Is the 2021 Bmw X5 reliable?

The 2021 Bmw X5 has 146 complaints filed with NHTSA (1.0x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: average. Most common issue: ELECTRICAL problems.

What are common problems with the 2021 Bmw X5?

Top problems: ELECTRICAL (30 complaints, avg repair $500); ENGINE (27 complaints, avg repair $500); TRANSMISSION (23 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2021 Bmw X5?

Yes, there are 12 recall(s): SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:CRITICAL FASTENERS, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY, BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA, SEATS:MID/REAR ASSEMBLY:HEAD RESTRAINT, EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC, TIRES, STEERING:COLUMN, SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:TRACTION BATTERY, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY, VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY. Contact any Bmw dealer to verify if recalls have been completed on your specific vehicle.

How much does it cost to fuel a 2021 Bmw X5?

The 2021 Bmw X5 gets 15 MPG combined. At current US average gas prices, driving 12,000 miles per year costs roughly $3200. See the interactive fuel cost calculator on this page for state-specific pricing.

How much does it cost to insure a 2021 Bmw X5?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2021 Bmw X5 is approximately $2,325/year (suv-luxury class). Actual quotes vary heavily by state, driver age, driving record, and credit — see the interactive insurance estimator on this page for state-specific pricing.

2021 Bmw X5

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Average

Quick Summary

The 2021 Bmw X5 has 146 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 1.0x the segment average of 146. The most common issue is electrical problems (21% of all complaints), specifically: car had 2 alerts 2.5 hrs into journey, having gone i-675 to 16: 1. drivetrain malfunction 2. power supply. i had stopped for food. i got back in, turned on the engine, and these alerts came on immediately. i called bmw, they said car should not be driven. had it towed to hilton head bmw. they've h. There are 12 recalls issued for this model year. ⚠️ 6 fire reports filed.

6 fire reports 18 crash reports 11 injuries

146

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

4/5

Safety Stars

1.0x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

ELECTRICAL

30 complaints

21%

• CAR HAD 2 ALERTS 2.5 HRS INTO JOURNEY, HAVING GONE I-675 TO 16: 1. DRIVETRAIN MALFUNCTION 2. POWER SUPPLY. I HAD STOPPED FOR FOOD. I GOT BACK IN, TURNED ON THE ENGINE, AND THESE ALERTS CAME ON IMMEDIATELY. I CALLED BMW, THEY SAID CAR SHOULD NOT BE DRIVEN. HAD IT TOWED TO HILTON HEAD BMW. THEY'VE H
• TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 BMW X5. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V601000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. AN UNKNOWN DEA
• 2021 BMW X-5. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO EXTENDED BATTERY RANGE SAFETY RECALL. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WAS BEING SOLD WITH A FAULTY BATTERY. *JS

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500🔥 3 fire reports💥 1 crashes

“CAR HAD 2 ALERTS 2.5 HRS INTO JOURNEY, HAVING GONE I-675 TO 16: 1. DRIVETRAIN MALFUNCTION 2. POWER SUPPLY. I HAD STOPPED FOR FOOD. I GOT BACK IN, TURNED ON THE ENGINE, AND THESE ALERTS CAME ON IMMEDIATELY. I CALLED BMW, THEY SAID CAR SHOULD NOT BE DRIVEN. HAD IT TOWED TO HILTON HEAD BMW. THEY'VE H”

— NHTSA complaint filing

When Problems Appear on the 2021 Bmw X5

Based on 38 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 14K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 0-30K miles range.

Overall complaint distribution by mileage

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

ELECTRICAL

In line with typicalmedian 51K mi · 12 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

ENGINE

In line with typicalmedian 40K mi · 9 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

TRANSMISSION

In line with typicalmedian 11K mi · 6 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

Mileage figures are self-reported by owners in NHTSA complaint filings. Peak bucket = the mileage range with the most complaints for that component; it reflects when owners noticed and reported problems, not necessarily when the fault first occurred.

Recalls (12)

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:CRITICAL FASTENERS18/02/2021

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2021 X5 sDrive40i and X5 xDrive40i vehicles. The right front brake disc may have been assembled with incorrect fasteners, which over time, could result in the front brake disc becoming loose.

Risk: A loose brake disc could affect vehicle handling and control, and increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the right front brake disc and replace it if necessary, along with the unaffected left side brake disc, free of charge. There are no owner vehicles affected; therefore, owner notification is not necessary and, as such, a planned owner notification date is not entered into the recall schedule. Owners may contact BMW's customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Fuel Cost Calculator for 2021 Bmw X5

Live EIA prices

Annual miles driven: 12,000

Your state (affects local gasoline price)

Per year

$3,201

Per month

$267

Per mile

26.7¢

MPG

City driving (worst-case MPG)

$3,693/yr

Highway driving (best-case MPG)

$2,667/yr

Based on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.

