2021-2023 BMW X Series Exterior Mirror Creaking Sound
BMW has issued a manufacturer communication (NHTSA ID 10238077) regarding a creaking sound that may occur when the exterior mirror assembly on certain 2021-2023 BMW X Series vehicles is opened or closed. This document helps owners understand the issue and next steps.
Also applies to
- BMW X3
- 2021–2023
- BMW X4
- 2021–2023
- BMW X5
- 2022–2023
- BMW X6
- 2021–2022
- BMW X7
- 2021–2023
- BMW XM
- 2023
Symptoms
Owners of certain 2021-2023 BMW X Series vehicles may notice a distinct creaking sound emanating from the exterior mirror assembly. This sound is typically heard from either the driver's side, passenger's side, or both, during the operation of the mirrors.
Diagnosis and Trigger Conditions
The creaking sound is specifically observed when the exterior mirror assembly is in motion. This includes when the mirrors are being opened or closed, or when they are being folded in or out. The issue is directly related to the mechanical operation of the mirror assembly.
Manufacturer's Communication
BMW has released a manufacturer communication, identified by NHTSA ID 10238077, to address the concern of a creaking sound from the exterior mirror assembly. This communication informs dealerships about the potential for this noise in affected vehicles. The document describes the condition where a creaking sound is heard upon opening or closing (i.e., folding in or out) the exterior mirror assembly.
This manufacturer communication helps ensure that service technicians are aware of the issue and can address it appropriately when a customer reports the 2021 BMW X5 exterior mirror creaking or similar issues on other X Series models.
What Owners Should Do
If you own a 2021-2023 BMW X Series vehicle and experience a creaking sound when operating your exterior mirrors, it is recommended to contact your authorized BMW dealership. Inform them about the issue and reference the manufacturer communication (NHTSA ID 10238077) if necessary. The dealership will be able to diagnose the specific cause of the 2021 BMW X5 exterior mirror creaking and perform any necessary adjustments or repairs according to BMW's guidelines.
Source: NHTSA ID 10238077
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the creaking sound issue with BMW X Series exterior mirrors?
- The issue involves a creaking sound that may be heard from the driver's or passenger's side exterior mirror assembly when it is being opened, closed, or folded in and out. This is a known condition addressed by BMW.
- Which BMW models are affected by the exterior mirror creaking sound?
- This issue primarily affects 2021-2023 BMW X3, X4, X5, X6, X7, and XM models. A manufacturer communication (NHTSA ID 10238077) has been issued regarding this.
- What should I do if my 2021 BMW X5 exterior mirror is creaking?
- If your 2021 BMW X5 or other affected X Series model exhibits a creaking sound from the exterior mirrors, you should schedule an appointment with an authorized BMW dealership. They can diagnose and resolve the issue based on the manufacturer's guidance.
- Is there a recall for the BMW X Series exterior mirror creaking?
- No, this is not a recall. It is a manufacturer communication (NHTSA ID 10238077) that informs dealerships about a known condition and how to address it during service appointments.
What BMW X5 owners report
Counted from the records in our database across 27 model years.
- 3,423
- Owner complaints
- 114
- Recalls
- 1,651
- Service bulletins
- 120
- Crashes reported
- 159
- Fires reported
- 132
- Injuries reported
The 2021 model year
112 complaints, the 14th most of 27 model years on file. Owners reported 10 crashes, 3 fires and 7 injuries for this year, which also has 12 recalls on file.
Visibility, the system this article covers, accounts for 63 of 3,423 complaints (2%), including 1 for 2021.
Complaints by model year
| 2001 | 160 | |
|---|---|---|
| 2006 | 195 | |
| 2008 | 235 | |
| 2009 | 157 | |
| 2011 | 331 | |
| 2012 | 295 | |
| 2013 | 162 | |
| 2015 | 152 | |
| 2019 | 194 | |
| 2021 | 112 |
Most-reported systems
- Engine — 749
- Air Bags — 663
- Electrical System — 587
- Power Train — 475
- Fuel/Propulsion System — 335
Latest recalls for the 2021 model year
- 22V267000 — Visibility (Apr 2022)
- 21V156000 — Seats (Mar 2021)
- 21V096000 — Back Over Prevention (Feb 2021)
Recent owner reports about visibility
The vehicle's HVAC system failed due to a leaking air conditioning evaporator core. This single component handles both cabin cooling and the windshield defrost/defog function, so its failure compromises a safety-critical visibility system in addition to…
Read owner complaints →I was driving and I heard a huge explosion so I pulled over and found that the panoramic sunroof had exploded.
Complaints are owner reports filed with NHTSA. They are unverified, and counts depend on how many vehicles were sold, so they are not a failure rate.
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