NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2021 BMW X5 Safety Ratings
The 2021 BMW X5 scores 73 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Average), with a 4-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 12 recalls, and 95 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2021 BMW X5 registers an Average score on the NHTSA Safety Index, at 73 out of 100. This is despite strong crash-test performance and a complete suite of standard avoidance technology. The X5's recall record, comprising 12 separate campaigns, significantly impacts its overall standing; a weak defect sub-score of 2 out of 20 reflects this.
The 2021 BMW X5 received a NHTSA Safety Index of 73/100 and a 5-star NHTSA side-impact rating, according to NHTSA crash-test and recall data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 118 SUVs from 2021 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2021 BMW X5 ranks 102 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- new and teen drivers who want standard crash-avoidance tech
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 73 / 100 (Average) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 4 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 15.9% |
| Recalls on file | 12 |
| Owner complaints | 95 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 102 of 118 SUVs tested for 2021 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2021 BMW X5?
The 2021 BMW X5 represents a meaningful safety turnaround on paper: its NHTSA Safety Index climbed 7 points to 73/100 from the 2020 model year's 66/100, lifting the vehicle from the Below Average band into Average territory. That improvement was driven primarily by crash-test performance, where a 5-star side result and solid 4-star scores across frontal and rollover categories produced a crash-protection sub-score of 61/70. Avoidance technology earned a perfect 10/10, reflecting standard fitment of forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control across the lineup. What holds the 2021 back is its defect record, which scores only 2 out of a possible 20 points. Twelve recall campaigns in a single model year is a significant volume, and the campaigns span safety-critical systems: brake hardware integrity, backup camera function, and occupant restraint components including head restraints. The hydraulic brake recall targeting a potentially misassembled right front brake disc on specific 2021 X5 variants is the most operationally acute concern flagged in this year's data. The gap between strong crash-test stars and a low defect sub-score is the defining tension of the 2021 model year.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2021 BMW X5 perform in crash tests?
The 2021 BMW X5 earned a 4 out of 5-star overall safety rating from NHTSA, with its side-impact performance standing out at a perfect 5 stars. Frontal crash protection also rated 4 stars. The vehicle's rollover resistance was assessed at 4 stars, presenting a 16 percent risk of rollover in the agency's evaluations, and a "No Tip" outcome in the dynamic test.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 15286
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2021 BMW X5 have any recalls?
Yes, the 2021 BMW X5 carries 12 recall campaigns. Notably documented components include the sunroof assembly, rear head restraints, the backup camera sensing system, and two separate hydraulic brake campaigns, one specifically flagging a potentially misassembled right front brake disc on certain sDrive40i and xDrive40i units. Buyers should verify all remedies by VIN before purchase.
VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY22V267000
Risk: A sunroof that closes without the key fob present inside the vehicle can increase the risk of injury.
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.
Reported 2022-04-20
SEATS:MID/REAR ASSEMBLY:HEAD RESTRAINT21V156000
Risk: In the event of a crash, the head restraints could detach, and increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: 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. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Reported 2021-03-10
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA21V096000
Risk: 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.
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.
Reported 2021-02-19
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:CRITICAL FASTENERS21V089000
Risk: A loose brake disc could affect vehicle handling and control, and increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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 1-800-525-74
Reported 2021-02-18
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC21V062000
Risk: A loss of ABS and a reduction in braking assistance can increase the risk of a crash.
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.
Reported 2021-02-10
STEERING:COLUMN21V031000
Risk: A loose steering column shaft universal joint connection can affect vehicle handling and control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Reported 2021-01-29
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY20V761000
Risk: Increased electrical resistance can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: 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. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Reported 2020-12-09
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM20V678000
Risk: 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.
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.
Reported 2020-11-04
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:TRACTION BATTERY20V601000
Risk: The debris could result in a short-circuit, increasing the risk of fire or injury.
Remedy: BMW will inspect and, if necessary, replace the battery module free of charge. The remedy is currently being developed. Until the remedy is completed, drivers are instructed to not charge their vehicles. Drivers are instructed to not drive in manual mode, sport mode, and to not use the shift paddles. Owners were notified of the safety risk October 23, 2020. The recall began November 24, 2020. Owne
Reported 2020-09-30
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS20V528000
Risk: Oncoming drivers may be confused by the blue light of approaching vehicles, which could potentially increase the risk of a crash.
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.
Reported 2020-09-01
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY20V490000
Risk: A short-circuited hybrid battery may increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the battery modules, free of charge. BMW issued owners an interim notification on October 16, 2020. Although potentially affected BMW owners received interim owner notification letters, all potentially affected BMW owner vehicles have been remedied; therefore, BMW Final owner notification letters will not be necessary. Own
Reported 2020-08-18
TIRES20V483000
Risk: A rapid loss of tire pressure while the vehicle is moving can affect vehicle handling and control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: BMW has notified all of the affected owners, and dealers will replace the defective tires, free of charge. BMW has contacted owners by telephone and those owners have had their cars remedied. Owner notification letters will not be sent. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Reported 2020-08-14
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2021 BMW X5?
NHTSA has received 95 unverified consumer complaints for the 2021 BMW X5. Alleged problem areas include the Electrical System (30 reports), Power Train (23), and Engine (22). Reporters also allege 9 crashes and 3 fire-related incidents. All figures are unverified allegations, not established facts.
95 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2021 BMW X5?
Before purchasing a used 2021 BMW X5, consumers must verify the completion of all 12 recall campaigns via NHTSA's VIN lookup tool. Ensuring that remedies for the brake disc and backup camera campaigns have been applied is the most critical safety precaution.
- The 2021 model year index rose 7 points over the 2020 BMW X5, moving from Below Average (66/100) to Average (73/100), the most notable year-over-year safety improvement in recent X5 history captured in this data.
- A specific 2021-year recall targets the right front brake disc on certain X5 sDrive40i and xDrive40i vehicles for a potential assembly defect, a direct safety-critical concern unique to this model year.
- The defect-record sub-score of 2/20 is the lowest component of the 2021 Safety Index, reflecting the weight of 12 recall campaigns and distinguishing this year's risk profile from its otherwise competitive crash-test results.
- NHTSA has logged 95 unverified complaints for this model year, with alleged electrical system issues (30 reports) leading all categories, followed closely by alleged powertrain and engine concerns totaling 45 combined reports.
RANKINGSWhere the 2021 BMW X5 places
The 2021 BMW X5 qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2021 BMW X5 safety questions
Was the 2021 BMW X5 crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2021 BMW X5, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 73 out of 100, placing it in the Average band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2021 BMW X5 crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2021 BMW X5 earned 4 out of 5 stars for overall, 4 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side, and 4 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 15.9%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2021 BMW X5 have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 12 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2021 BMW X5. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2021 BMW X5?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 95 owner complaints are on file for the 2021 BMW X5. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash or a fire.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other X5 years
Rivals in SUV (2021)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Tesla Model X 5-Seat | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Tesla Model X 6-Seat | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Tesla Model X 7-Seat | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Nissan Murano | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Audi Q5 Sportback | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Mazda CX-3 | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 15286), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the BMW X5 2021.
- SCORE The NHTSA Safety Index (0-100) weights crash protection, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the defect record. Full formula on the methodology page. It ranks 102 of 118 in the SUV class for 2021.
- EDITED Written by the MotorCaliber Safety Desk and reviewed for accuracy and plain-language clarity by Ivanna Verstliar, Editor, against the source figures on this page.
- VERIFIED Data last synced Oct 1, 2026. Recalls change; confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. See our corrections policy and disclosure.