NHTSA vehicle safety data

2020 BMW X7 Recalls & Complaints

The 2020 BMW X7 has 12 NHTSA recall campaigns and 56 owner complaints on file as of November 3, 2026. Recall repairs are usually free at an authorized BMW dealer.

NHTSA recall and complaint data for the 2020 BMW X7. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.

2020 BMW X7 owner complaints

Owners have filed 56 complaints with NHTSA about the 2020 BMW X7, describing incidents dated August 27, 2019 to October 2, 2026.

Most-cited components

  • Engine 16 complaints
  • Power Train 16 complaints
  • Electrical System 12 complaints
  • Unknown or Other 11 complaints
  • Seats 5 complaints
  • Steering 5 complaints

Of the 56 complaints on file, 2 report a crash and 3 a fire; across all 56 complaints, owners report 3 injuries (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).

Newest complaints

  • ODI #11772941 · Filed

    Front differential failed at ~79,000 miles. Regular service intervals and BMW specific oil were followed throughout the life of the vehicle. The pinion bearing began to wear prematurely which resulted in gear damage on a ring/pinion from metallic fragment introduction into the compartment.

  • ODI #11771048 · Filed

    The vehicle suffered a complete premature failure of the factory aluminum A/C evaporator core due to internal corrosion. This is a known, widespread issue on BMW G-chassis vehicles. The failure causes pressurized R-1234yf chemical refrigerant and atomized PAG compressor oil to leak directly into the…

  • ODI #11766231 · Filed

    2020 bmw x7 with 34k miles 1 driver, front suspension control arm leaking causing clunk and un even steering / braking feel due to premature leaking of the hydraulic fluid do to a design flaw. As a 40 Honda master tech and 30yr dealer principal I cant believe bmw will not warranty this defect or up…

Read all 56 complaints

Starter Motor May Fail and Overheat

NHTSA #25V644000 · Electrical System — Starter Assembly · NHTSA notice

Reported September 25, 2025 · BMW of North America, LLC

Potentially affected: 145,102 vehicles

Repair completion: 58.75% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Owners notified February 9, 2026 · Vehicles built through July 29, 2020 (per NHTSA) · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation

Defect description

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020 340I, X6, 2020-2025 840I, 2020-2022 740LI, 2019-2020 X7, and X5 vehicles. After repeated attempts, the starter motor may overheat from an electrical overload.

Safety consequence

An overheated starter motor can ignite nearby combustible material in the engine compartment, increasing the risk of a fire.

Manufacturer remedy

Dealers will replace the engine starter, free of charge. This recall includes vehicles repaired under recall 24V576 and those owners will need to have their vehicle repaired again. Owner notification letters were mailed February 9, 2026. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov November 17, 2025.

Starter Motor May Fail and Overheat

NHTSA #24V576000 · Electrical System — Starter Assembly · NHTSA notice

Reported August 1, 2024 · BMW of North America, LLC

Potentially affected: 105,588 vehicles

Repair completion: 87.15% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Owners notified September 27, 2024

Defect description

BMW of North America, LLC is recalling certain 2019-2020 X5, X7, 2020 3 Series Sedan, X6, 2020-2021 7 Series Sedan, 2020 8 Series Convertible, 8 Series Coupe, and 2020 8 Series Gran Coupe vehicles. Please see the recall report for the complete list of models. In the event the starter motor fails, repeated attempts to start the vehicle can cause the starter motor to overheat from an electrical overload.

Safety consequence

A starter motor that overheats can ignite nearby combustible material in the engine compartment, increasing the risk of a fire.

Manufacturer remedy

Dealers will update the vehicle software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 27, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Third-Row Seat Springs Improperly Installed

NHTSA #22V670000 · Seats · NHTSA notice

Reported September 7, 2022 · BMW of North America, LLC

Potentially affected: 246 vehicles

Repair completion: 93.88% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Owners notified November 4, 2022

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

In a crash, the seat backrest may not fully lock, increasing the risk of injury.

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Sunroof Malfunction/FMVSS 118

NHTSA #22V267000 · Visibility — Sun/Moon Roof Assembly · NHTSA notice

Reported April 20, 2022 · BMW of North America, LLC

Potentially affected: 61,221 vehicles

Repair completion: 99.24% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Owners notified June 20, 2022

Defect description

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."

Safety consequence

A sunroof that closes without the key fob present inside the vehicle can increase the risk of injury.

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Rearview Camera Image Malfunction/FMVSS 111

NHTSA #21V096000 · Back Over Prevention — Sensing System — Camera · NHTSA notice

Reported February 19, 2021 · BMW of North America, LLC

Potentially affected: 13,858 vehicles

Repair completion: 97.63% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Owners notified April 16, 2021

Defect description

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."

Safety 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.

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Possible Loss of Braking Assistance and ABS

NHTSA #21V062000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · NHTSA notice

Reported February 10, 2021 · BMW of North America, LLC

Potentially affected: 893 vehicles

Repair completion: 99.21% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Owners notified May 25, 2021

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

A loss of ABS and a reduction in braking assistance can increase the risk of a crash.

