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2021 BMW 7 Series

9 recalls Risk Grade: F Most severe issue: Critical

All recalls are free to repair at your local dealership. Contact your dealer to schedule service.

Known Safety Recalls

Critical #21V598000 Plain English
Component

ENGINE

Manufacturer
BMW of North America, LLC
What Happened
The engine control system in your vehicle is like the brain that tells the engine when to start and how to run. In certain 2020-2021 models, this system may not work properly during engine start, causing a loss of braking assist.
Risk if Unfixed
If this happens, you'll lose the extra help that assists with braking, but you'll still have full mechanical braking available. However, this could increase the risk of a crash, especially in emergency situations.
Free Fix
Your BMW dealer will update the engine control software for free, so you don't have to pay a thing. You should schedule the update after checking repair availability with your dealer, and you can contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 if you have any questions. This timing describes the original 2021 filing; contact your dealer now to confirm the free repair is available.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
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.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
Loss of braking assist can increase the risk of a crash.
Original — 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 recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →
Critical #21V062000 Plain English
Component

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

Manufacturer
BMW of North America, LLC
What Happened
The integrated brake system in your vehicle has a rotor and shaft that help your car stop smoothly. In some 2020-2021 models, these parts might not have been welded correctly, which could cause them to separate during hard braking.
Risk if Unfixed
If this happens, you could lose the Antilock Brake System (ABS) and braking assistance while driving, making it harder to stop the car and increasing the risk of a crash.
Free Fix
Your BMW dealer will replace the entire integrated brake system with a new one, completely free of charge. You should schedule the repair after checking repair availability with your dealer in the mail. This timing describes the original 2021 filing; contact your dealer now to confirm the free repair is available.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020-2021 8 Series Coupe, Grand Coupe and convertible 840i, 840i xDrive, M850i xDrive, M8 and 740 Li, 740 Li xDrive, 750 Li xDrive, M760 Li xDrive, X6 sDrive40i, X6 xDrive40i, X6 xdrive50i, X6 M50i, X6M, and 2019-2021 X5 sDrive40i, X5 xDrive40i, X5 xDrive50i, X5 M50i, X5M, X7 xDrive40i, X7 xDrive50i, X7 M50i, and 2021 M3, M3 Competition, M4 Coupe, M4 Competition Coupe, X5 xDrive45e, 745 Le xDrive. The rotor and shaft within the integrated brake system may not have been welded properly and could separate during a hard braking event, possibly resulting in a loss of the Antilock Brake System (ABS) and braking assistance.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
A loss of ABS and a reduction in braking assistance can increase the risk of a crash.
Original — 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.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →
Critical #21V046000 Plain English
Component

POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT

Manufacturer
BMW of North America, LLC
What Happened
The driveshaft output shaft in your BMW is like a long rod that sends power from the engine to your rear wheels. In some 2020-2021 models, this part might crack due to a manufacturing error.
Risk if Unfixed
If the output shaft breaks, you could lose power while driving, or your car might roll away if you leave it parked and not engage the parking brake. This could lead to a crash.
Free Fix
Your BMW dealer will replace the faulty output shaft with a new one, at no cost to you. You should schedule this repair after checking repair availability with your dealer. This timing describes the original 2021 filing; contact your dealer now to confirm the free repair is available.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020-2021 530i xDrive, 540i xDrive and 2021 740Li xDrive vehicles. The output shafts (left/right) which transfer power from the driveshaft to the rear wheels may break due to a heat treatment error during supplier production.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
A broken output shaft can lead to a loss of drive power or a rollaway condition in a parked vehicle (if the parking brake is not engaged), increasing the risk of a crash.
Original — Remedy
BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the output shaft(s), free of charge. The recall began March 24, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →
Moderate #25V644000 Plain English
Component

