On August 19, 2026, my 2022 BMW X7 xDrive40i experienced multiple safety\-related warnings at approximately 50,411–50,427 miles\. The vehicle first displayed “Increased steering effort” and instructed me to drive carefully to a service center\. It then displayed a red power\-supply warning stating: “Stop carefully\. Do not continue driving\. Continued driving will lead to malfunction of safety relevant functions\. Battery cannot be recharged\. Call Roadside Assistance\.” A drivetrain warning subsequently appeared\. After the vehicle was stopped and later restarted, the warnings temporarily cleared\. BMW of Atlantic City performed a KeyReader scan\. The report documented the steering, power\-supply and drivetrain messages and showed fault code 80402F, described as “12 VOLT VEHICLE BATTERY TOTAL DISCHARGE\.” The report showed the battery status as “OK” when it was read\. BMW Service Information Bulletin 61 01 23 discusses fault 80402F on certain G07 X7 vehicles and states that a software error may prevent the vehicle from entering sleep mode, resulting in discharge of the 12\-volt battery\. The precise cause in my vehicle has not yet been conclusively diagnosed\. I am concerned that an electrical or software failure can occur while the vehicle is operating and trigger reduced steering assistance, drivetrain warnings and the announced potential malfunction of other safety\-relevant systems\. There was no collision, fire or injury in this incident\. I am requesting that NHTSA review this issue for a potential safety\-defect pattern in similarly equipped BMW X7 vehicles\.
NHTSA complaint #11758130 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Just over 50k miles and barely out of warranty, the pinion bearing in the front differential failed. This is a known issue with many people on BMW forums reporting the same failure in 8 cylinder X7's. Some failures occurred in vehicles with less than 30k miles, but most seem to happen in the 40-50k mile range. This is a $10k repair and BMW does not offer an upgraded replacement part, they just replace it with the same part so the issue will reoccur. BMW should be made to replace the failing part with an upgraded part or do the repairs under warranty.
NHTSA complaint #11756173 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The mechatronics unit failed in the automatic transmission. Vehicle was no longer in gear causing it to stall, and drivetrain warning message was produced. This happened twice in the same day July 6th 2026. BMW was contacted, they retrieved the vehicle. Since the problem was intermittent they scanned the vehicle logs and sent to BMW North America for diagnosis. Initial repair was reprogram. During the test drive vehicle stalled directly out side of dealership and was pushed back in. On July 20th vehicle was diagnosed with a failed mechatronics unit which controls the transmission internally. Repair was authorized and vehicle returned on July 25th. During a test drive I asked the lead technician if this was a common failure, he stated this is the third repair of this nature they have performed. After some research this part was responsible for a stop delivery order on other vehicles manufactured during certain build dates.
NHTSA complaint #11755537 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
On [XXX], while traveling at highway speeds on a public roadway, the vehicle suffered a sudden, violent, and catastrophic mechanical explosion in the front drivetrain. Without any prior warning lights, dashboard messages, or operational symptoms, the front differential and driveshaft structurally shattered. The physical violence of the drivetrain components exploding at high speed sent metallic shrapnel directly into the engine compartment. This flying shrapnel pierced the structural engine block, completely destroying the engine and causing immediate, total power loss while surrounded by highway traffic. This sudden loss of propulsion and mechanical locking created an extreme, life-threatening hazard to myself and surrounding motorists. The vehicle was towed to an authorized dealership (Motorwerks BMW, Bloomington, MN). The service department confirmed the mechanical sequence: the front differential structurally failed first, and its catastrophic disintegration directly caused the secondary destruction of the engine block. The formal repair estimate is $66,124.76. BMW of North America Executive Care has formally reviewed the case and issued a written admission of fault regarding the drivetrain components, offering to cover the differential and driveshaft repairs. However, they are refusing to remedy the catastrophic engine destruction caused directly by their failed safety component. This component failure represents a severe, systemic structural safety risk that warrants an immediate federal safety investigation into 2019–2022 BMW X7/X5 front differential assemblies before an explosion results in a fatal highway collision. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11752922 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
My X7’s front differential went bad at 50k miles. I paid over 100k for a vehicle of this caliber to have something like this fail and have to pay 8k with no help from BMWNA. I’ve been a loyal customer with bmw having owned over 5 bmw vehicles in the past. And for me to get treated like this is unacceptable. I hope we can have a law suit against bmw for this.
