BMW X7 Complaints (2022)

19 consumer complaints on file.

#11758130August 20, 2026
STEERING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, POWER TRAIN
On August 19, 2026, my 2022 BMW X7 xDrive40i experienced multiple safety\-related warnings at approximately 50,411–50,427 miles\. The vehicle first displayed “Increased steering effort” and instructed me to drive carefully to a service center\. It then displayed a red power\-supply warning stating: “Stop carefully\. Do not continue driving\. Continued driving will lead to malfunction of safety relevant functions\. Battery cannot be recharged\. Call Roadside Assistance\.” A drivetrain warning subsequently appeared\. After the vehicle was stopped and later restarted, the warnings temporarily cleared\. BMW of Atlantic City performed a KeyReader scan\. The report documented the steering, power\-supply and drivetrain messages and showed fault code 80402F, described as “12 VOLT VEHICLE BATTERY TOTAL DISCHARGE\.” The report showed the battery status as “OK” when it was read\. BMW Service Information Bulletin 61 01 23 discusses fault 80402F on certain G07 X7 vehicles and states that a software error may prevent the vehicle from entering sleep mode, resulting in discharge of the 12\-volt battery\. The precise cause in my vehicle has not yet been conclusively diagnosed\. I am concerned that an electrical or software failure can occur while the vehicle is operating and trigger reduced steering assistance, drivetrain warnings and the announced potential malfunction of other safety\-relevant systems\. There was no collision, fire or injury in this incident\. I am requesting that NHTSA review this issue for a potential safety\-defect pattern in similarly equipped BMW X7 vehicles\.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11737594May 13, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Component Failing: Telematics Control Unit (TCU) / SOS Emergency Call System This vehicle is experiencing an intermittent, total failure of the factory-installed SOS/Emergency Call System due to a known manufacturing defect. BMW has documented this issue in Technical Service Bulletin SIB 65 12 22, admitting that an improper factory paint and sealing process causes the roof-mounted shark fin antenna to separate from the vehicle body. As a direct result of this assembly defect, rainwater has leaked past the roofline and into the vehicle's interior cabin, flooding and short-circuiting the Telematics Control Unit (TCU). Consequently, the critical life-safety SOS system is failing to operate correctly. In the event of a severe crash or medical emergency, the vehicle's automated collision notification system will fail to contact first responders or transmit the vehicle’s GPS location. The manufacturer has acknowledged the defect to me but refuses to cover the repair outside of the narrow 50,000-mile warranty window, nor have they expanded their regional California legal settlements to protect drivers nationwide. Because this factory defect directly compromises a critical federal safety communications component, I request that the NHTSA open an official investigation into BMW model years 2017–2023 to mandate a nationwide safety recall.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11730369April 10, 2026
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LOCK, LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:ELECTRONIC LOCK/LATCH ACTUATOR
The front passenger side door is unable to open from inside or outside the vehicle. The door actuator failed, and this has been confirmed by the dealer. This is an obvious safety issue as it prevents egress in an emergency. According to Internet forums, this seems to be a known issue across BMW platforms.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11699292November 13, 2025
ENGINE
Transfer case and front and rear differentials have failed - bmw claims lifetime fluid which is clearly not accurate
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11696292October 29, 2025
POWER TRAIN
Description of the Problem: At ~57,000 miles, the front differential on my 2025 BMW X7 M50i failed and was replaced by an authorized dealer in March 2025. The issue was believed resolved, but in October 2025 the vehicle was returned to Advantage BMW because of a question about when the vehicle showing shuttering, vibration, and binding during low-speed turns. The car has been at the BMW dealership since 10/15/2025, where it was diagnosed with a transfer-case failure. Both failures occurred without any warning lights, messages, or diagnostic alerts. The symptoms were only mechanical noise (front differential) and driveline vibration (transfer case). The dealer confirmed that BMW issued Service Bulletin SIB 27 02 20, describing similar transfer-case/driveline malfunctions. The failed components are available for inspection. This issue poses a safety hazard, as the xDrive AWD system controls traction and stability. Sudden drivetrain failure without warning can cause loss of power distribution between axles and loss of control during acceleration, turning, or highway driving. Multiple owners have reported identical failures on the BimmerPost G07 X7 forum (https://g07.bimmerpost.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2011112), indicating a broader defect pattern. Summary: Two major drivetrain components—the front differential and transfer case—have failed on my 2025 BMW X7 M50i under 60,000 miles with no warning indicators. The vehicle has been out of service since 10/15/2025. Given BMW’s acknowledgment in SIB 27 02 20 and widespread owner reports, this represents a potential safety-related defect requiring investigation.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11669833June 27, 2025
