2021 BMW X5 electrical system problems
31 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the electrical system on the 2021 BMW X5 — 32% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“2021 BMW X5 xDrive45e PHEV, built October 2020 by BMW AG (Germany). In-service Oct 28, 2021. Vehicle intermittently shows "Drivetrain Malfunction — you can continue driving" warning. DME scan reveals 5 fault codes, all for the conventional 12V pinion starter: 21A50A — Pinion starter: timeout…”
filed May 15, 2026
“The contact owns a 2021 BMW X5. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the Push to Start button failed to function as intended. After several attempts, the vehicle started. The drivetrain warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed, and…”
filed Mar 5, 2026
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Related recalls
- Connection between the 48-Volt battery and the starter-generator may not have been…Campaign 20V761000 · Dec 9, 2020
- Debris may have entered one or more of the hybrid battery cells during their productionCampaign 20V601000 · Sep 30, 2020
- Loose welding beads may form a conductive path between the hybrid battery cells which…Campaign 20V490000 · Aug 18, 2020
Electrical System problems in other X5 years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 X5 | 7 | 12% |
| 2024 X5 | 24 | 17% |
| 2023 X5 | 8 | 27% |
| 2022 X5 | 12 | 20% |
| 2020 X5 | 38 | 37% |
| 2019 X5 | 69 | 38% |
| 2018 X5 | 14 | 21% |
| 2017 X5 | 17 | 23% |
| 2016 X5 | 23 | 33% |
| 2015 X5 | 12 | 8% |
| 2014 X5 | 15 | 15% |
| 2013 X5 | 20 | 14% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2021 BMW X5
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.