NHTSA complaint #11744077 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
A failed front differential on my 2021 BMW X7 M50i, which currently has approximately 59,000 miles. BMW of Wesley Chapel has diagnosed the front differential as failed and provided an estimated repair cost of approximately $11,500. The Service Manager Stevon Budhu has also submitted a goodwill request on our behalf to BMW I have two young daughters whom I transport daily, and safety is a key reason we selected the BMW X7 as our family vehicle. This type of drivetrain failure at this mileage is unexpected for a premium BMW SUV and is understandably concerning.
NHTSA complaint #11740484 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2019 BMW X7. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine overheated and the engine seized. The check engine warning light was illuminated. While attempting to restart the vehicle, the vehicle restarted with the power train warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed, and the failure reoccurred. The failure was a persistent failure. The contact stated that there was thick white smoke coming from the exhaust. The contact noticed a fuel odor on the interior and exterior of the vehicle. In addition, the RPM was elevated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The contact stated that the failure was a known failure with the vehicle. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact was informed that the repair was not covered under recall or warranty. The failure mileage was approximately 102,000.
NHTSA complaint #11733949 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I am reporting a safety concern involving BMW vehicles equipped with the B58 Technical Update (B58TU) engine, commonly found in model years 2019–2021. These vehicles use a variable-displacement oil pump with an internal thermoplastic component that regulates oil pressure. This component is increasingly failing in the field, often fracturing and causing sudden loss or instability of oil pressure. Failures commonly occur during cold starts in low temperatures. When the component breaks, oil pressure may become erratic or drop entirely, often with little or no warning before engine damage or vehicle shutdown. Early warning signs can include inability to measure oil level, abnormal oil pressure behavior, or drivetrain malfunction alerts. In many cases, failures quickly lead to engine shutdown or severe damage due to oil starvation. This can leave vehicles suddenly disabled while driving or shortly after startup, creating a safety risk—especially in traffic or in cold weather, where occupants may be exposed to freezing conditions while waiting for assistance. Repair requires extensive disassembly, with oil pump replacement alone typically costing $6,000–$8,000, excluding additional engine damage. Owners also cannot reliably determine whether their vehicle has the original thermoplastic component or an updated metal version, as parts databases now default to the revised design regardless of what is actually installed. Failures have been reported across multiple model years, and the full scope of affected vehicles remains unclear. Because this issue can cause sudden vehicle disablement without adequate warning—particularly in cold conditions—it may represent a safety-related defect warranting investigation.
NHTSA complaint #11731339 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
very known issue of catastrophic failure to the oil pump, made in Italy with plastic component, used in my vehicle. The part has been updated to metal components on bmw side without any knowledge to the customers with same part number. Faulty xdrive tranfer case, wheel jerks on low speed turning. Currently in class action lawsuit.
NHTSA complaint #11728211 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The transfer case on my 2020 BMW X7 failed and had to be replaced. Turning the vehicle became unstable as the vehicle shuttered badly. BMW confirmed the shuttering and first changed the transfer case fluid. However, it only slightly helped at first but the shuttering came fully back shortly thereafter. The vehicle was inspected by BMW twice. I don’t remember any warning lights on the dash. The shuttering first occurred in 2024.
