17 of the
158 complaints about the 2021 BMW X5 are about the
driver-assist systems — 11% of everything
reported for this model year.
Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before
11,000 miles.
F
17
Complaints
6
Crashes
0
Fires
3
Injuries
Exactly what failed
Rearview System Braking
529.4%
Warnings
317.6%
Automatic Emergency Braking
317.6%
Blind Spot Detection
211.8%
Warnings
211.8%
Back Over Prevention
15.9%
Warning
15.9%
Driver Assist & Collision Avoidance across every BMW X5 year
We live in [XXX]. We own a 2021 BMW X5-45e. It has about 85,000 miles and has always been serviced by the BMW dealer here in [XXX] – Pierce BMW. On the evening of XXX I drove the vehicle home at 6:30PM after a 30 mile drive and parked the car outside in the shade of our house. The temperature at the time was approx. 95 degrees F. At 6:45PM we left the house and drove on the freeway and city streets of [XXX] about 8-10 miles to see a concert in downtown [XXX]. The temperature at that time was about 90-92 F. There was no wind. We then parked outside the venue for about an hour and watched the concert. We came out of the concert at about 8:30 and started the car. I drove about 200 feet to the corner and stepped on the brake. As the car slowly came to a stop the emergency/parking brake suddenly engaged at about 2-3 miles per hour. The car jerked to a very sudden and violent stop. To get the car going, I had to disengage the parking brake which was on with the indicated brake light. The engine was still on and there were no warning lights flashing. I turned the corner and accelerated again to about 15 miles per hour and touched the brakes to bring the car to a stop. The same thing happened. The car jerked to a sudden stop. To get the car going, I had to disengage the parking brake. The engine was still on and there were no warning lights flashing. It also happened a third time. That time, my elderly wife complained of pain in her back. After the third time, I turned the engine off and waited about one minute. I then restarted the car and drove it home with no problems. We have had no further issues, but this is a big concern as we no longer trust the car to perform as expected. This is a very worrisome issue and would like some answers, but apparently none are forthcoming. I took the car to Pierce BMW and they could find no fault code or problem. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11758372 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Knoxville, TN
LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION
Front Differential - Repair/Replacement on 2021 BMW X5 M50i. Extreme safety issue. Ironically failed right after 50k warranty. Currently at 50742 miles. Brought vehicle in 6 different occasions in the last year and a half. One time for a similar issue (approx. 1 year ago) and instead of addressing the problem at the time they just replaced the transfer case, masking the root issue and pending complete failure of the system.
NHTSA complaint #11734778 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lawrenceville, GA
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
Formally reporting a serious and recurring safety issue with my 2021 BMW X5. Over the past five months, I experienced three separate incidents where the vehicle abruptly stopped while driving, each time displaying a red car warning light on the dashboard. The red malfunction symbol was similar to the below image (found online) Description of the Issue: Each of these terrifying safety experiences occurred while the vehicle was in motion—all on surface streets—the car suddenly came to a jarring and immediate stop on its own without my input or applying the brakes. There were no cars close to or in front of me or debris in the road that would require the car to stop to avoid impact. The red car icon appeared on the dashboard (commonly associated with collision warning or automatic emergency braking systems). The abrupt stop caused my seatbelt to constrict, jarring of my neck and ongoing concern that it will happen again. Thankfully, no accident occurred, but the abrupt stops could have easily caused a serious or fatal accident, especially under highway conditions. My Concerns: This represents a serious safety hazard not only to me and my passengers but to other drivers on the road. The issue appears to be a malfunction in the automated safety or integrated systems, possibly involving the forward collision warning or automatic emergency braking systems. My local BMW dealership (Gwinnett Place BMW) has given me an estimate of $480 to perform 2 hours of scans/diagnostics to inspect the vehicle. No loaner car or transportation offered. This is a known issue and documented in online forums and comments. I have lost confidence and trust in my vehicle and feel unsafe. For a $70k automobile that should not be the case. Requested Action: I am requesting BMW investigate this matter urgently, outline next steps at no charge since multiple reports exist of similar incidents, and provide a clear resolution, including any necessary recalls
NHTSA complaint #11674398 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Dubuque, IA
BACK OVER PREVENTION: REARVIEW SYSTEM BRAKING
You get no warning when backing out of a parking spot all features are on but no warning
NHTSA complaint #11603532 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Seattle, WA
BACK OVER PREVENTION: REARVIEW SYSTEM BRAKING
Rear cross traffic alert does not work in the subject car. BMW Owners' Manual describes a system that should alert from two parking spaces away while backing out, the system gives no alert as described. What follows is my post to a BMW Owner's group where members are discussing similar issues with their vehicles. This problem is a large one and needs to be investigated. Rear cross traffic alert is a critical safety system. "Regional field service rep spent several hours last week with the car. Made some updates/integrations and declared the systems now working. I did some controlled testing in a parking lot in reverse with both brake applied and rolling in reverse. ZERO visual or acoustic alert from the rear cross traffic alert system. I am convinced BMW and the dealers are trying to cover up this colossal failure of a very important and basic safety feature BMW says they sold us! I will give corporate one more try and then will report to NHTSA that BMW has a major defect in their cars." I am scheduled to talk with the regional BMW engineer in the next two weeks. Is there a means for me to update this submission?
