2021 BMW X4 — Problems, Recalls & Safety Data

Check any vehicle history by VIN - Free vehicle history report

N/A

Safety Rating

5

Owner Complaints

7

Recalls

ACTIVE RECALL

5

Service Bulletins

0

Investigations

Overview of the 2021 BMW X4

The 2021 BMW X4 has received a total of 5 safety complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). There have been 8 recall campaigns affecting this vehicle, covering issues with ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:STARTER ASSEMBLY:RELAY, SEATS, ENGINE. 5 technical service bulletins have been issued by BMW of North America, LLC for this model year. The most commonly reported problems involve the Seat Belts (2 complaints), Engine (1 complaint), and Suspension (1 complaint).

Recalls for the 2021 BMW X4

NHTSA has recorded 8 recalls for the 2021 BMW X4, potentially affecting up to 365,188 vehicles.

Recall 25V636000 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:STARTER ASSEMBLY:RELAY

| 199,674 vehicles affected

Defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019-2021 BMW 330i, 2019-2022 BMW Z4, 2020-2022 BMW 530i, X3, X4, Toyota Supra, 2021-2022 BMW 430i, 430i Convertible, and 2022 BMW 230i vehicles. The engine starter relay may corrode, causing the relay to overheat and short circuit.

Consequence: A short circuit in the starter relay may increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy: Owners are advised to park their vehicles outside and away from structures until the remedy is complete. Dealers will replace the engine starter, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 6, 2026. Owners may contact BMW customer service...

View full details →

Recall 23V211000 — SEATS

| 51 vehicles affected

Defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019-2021 330i, 330i xDrive, M340i xDrive, 2020-2021 X3 sDrive30i, X3 xDrive30i, X3 M40i, X3M, 2021 X3 xDrive30e, X4 xDrive30i, and X4M vehicles. The seat frame may not have been welded properly to the seat rails.

Consequence: An improperly welded seat frame may not properly restrain the occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the seat frame and back rest, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 22, 2023. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

View full details →

Recall 21V598000 — ENGINE

| 50,024 vehicles affected

Defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020 M340i, M340i xDrive, 540i, 540i xDrive, X3 M40i, 2020-2021 X4 M40i, 745Le xDrive, 2019-2021 Z4 M40i, and 2020-2021 Toyota Supra vehicles. During engine start, the engine management software may cause loss of braking assist. Full mechanical braking (without assist) remains available.

Consequence: Loss of braking assist can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will update the engine management software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on September 17, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

View full details →

Recall 21V199000 — FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY

| 17 vehicles affected

Defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2021 X3 sDrive30i, X3 xDrive30i, X3 M40i, X3M, and X4, and 2021 X4 xDrive30i vehicles. The inlet check valve weld may fail, allowing the filling pipe to separate from the fuel tank.

Consequence: Fuel may leak through the failed weld, increasing the risk of a fire.

Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel tank, free of charge. The recall is scheduled to begin May 17, 2021. Owners were also contacted by telephone. To date, all repairs have been done. No further owner notification...

View full details →

Recall 21V096000 — BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE

| 13,858 vehicles affected

Defect: 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,...

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.

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.

View full details →

Recall 21V096000 — BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA

| 13,858 vehicles affected

Defect: 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,...

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.

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.

View full details →

Recall 20V598000 — BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA

| 312 vehicles affected

Defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020-2021 X3 sDrive 30i, X3 xDrive 30i, X3M 40i, X3 xDrive 30e, X4 xDrive 30i, X4M 40i, 530i, 540i, 540i xDrive, M550i xDrive, M5, 550e, 550e xDrive, and 550e iPerformance vehicles. A small portion of the rearview image may be slightly obscured. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the...

Consequence: If the driver relies on only the rearview camera image, the reduced rearview image view can increase the risk of a crash or injury.

Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, program the rearview camera with updated software. The recall began November 18, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

View full details →

Recall 26V056000 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:STARTER ASSEMBLY

| 87,394 vehicles affected

Defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Toyota Supra, 2022-2023 2 Series Coupe, 2021-2024 5 Series (xDrive), 2021-2022 Z4, 2022-2024 4 Series (Gran Coupe), 2021-2024 4 Series (Convertible and xDrive Convertible), 2021-2023 4 Series (Coupe), 2021-2024 3 Series, 2021-2023 X4, 2021-2024 X3 vehicles. Please see the recall report for a complete list of all models. The engine...

Consequence: Fire increases the risk of injury.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the engine starter, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed March 24, 2026. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 or Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in...

View full details →

Owner Complaints for the 2021 BMW X4

5 complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2021 BMW X4. Below is a breakdown by vehicle component.

