2021 BMW X6 recalls and problems

The 2021 BMW X6 has 7 safety recalls and 7 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any BMW dealer.

Recalls
7
Complaints
7
Crashes / fires
1 / 0
Injuries / deaths
0 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2021 BMW X6 vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2021 BMW X6 recalls

Recall 22V-267: Visibility

Reported Apr 20, 2022 · 61,221 vehicles affected · BMW of North America, LLC

Problem: 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.

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.

Recall 21V-096: Back Over Prevention

Reported Feb 19, 2021 · 13,858 vehicles affected · BMW of North America, LLC

Problem: 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.

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.

Recall 21V-062: Service Brakes, Hydraulic

Reported Feb 10, 2021 · 893 vehicles affected · BMW of North America, LLC

Problem: 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.

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.

Recall 21V-031: Steering

Reported Jan 29, 2021 · 21 vehicles affected · BMW of North America, LLC

Problem: 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.

Recall 20V-761: Electrical System

Reported Dec 9, 2020 · 812 vehicles affected · BMW of North America, LLC

Problem: 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.

Recall 20V-528: Exterior Lighting

Reported Sep 1, 2020 · 307 vehicles affected · BMW of North America, LLC

Problem: 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.

Recall 20V-483: Tires

Reported Aug 14, 2020 · 42 vehicles affected · BMW of North America, LLC

Problem: 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.

2021 BMW X6 problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Forward Collision Avoidance2
Lane Departure2
Electrical System2
Unknown or Other1
Back Over Prevention1
Service Brakes1
Steering1
Engine and Engine Cooling1
Air Bags1
Service Brakes, Hydraulic1

Most reported parts

  • Forward Collision Avoidance › Automatic Emergency Braking — 2
  • Lane Departure › Blind Spot Detection — 1
  • Lane Departure › Assist — 1
  • Back Over Prevention › Warnings — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 53,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2021 BMW X6 complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Electrical System · at 49,000 miles · reported Jan 26, 2026
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. In addition, the contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle started after several attempts. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with…
Air Bags · reported Nov 25, 2025
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.
Engine and Engine Cooling · at 53,000 miles · reported Nov 12, 2025
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 message returned. Additionally, the contact stated that while reversing out of a parking space, the vehicle shut off while in reverse(R). The vehicle was taken back to the dealer and the contact was informed that the crank sensor needed to be…
Forward Collision Avoidance · reported May 17, 2024
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 incident was reported to BMW, although the system malfunctioned the driver is responsible for maintaining control of the vehicle.The vehicle is has been repaired but system is still malfunctioning. These problems didn’t exist prior to crash.

Other BMW X6 years

Compare all BMW X6 years · All BMW models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2021 BMW X6 have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 7 recalls for the 2021 BMW X6: 22V-267 (visibility), 21V-096 (back over prevention), 21V-062 (service brakes, hydraulic), 21V-031 (steering), 20V-761 (electrical system) and more. Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2021 BMW X6?

Owners report forward collision avoidance problems most often (2 reports), followed by lane departure (2). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 53,000 miles.

Are BMW recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized BMW dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.