2021 BMW X7 Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
GoodComplaint Index
33/100
#5 most-complained of 7 X7 years
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
The 2021 BMW X7 has a complaint index of 33, ranking 5th worst out of 7 model years, with a "Good" verdict relative to other X7 years. NHTSA lists 46 complaints and 9 recalls, with Engine as the top problem area at 35% of complaints.
- Complaints
- 46
- Recalls
- 9
- Crashes / fires
- 0 / 2
- Injuries / deaths
- 1 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 19
- 17 city / 22.5 hwy
Top 2021 BMW X7 problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine16 (35%)
- Transmission & Powertrain11 (24%)
- Electrical System10 (22%)
- Structure & Body6 (13%)
- Other5 (11%)
- Steering5 (11%)
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras4 (9%)
- Fuel System4 (9%)
- Brakes2 (4%)
- Lane Departure2 (4%)
What owners report
- Engine bay fumes and smoke lead some drivers to stop and evacuate the vehicle, with at least one fire reported.
- Electrical wiring issues have produced smoky, burning odors inside the cabin, in one case at 25,320 miles.
- Moisture entering the cupholder area is reported to leak into airbag and seatbelt sensor wiring, disabling those safety systems.
- Brakes have been described as grinding when turning while braking, and separately as sticking hard for up to a minute before releasing.
- Sunroof glass has shattered outward while driving with the sunshade partially open.
- Steering and driver-assistance systems have triggered sudden unexpected lane jerks along with screen blackouts and system reboots.
2021 BMW X7 recalls
9 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- 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.
- 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 21V156000Mar 10, 2021Structure & Body258 vehicles
Seats:mid/rear assembly:head restraint
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2021 X5 sDrive40i, X5 xDrive50i, X5 M50i, X5 xDrive45e, 2021 X7 xDrive40i, X7 M50i, and XB7 vehicles. The head restraints on the second-row outer seats may be the incorrect type for the vehicle.
Risk: In the event of a crash, the head restraints could detach, and increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the head restraints, and replace them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began May 3, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
2021 BMW X7 fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 17 MPG
- Highway
- 22.5 MPG
- Combined
- 19 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $4,250
- 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 X7 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2021 BMW X7 reliable?
- Relative to other X7 model years, the 2021 X7 ranks as "Good," with a complaint index of 33 and rank 5 of worst-first among 7 model years covered by data.
- What are the most common problems with the 2021 BMW X7?
- NHTSA data shows Engine complaints are most common at 35% of the 46 total complaints, followed by Transmission & Powertrain at 24% and Electrical System at 22%.
- Does the 2021 BMW X7 have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists 9 recalls for the 2021 X7, covering areas including Structure & Body, Electrical System, Steering, Brakes, and Collision Avoidance & Cameras. None are do-not-drive recalls.
- How does the 2021 X7 compare to other X7 years?
- The 2021 X7's complaint index of 33 is lower than 2020's 50, 2023's 67, 2024's 100, and 2025's 83, but higher than 2019's 17 and 2022's 0.
- What is the fuel economy of the 2021 BMW X7?
- EPA rates the 2021 X7 at 19 mpg combined (17 city / 22.5 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $4,250.