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:STARTER ASSEMBLY

Manufacturer
BMW of North America, LLC
What Happened
The starter assembly in your vehicle is the part that helps your engine start when you turn the key. In some 2019-2022 models, it can get too hot and overheat from too many attempts to start the car.
Risk if Unfixed
If the starter motor overheats, it could catch nearby flammable materials in the engine area on fire, which could cause a serious accident.
Free Fix
Your BMW dealer will replace the starter assembly with a new one that's designed to handle the heat, free of charge. You should schedule the repair after checking repair availability with your dealer, and if you've already had this repair done under a previous recall, you'll need to have it done again. This timing describes the original 2025 filing; contact your dealer now to confirm the free repair is available.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020 340I, X6, 2020-2025 840I, 2020-2022 740LI, 2019-2020 X7, and X5 vehicles. After repeated attempts, the starter motor may overheat from an electrical overload.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
An overheated starter motor can ignite nearby combustible material in the engine compartment, increasing the risk of a fire.
Original — Remedy
Dealers will replace the engine starter, free of charge. This recall includes vehicles repaired under recall 24V576 and those owners will need to have their vehicle repaired again. Owner notification letters were mailed February 9, 2026. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov November 17, 2025.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →
Moderate #24V576000 Plain English
Component

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:STARTER ASSEMBLY

Manufacturer
BMW of North America, LLC
What Happened
The starter motor in your vehicle is the part that helps start the engine. In certain 2019-2021 BMW models, this motor can overheat from an electrical overload if it fails and you keep trying to start the car.
Risk if Unfixed
If the starter motor overheats, it could catch fire in the engine compartment, which could cause an engine fire. This is a serious risk, especially if there's debris or flammable material nearby.
Free Fix
Your BMW dealer will update the vehicle's software to prevent this issue, and the repair is free. You should schedule the update after checking repair availability with your dealer. This timing describes the original 2024 filing; contact your dealer now to confirm the free repair is available.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
BMW of North America, LLC is recalling certain 2019-2020 X5, X7, 2020 3 Series Sedan, X6, 2020-2021 7 Series Sedan, 2020 8 Series Convertible, 8 Series Coupe, and 2020 8 Series Gran Coupe vehicles. Please see the recall report for the complete list of models. In the event the starter motor fails, repeated attempts to start the vehicle can cause the starter motor to overheat from an electrical overload.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
A starter motor that overheats can ignite nearby combustible material in the engine compartment, increasing the risk of a fire.
Original — Remedy
Dealers will update the vehicle software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 27, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →
Moderate #20V761000 Plain English
Component

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY

Manufacturer
BMW of North America, LLC
What Happened
The 48-Volt battery in your vehicle is a high-voltage power source that helps your car start and assists the engine. In certain 2021 BMW models, the connection to the starter-generator might not have been assembled correctly.
Risk if Unfixed
If the connections are loose, it could cause a fire in your vehicle. This is a serious safety risk that you should address right away.
Free Fix
Your BMW dealer will check the connection between the 48-Volt battery and the starter-generator, and fix it for free if it's not done correctly. You'll be notified when it's time for the repair, which is expected to begin on April 12, 2021.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2021 M340i xDrive, M440i xDrive Coupe, 530i, 530i xDrive, 540i, 540i xDrive, 740Li, 740Li xDrive, 840i Gran Coupe, 840i xDrive Gran Coupe, X5 sDrive40i, X5 xDrive40i, X6 sDrive40i, X6 xDrive40i, and X7 xDrive40i vehicles. The connection between the 48-Volt battery and the starter-generator may not have been assembled properly, which can cause increased electrical resistance at the connections.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
Increased electrical resistance can increase the risk of a fire.
Original — 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.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →
Moderate #20V601000 Plain English
Component

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:TRACTION BATTERY

Manufacturer
BMW of North America, LLC
What Happened
The hybrid battery in your vehicle is the part that powers the electric motor and helps your car move. In certain models, debris might have gotten inside the battery cells during production.
Risk if Unfixed
If this debris causes a short-circuit, it could lead to a fire or injure you. In the worst-case scenario, this could happen while you're driving or charging your vehicle.
Free Fix
Your BMW dealer will inspect and replace the battery module if needed, at no cost to you. Until the repair is done, avoid charging your vehicle, driving in manual or sport mode, and using the shift paddles. You'll get a notice with the repair schedule, and you should follow the instructions carefully.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020-2021 530e, 530e xDrive, 530e iPerformance and X3 xDrive30e and MINI Cooper Countryman All4 SE, 2020 BMW i8, and 2021 330e, 330e xDrive, 745Le xDrive and X5 xDrive45e vehicles. Debris may have entered one or more of the hybrid battery cells during their production.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
The debris could result in a short-circuit, increasing the risk of fire or injury.
Original — 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. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →
Low Priority #20V379000 Plain English
Component

CHILD SEAT:TETHER: CONNECTOR/CLIP

Manufacturer
BMW of North America, LLC
What Happened
Your BMW has a part called the top child seat tether anchor that helps keep a child seat secure in the middle seat. In some 2020-2021 models, this anchor might be hard to access.
Risk if Unfixed
If you put a child restraint system in the middle seat without using the three-point safety belt, they could be at higher risk of injury in a crash.
Free Fix
Your BMW dealer will add a cover to the middle seat tether anchor, making it easier to use. This repair is free, and you'll be notified when it's time to schedule the fix.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020-2021 740Li, 740 Li xDrive, 750Li xDrive, M760Li xDrive, and Alpina B7 vehicles. The top child seat tether anchor on the rear middle seat may not be readily accessible. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 225, Section 6.1(b) "Child Restraint Anchorage Systems."
Original — Risk if Unfixed
A child restraint system placed on the vehicle's rear middle seat without utilizing the three-point safety belt, could increase the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Original — Remedy
BMW will notify owners, and dealers will install a top tether anchor cover at the rear middle seating position. Until vehicles are remedied, owners will be instructed to utilize the outboard rear seating positions which are equipped with an accessible top tether anchor, or, the middle rear seating position and the vehicle's three-point safety belt. The recall began August 20, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →
Standard NHTSA Filing #21V096000 Plain English
Component

BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA

Manufacturer
BMW of North America, LLC
What Happened
The rearview camera in your vehicle is a camera that displays the area behind your car when you're reversing. In some 2019-2021 BMW models, the camera's image may not show the full picture or may not turn on when it's supposed to.
Risk if Unfixed
If you rely only on the rearview camera, you might miss something behind your vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash or injury while reversing.
Free Fix
Your BMW dealer will check and update the rearview camera software if it's necessary, and the repair is completely free. You should schedule the update after checking repair availability with your dealer. This timing describes the original 2021 filing; contact your dealer now to confirm the free repair is available.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
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, 2020-2021 530e, 530e xDrive, 330e, 330e xDrive, 745Le, 745Le xDrive, X5 xDrive45e, X3 xDrive30e, X6 sDrive40i, X6 xDrive40i, X6 xDrive50i, X6 M50i, X6M, 530i, 530i xDrive, 540i, 540i xDrive, M550i xDrive, M5, 740i, 740Li, 740Li xDrive, M760i Drive, M760Li xDrive, 750Li xDrive Alpina, Alpina B7 xDrive, and 2021 4 Series Coupe 430i, 430i xDrive, M440i xDrive vehicles. When shifting into Reverse, a small portion of the rearview image may be obscured, or the screen may not illuminate. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Original — Risk if Unfixed
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.
Original — 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 recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →

Browse by Component

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
4 recalls
ENGINE
1 recall
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
1 recall
POWER TRAIN
1 recall
CHILD SEAT
1 recall
BACK OVER PREVENTION
1 recall

Other BMW 7 Series Years

2025
3 recalls
2024
5 recalls
2023
11 recalls
2022
2 recalls
2020
9 recalls
2019
2 recalls
2018
1 recall
2017
1 recall
2016
1 recall
2015
2 recalls
2014
2 recalls
2013
2 recalls
2012
2 recalls
2011
1 recall
2010
1 recall
2009
1 recall
2008
2 recalls
2007
4 recalls
2006
4 recalls
2005
3 recalls
2003
2 recalls
2002
2 recalls
2001
4 recalls
2000
2 recalls

Related Pages

2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Recalls 2021 Audi A8 Recalls 2021 Lexus LS Recalls 2020 BMW 7 Series Recalls 2022 BMW 7 Series Recalls All BMW Recalls BMW 7 Series Recall History

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the overall risk grade for the 2021 BMW 7 Series?

