NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2021 BMW X5
Federal crash-test performance, recalls, and complaints, scored into one NHTSA Safety Index.
The BMW X5 is a midsize luxury SUV that has anchored BMW's crossover lineup since the late 1990s. Covering model years 2019 through 2025, it targets affluent buyers who want a blend of premium cabin quality, capable performance, and genuine utility. It competes directly with the Mercedes-Benz GLE, Audi Q7, and Volvo XC90, and it carries serious expectations in a segment where safety reputation matters.
The 2021 BMW X5 earns an NHTSA Safety Index of 73 out of 100, an average result driven by its federal crash-test stars and its recall record. It has 12 recalls on record, reflected in the score.
- new and teen drivers who want standard crash-avoidance tech
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
Reviewers generally praise the X5 for its polished driving dynamics, upscale interior, and strong engine options, positioning it as one of the more driver-focused choices in the midsize luxury SUV segment. Most acknowledge it as a well-rounded machine but note that rivals with stronger safety ratings and fewer recall incidents may be more compelling for safety-first shoppers.
NCAP // CRASH TESTCrash-test breakdown
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 // RECALLSRecall record
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 // COMPLAINTSOwner complaints
95 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.