BMW X7 years to avoid (and the best years)
289 NHTSA owner complaints and 31 recalls across 7 model years, 2019 to 2025. Built from NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, generated October 26, 2026.
- 289complaints
- 31recalls
- 9reported crashes
- 6reported fires
- 5reported injuries
Which BMW X7 years should you avoid?
No BMW X7 model year stands out from the others in NHTSA owner complaints. The typical BMW X7 year has 46 complaints on file.
What are the best BMW X7 years?
The BMW X7 years with the fewest complaints on file are the 2022 (20), 2023 (44) and 2021 (46). Model years after 2023 are left out: they have not been on the road long enough to compare.
NHTSA does not publish sales figures, so these are complaint counts, not a rate per car on the road. A year that sold more cars collects more complaints, and older years have had longer to collect them.
Every model year
| Year | Complaints | vs typical year | Recalls | Crashes | Injuries | Our read | Most reported |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 28 | 0.6× | 4 | 2 | 1 | Few red flags | Brakes |
| 2024 | 52 | 1.1× | 7 | 2 | 0 | Few red flags | Brakes |
| 2023 | 44 | 1.0× | 8 | 2 | 0 | Few red flags | Brakes |
| 2022 | 20 | 0.4× | 2 | 0 | 0 | Few red flags | Electrical system |
| 2021 | 46 | 1.0× | 9 | 0 | 1 | Few red flags | Engine |
| 2020 | 52 | 1.1× | 12 | 2 | 3 | Few red flags | Engine |
| 2019 | 47 | 1.0× | 11 | 1 | 0 | Few red flags | Electrical system |
Most reported problem areas
Share of the 242 complaints sorted by system, all years together.
- Brakes71 (29%)
- Engine & powertrain59 (24%)
- Electrical & infotainment42 (17%)
- Other systems32 (13%)
- Structure & body20 (8%)
Recalls (31)
Brakes · 26V422000 · Jul 2026 · model years 2023, 2024, 2025
A loss of power brake assist can extend the distance required to stop the vehicle. Additionally, malfunctioning ABS and/or DSC systems can cause a loss of vehicle control. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.
Electrical system · 25V644000 · Sep 2025 · model years 2019, 2020
An overheated starter motor can ignite nearby combustible material in the engine compartment, increasing the risk of a fire.
Safety · 24V739000 · Oct 2024 · model years 2023, 2024
A loss of power brake assist can extend the distance required to stop the vehicle. Additionally, malfunctioning ABS and/or DSC systems can cause a loss of vehicle control. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.
Safety · 24V697000 · Sep 2024 · model years 2023, 2024, 2025
A loss of brake power assist or rear brake function can result in extended stopping distance. A loss of ABS or DSC can cause a loss of vehicle handling and control. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.
Electrical system · 24V576000 · Aug 2024 · model years 2019, 2020
A starter motor that overheats can ignite nearby combustible material in the engine compartment, increasing the risk of a fire.
Seat belts · 24V345000 · May 2024 · model year 2025
A seat belt warning light that does not alert occupants of an unbelted seat belt or an SRS system that deploys improperly can both increase the risk of injury in a crash.
Structure · 24V138000 · Feb 2024 · model year 2024
Instrument panel separation during air bag deployment can result in pieces of the panel striking occupants. Improper air bag deployment may not restrain an occupant as intended during a crash. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of injury.
Safety · 24V104000 · Feb 2024 · model years 2023, 2024, 2025
A loss of power brake assist can extend the distance required to stop the vehicle. Additionally, malfunctioning ABS and/or DSC systems can cause a loss of vehicle control. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.
Airbags · 23V622000 · Sep 2023 · model year 2024
An air bag that does not deploy as intended can increase the risk of injury in a crash.
Airbags · 23V471000 · Jul 2023 · model year 2024
A knee air bag that does not deploy as intended increases the risk of injury.
Engine · 23V294000 · Apr 2023 · model year 2023
A loose connection between the exhaust system and catalytic converter increases the risk of a fire.
Body & glass · 22V820000 · Nov 2022 · model year 2023
An electrical short-circuit increases the risk of a fire.
Exterior lighting · 22V725000 · Sep 2022 · model year 2023
A loss of illumination from one of the parking lights can reduce visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Safety · 22V670000 · Sep 2022 · model years 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022
In a crash, the seat backrest may not fully lock, increasing the risk of injury.
Body & glass · 22V267000 · Apr 2022 · model years 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023
A sunroof that closes without the key fob present inside the vehicle can increase the risk of injury.
Safety · 21V156000 · Mar 2021 · model year 2021
In the event of a crash, the head restraints could detach, and increase the risk of injury.
Safety · 21V096000 · Feb 2021 · model years 2019, 2020, 2021
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.
Brakes · 21V062000 · Feb 2021 · model years 2019, 2020, 2021
A loss of ABS and a reduction in braking assistance can increase the risk of a crash.
Steering · 21V031000 · Jan 2021 · model year 2021
A loose steering column shaft universal joint connection can affect vehicle handling and control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Electrical system · 20V761000 · Dec 2020 · model year 2021
Increased electrical resistance can increase the risk of a fire.
Suspension · 20V678000 · Nov 2020 · model year 2020
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.
Exterior lighting · 20V528000 · Sep 2020 · model years 2020, 2021
Oncoming drivers may be confused by the blue light of approaching vehicles, which could potentially increase the risk of a crash.
Safety · 20V514000 · Aug 2020 · model year 2021
The vehicle operator may be confused by the tire information on the label and this could lead to the installation of an inappropriate size tire and/or inflation pressure, potentially increasing the risk of a crash.
Transmission · 20V465000 · Aug 2020 · model year 2020
An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
Exterior lighting · 20V052000 · Jan 2020 · model year 2020
An inadequate amount of reflected light will decrease the vehicle's visibility to other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.
Safety · 19V684000 · Sep 2019 · model years 2019, 2020
The lack of an image in the back-up camera display increases the risk of a crash.
Steering · 19V631000 · Aug 2019 · model year 2020
A loss of steering control increases risk of a crash.
Safety · 19V541000 · Jul 2019 · model year 2019
Loose bolts may allow a wheel to detach from the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fuel system · 19V513000 · Jul 2019 · model year 2019
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
Airbags · 19V386000 · May 2019 · model year 2019
The head air bags may be impaired during deployment, increasing the risk of injury.
Safety · 19V135000 · Feb 2019 · model year 2019
If the bolts were not properly tightened, in the event of a crash, the occupants may have an increased risk of injury.