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Front Axle/Right Control Arm Not Welded Properly

NHTSA #20V678000 · Suspension — Front — Control Arm · NHTSA notice

Reported November 4, 2020 · BMW of North America, LLC

Potentially affected: 83 vehicles

Repair completion: 100% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Owners notified December 18, 2020

Defect description

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020 X5 sDrive40i, xDrive40i, X5 M50i, X5M, X7 xDrive40i, X7 M50i, X6 xDrive40i, X6 M50i and X6M vehicles and 2021 X5 xDrive45e vehicles. The weld between the front axle support and the right front control arm bearing bracket may separate.

Safety consequence

If the weld between the front axle support and the right front control arm bearing bracket separates, vehicle handling and control may be affected, increasing the risk of a crash.

Manufacturer remedy

BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front axle support, free of charge. The recall began December 18, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Headlights Contain Non-conforming Lens/FMVSS 108

NHTSA #20V528000 · Exterior Lighting — Headlights · NHTSA notice

Reported September 1, 2020 · BMW of North America, LLC

Potentially affected: 307 vehicles

Repair completion: 100% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Owners notified October 30, 2020 · Vehicles built July 28, 2020 – August 3, 2020 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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."

Safety consequence

Oncoming drivers may be confused by the blue light of approaching vehicles, which could potentially increase the risk of a crash.

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Extra Bolt Incorrectly Attached to Starter Motor

NHTSA #20V465000 · Power Train — Automatic Transmission · NHTSA notice

Reported August 7, 2020 · BMW of North America, LLC

Potentially affected: 21 vehicles

Repair completion: 100% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Owners notified October 2, 2020

Defect description

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020 X5 sDrive 40i, X5 xDrive 40i and one X7 xDrive 40i vehicle. The starter motor may have an extra bolt that could potentially fall into the transmission housing and cause an engine stall.

Safety consequence

An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.

Manufacturer remedy

BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the starter motor for the extra bolt, removing it if necessary. Dealers will also inspect the starter for damage, and check if the bolt has fallen into the transmission housing, replacing any damaged parts as necessary. All repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on October 2, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Inadequate Rear Reflex Reflectors/FMVSS 108

NHTSA #20V052000 · Exterior Lighting · NHTSA notice

Reported January 30, 2020 · BMW of North America, LLC

Potentially affected: 683 vehicles

Repair completion: 95.9% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Owners notified March 30, 2020

Defect description

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020 X7 xDrive40i and X7 xDrive50i vehicles. The rear reflex reflectors may not reflect an adequate amount of light. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."

Safety consequence

An inadequate amount of reflected light will decrease the vehicle's visibility to other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.

Manufacturer remedy

BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace both rear reflex reflectors, free of charge. The recall began March 30, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

No Back-Up Camera Display Image/FMVSS 111

NHTSA #19V684000 · Back Over Prevention — Sensing System — Camera · NHTSA notice

Reported September 27, 2019 · BMW of North America, LLC

Potentially affected: 257,473 vehicles

Repair completion: 96.64% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Owners notified November 8, 2019 · Vehicles built July 10, 2018 – August 13, 2019 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018 540d, 2018-2020 530i, 530i xDrive, 540i, 540i xDrive, M550i xDrive, M5, 530e, 530e xDrive, X3 sDrive, X3 xDrive, X3 M40i, X3 M, and 2019-2020 X4 xDrive, X4 M40i, X4 M, X7 xDrive, X7 M50i, 740Li, 740Li xDrive, 750Li, 750Li xDrive, 8 Series Convertible and Coupe 840i, 840i xDrive, M850i xDrive, X5 sDrive, X5 xDrive, X5 M50i, X6 xDrive, X6 M50i, 330i, 330i xDrive, M340i, M340i xDrive, Z4 sDrive, Z4 M40i, 740Le xDrive and 745Le xDrive, 2018-2019 640i xDrive Gran Turismo and Rolls-Royce Phantom, 2019 M850i xDrive Gran Coupe and Rolls-Royce Cullinan and 2020 Toyota Supra vehicles. The back-up camera and display settings can be adjusted such that the rear view image is no longer visible and the system will retain that setting the next time the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rearview Mirrors."

Safety consequence

The lack of an image in the back-up camera display increases the risk of a crash.

Manufacturer remedy

BMW will notify owners, and dealers will update the back-up camera software, free of charge. The recall began November 8, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 or Rolls-Royce at 1-877-877-3735. Toyota owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Steering Rack May Fail

NHTSA #19V631000 · Steering — Rack and Pinion — Rack · NHTSA notice

Reported August 28, 2019 · BMW of North America, LLC

Potentially affected: 12 vehicles

Repair completion: 100% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Owners notified August 21, 2019 · Vehicles built August 9, 2019 – August 16, 2019 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020 X5 sDrive40i, X5 xDrive40i, X5 M50i, X7 xDrive40i and X7 M50i vehicles. The steering rack pinion teeth may break under load, resulting in a loss of steering control.

Safety consequence

A loss of steering control increases risk of a crash.

Manufacturer remedy

BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering rack, free of charge. The recall began August 21, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Other BMW X7 model years

Check your 2020 BMW X7 VIN

Not every recall applies to every VIN in a given year. Enter the 17-character VIN from your BMW X7 at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether your specific vehicle has an unrepaired recall.

Check a BMW VIN