2021 BMW X6

Recalls, Specs & Safety Report

7RecallsNHTSA Verified6ComplaintsNHTSA Data2InvestigationsNHTSA Data
Expert Verdict
⚠️Elevated Concerns

This 2021 model shows concerning reliability, primarily driven by 7 recalls—above the BMW average—centered on the electrical system.

Key Factor:elevated electrical system issues

📋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
📊

Expert Analysis

  • 📈
    Recall Trend:No Change in recalls
  • ⚠️
    Primary Risk Area:Display
  • ⚖️
    Vs Brand: Worse than avg (1.5)
    📝
    Summary:
Critical Component: Display

Safety & Reliability Score

34/100
Poor

Score Breakdown

Recall Impact-56
Complaint Impact-0.3
Investigation Impact-10

Technical Specifications

Key specifications for the 2021 BMW X6

Model Year2021
MakeBMW
ModelX6
Fuel TypeGasoline
Body ClassPassenger Vehicle

Safety History Timeline

Scroll for more →
Jan20
RECALLRecall Issued
Sep20
RECALLRecall Issued
Dec20
ISSUEFirst Report
Jan21
NEWProduction
Jan21
RECALLRecall Issued
Jan21
RECALLRecall Issued
Jan21
RECALLRecall Issued
Jan21
RECALLRecall Issued
Oct21
RECALLRecall Issued
Apr23
INVInvestigation Opened
Apr23
INVInvestigation Opened

Consumer Complaint Analysis

⚠️

Most Reported Issue

1 complaints (17% of total)
➡️

Complaint Trend

Stable
No trend data
✅

Safety Incidents

No critical incidents

Complaint Severity Distribution

Breakdown of 6 consumer complaints by severity level.

🟠High
1(17%)
🟡Medium
1(17%)
🟢Low
4(67%)

Mileage Failure Analysis

⚙️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 53,000 miles.

📊 Mileage data extracted from 1 of 6 complaints (17% coverage)
0-20k
0 reports (0%)
20k-40k
0 reports (0%)
40k-60k
1 reports (100%)
60k-80k
0 reports (0%)
80k-100k
0 reports (0%)
100k+
0 reports (0%)
* Analysis based on mileage data extracted from consumer complaint descriptions. Actual failure rates may vary.

🛠️ DIY Diagnosis Center

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

Primary Risk Areas

ELECTRICAL SYSTEMBACK OVER PREVENTIONEXTERIOR LIGHTINGSERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICTIRESSTEERINGVISIBILITY

Official Safety Recalls (7)

Campaign: 20V761000

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY

Summary

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.

Consequence

Increased electrical resistance can increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy

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.

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: 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: 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: 20V483000

TIRES

Summary

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.

Consequence

A rapid loss of tire pressure while the vehicle is moving can affect vehicle handling and control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

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.

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: 21V031000

STEERING:COLUMN

Summary

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.

Consequence

A loose steering column shaft universal joint connection can affect vehicle handling and control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

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.

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

NHTSA Investigations

2 investigations

Official NHTSA safety investigations for 2021 X6.

INV-2021-1000🟢 Closed

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

Opened: Affected Units: 48,041
INV-2021-1001🟢 Closed

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

Opened: Affected Units: 32,885

Consumer Complaints

6 total complaints

Consumer-reported issues submitted to NHTSA for 2021 X6.

Common Reported SymptomsAI Analysis

Display17%
Battery17%
Crash/Accident17%
Burn17%
Smell17%
Odor17%
Safety Systems🔵 Low
AIR BAGS

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.

Nov 25, 2025Open
Engine/Powertrain🔵 Low
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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 replaced. The dealer stated that the part needed to be ordered, and the contact was instructed to return in a few days for the repair. After leaving the appointment, the contact stated that the vehicle failed to start up while in a parking lot and the vehicle was towed back to the dealer. Another diagnostic test was performed, and the contact was informed that the alternator, starter, and battery all needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired and remained with the dealer. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 53,000.

Nov 12, 2025Open
Brakes🔵 Low
STEERING,SERVICE BRAKES

Unknown

✨ AI Insight

This complaint matches keywords from official recalls:

Recall #21V062000

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

Oct 18, 2025Open
Safety Systems🔶 Medium
BACK OVER PREVENTION,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

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.

May 17, 2024Resolved
Other⚠️ High
UNKNOWN OR OTHER

The AC, air system blows out a bad odor...smell like vinegar, burned plastic and rotten eggs

Mar 31, 2023Resolved
Safety Systems🔵 Low
LANE DEPARTURE,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

IF I HAVE MADE THE PURCHASE DEPOSITING 100000 AND THE REST IN MONTHLY PAYMENTS

Dec 20, 2020Resolved

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there any recalls for the 2021 BMW X6?

Yes, the 2021 BMW X6 has 7 recorded recalls from NHTSA. These recalls cover various components including ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY, BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA, EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS.

Is the 2021 BMW X6 safe to drive?

The 2021 BMW X6 has 7 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 2021 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.

📊Year-over-Year Context

➡️Stable Pattern

Compared to earlier years, the 2021 model shows stable reliability patterns. No meaningful structural change detected in recall frequency between adjacent model years.

🎯Risk Areas & Recommended Actions

Based on recall data, these components require verification:

1

Electrical system

Issue: presents fire risk under certain conditions

✅

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

🔍

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

Campaign:20V761000
2

Back over prevention

Issue: increases crash or loss-of-control risk

✅

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

🔍

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

Campaign:21V096000
3

Exterior lighting

Issue: increases crash or loss-of-control risk

✅

If you already own this vehicle: Contact your dealer immediately to confirm exterior lighting recall is complete. Recall repairs are always free.

🔍

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

Campaign:20V528000
💡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.

🔑

If You Own This Vehicle

  • Verify all 7 recalls have been completed using your VIN at NHTSA.gov or through your BMW dealer.
  • If any recalls are open, schedule service immediately—recall repairs are always free.
  • Consider setting up VIN-specific alerts to receive notification of future recalls.
🛒

If You're Buying Used

  • Request full service history and documentation of all recall completions.
  • Consider whether adjacent model years (2020 or 2022) show better safety metrics.
  • Budget for thorough pre-purchase inspection focusing on known problem areas.
⚖️

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