2019 BMW X7 Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
BestComplaint Index
17/100
#6 most-complained of 7 X7 years
The 2019 BMW X7 has 47 NHTSA complaints, 11 recalls, and a complaint index of 17, ranking 6th of 7 model years, making it a 'Best' year compared to other X7s. Electrical System issues are the top problem area, with 22 complaints.
- Complaints
- 47
- Recalls
- 11
- Crashes / fires
- 1 / 0
- Injuries / deaths
- 0 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 19.5
- 17.5 city / 23 hwy
Top 2019 BMW X7 problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Electrical System22 (47%)
- Engine16 (34%)
- Other7 (15%)
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras6 (13%)
- Structure & Body5 (11%)
- Transmission & Powertrain5 (11%)
- Brakes4 (9%)
- Fuel System2 (4%)
- Airbags1 (2%)
- Steering1 (2%)
What owners report
- Brakes reportedly gave out at highway speed while dashboard lights blinked, leaving the vehicle undriveable for repair.
- Battery warning light stayed on and rear seats malfunctioned shortly after delivery.
- Some owners experienced phantom braking with no clear trigger while driving.
- Rear cross traffic alert failed to sound during near-collision incidents while backing out of parking spaces.
- The SOS emergency call system activated on its own, disabling the center display and satellite radio, and in one case triggered a false emergency response.
- A starter failure produced an electrical smoke smell and left the vehicle unable to start or move.
2019 BMW X7 recalls
11 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 25V644000Sep 25, 2025Electrical System145,102 vehicles
Electrical system:starter assembly
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020 340I, X6, 2020-2025 840I, 2020-2022 740LI, 2019-2020 X7, and X5 vehicles. After repeated attempts, the starter motor may overheat from an electrical overload.
Risk: An overheated starter motor can ignite nearby combustible material in the engine compartment, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the engine starter, free of charge. This recall includes vehicles repaired under recall 24V576 and those owners will need to have their vehicle repaired again. Owner notification letters were mailed February 9, 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 17, 2025.
- NHTSA 24V576000Aug 1, 2024Engine105,588 vehicles
Engine and engine cooling:engine:engine control module (ecu/ECM):software
BMW of North America, LLC is recalling certain 2019-2020 X5, X7, 2020 3 Series Sedan, X6, 2020-2021 7 Series Sedan, 2020 8 Series Convertible, 8 Series Coupe, and 2020 8 Series Gran Coupe vehicles. Please see the recall report for the complete list of models. In the event the starter motor fails, repeated attempts to start the vehicle can cause the starter motor to overheat from an electrical overload.
Risk: A starter motor that overheats can ignite nearby combustible material in the engine compartment, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will update the vehicle software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 27, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
- NHTSA 22V670000Sep 7, 2022Structure & Body246 vehicles
Seats
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019-2022 BMW X7 xDrive40i, X7 Drive50i, X7 M50i vehicles with third-row seats. One or more of the compression springs that lock the backrest may not have been installed properly, and could dislodge or detach.
Risk: In a crash, the seat backrest may not fully lock, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the third-row seat and, if necessary, remove and reinstall improperly installed compression springs, and reinstall any missing springs, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 4, 2022. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
2019 BMW X7 fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 17.5 MPG
- Highway
- 23 MPG
- Combined
- 19.5 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $4,175
- 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.
2019 compared with other X7 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2019 BMW X7 reliable?
- NHTSA lists 47 complaints and 11 recalls for the 2019 X7, giving it a complaint index of 17, the lowest (best) among the 7 model years with data, earning it a 'Best' verdict relative to other X7 years.
- What is the top problem area for the 2019 BMW X7?
- Electrical System complaints make up 47% of all reported issues (22 of 47 complaints), with a median failure mileage of 56,000 miles.
- Does the 2019 BMW X7 have any recalls?
- Yes, NHTSA lists 11 recalls for the 2019 X7, including issues with the starter motor, engine software, third-row seat backrest springs, and left side wheel bolts.
- How does the 2019 X7 compare to other model years?
- The 2019 X7 ranks 6th worst of 7 years by complaint index (17), well below the 2024 model year, which has the highest complaint index at 100 and an 'Avoid' verdict.