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\.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11758130 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

While driving on interstate 10 near New Orleans, the computer software system malfunction resulting in loss of power steering and 90% loss of braking action requiring a great distant to stop.Vehicle was towed into shop and was found to have 184 codes violated. No parts were replaced. only an update. if this would have happened in traffic , I would not have been able to stop for 1,000 feet.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11516286 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

My vehicle was diagnosed in August of 2026 with a suspension thrust arm failure showing leaking hydraulic fluid. The repair cost was quoted at $2,200.00. I found on the internet a BMW of north america service bulletin that called out these thrust arms can fail due to "Various external influences can cause premature aging of the tension strut hydro-mount elastomer; whichcan lead to cracks in the material, and leakage." The service bulletin noted that BMW covers repair costs (parts and labor) on this for cars within the new manufacturer warranty which unfortunately my car had just passed the manufacturer warranty. It is clear these have been leaking for some time and likely failed well before the manufacturer warranty expired but was only diagnosed later. This is clearly a defective part as noted by BMW themselves and for them not to provide coverage of this which is also a safety concern is what I am writing about.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11761805 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

The front passenger side door is unable to open from inside or outside the vehicle. The door actuator failed, and this has been confirmed by the dealer. This is an obvious safety issue as it prevents egress in an emergency. According to Internet forums, this seems to be a known issue across BMW platforms.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11730369 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

I am filing this complaint regarding a persistent safety issue with the rear cross traffic alert (RCTA) system in my 2022 BMW X7. The system consistently fails to detect approaching vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists unless they are within approximately two feet of the rear of the vehicle. This extremely limited detection range renders the system effectively useless for its intended purpose of preventing collisions while reversing, especially in environments such as parking lots, residential streets, and school zones. On multiple occasions, both my wife and I have experienced near accidents while reversing, including incidents involving moving vehicles and pedestrians—some of whom were small children at our child’s daycare. In all of these cases, the RCTA system failed to provide any warning or alert. This lack of detection poses a serious safety hazard not only to my family but also to those in the vicinity of the vehicle. Given that rear cross traffic alert systems are a key safety feature designed to reduce backover accidents, especially in scenarios where the driver’s visibility is compromised, I believe this constitutes a serious design or calibration flaw. I am concerned that this issue may not be isolated to my vehicle alone, and I urge the NHTSA to investigate this matter further to determine whether a recall or software update is necessary to correct the defect.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11669833 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov