NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Electrical System complaints
8 reportsClear category filterMileage unknown · Aug 20, 2026
Electrical SystemForward Collision AvoidanceVehicle Speed Control
Under FMVSS 101, if a screen experiences a momentary "black screen" or reset cycle while driving, it is considered non-compliant because the driver loses immediate access to the speedometer, safety and ADAS functions of the vehicle. The OEM (BMW North America) does not acknowledge this issue in their vehicles and ignores repai…
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Under FMVSS 101, if a screen experiences a momentary "black screen" or reset cycle while driving, it is considered non-compliant because the driver loses immediate access to the speedometer, safety and ADAS functions of the vehicle. The OEM (BMW North America) does not acknowledge this issue in their vehicles and ignores repairs violating NHTSA standards.
NHTSA ODI #11758150
Mileage unknown · Aug 13, 2026
Electrical SystemEngine
The entire car shut down while on the highway with no prior notifications on/from the system. The entire safety of myself and family was put at risk because there where several cars behind us on the highway that could have hit us. I am not sure the dealer has been able to reproduce the issue - Unknown. There was no warning lamp…
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The entire car shut down while on the highway with no prior notifications on/from the system. The entire safety of myself and family was put at risk because there where several cars behind us on the highway that could have hit us. I am not sure the dealer has been able to reproduce the issue - Unknown. There was no warning lamps, messages or symptoms of the problem prior to the failure or the car shutting off on the highway.
NHTSA ODI #11756734
Mileage unknown · Aug 3, 2026
Electrical SystemForward Collision AvoidanceVehicle Speed Control
The IP cluster (gauges that display speedometer, fuel levels and other ADAS features) was blanking intermittently, BMW service center suggested software update as they believed it to be a software bug. Later, when the software update did not work, they suggested we replace the battery even though we tested it months ago and it w…
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The IP cluster (gauges that display speedometer, fuel levels and other ADAS features) was blanking intermittently, BMW service center suggested software update as they believed it to be a software bug. Later, when the software update did not work, they suggested we replace the battery even though we tested it months ago and it was fine. After the battery replacement when the IP cluster was still inoperable, BMW recommended i pay another $3k for the IP replacement. I am seeing Hyundai have a similar issue but they have shared a proper recall and repair notice to consumers at NO COST. Many BMW X7 owners have faced a similar issue to mine. I am hoping to gather the complaints and pursue a national recall bulletin as the IP cluster blanking out mid drive can lead to a catastrophic scenario
NHTSA ODI #11754501
83,400 miles · Jul 27, 2026
Electrical System
The contact owns a 2021 BMW X7. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start after several attempts, with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who was initially unable to determine the cause of the issue. The contact reached out to a BMW-certified technician who insp…
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The contact owns a 2021 BMW X7. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start after several attempts, with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who was initially unable to determine the cause of the issue. The contact reached out to a BMW-certified technician who inspected the vehicle and confirmed a starter failure. The manufacturer was notified of the issue and denied a request for Goodwill assistance. The contact to paid for the repair out of pocket. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 83,400.
NHTSA ODI #11753021
Mileage unknown · Jun 20, 2026
Electrical System
Dear NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline Team, I am writing to formally report a serious safety concern regarding my 2021 BMW X7. My vehicle is exhibiting a dangerous condition where it fails to start on the initial attempt, displays a "Repeat Start Attempt" warning message on the dashboard, and then heavily strains to turn over on th…
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Dear NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline Team, I am writing to formally report a serious safety concern regarding my 2021 BMW X7. My vehicle is exhibiting a dangerous condition where it fails to start on the initial attempt, displays a "Repeat Start Attempt" warning message on the dashboard, and then heavily strains to turn over on the second attempt.While I am aware that BMW issued a safety recall (NHTSA Campaign Number 24V-576) regarding starter motor overheating and engine fire risks for certain 2019–2021 models, I believe the current remediation or scope may not fully protect consumers from the immediate hazards of this failure.When the vehicle demands a second start attempt, it forces a high electrical draw that risks severely overheating the starter mechanism. This creates an immediate risk of electrical thermal overload and potential engine compartment fires while trying to get the vehicle moving.Below are the specific details of my vehicle and the safety incident:Vehicle Make and Model: 2021 BMW X7 Vehicle Identification Number: [XXX] Current Mileage: 57226 Incident Description: The vehicle consistently fails its initial ignition sequence. It prompts a "Repeat Start Attempt" notification, forcing a high-stress second startup sequence that poses an immediate electrical fire hazard.I request that the NHTSA review this ongoing issue, ensure that BMW's remedy effectively eliminates the fire risk during these secondary start cycles, and hold the manufacturer accountable for immediate component replacement.Thank you for your prompt attention to this safety matter. I look forward to your investigation. Sincerely, INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA ODI #11745413
Mileage unknown · Jan 23, 2025
Electrical SystemEnginePower Train
The water pump pulley "exploded", causing the accessory belt to fall off which drives the alternator. The pulley "shrapnel" was thrown into the cooling system and damaging the hoses causing immediate loss of coolant. The loss of electrical power due to the alternator being inoperable and the loss of cooling could have caused the…
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The water pump pulley "exploded", causing the accessory belt to fall off which drives the alternator. The pulley "shrapnel" was thrown into the cooling system and damaging the hoses causing immediate loss of coolant. The loss of electrical power due to the alternator being inoperable and the loss of cooling could have caused the vehicle to malfunction in a dangerous manner. Fortunately, the vehicle displayed an error message and was towed to the dealer without further incident.