The 2021 BMW 7 Series has a risk grade of F. This grade is calculated from 9 NHTSA safety recalls, weighted by severity, recency, and temporal decay. Grades range from A+ (excellent) to F (avoid).

How many safety recalls does the 2021 BMW 7 Series have?

The 2021 BMW 7 Series has 9 known safety recalls on record. All recalls are repaired free of charge at authorized dealerships.

What is the most severe recall for the 2021 BMW 7 Series?

The most severe recall for the 2021 BMW 7 Series is classified as critical. This indicates a life-threatening safety issue that should be addressed promptly.

Is the 2021 BMW 7 Series safe to drive?

This model year has 9 recorded safety recalls. Model-level listings do not establish VIN-specific open recalls or whether this vehicle is safe to drive. Check your VIN and contact the manufacturer for recall instructions.

What is the ENGINE recall for the 2021 BMW 7 Series? (Campaign #21V598000)

The engine control system in your vehicle is like the brain that tells the engine when to start and how to run. In certain 2020-2021 models, this system may not work properly during engine start, causing a loss of braking assist. If this happens, you'll lose the extra help that assists with braking, but you'll still have full mechanical braking available. However, this could increase the risk of a crash, especially in emergency situations. Your BMW dealer will update the engine control software for free, so you don't have to pay a thing. You should schedule the update after checking repair availability with your dealer, and you can contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 if you have any questions. This timing describes the original 2021 filing; contact your dealer now to confirm the free repair is available.

What is the SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC recall for the 2021 BMW 7 Series? (Campaign #21V062000)

The integrated brake system in your vehicle has a rotor and shaft that help your car stop smoothly. In some 2020-2021 models, these parts might not have been welded correctly, which could cause them to separate during hard braking. If this happens, you could lose the Antilock Brake System (ABS) and braking assistance while driving, making it harder to stop the car and increasing the risk of a crash. Your BMW dealer will replace the entire integrated brake system with a new one, completely free of charge. You should schedule the repair after checking repair availability with your dealer in the mail. This timing describes the original 2021 filing; contact your dealer now to confirm the free repair is available.

What is the POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT recall for the 2021 BMW 7 Series? (Campaign #21V046000)

The driveshaft output shaft in your BMW is like a long rod that sends power from the engine to your rear wheels. In some 2020-2021 models, this part might crack due to a manufacturing error. If the output shaft breaks, you could lose power while driving, or your car might roll away if you leave it parked and not engage the parking brake. This could lead to a crash. Your BMW dealer will replace the faulty output shaft with a new one, at no cost to you. You should schedule this repair after checking repair availability with your dealer. This timing describes the original 2021 filing; contact your dealer now to confirm the free repair is available.

What is the ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:STARTER ASSEMBLY recall for the 2021 BMW 7 Series? (Campaign #25V644000)

The starter assembly in your vehicle is the part that helps your engine start when you turn the key. In some 2019-2022 models, it can get too hot and overheat from too many attempts to start the car. If the starter motor overheats, it could catch nearby flammable materials in the engine area on fire, which could cause a serious accident. Your BMW dealer will replace the starter assembly with a new one that's designed to handle the heat, free of charge. You should schedule the repair after checking repair availability with your dealer, and if you've already had this repair done under a previous recall, you'll need to have it done again. This timing describes the original 2025 filing; contact your dealer now to confirm the free repair is available.

What is the ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:STARTER ASSEMBLY recall for the 2021 BMW 7 Series? (Campaign #24V576000)

The starter motor in your vehicle is the part that helps start the engine. In certain 2019-2021 BMW models, this motor can overheat from an electrical overload if it fails and you keep trying to start the car. If the starter motor overheats, it could catch fire in the engine compartment, which could cause an engine fire. This is a serious risk, especially if there's debris or flammable material nearby. Your BMW dealer will update the vehicle's software to prevent this issue, and the repair is free. You should schedule the update after checking repair availability with your dealer. This timing describes the original 2024 filing; contact your dealer now to confirm the free repair is available.