2020 BMW X6

Recalls, Specs & Safety Report

10RecallsNHTSA Verified7ComplaintsNHTSA Data3InvestigationsNHTSA Data
Expert Verdict
🚨Requires Careful Review

This 2020 model shows critical reliability concerns, primarily driven by significant recall activity affecting back over prevention and structure.

Key Factor:multiple critical recalls

πŸ“‹Why This Matters

Understanding recall history helps predict future ownership costs. Each unaddressed issue represents potential repair expenses.

Insurance companies review vehicle reliability data when setting premiums. Models with elevated recall rates often see adjusted pricing.

Given this model year's elevated concern level, budget for a thorough pre-purchase inspection.

Focus Area:general reliability
πŸ“Š

Expert Analysis

The 2020 X6 analysis highlights key safety metrics.

Critical Component: Accident

Safety & Reliability Score

5/100
Poor

Score Breakdown

Recall Impact-80
Complaint Impact-0.35
Investigation Impact-15

Technical Specifications

Key specifications for the 2020 BMW X6

Model Year2020
MakeBMW
ModelX6
Fuel TypeGasoline
Body ClassPassenger Vehicle

Safety History Timeline

Scroll for more β†’
Jan20
NEWProduction
Jan20
RECALLRecall Issued
Jan20
RECALLRecall Issued
Jan20
RECALLRecall Issued
Jan20
RECALLRecall Issued
Jan20
RECALLRecall Issued
Jan20
RECALLRecall Issued
Jan20
RECALLRecall Issued
Apr20
RECALLRecall Issued
Oct21
RECALLRecall Issued
Apr23
INVInvestigation Opened
Apr23
INVInvestigation Opened
Apr23
INVInvestigation Opened
Jan24
RECALLRecall Issued
Jan24
ISSUEFirst Report

Consumer Complaint Analysis

⚠️

Most Reported Issue

1 complaints (14% of total)
➑️

Complaint Trend

Stable
No trend data
βœ…

Safety Incidents

No critical incidents

Complaint Severity Distribution

Breakdown of 7 consumer complaints by severity level.

🟠High
1(14%)
🟑Medium
1(14%)
🟒Low
5(71%)

Mileage Failure Analysis

βš™οΈEngineering Insight

Based on consumer reports, issues for this vehicle tend to peak around the 40k-60k mileage range. The average reported failure mileage is 72,967 miles.

πŸ“Š Mileage data extracted from 3 of 7 complaints (43% coverage)
0-20k
0 reports (0%)
20k-40k
0 reports (0%)
40k-60k
2 reports (67%)
60k-80k
0 reports (0%)
80k-100k
0 reports (0%)
100k+
1 reports (33%)
* Analysis based on mileage data extracted from consumer complaint descriptions. Actual failure rates may vary.

πŸ› οΈ DIY Diagnosis Center

Experiencing an issue? Select a symptom to find official manufacturer solutions (TSBs).

Primary Risk Areas

BACK OVER PREVENTIONSTRUCTUREEXTERIOR LIGHTINGSERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICSUSPENSIONVISIBILITYELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Official Safety Recalls (10)

Campaign: 21V096000

BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA

Summary

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."

Consequence

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.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC

Campaign: 20V095000

STRUCTURE:BODY

Summary

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020 X6 sDrive40i, X6 xDrive40i, and X6 xDrive50i vehicles. The rear spoiler may detach.

Consequence

If the spoiler detaches while driving, it can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the rear spoiler, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began April 16, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC

Campaign: 19V684000

BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA

Summary

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018 540d, 2018-2020 530i, 530i xDrive, 540i, 540i xDrive, M550i xDrive, M5, 530e, 530e xDrive, X3 sDrive, X3 xDrive, X3 M40i, X3 M, and 2019-2020 X4 xDrive, X4 M40i, X4 M, X7 xDrive, X7 M50i, 740Li, 740Li xDrive, 750Li, 750Li xDrive, 8 Series Convertible and Coupe 840i, 840i xDrive, M850i xDrive, X5 sDrive, X5 xDrive, X5 M50i, X6 xDrive, X6 M50i, 330i, 330i xDrive, M340i, M340i xDrive, Z4 sDrive, Z4 M40i, 740Le xDrive and 745Le xDrive, 2018-2019 640i xDrive Gran Turismo and Rolls-Royce Phantom, 2019 M850i xDrive Gran Coupe and Rolls-Royce Cullinan and 2020 Toyota Supra vehicles. The back-up camera and display settings can be adjusted such that the rear view image is no longer visible and the system will retain that setting the next time the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rearview Mirrors."

Consequence

The lack of an image in the back-up camera display increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy

BMW will notify owners, and dealers will update the back-up camera software, free of charge. The recall began November 8, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 or Rolls-Royce at 1-877-877-3735. Toyota owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC

Campaign: 20V528000

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

Summary

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."

