 2021 BMW X6 problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Brakes2 (29%)
- Electrical System2 (29%)
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras2 (29%)
- Airbags1 (14%)
- Engine1 (14%)
- Lane Departure1 (14%)
- Other1 (14%)
- Steering1 (14%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- A parking assist system failed to stop the vehicle during an automatic parking maneuver, resulting in a crash into a structure.
- A drivetrain warning message appeared repeatedly, with the vehicle failing to start or starting slowly even after the starter was replaced.
- Wiring running to the knee airbag module developed a short to ground, requiring repair of the front driver and passenger side wiring.
- The brake pedal failed to stop the vehicle as intended at speed, forcing the driver to shift into park to bring it to a stop; a shop could not duplicate the failure.
2021 BMW X6 recalls
7 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 22V267000Apr 20, 2022Visibility & Wipers61,221 vehicles
Visibility:sun/moon roof assembly
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. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 118, "Power-Operated Window Systems."
Risk: A sunroof that closes without the key fob present inside the vehicle can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: 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.
- NHTSA 21V096000Feb 19, 2021Collision Avoidance & Cameras13,858 vehicles
Back over prevention:software
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 xDrive50i, X6 M50i, X6M, 530i, 530i xDrive, 540i, 540i xDrive, M550i xDrive, M5, 740i, 740Li, 740Li xDrive, M760i Drive, M760Li xDrive, 750Li xDrive Alpina, Alpina B7 xDrive, and 2021 4 Series Coupe 430i, 430i xDrive, M440i xDrive vehicles. When shifting into Reverse, a small portion of the rearview image may be obscured, or the screen may not illuminate. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."
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.
Remedy: 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.
- NHTSA 21V062000Feb 10, 2021Brakes893 vehicles
Service brakes, hydraulic:power assist:hydraulic
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 brake system may not have been welded properly and could separate during a hard braking event, possibly resulting in a loss of the Antilock Brake System (ABS) and braking assistance.
Risk: A loss of ABS and a reduction in braking assistance can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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.
2021 BMW X6 fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 16 MPG
- Highway
- 22 MPG
- Combined
- 18 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $4,450
- 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 X6 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2021 BMW X6 reliable?
- Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2021 X6 has a complaint index of 47 and ranks 11th out of 20 model years, earning a Good verdict relative to other X6 years.
- What problems does the 2021 BMW X6 have?
- NHTSA complaints for the 2021 X6 most often involve Brakes and Electrical System issues, each accounting for 29% of complaints, followed by Collision Avoidance & Cameras at 29% as well.
- Does the 2021 BMW X6 have any recalls?
- Yes, NHTSA lists 7 recall campaigns for the 2021 X6, covering areas including brakes, steering, electrical system, and visibility, none of which are do-not-drive recalls.
- What is the median mileage for reported failures on the 2021 X6?
- NHTSA data shows a median mileage at failure of 51,000 miles for the 2021 X6 overall, with brake complaints reported around 49,000 miles.
- How does the 2021 X6 compare to other years?
- The 2021 X6 has a complaint index of 47, far lower than the worst years like 2009 through 2013 which scored between 79 and 100 and carry Avoid verdicts.