BACK OVER PREVENTION: REARVIEW SYSTEM BRAKING
I am filing this complaint regarding a persistent safety issue with the rear cross traffic alert (RCTA) system in my 2022 BMW X7. The system consistently fails to detect approaching vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists unless they are within approximately two feet of the rear of the vehicle. This extremely limited detection range renders the system effectively useless for its intended purpose of preventing collisions while reversing, especially in environments such as parking lots, residential streets, and school zones. On multiple occasions, both my wife and I have experienced near accidents while reversing, including incidents involving moving vehicles and pedestrians—some of whom were small children at our child’s daycare. In all of these cases, the RCTA system failed to provide any warning or alert. This lack of detection poses a serious safety hazard not only to my family but also to those in the vicinity of the vehicle. Given that rear cross traffic alert systems are a key safety feature designed to reduce backover accidents, especially in scenarios where the driver’s visibility is compromised, I believe this constitutes a serious design or calibration flaw. I am concerned that this issue may not be isolated to my vehicle alone, and I urge the NHTSA to investigate this matter further to determine whether a recall or software update is necessary to correct the defect.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11665951June 9, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, SERVICE BRAKES
The vehicle had a spill in the cup holder. The cup holder has holes and does not hold liquid. This spilled into the electronics underneath and around it. The car suddenly could not be put into park. It would roll when attempting to do so. The electronics control park and the emergency brake from the same electronic panel. Preventing save disabling of the vehicle required chalking to prevent movement.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11659208May 6, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
On [XXX], at [XXX], while driving at 65 mph on [XXX] between Chesapeake and Virginia Beach, VA, the front panoramic sunroof of my 2022 BMW X7 xDrive40i spontaneously shattered without warning. The sunroof and interior sunshade were fully closed, with no prior damage or warning signs. The glass exploded with a loud gunshot-like noise, causing glass to fall into the cabin. My wife, who was driving, was startled and jerked the wheel, nearly causing an accident. Conditions were clear, and no debris or impact occurred. The fracture showed outward bowing and horizontal cracks, typical of spontaneous tensile failure in tempered glass. No impact point was found. BMW acknowledged they have “seen this before” but denied my warranty claim, blaming impact with no proof. The tow truck driver also stated his company has towed at least two other BMW X7s recently with the same failure. I have found multiple similar complaints already documented in the NHTSA database, confirming this is not an isolated case. I am submitting detailed photographs and respectfully request a formal investigation into the safety and integrity of BMW’s panoramic sunroof design and materials. I am also filing a complaint with the Virginia Attorney General’s Office to ensure this issue is reviewed at both federal and state levels. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11628776December 4, 2024
BACK OVER PREVENTION: REARVIEW SYSTEM BRAKING
When backing out of my driveway while moving in reverse - I get absolutely zero audio warning of cross traffic vehicles or people. I’ve had two near misses where the vehicle/person was in my blind spot and the car never indicated anyone was close
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11609186August 18, 2024
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, STEERING, LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST
The steering wheel locked in position while driving. The vehicle would not turn, which almost caused an accident. Warning lights came on: Evasion Assistant/Steering Assistant. Once the car was pulled over and restarted, the warning lights temporarily stopped but returned and malfunctioned again. BMW confirmed that there was a steering malfunction and found that a leaking water pump infiltrated the steering rack and electrical harness which created the steering system to malfunctioned. BMW only approved replacing the water pump. The technician stated they recommended replacing the steering rack and electrical harness, but BMW said for them to test drive for 20 miles, if no error pops up then return the vehicle back to the customer!
