2021 BMW X4: common problems and reliability

· G02

An average X4 year.

6 owner complaints, most about engine. 7 recalls.

Should I buy a 2021 X4?

The 2021 BMW X4 has 6 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 7 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are engine and seat belts. Owners most often flag cargo space limited by the sloping roof, with the hatch unable to close over larger loads.

Safety record for the 2021 model year

6
Owner complaints
7
Recalls
0
Crash reports
0
Fire reports

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2021 BMW X4 vehicles (US, public record).

The Year Score compares this year with other X4 years only. How we score it

Is 2021 a good year for the X4?

Across the 11 X4 model years we track, complaint volume runs from 3 (2017) to 36 (2015). With 6 complaints, the 2021 X4 sits about the same as the model's median of 8.

These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.

Where owners report problems

engine
2
seat belts
2
power train
1
suspension
1

Recalls affecting the 2021 X4

back over prevention: sensing system: camera

Campaign 20V598000

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020-2021 X3 sDrive 30i, X3 xDrive 30i, X3M 40i, X3 xDrive 30e, X4 xDrive 30i, X4M 40i, 530i, 540i, 540i xDrive, M550i xDrive, M5, 550e, 550e xDrive, and 550e iPerformance vehicles. A small portion of the rearview image may be slightly obscured. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."

back over prevention: sensing system: camera

Campaign 21V096000

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."

fuel system, gasoline:storage:tank assembly

Campaign 21V199000

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2021 X3 sDrive30i, X3 xDrive30i, X3 M40i, X3M, and X4, and 2021 X4 xDrive30i vehicles. The inlet check valve weld may fail, allowing the filling pipe to separate from the fuel tank.

engine

Campaign 21V598000

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.

Show 3 more recalls

seats

Campaign 23V211000

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019-2021 330i, 330i xDrive, M340i xDrive, 2020-2021 X3 sDrive30i, X3 xDrive30i, X3 M40i, X3M, 2021 X3 xDrive30e, X4 xDrive30i, and X4M vehicles. The seat frame may not have been welded properly to the seat rails.

electrical system:starter assembly:relay

Campaign 25V636000

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019-2021 BMW 330i, 2019-2022 BMW Z4, 2020-2022 BMW 530i, X3, X4, Toyota Supra, 2021-2022 BMW 430i, 430i Convertible, and 2022 BMW 230i vehicles. The engine starter relay may corrode, causing the relay to overheat and short circuit.

electrical system:starter assembly

Campaign 26V056000

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Toyota Supra, 2022-2023 2 Series Coupe, 2021-2024 5 Series (xDrive), 2021-2022 Z4, 2022-2024 4 Series (Gran Coupe), 2021-2024 4 Series (Convertible and xDrive Convertible), 2021-2023 4 Series (Coupe), 2021-2024 3 Series, 2021-2023 X4, 2021-2024 X3 vehicles. Please see the recall report for a complete list of all models. The engine starter may overheat and catch fire due to wear on an internal component.

What owners report on the G02 X4

Owners of the 2018-2025 G02 X4 are a self-selected group who generally love the car and accept the criticism it attracts.

  • RecurrentCargo space limited by the sloping roof, with the hatch unable to close over larger loads
  • RecurrentHarsh ride quality, particularly on M and M Performance variants
  • IsolatedWater pump failure around 75k miles, causing overheating with no warning and requiring a tow
  • IsolatedValve cover gasket and oil filter housing gasket leaks
  • IsolatedOil pan gasket failure

Owner insights for the G02 X4. Read the full G02 owner report.

Typical used price

Used X4 listings typically run $23,865–$41,065 across 2016 to 2025 model years.

Other X4 model years

Compare every X4 year side by side to see how 2021 ranks against the rest.

Compare the X4 against its rivals

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