NHTSA complaint #11590006 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 11,000 milesJackson, NJ
BACK OVER PREVENTION
The contact owns a 2021 BMW X5. The contact stated that while reversing at night, there was not adequate lighting to view the surroundings behind the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who stated that the battery was low. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 11,000.
NHTSA complaint #11568493 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
On Wednesday, December 20, 2023, shortly after 8:30 p.m., I turned into the driveway for my Columbia residence and proceeded with caution toward my carport. The weather was clear, with no rain or ice, and my driveway was free of all obstacles. My 2021 BMW X5 began to accelerate and move forward at a dangerous speed. Though I applied the brakes, they were unresponsive, and the vehicle collided, with force, into the brick steps at the carport entrance to my home. Upon impact, all airbags in the vehicle deployed, and the emergency response system was activated. Prior to impact, none of the vehicle’s safety monitoring features responded. These would include the system by which the vehicle’s speed is regulated whenever a vehicle on the roadway, in front of the X5, slows down or brakes. Neither did the warning system activate – the system that monitors the presence of obstacles in front of or behind the X5. The 2021 BMW X5 sustained significant front-end damage in the collision, and my residence was also damaged by the vehicle. I deny that the incident was operator error and believe it to have been the result of a vehicle or computer malfunction. Interestingly enough, the X5 had been serviced by BMW of Columbia on Tuesday, December 12, 2023. That routine service included a brake flush.
NHTSA complaint #11561951 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Columbia, SCCrash1 injured
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
On Wednesday, December 20, 2023, shortly after 8:30 p.m., I turned into the driveway for my Columbia residence and proceeded with caution toward my carport. The weather was clear, with no rain or ice, and my driveway was free of all obstacles. My 2021 BMW X5 began to accelerate and move forward at a dangerous speed. Though I applied the brakes, they were unresponsive, and the vehicle collided, with force, into the brick steps at the carport entrance to my home. Upon impact, all airbags in the vehicle deployed, and the emergency response system was activated. Prior to impact, none of the vehicle’s safety monitoring features responded. These would include the system by which the vehicle’s speed is regulated whenever a vehicle on the roadway, in front of the X5, slows down or brakes. Neither did the warning system activate – the system that monitors the presence of obstacles in front of or behind the X5. The 2021 BMW X5 sustained significant front-end damage in the collision, and my residence was also damaged by the vehicle. I deny that the incident was operator error and believe it to have been the result of a vehicle or computer malfunction. Interestingly enough, the X5 had been serviced by BMW of Columbia on Tuesday, December 12, 2023. That routine service included a brake flush.
NHTSA complaint #11561951 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Columbia, SCCrash1 injured
BACK OVER PREVENTION: WARNINGS
On Wednesday, December 20, 2023, shortly after 8:30 p.m., I turned into the driveway for my Columbia residence and proceeded with caution toward my carport. The weather was clear, with no rain or ice, and my driveway was free of all obstacles. My 2021 BMW X5 began to accelerate and move forward at a dangerous speed. Though I applied the brakes, they were unresponsive, and the vehicle collided, with force, into the brick steps at the carport entrance to my home. Upon impact, all airbags in the vehicle deployed, and the emergency response system was activated. Prior to impact, none of the vehicle’s safety monitoring features responded. These would include the system by which the vehicle’s speed is regulated whenever a vehicle on the roadway, in front of the X5, slows down or brakes. Neither did the warning system activate – the system that monitors the presence of obstacles in front of or behind the X5. The 2021 BMW X5 sustained significant front-end damage in the collision, and my residence was also damaged by the vehicle. I deny that the incident was operator error and believe it to have been the result of a vehicle or computer malfunction. Interestingly enough, the X5 had been serviced by BMW of Columbia on Tuesday, December 12, 2023. That routine service included a brake flush.