5-Year Gas Price History

EIA weekly retail data · 2021 → today

Show:

Current

$4.00

5-year low

$2.78

5-year high

$5.01

Since 2021

+27%

Source: US Energy Information Administration weekly retail gasoline prices.

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2021 Bmw X5

Estimate only, not a quote. Modeled from NAIC + HLDI averages for a hypothetical 35-year-old driver with clean record + full coverage. Your actual quote depends heavily on your age, driving history, credit, ZIP code, and insurer.

Your state (affects local premium average)

Full coverage / year

$2,325

Full coverage / month

$194

Liability only / year

$717

vs US avg

+39%

How this estimate is calculated

US base full-coverage premium$1674

× state (US)1.00x

× vehicle class (suv-luxury)1.35x

× theft risk1.00x

× safety rating0.98x

× vehicle age1.05x

= Full coverage estimate$2325

Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.

Maintenance & Warranty

Recommended Bmw X5 Service Intervals

Oil change

10K mi / 12 mo

Tire rotation

10K mi

Brake fluid

24 months

Transmission fluid

60K mi

Engine coolant

100K mi

Spark plugs

60K mi

Cabin air filter

15K mi

Engine air filter

30K mi

Differential (AWD/4WD)

60K mi

Condition-Based Service (CBS) tells you exactly when service is due. Transmission fluid was labeled 'lifetime' but many owners service at 60K-100K.

"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.

Bmw New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage

Bumper-to-bumper (basic)

4 yr / 50K mi

Powertrain

4 yr / 50K mi

Hybrid/EV battery

8 yr / 100K mi

Corrosion (rust perforation)

12 yr / unlimited mi

Roadside assistance

4 yr / unlimited mi

Corrosion is unlimited miles for 12 years

These are the terms for a new Bmw. If you're buying a used 2021 X5, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Bmw dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.

Estimated Repair Costs

ELECTRICAL(~50K mi)

$500

ENGINE(~50K mi)

$500

TRANSMISSION(~50K mi)

$500

OTHER(~50K mi)

$500

DRIVER ASSIST/CAMERAS(~50K mi)

$500

Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 146 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
ELECTRICAL: CAR HAD 2 ALERTS 2.5 HRS INTO JOURNEY, HAVING GONE I-675 TO 16: 1. DRIVETRAIN MALFUNCTION 2. POWER SUPPLY. I HAD STOPPED FOR FOOD. I GOT BACK IN, TURNED ON THE ENGINE, AND THESE ALERTS CAME ON IMMEDIATELY. I CALLED BMW, THEY SAID CAR SHOULD NOT BE DRIVEN. HAD IT TOWED TO HILTON HEAD BMW. THEY'VE H
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
ENGINE: CAR HAD 2 ALERTS 2.5 HRS INTO JOURNEY, HAVING GONE I-675 TO 16: 1. DRIVETRAIN MALFUNCTION 2. POWER SUPPLY. I HAD STOPPED FOR FOOD. I GOT BACK IN, TURNED ON THE ENGINE, AND THESE ALERTS CAME ON IMMEDIATELY. I CALLED BMW, THEY SAID CAR SHOULD NOT BE DRIVEN. HAD IT TOWED TO HILTON HEAD BMW. THEY'VE H
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
TRANSMISSION: CAR HAD 2 ALERTS 2.5 HRS INTO JOURNEY, HAVING GONE I-675 TO 16: 1. DRIVETRAIN MALFUNCTION 2. POWER SUPPLY. I HAD STOPPED FOR FOOD. I GOT BACK IN, TURNED ON THE ENGINE, AND THESE ALERTS CAME ON IMMEDIATELY. I CALLED BMW, THEY SAID CAR SHOULD NOT BE DRIVEN. HAD IT TOWED TO HILTON HEAD BMW. THEY'VE H
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
OTHER: DROVE AT THE SPEED OF 75 MPH IN THE HIGHWAY ALL IN A SUDDEN THE CAR LOST POWER UNTIL ITS SPEED DROPPED TO 62 MPH. IT IS A HYBRID. DASH BOARD SHOWED SOME RESERVED BATTERY POWER AND HALF TANK OF GASOLINE. IT IS A BIG SAFETY ISSUE. NEED TO FIND THE CAUSE OF IT.
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
RECALLS: Verify all 12 recalls have been completed — free at any Bmw dealer
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)