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11599336July 5, 2024
BACK OVER PREVENTION: REARVIEW SYSTEM BRAKING
In 2 years of owning the vehicle they have worked only three times. Two of the times was within 10 feet of a car pass. There has been hundreds of opportunities. The feature does not work.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11553750November 6, 2023
SUSPENSION, STEERING
The SUV is hard to control at highway speeds 65/75mph. It rocks and slowly pulls to the left only to sharply correct and pull to the right. BTW, the lane departure assist has been disabled so it's not the cause of it. I went back to the dealership multiple time only to be told nothing is wrong with the car. 6 month later they said it is the front tires that need replacement. I replaced all 4 tires and paid for a 4 wheel alignment but the problem still exist. 4 experienced drivers tested it and all came back with the same observation, the SUV is unstable and hard to control at HWY speeds. I looked up the internet and found that many consumers are complaining about the same issue on the X7, so why is BMW or the NHTSA not investigating or resolving this dangerous issue? ...your next prompt asks for the date that incident occurred, this was an ongoing issue from day One.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11546222September 24, 2023
VISIBILITY/WIPER
Driving on the highway, the sunroof above me (the driver) shattered. There was no impact or any issue on the road, the glass shattered suddenly and for no apparent reason. Very scary (luckily I had the sliding shade closed so no shards fell on me)! After pulling over I called BMW roadside assistance, was picked up and dropped at the nearest BMW dealship/body shop, who confirmed that they’ve “seen this before” and replaced the glass by the afternoon of the following day. The repair was covered by the car’s warranty.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11544457September 14, 2023
SEATS
The contact owns a 2022 BMW X7. The contact stated that the second and third row seats are not latching. The seat folded down on the occupants. The "Seat not latching properly" message was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the sensors were not working. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 25,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11526790June 13, 2023
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Our 2022 BMW X7 PARKED caught fire under our carport and burned and the fire spread to my home and totally destroyed it. We heard car alarm go off and ran to back door of our home where the car parked and noticed hood was engulfed in flames. The date of fire occurred on February 25, 2023. [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11516286April 10, 2023
SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, STEERING
While driving on interstate 10 near New Orleans, the computer software system malfunction resulting in loss of power steering and 90% loss of braking action requiring a great distant to stop.Vehicle was towed into shop and was found to have 184 codes violated. No parts were replaced. only an update. if this would have happened in traffic , I would not have been able to stop for 1,000 feet.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11508058February 19, 2023
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
When driving preparing to merge on to the highway I hear what sounded like a gun shot. It then sounded like my sunroof was open becuae I could hear the wind along wiht the sound of glass beraking an falling. My sunroof which was closed at the time exploded. The weather and road conditons were normal. The vehichle is available fo inspection if needed. I pulled over, opened the sun shade which was closed at the time of the incident and glass fell into the vehile and onto my wife and I. Had the sunhade not been closed at the time, the glass would have fallen directly on us or into our eyes. I then drove the vehicle home and parked it mu my garage. There were no existing cracks, chips or visible defects to the sunroof prior to this heepening. It has not been inspected by BMW, the police or an insurance represetative as this happened on a Saturday. I have a call into the BMW dealership where it was purchased. There were no warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11472230July 3, 2022
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
We bought BMW X7 in Nov.2021 (model 2022), the delivery was late for two weeks because of unavailability of touch screen software but then the vehicle was delivered without software installation for touch screen. Though this was mentioned by the dealer at the time of delivery but because we need to have a vehicle ASAP and that was already two weeks late, we accepted delivery without working of a screen by touch. As BMW X7 model 2022 is very highly advance & sophisticated in term of accessing driving features, we are experiencing too much distraction during driving to access features through other ways BUT NOT BY TOUCHING THE SCREEN which takes driver's concentration and eyes off of the road. In fact now we found this touch of a screen is very, very essential for a judgemental driving. As such, may we request to please bound the manufacturer and or supplier to please INSTALL THE TOUCH SCREEN SOFTWARE. Thank you.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11471353June 28, 2022
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
BMW x7 has the start button by the stick shift and other buttons for navigation modes and others and I when not in park at speed of 25 mph if mistakenly you hit the start button it shut off the car losing power breaks and power steering. BMW told me that how it is designed and above 25 mph even if you are at 100 mph if you do it once the car will go into neutral, if you do it twice the car will shut off and you lose everything I think that is very serious This happened to me while driving. We hit the start/stop button and the car shut off, throwing us into neutral and i had to come to a complete stop to restart the car. I became a road hazard while stopped in a busy intersection and luckily we did not have an accident and no one was injured. [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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