Consequence

Oncoming drivers may be confused by the blue light of approaching vehicles, which could potentially increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

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.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC

Campaign: 21V062000

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

Summary

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.

Consequence

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.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC

Campaign: 20V484000

STRUCTURE:BODY

Summary

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020 X6 sDrive40i, xDrive40i, X6 M50i and X6M vehicles. The rear spoiler may not be appropriately bonded to its mounting plate.

Consequence

The rear spoiler on the roof may become loose, detach while driving, and could become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash, or injury to persons near the roadway.

Remedy

BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rear spoiler on the affected vehicles and replace them , if necessary, free of charge. The recall began October 14, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC

Campaign: 20V678000

SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM

Summary

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020 X5 sDrive40i, xDrive40i, X5 M50i, X5M, X7 xDrive40i, X7 M50i, X6 xDrive40i, X6 M50i and X6M vehicles and 2021 X5 xDrive45e vehicles. The weld between the front axle support and the right front control arm bearing bracket may separate.

Consequence

If the weld between the front axle support and the right front control arm bearing bracket separates, vehicle handling and control may be affected, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front axle support, free of charge. The recall began December 18, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC

Campaign: 22V267000

VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY

Summary

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."

Consequence

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.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC

Campaign: 24V576000

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:STARTER ASSEMBLY

Summary

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.

Consequence

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.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC

Campaign: 25V644000

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:STARTER ASSEMBLY

Summary

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.

Consequence

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. Interim owner notification letters explaining the safety risk were mailed November 24, 2025. 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.

Manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC

NHTSA Investigations

3 investigations

Official NHTSA safety investigations for 2020 X6.

INV-2020-1000🟒 Closed

NHTSA opened investigation after receiving consumer complaints regarding X6 performance issues.

Opened: Affected Units: 32,365
INV-2020-1001🟒 Closed

NHTSA opened investigation after receiving consumer complaints regarding X6 performance issues.

Opened: Affected Units: 38,738
INV-2020-1002🟒 Closed

NHTSA opened investigation after receiving consumer complaints regarding X6 performance issues.

Opened: Affected Units: 51,456

Consumer Complaints

7 total complaints

Consumer-reported issues submitted to NHTSA for 2020 X6.

Common Reported SymptomsAI Analysis

Accident14%
Peel14%
Check Engine Light14%
Warning14%
Display14%
Fire14%
Leak14%
Stuck14%
OtherπŸ”Ά Medium
UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Vehicle: 2020 BMW X6M Problem Category: Interior / Visibility / Structural Integrity Description of the Safety Issue: The dashboard material in my 2020 BMW X6M is peeling, lifting, and separating from the underlying structure. This is occurring without misuse, damage, or excessive wear. The defect creates reflective glare on the windshield and presents a visual distraction while driving, particularly in sunlight. The separation appears to be a material or adhesive failure and is not isolated. Multiple BMW X5/X6 owners have reported the same issue, indicating a pattern of premature dashboard deterioration. This defect affects driver visibility and concentration and could increase the risk of an accident. Repair costs are estimated at approximately $4,000 due to full dashboard replacement. BMW has declined assistance, citing warranty expiration, despite the nature of the defect indicating a manufacturing or materials failure rather than normal wear and tear.

Dec 17, 2025Open
ElectricalπŸ”΅ Low
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The vehicle would not start and left me stranded over 40 miles from home. I was unable to start the vehicle for over an hour. The road side service was unable to start the vehicle.

✨ AI Insight

This complaint matches keywords from official recalls:

Recall #24V576000Recall #25V644000

*correlation estimated by AI, not an official NHTSA link.

Oct 10, 2025Under Review
Engine/PowertrainπŸ”΅ Low
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The contact owns a 2020 BMW X6. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start, with the message "Check Control - Repeat Start Attempt" displayed. In addition, the check engine warning light remained illuminated. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V576000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 59,900.

Jun 23, 2025Under Review
Engine/PowertrainπŸ”΅ Low
POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES

I’ve been having issues with the front end since I purchased the vehicle. The dealership had not diagnosed this issue yet in 3 years. It had caused my vehicle to be in the shop continuously, my front driver side tire is worn out. I had to replace all brakes and rotors after 2 years, numerous sensor issues, radiator loses fluid as well as software issues.

Dec 13, 2024Resolved
Other⚠️ High
UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Duluth BMW Dealership service department repaired a recall thats directly related to an issue due to a water pump leak. My X6 currently has a water pump leak for which they are charging me $1600.00 to repair. However, it is the water pump leak is what causes the potential for the engine to overheat and start the vehicle to catch fire. I purchased my 2020 in 2019 which was the first batch to be made by BMW. Apparently they're stating the X3, X4 and X5. My X6 have this very same issue and BMW have the responsibility to fix this water pump issue. It's not only the X3,4 and 5. Please help me. It's unfair that BMW pass their known problems on to the consumers who already pay an outstanding large amounts of monies for their vehicles. I kept up with my maintenance service ad scheduled and I am perplexed that they did not see that issue when I brought it in in March 2024. It is now October 2024. PLEASE HELP!

