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2021 Bmw X5 Engine Problems

9 owner-reported engine complaints from NHTSA data

9
Complaints
Jan 2026Dec 2025
Date Range

Data sourced from NHTSA public database. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified mechanic.

Owner Complaints (9)

criticalENGINE
Filed: Apr 2026

Your engine's oil pump contains a plastic internal part that can break, especially in cold weather or during winter starts. When this part fails, it can cause oil pressure problems and potentially lead to severe engine damage or complete failure without much warning. The fix will likely require replacing the oil pump assembly and possibly inspecting the engine for any damage caused by the failure.

NHTSA #: 11728431
highENGINE
Filed: Jan 2026

Your car displayed warning lights on the dashboard multiple times while driving and during restarts. A BMW dealer diagnosed the problem as a failed starter motor, which was replaced to fix the issue. This occurred at approximately 44,000 miles.

NHTSA #: 11708344
highENGINE
Filed: Dec 2025

Your engine starter motor failed and wouldn't crank the engine. The BMW dealership diagnosed the starter as faulty and replaced it, but this failure isn't covered under the current BMW X5 starter recall. You paid $2,166.35 for the repair and are requesting a refund from BMW.

NHTSA #: 11703980
highENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Oct 2025

Your 2021 BMW X5 is making abnormal sputtering sounds when you try to start it, and it takes several attempts before the engine turns over. A dealer diagnosed this as starter failure and noted error code 0012240600. The issue may be related to a known BMW electrical system recall (Campaign 24V576000), so you may want to check if your vehicle is affected.

NHTSA #: 11695040
highENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Filed: Oct 2025

Your coolant warning light kept coming on, telling you to fill the coolant right away. The dealer found that coolant was leaking from underneath your vehicle and determined your water pump had failed and needed replacement. The repair was completed at the dealer. This happened at around 40,000 miles, and BMW informed you the vehicle was no longer under warranty.

NHTSA #: 11693874
mediumENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Filed: Mar 2026

The owner filed a complaint about their engine and engine cooling system but did not provide specific details about what problem they experienced. Without additional information, it's unclear what issue you're facing with your engine or cooling system.

Parts you may need:

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NHTSA #: 11728317
mediumENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Jan 2026

Your 2021 BMW X5 is subject to a recall (Campaign 24V608000) affecting the engine and electrical system, but the replacement part isn't available yet. Your dealer shows the recall as closed in the system even though the repair hasn't been completed, and you feel the manufacturer has taken too long to provide the needed part. No failure has occurred with your vehicle so far.

NHTSA #: 11714543
mediumENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Feb 2025

The contact owns a 2021 BMW X5. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic; however, the contact used an OBD scanner, which diagnosed a failure with the water pump. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System), but the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 72,500.

NHTSA #: 11641690
mediumENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Filed: Jan 2025

The contact owns a 2021 BMW X5. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to a local dealer for an oil change and the contact was informed that there was coolant leaking from the water pump and that the water pump needed to be replaced to prevent further damage to the internal components of the engine. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 80,000.

NHTSA #: 11634565

Other 2021 Bmw X5 Issues