NHTSA complaint #11561951 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
My daughter was driving a vehicle and she was moving to another lane in the process. Car is capable and feature with automatic emergency breaking for front collision. During entire process she didn’t take action for some reason and car collided with another vehicle. Emergency brake didn't full stop vehicle. 10s of video recording was done during the collision.
NHTSA complaint #11514660 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Manahawkin, NJCrash
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
Forward sensors did not activate braking system, vehicle subsequently jumped the curb and struck concrete piling, embedding it into the vehicle. The air bags did not deploy. I sent an email to the company and the incident was reported to the police. The vehicle was determined to be a total loss by New Jersey Manufacturers Insurance company after being inspected by the collision company. As my wife pulled into the parking space, there were no indications observed.
NHTSA complaint #11493401 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Manahawkin, NJCrash
BACK OVER PREVENTION: WARNINGS
Forward sensors did not activate braking system, vehicle subsequently jumped the curb and struck concrete piling, embedding it into the vehicle. The air bags did not deploy. I sent an email to the company and the incident was reported to the police. The vehicle was determined to be a total loss by New Jersey Manufacturers Insurance company after being inspected by the collision company. As my wife pulled into the parking space, there were no indications observed.
NHTSA complaint #11493401 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Arroyo Grande, CA
BACK OVER PREVENTION: REARVIEW SYSTEM BRAKING
When in reverse, the vehicle doesn't give any warning (audio or visual) that a person or vehicle is approaching on either side.
NHTSA complaint #11476224 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Georgetown, KY
LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION
This is a 2021 BMW X5 with BMW's blind spot warning system. The vehicle currently has approximately 5,500 miles and was purchased new. The blind spot warning system has consistently malfunctioned since the vehicle was delivered. When monitoring the right side (passenger side) blind spot it only picks up on average 1 of each 3 vehicles encountered and completely the ignores the the others. By "picks up" I mean the visual indication in the right side mirror is lighted when the vehicle is in the blind spot. For those the system does not detect there is no visual indication of the vehicle and if the right turn signal is activated there IS NO WARNING of the vehicle in the blind spot. This effectively renders this critical safety system completely useless and a serious safety hazard as it is clearly malfunctioning. Upon complaining, the X5 was inspected by the dealer who reported that no malfunction was found and the system "is functioning as designed". After additional discussion with the service manage the dealer verbally admitted the system was not detecting other cars on the right side of the vehicle consistently but as there was no electrical fault detected in the system, it must be OK and it was not a repairable issue. Assuming the dealer's analysis of the problem is correct, this leads to the conclusion there is a serious safety design flaw in BMW's blind spot detection system. A brief examination of various BMW related internet forums shows this issue, or very similar issues concerning the function and design of the BMW blind spot detection system have been reported by several BMW owners, suggesting the problem is likely a design flaw and not a simple component failure.
NHTSA complaint #11451675 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Culver City, CA
LANE DEPARTURE: WARNING
I was driving in the left lane of the freeway, and there was a k-rail to the left of the lane, because there was construction in the shoulder. At one point, there was a break in the k-rail, where it had an opening, and went away from the lane, then back about 20 ft later. The lane departure system jerked the wheel to the left, attempting to steer out of the lane; if I had not held the wheel steady, it would have steered the vehicle directly into the k-rail as it rejoined the side of the lane.
NHTSA complaint #11451300 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Arroyo Grande, CA
BACK OVER PREVENTION: REARVIEW SYSTEM BRAKING
When reversing out of driveway/parking space, the rear cross traffic warning alert doesn't give any warning until my vehicle is inches from another vehicle. The system isn't sensitive enough.
NHTSA complaint #11434135 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lone Tree, CO
BACK OVER PREVENTION: REARVIEW SYSTEM BRAKING
System fails to notify me of pedestrians/cross traffic when backing out of driveway, parking lots, etc. Multiple near misses. Orange/red shadows on screen do not appear. Ditto for beeps.
NHTSA complaint #11433205 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.