NHTSA complaint #11721850 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Safety Defect Report — Engine Oil Pump Failure (BMW B58TU Engine) Component or System Involved The failure involves the variable-displacement engine oil pump installed in BMW vehicles equipped with the B58 Technical Update (B58TU) engine, commonly found in model years 2019–2021. The oil pump contains an internal thermoplastic adjusting component that regulates engine oil pressure. Field reports indicate this internal component can fracture, causing unstable or complete loss of engine oil pressure. The failed component may be available for inspection upon request if retained after repair. Description of Failure and Safety Risk When the internal thermoplastic adjusting component fails, engine oil pressure regulation becomes erratic or is lost entirely. This results in insufficient engine lubrication and may cause sudden engine shutdown or severe mechanical damage due to oil starvation. Loss of engine power or complete engine disablement can occur without adequate warning, creating a safety hazard if the vehicle becomes immobilized while driving or shortly after startup. This risk is heightened when the failure occurs in active traffic or in cold weather conditions, where occupants may be exposed to freezing temperatures while awaiting assistance. Operating Conditions and Failure Pattern The failure most frequently occurs during cold-start operation in low ambient temperatures. Failures appear to progress rapidly once symptoms begin. Warning Lamps, Messages, or Prior Symptoms Reported precursor symptoms may include: Inability to electronically measure engine oil level. Abnormal or unstable oil pressure behavior. Sudden drivetrain malfunction warnings. Minimal or no actionable warning prior to engine damage or shutdown. These symptoms may appear shortly before failure or may not provide sufficient time for corrective action. Inspection or Confirmation of the Problem Field failures have been reported across multiple vehicles and production years. In many cases
NHTSA complaint #11721017 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2026 BMW X7. The contact stated that there was fluid underneath the vehicle, and the dealer was contacted for assistance since the vehicle was brand new. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that there was a failure with the front differential. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 678.
NHTSA complaint #11720703 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Front differential complete fail. 56k miles. Replaced with new part, not an improved one but the same as factory at BMW dealership. My vehicle is 2021 x7 m50i. Reading other forums this is common if not standard on same models of this year. Very upset to have had to come out of pocket $9k to replace. Just outside of warranty. Was told will likely happen again in 50k miles. I wanted to keep this car like I have my other cars well into 170k miles. Looking to sell. Don’t understand how BMW doesn’t recall this.
NHTSA complaint #11719575 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Transfer case goes bad on all 2019 models. I'm in awe that there's not a recall on it. A replacement costs around $9k. Somebody should look into this. Thank you
NHTSA complaint #11707157 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hello , I would like to report a failed front differential on my vehicle. This issue was diagnosed by an independent BMW shop and is currently being repaired. Mine made it to 69k miles but many others have had theirs failed before 50k miles. My main goal is to bring light to this issue since it seems to be a design flaw. There's also numerous reports for failed transfer cases since they aren't normally serviced by BMW dealers. I've attached both repair invoices.
NHTSA complaint #11702895 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Wheel/Tire makes shudders during a turn at low acceleration or going up a hill leading to uncontrolled acceleration. I have brought the car in for inspection and service and the issue could not be replicated by the techs, however the problem occurs with daily driving. An online search shows that this is a very common problem with the transfer case.
NHTSA complaint #11701777 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
the transfer case for this 2019 is failing, and cannot be repaired without changing the entire case according to the mechanic notes. there is a significant grinding when turning at slow speeds and a locking-up feeling to the steering. dealer will not admit to any issues. car was inspected by an independent certified BMW mechanic no warning or indication given other than the impaired handling of the vehicle.
NHTSA complaint #11701579 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
My front differential has failed and my vehicle has 62,000 miles. There is no recommended service and maintenance schedule for replacing fluids for the front differential so I thinking that this failure is due to an engineering design flaw including no recommended schedule to service the unit. It also seems this component may be too small/weak for the engine output. I has seem this failure reported on many blobs and users groups and seems to be recurring issue that BMW turns a blind side to. They ask why an extended warranty was not purchased and seeing that this is a recurring problem I am asking for a possible recall to force BMW to pay or reimburse others for repairs.
NHTSA complaint #11701054 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.