NHTSA ODI #11638117
25,320 miles · Feb 2, 2024
Electrical SystemFire
The contact owns a 2021 BMW X7. The contact stated that while the contact's wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact's wife noticed a smoky fume in the interior of the vehicle. The contact's wife continued to drive the vehicle to the intended destination. The contact stated that when the wife returned to the vehi…
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The contact owns a 2021 BMW X7. The contact stated that while the contact's wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact's wife noticed a smoky fume in the interior of the vehicle. The contact's wife continued to drive the vehicle to the intended destination. The contact stated that when the wife returned to the vehicle, the contact's wife noticed that the smoky fume was still in the interior of the vehicle. The vehicle was driven to the contact's residence. The contact stated that upon removing items from the vehicle, the contact noticed that a cardboard box that was seated on the driver's rear seat was on fire. The contact extinguished the fire. No fire report was filed. No injuries were sustained. The contact then contacted BMW and requested the vehicle to be picked up. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The contact stated that the vehicle had been at the dealer for two weeks. The contact was informed that the failure was due to no fault of the manufacturer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 25,320.
NHTSA ODI #11569561
Mileage unknown · Jan 18, 2022
Electrical SystemEngineFire
I was driving a car with family and all of a sudden we all started smelling a burning smell but we thought it must be from outside. However, in just few seconds the vents started throwing vapors so I stopped the car hoping it may stop if some minor damage. However, the hood started throwing oranges color fumes and by the time we…
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I was driving a car with family and all of a sudden we all started smelling a burning smell but we thought it must be from outside. However, in just few seconds the vents started throwing vapors so I stopped the car hoping it may stop if some minor damage. However, the hood started throwing oranges color fumes and by the time we all left the vehicle the entire front hood/engine area started burning. There were no indications of any faults in the car. This was the most shocking incident we had to face with my family where there were two kids of 4 and 9 along with my wife and her parents who are senior citizens.
NHTSA ODI #11447812
Official recalls
9Sep 7, 2022
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: 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.
Apr 20, 2022
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 & remedy
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.
Mar 10, 2021
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: 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.
Feb 19, 2021
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 & remedy
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 source detail variants (2)
Back Over Prevention:software
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.
Back Over Prevention: Sensing System: Camera
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.
Feb 10, 2021
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 & remedy
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 source detail variants (2)
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:power Assist:hydraulic
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.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
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.
Jan 29, 2021
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 & remedy
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.
Dec 9, 2020
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 & remedy
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.
Sep 1, 2020
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 & remedy
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.
Aug 27, 2020
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain X7 xDrive40i and M50i vehicles. The tire information labels may contain tire size and cold tire inflation pressure information that does not match the specific tires that were installed on these vehicles. As such, these vehicles fail to conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: The vehicle operator may be confused by the tire information on the label and this could lead to the installation of an inappropriate size tire and/or inflation pressure, potentially increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the tire information label, free of charge. The recall began October 26, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Equipment:other:labels
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain X7 xDrive40i and M50i vehicles. The tire information labels may contain tire size and cold tire inflation pressure information that does not match the specific tires that were installed on these vehicles. As such, these vehicles fail to conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
Consequence: The vehicle operator may be confused by the tire information on the label and this could lead to the installation of an inappropriate size tire and/or inflation pressure, potentially increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the tire information label, free of charge. The recall began October 26, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Tires
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain X7 xDrive40i and M50i vehicles. The tire information labels may contain tire size and cold tire inflation pressure information that does not match the specific tires that were installed on these vehicles. As such, these vehicles fail to conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
Consequence: The vehicle operator may be confused by the tire information on the label and this could lead to the installation of an inappropriate size tire and/or inflation pressure, potentially increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the tire information label, free of charge. The recall began October 26, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
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