2021 BMW X7: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2021 BMW X7: 9 recalls, 47 owner complaints and up to 21 mpg combined.
Recalls
9 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Equipment, Tires Vehicle recall #20V514000 · 2020 · 397 vehicles
What's wrong: 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."
Why it matters: 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.
The fix: Bmw will notify owners, and dealers will replace the tire information label, free of charge. The recall began October 26, 2020.
Exterior lights Vehicle recall #20V528000 · 2020 · 307 vehicles
What's wrong: 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."
Why it matters: Oncoming drivers May be confused by the blue light of approaching vehicles, which could potentially increase the risk of a crash.
The 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.
Electrical Vehicle recall #20V761000 · 2020 · 812 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: Increased electrical resistance can increase the risk of a fire.
The 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.
Steering Vehicle recall #21V031000 · 2021 · 21 vehicles
What's wrong: The steering column shaft's universal joint connection May not have been tightened to specifications, and can become loose.
Why it matters: A loose steering column shaft universal joint connection can affect vehicle handling and control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The 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,…
Brakes (hydraulic), Brakes (hydraulic) Vehicle recall #21V062000 · 2021 · 893 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: A loss of ABS and a reduction in braking assistance can increase the risk of a crash.
The 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.
Backup camera, Backup camera Vehicle recall #21V096000 · 2021 · 13,858 vehicles
What's wrong: 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."
Why it matters: 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.
The 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.
Seats Vehicle recall #21V156000 · 2021 · 258 vehicles
What's wrong: The head restraints on the second-row outer seats May be the incorrect type for the vehicle.
Why it matters: In the event of a crash, the head restraints could detach, and increase the risk of injury.
The fix: 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.
Visibility (wipers, glass) Vehicle recall #22V267000 · 2022 · 61,221 vehicles
What's wrong: 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."
Why it matters: A sunroof that closes without the key fob present inside the vehicle can increase the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will reprogram the roof function control unit, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 20, 2022.
Seats Vehicle recall #22V670000 · 2022 · 246 vehicles
What's wrong: One or more of the compression springs that lock the backrest May not have been installed properly, and could dislodge or detach.
Why it matters: In a crash, the seat backrest May not fully lock, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: 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.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 2 mention a fire, 1 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Engine (11): the most common themes are fire / smoke (2), leaks (2).
- Transmission & drivetrain (11): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (3), hard / delayed shifting (3).
- Electrical (8): the most common themes are fire / smoke (3), electrical failure (3).
- Other / unknown (5): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
The 2021 BMW X7 has 47 owner complaints, ranking #4 of 8 X7 model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 39). Complaints peaked in 2026 (22 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 4 years old, at a median of 79,000 miles. Neighboring years: 2020 (54 complaints, 12 recalls), 2022 (20 complaints, 2 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.0 L 6-cyl turbo hybrid | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 19 | 24 | 21 | Premium |
| 4.4 L 8-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 15 | 21 | 17 | Premium |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2021 BMW X7.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
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FAQ
Does the 2021 BMW X7 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 9 vehicle recalls for the 2021 BMW X7. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2021 BMW X7 problems?
Owners have filed 47 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are engine (11), transmission & drivetrain (11), electrical (8).
What gas mileage does the 2021 BMW X7 get?
EPA ratings run up to 21 mpg combined (3.0 L, Automatic (S8)), across 2 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2021 BMW X7 repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.