Problems · NHTSA complaints

2021 BMW X6 M problems

Owners filed 7 complaints about the 2021 BMW X6 M with NHTSA between Dec 2020 and Jan 2026. The most-cited component is electrical system (2).

Complaints
7
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
1
Reported by owners
Fires
0
Reported by owners
Injuries
0
People reported injured
Deaths
0
Reported to NHTSA
01 —By component

Complaints by component

One complaint can cite several components
  1. Electrical system2
  2. Forward collision avoidance2
  3. Service brakes, hydraulic1
  4. Air bags1
  5. Engine and engine cooling1
  6. Steering1
  7. Service brakes1
  8. Back over prevention1
  9. Lane departure1
  10. Other / unknown1

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Oct 30, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Trend

When complaints were filed

Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
View as table
Model yearComplaints filed per calendar year
20201
20210
20220
20231
20241
20253
20261

Mileage at failure isn’t a structured field in NHTSA complaint data, so we don’t chart it. Some owners mention it in their reports below.

03 —Owner reports

Top problems in owners’ words

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first

Electrical system

2 reports
“The contact owns a 2021 BMW X6. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to stop as intended. The contact shifted into park while the vehicle was in motion to stop the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic; however, the failure was not duplicated. In addition, the contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle started after several attempts. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with starter motor failure. The contact was informed that the starter motor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact referenced an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not under recall. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 49,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jan 26, 2026Service brakes, hydraulic, Electrical systemODI 11713418

Forward collision avoidance

2 reports1 crash
“The automatic parking feature was being used to park in garage the vehicle proceed to back up without stopping and the emergency braking system didn’t engage leading to the vehicle crashing. I could have been injured if the structure of the house didn’t stop the vehicle. If someone had been behind the vehicle they would’ve been killed. The incident was reported to BMW, although the system malfunctioned the driver is responsible for maintaining control of the vehicle.The vehicle is has been repaired but system is still malfunctioning. These problems didn’t exist prior to crash.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled May 17, 2024Back over prevention, Forward collision avoidanceCrash reportedODI 11589248

Service brakes, hydraulic

1 report

Air bags

1 report
“Wiring from knee air bag to module failed. Had to repair wiring from front driver and passenger knee air bags. Wiring had a short to ground. Resulted in a $1600 bill.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Nov 25, 2025Air bagsODI 11701406

Engine and engine cooling

1 report
“The contact owns a 2021 BMW X6. The contact stated that upon start the vehicle, the drivetrain message was displayed. Overtime, the contact stated that the vehicle either failed to start or was slow to start while depressing the START/STOP button. The vehicle was taken to a dealer and the starter was replaced; however, a month later, the drivetrain message returned. Additionally, the contact stated that while reversing out of a parking space, the vehicle shut off while in reverse(R). The vehicle was taken back to the dealer and the contact was informed that the crank sensor needed to be replaced. The dealer stated that the part needed to be ordered, and the contact was instructed to return in a few days for the repair. After leaving the appointment, the contact stated that the vehicle failed to start up while in a parking lot and the vehicle was towed back to the dealer. Another diagnostic test was performed, and the contact was informed that the alternator, starter, and battery all needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired and remained with the dealer. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 53,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Nov 12, 2025Engine and engine cooling, Electrical systemODI 11698929

Steering

1 report
“Unknown”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 18, 2025Steering, Service brakesODI 11694233
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 30, 2026

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.