Most Recent Complaints

#11717328 | ENGINE | | 70,000 miles
The contact owns a 2021 BMW X4. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V636000 (Electrical System). While the vehicle was in park(P), there were abnormal sounds coming from the engine. The contact stated that when the vehicle was shifted into drive(D) and the brake pedal was depressed, there was an abnormal sound coming from the front of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a dealer on several occasions, but the failure was not duplicated. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic and was currently being diagnosed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.
#11715323 | SEAT BELTS | | N/A miles
Went to sit in driver rear seat and put on my seat belt and found it frayed apart. Thought this was od and tried the rear passenger side only to find the exact same thing. Took it to the dealer in Visalia, CA. They said that they have never seen anything like that before. After discovering that both belts were broken in the same spot, they concluded it must be caused by wear in the retracting mechanism, but because the car was out of manufacturer's warranty they could only sell me new ones. I believe this is a very serious safety issue because as they were starting to fray apart the belts may have not had enough strength to restrain someone during an accident. Glad this was discovered before that happened!
#11713399 | SEAT BELTS | | N/A miles
BOTH rear seat belts have broken off in the same spot. Went to use the driver's side rear seat belt and found it had been broken (frayed off). Moved to the passenger side and found the exact same thing. This could have been a bad situation if in an accident had occurred where they had not completely frayed but would have failed. Took it to my local dealer and they had no answers as to how this could have happened but suggesting that it most likely happened inside the recoil mechanism. They offered no other remedy other than to have me pay for replacement since the car was out of manufactory warranty,
#11709969 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | | N/A miles
transfer case AWD/xDrive system drivetrain components The dealer diagnosed a transfer case failure on the BMW X4 xDrive. Vehicle displayed drivetrain malfunction warning. Repair estimate exceeds $20,000. The vehicle has under 50,000 miles. The issue appears consistent with known xDrive transfer case complaints. The warning light came on on January 7, 2026, at approximately 6 pm.
#11507631 | SUSPENSION | | N/A miles
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? - Suspension How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? - Its giving head ache and body pain, driver & passengers are jumping / shaking / feeling very uncomfortable Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? - Dealer mentioned all good, it designed this way Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? - yes by BMW Service center Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? - No The car's performance and handling is good, but the biggest concern is with suspension. Bad experience in the driver's seat and more bad in the passenger seat. I understand if the suspension is not performing in sport mode, but even in comfort mode the suspension is not even working 10%. Really frustrated and getting depressed. Why is it mentioned as comfort mode and not doing the intended job ? Why is the car being advertised and sold as it has Adaptive suspension ? really the car has suspension ? The car is wobbling / shaking and very rough even for very small bumps / uneven surfaces (the car is just falling into it). It gives a headache when driving on a speed breaker even at 5 MPH. I really feel like the car has no suspension. Mentioning and selling with comfort mode where it is not doing the intended job is definitely a defective and design flaw. I would not have purchased it if it does not has comfort mode. Its happening all the time and from 5 to 70 mile speed. Please help me on this.

Safety Rating for the 2021 BMW X4

NHTSA has not yet tested the 2021 BMW X4 in its New Car Assessment Program.

Technical Service Bulletins for the 2021 BMW X4

BMW of North America, LLC has issued 5 technical service bulletins (TSBs) for the 2021 BMW X4. TSBs are notices sent by manufacturers to their dealers describing a known issue and the recommended repair procedure.

SIB660620 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ADAS:BLINDSPOT:SENSORS

The functionality of the right front SRR sensor could be reduced which would display the "Driving Assistance" Check Control Message.

B520122 — SEATS

A groaning noise can be heard when accelerating and cornering from the area of the shoulder safety belt support(s). The complaint can occur in both the driver's seat and the front passenger seat.

SIB 64 03 21 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:INTERIOR/UNDER DASH

After replacing the microfilter during a previous service, the customer notices that the ventilation system airflow rate is noticeably less. This leads to perceived lower cooling power. The customer may also notice that external odors enter the vehicle.

SIB310121 — EQUIPMENT

Due to a parts list error in production, the vehicle was not built according to specification.

B630521 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

AMBIENT LIGHT TUBE COLOR DIFFERENCES: The intensity or light throughout the door panel lighting strips is not consistent. Some spots are brighter than others.

NHTSA Investigations for the 2021 BMW X4

There are no NHTSA defect investigations on record for this vehicle.

Other Model Years of the BMW X4

View all BMW X4 model years →

Other BMW Models

View all BMW models →

Check any vehicle history by VIN - Free vehicle history report