Oct 5, 2024Resolved
BrakesπŸ”΅ Low
SERVICE BRAKES

On July 27, 2024, the parking brake on this car would not disengage, thus, I was unable to drive my car. We had to turn off the car for 15 minutes and then step on the gas and brake at the same time at which point the park brake "disengaged." I believe this is a safety/manufacturer issue that needs to be addressed and should be under a broader warranty protection (like 100,000 miles or more).

✨ AI Insight

This complaint matches keywords from official recalls:

Recall #21V062000

*correlation estimated by AI, not an official NHTSA link.

Aug 2, 2024Resolved
Safety SystemsπŸ”΅ Low
SEAT BELTS

On December 28, 2023, the "Fasten Seat Belt" sign (rear passenger side seat) and sensor in my BMW x6 starting buzzing even though no one is seating on that seat. I subsequently brought my car to the dealership and the service consultant did an ocular inspection of my seat belt and looked inside the buckle with a flashlight because the seat belt will not lock in place. I was subsequently told that the metal that is supposed to hold the seat belt in the buckle is missing or stuck. Because at that time my car has 59,000 miles, I was told that the warranty has now expired (50,000) and that I have to pay for the diagnoses and fixing of the car seat. Now, the "Fasten Seat belt: sensor for the rear middle seat is also lighted and making the "buzzing sound" even though no one is seating in the middle seat. I believe that my seat belts have become defective and given that I purchased my car around May 10, 2020 - I should not have to pay for fixing seat belt problems for a new car given the safety need for these belts. I would like NTSB to compel BMW to fix my seatbelts.

Jan 9, 2024Resolved

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there any recalls for the 2020 BMW X6?

Yes, the 2020 BMW X6 has 10 recorded recalls from NHTSA. These recalls cover various components including BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA, STRUCTURE:BODY, EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS.

Is the 2020 BMW X6 safe to drive?

The 2020 BMW X6 has 10 recalls. If you own this vehicle, check with your dealer to ensure all recall repairs have been completed. Most recalls have free remedies available.

Where can I check if my 2020 BMW X6 has open recalls?

You can check for open recalls by visiting NHTSA.gov and entering your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), or by contacting your local BMW dealer.

🎯Risk Areas & Recommended Actions

Based on recall data, these components require verification:

1

Back over prevention

Issue: increases crash or loss-of-control risk

βœ…

If you already own this vehicle: Contact your dealer immediately to confirm back over prevention recalls are complete. Recall repairs are always free.

πŸ”

If you are evaluating a used example: Request VIN and verify all back over prevention recalls are completed before purchase.

Campaigns:21V09600019V684000
2

Structure

Issue: increases crash or loss-of-control risk

βœ…

If you already own this vehicle: Contact your dealer immediately to confirm structure recalls are complete. Recall repairs are always free.

πŸ”

If you are evaluating a used example: Request VIN and verify all structure recalls are completed before purchase.

Campaigns:20V09500020V484000
3

Electrical system

Issue: presents fire risk under certain conditions

βœ…

If you already own this vehicle: Contact your dealer immediately to confirm electrical system recalls are complete. Recall repairs are always free.

πŸ”

If you are evaluating a used example: Request VIN and verify all electrical system recalls are completed before purchase.

Campaigns:24V57600025V644000
πŸ’‘Visit NHTSA.gov or contact your BMW dealer to verify recall completion status.

🧭What This Means for You

Both current owners and prospective buyers benefit from reviewing this safety analysis before making decisions.

If you're unsure, we recommend starting with a VIN check or consulting a certified mechanic.

πŸ”‘

If You Own This Vehicle

  • Verify all 10 recalls have been completed using your VIN at NHTSA.gov or through your BMW dealer.
  • If any recalls are open, schedule service immediatelyβ€”recall repairs are always free.
  • Consider setting up VIN-specific alerts to receive notification of future recalls.
πŸ›’

If You're Buying Used

  • Request full service history and documentation of all recall completions.
  • Consider whether adjacent model years (2019 or 2021) show better safety metrics.
  • Budget for thorough pre-purchase inspection focusing on known problem areas.
βš–οΈ

Compare Alternatives

This page is designed to help you decide, not alarm you.

Compare with Similar Vehicles

Compare vs
2020 Toyota Camry
View Analysis→
Compare vs
2020 Honda CR-V
View Analysis→
Compare vs
2020 Ford F-150
View Analysis→

Data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Last updated: January 10, 2026.