2021 Bmw X4 Safety Report

2021 BMW X4: Low owner complaints but significant recall history for critical safety components.

5Complaints
7Recalls
65/100Reliability Score
Most reported components: Seat Belts (2)Engine (1)Unknown Or Other (1)Suspension (1)

AI Safety Analysis for the 2021 Bmw X4

The 2021 BMW X4 presents a mixed safety picture. While NHTSA crash test ratings are not available for this specific model year, the vehicle has been subject to a significant number of recalls, indicating potential manufacturing or design flaws that could impact safety. There are 7 recalls in total, addressing critical components such as the electrical system (starter assembly, with fire risk), seats (improperly welded frames, increasing injury risk in a crash), engine (loss of braking assist), fuel system (fuel leaks, fire risk), and multiple recalls for the rearview camera system (increasing crash risk). Despite the high number of recalls, the vehicle has a very low complaint count with NHTSA, totaling only 5 complaints, with no reported crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths. This suggests that while potential safety defects were identified and addressed via recalls, they have not yet manifested in a widespread pattern of severe incidents reported by owners. The most common complaints, though few, relate to seat belts and the engine, which align with some recall themes.

Reliability Score

The 2021 Bmw X4 receives a reliability score of 65 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates average reliability — some notable concerns exist that prospective buyers should be aware of.

Known Issues for the 2021 Bmw X4

The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2021 Bmw X4:

IssueSeverityFrequencyTypical Mileage
Electrical System: Starter Assembly Fire Risk
Recalls 21V636000 and 22V079000 address potential short circuits in the starter relay or starter assembly, which can increase the risk of a fire.
High Occasional N/A miles
Improperly Welded Seat Frame
Recall 21V062000 indicates that an improperly welded seat frame may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury. This aligns with two owner complaints about frayed seat belts.
High Occasional N/A miles
Loss Of Braking Assist
Recall 21V063000 warns of potential loss of braking assist due to a faulty engine component, which can increase the risk of a crash.
High Occasional N/A miles
Fuel Leak From Tank Assembly
Recall 21V139000 identifies a potential failure in the inlet check valve weld of the fuel tank, leading to fuel leaks and an increased risk of fire.
High Occasional N/A miles
Rearview Camera Malfunction
Recalls 21V217000 and 21V907000 address issues where the rearview camera image may be missing or reduced, increasing the risk of a crash or injury if the driver relies solely on the camera.
Medium Occasional N/A miles
Transfer Case Failure
One owner reported a transfer case failure on an X4 xDrive with under 50,000 miles, leading to a drivetrain malfunction warning and a repair estimate exceeding $20,000.
High Rare under 50000 miles

Common Problems Reported by Owners

Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2021 Bmw X4:

Seat Belts 40% of complaints

Two out of five complaints (40%) specifically mention frayed or broken rear seat belts, aligning with a recall for improperly welded seat frames.

Engine 20% of complaints

One complaint (20%) noted abnormal engine sounds, which could relate to the electrical system/starter recalls or the engine recall for braking assist.

Suspension 20% of complaints

One complaint (20%) reported suspension issues causing discomfort and shaking for occupants.

Drivetrain 20% of complaints

One complaint (20%) detailed a transfer case failure in the AWD/xDrive system, leading to a drivetrain malfunction.

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2021 Bmw X4

Is the 2021 BMW X4 safe?

Based on NHTSA data, the 2021 BMW X4 has a low number of owner complaints (5 total) with no reported crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths. However, it has been subject to 7 safety recalls addressing critical issues like fire risk from the electrical system, potential injury from faulty seat frames, loss of braking assist, and fuel leaks. While these recalls indicate potential safety concerns, they also show that BMW has identified and is addressing these issues. NHTSA crash test ratings are not available for this specific model year.

What are common problems with the 2021 BMW X4?

The most reported issues, though based on a very small sample of 5 complaints, include frayed or broken rear seat belts (2 complaints), abnormal engine sounds (1 complaint), suspension discomfort (1 complaint), and transfer case failure (1 complaint). These align with several of the 7 recalls issued for the vehicle, particularly regarding seat components and engine-related issues.

How many recalls does the 2021 BMW X4 have?

The 2021 BMW X4 has 7 safety recalls issued by NHTSA. These recalls cover significant components such as the electrical system (starter assembly), seats, engine, fuel system, and rearview camera.

Are there fire risks associated with the 2021 BMW X4?

Yes, there are fire risks associated with the 2021 BMW X4. Two recalls (21V636000, 22V079000) address potential short circuits in the electrical system's starter assembly that can increase the risk of fire. Additionally, recall 21V139000 addresses a potential fuel leak from the fuel tank assembly, which also increases the risk of fire.

What should I check before buying a used 2021 BMW X4?

Before buying a used 2021 BMW X4, ensure all 7 safety recalls have been completed. Specifically, verify the electrical system (starter), seat frames, engine (braking assist), fuel tank, and rearview camera systems have been inspected and repaired as per the recalls. Also, inspect the rear seat belts for any signs of fraying or damage, and check for any drivetrain malfunction warnings that could indicate a transfer case issue.

Buyer Advice

Our recommendation: Given the low complaint volume but numerous critical safety recalls, ensure all recall repairs have been completed by a BMW dealership before purchasing a 2021 BMW X4, and be aware of potential issues with seat belts and the drivetrain.

NHTSA Data Summary for 2021 Bmw X4

This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2021 Bmw X4. The data includes 5 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 7 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.

All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.

Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.