CSR

BMW · NHTSA safety record

2020 BMW X6

Every safety complaint, recall and defect investigation the US government holds on this vehicle.

9

Complaints

0

Crashes

0

Fires

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

Owners of the 2020 BMW X6 have filed 9 safety complaints with NHTSA between January 2024 and January 2026. The most complained-about system is the electrical system, named in 5 of them (56%). The typical failure was reported at 63,843 miles, the median across the 2 complaints that gave an odometer reading.

NHTSA has issued 10 recalls covering this vehicle.

Recalls (10)

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:STARTER ASSEMBLY

25V644000 · September 25, 2025

The defect
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020 340I, X6, 2020-2025 840I, 2020-2022 740LI, 2019-2020 X7, and X5 vehicles. After repeated attempts, the starter motor may overheat from an electrical overload.
The risk
An overheated starter motor can ignite nearby combustible material in the engine compartment, increasing the risk of a fire.
The remedy
Dealers will replace the engine starter, free of charge. This recall includes vehicles repaired under recall 24V576 and those owners will need to have their vehicle repaired again. Owner notification letters were mailed February 9, 2026. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov November 17, 2025.

BMW of North America, LLC · up to 145,102 vehicles across all model years covered

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:STARTER ASSEMBLY

24V576000 · August 1, 2024

The defect
BMW of North America, LLC is recalling certain 2019-2020 X5, X7, 2020 3 Series Sedan, X6, 2020-2021 7 Series Sedan, 2020 8 Series Convertible, 8 Series Coupe, and 2020 8 Series Gran Coupe vehicles. Please see the recall report for the complete list of models. In the event the starter motor fails, repeated attempts to start the vehicle can cause the starter motor to overheat from an electrical overload.
The risk
A starter motor that overheats can ignite nearby combustible material in the engine compartment, increasing the risk of a fire.
The remedy
Dealers will update the vehicle software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 27, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

BMW of North America, LLC · up to 105,588 vehicles across all model years covered

VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY

22V267000 · April 20, 2022

The defect
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2022 4 Series Gran Coupe (430i, 430i xDrive, M440i xDrive); 2019-2022 X5 sDrive40i, X5 xDrive40i, X5 xDrive50i, X5 M50i, X5M; 2021-2022 X5 xdrive45e; 2020-2022 X6 sDrive40i, X6 xDrive40i, X6 xDrive50i, X6M and 2019-2023 X7 xDrive40i, X7 xDrive50i, X7 M50i, X7 xDrive60i, X7 M60i, X7M, Alpina XB7 vehicles. The roof function control unit may be programmed incorrectly, allowing the sunroof to close without the key fob present inside the vehicle. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 118, "Power-Operated Window Systems."
The risk
A sunroof that closes without the key fob present inside the vehicle can increase the risk of injury.
The remedy
Dealers will reprogram the roof function control unit, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 20, 2022. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

BMW of North America, LLC · up to 61,221 vehicles across all model years covered

BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA

21V096000 · February 19, 2021

The defect
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."
The risk
If the driver relies on only the rearview camera image, the missing or reduced rearview image view can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
The remedy
BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rearview camera software and update it if necessary, free of charge. The recall began April 16, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

BMW of North America, LLC · up to 13,858 vehicles across all model years covered

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

21V062000 · February 10, 2021

The defect
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020-2021 8 Series Coupe, Grand Coupe and convertible 840i, 840i xDrive, M850i xDrive, M8 and 740 Li, 740 Li xDrive, 750 Li xDrive, M760 Li xDrive, X6 sDrive40i, X6 xDrive40i, X6 xdrive50i, X6 M50i, X6M, and 2019-2021 X5 sDrive40i, X5 xDrive40i, X5 xDrive50i, X5 M50i, X5M, X7 xDrive40i, X7 xDrive50i, X7 M50i, and 2021 M3, M3 Competition, M4 Coupe, M4 Competition Coupe, X5 xDrive45e, 745 Le xDrive. The rotor and shaft within the integrated brake system may not have been welded properly and could separate during a hard braking event, possibly resulting in a loss of the Antilock Brake System (ABS) and braking assistance.
The risk
A loss of ABS and a reduction in braking assistance can increase the risk of a crash.
The remedy
BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the integrated brake system, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 25, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

BMW of North America, LLC · up to 893 vehicles across all model years covered

SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM

20V678000 · November 4, 2020

The defect
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020 X5 sDrive40i, xDrive40i, X5 M50i, X5M, X7 xDrive40i, X7 M50i, X6 xDrive40i, X6 M50i and X6M vehicles and 2021 X5 xDrive45e vehicles. The weld between the front axle support and the right front control arm bearing bracket may separate.
The risk
If the weld between the front axle support and the right front control arm bearing bracket separates, vehicle handling and control may be affected, increasing the risk of a crash.
The remedy
BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front axle support, free of charge. The recall began December 18, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

BMW of North America, LLC · up to 83 vehicles across all model years covered

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

20V528000 · September 1, 2020

The defect
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020-2021 X5 sDrive40i, xDrive40i, xDrive50i, X5 M50i, X5M, X6 sDrive40i, xDrive40i, X6 M50i, X6M, X7 M50i and 2021 X5 xDrive45e vehicles. The headlamps may allow a blue light to illuminate. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
The risk
Oncoming drivers may be confused by the blue light of approaching vehicles, which could potentially increase the risk of a crash.
The remedy
BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the headlamps and, if necessary, replace them, free of charge. The recall began October 30, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

BMW of North America, LLC · up to 307 vehicles across all model years covered

STRUCTURE:BODY

20V484000 · August 14, 2020

The defect
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020 X6 sDrive40i, xDrive40i, X6 M50i and X6M vehicles. The rear spoiler may not be appropriately bonded to its mounting plate.
The risk
The rear spoiler on the roof may become loose, detach while driving, and could become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash, or injury to persons near the roadway.
The remedy
BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rear spoiler on the affected vehicles and replace them , if necessary, free of charge. The recall began October 14, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

BMW of North America, LLC · up to 43 vehicles across all model years covered

STRUCTURE:BODY

20V095000 · February 19, 2020

The defect
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020 X6 sDrive40i, X6 xDrive40i, and X6 xDrive50i vehicles. The rear spoiler may detach.
The risk
If the spoiler detaches while driving, it can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
The remedy
BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the rear spoiler, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began April 16, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

BMW of North America, LLC · up to 550 vehicles across all model years covered

BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA

19V684000 · September 27, 2019

The defect
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018 540d, 2018-2020 530i, 530i xDrive, 540i, 540i xDrive, M550i xDrive, M5, 530e, 530e xDrive, X3 sDrive, X3 xDrive, X3 M40i, X3 M, and 2019-2020 X4 xDrive, X4 M40i, X4 M, X7 xDrive, X7 M50i, 740Li, 740Li xDrive, 750Li, 750Li xDrive, 8 Series Convertible and Coupe 840i, 840i xDrive, M850i xDrive, X5 sDrive, X5 xDrive, X5 M50i, X6 xDrive, X6 M50i, 330i, 330i xDrive, M340i, M340i xDrive, Z4 sDrive, Z4 M40i, 740Le xDrive and 745Le xDrive, 2018-2019 640i xDrive Gran Turismo and Rolls-Royce Phantom, 2019 M850i xDrive Gran Coupe and Rolls-Royce Cullinan and 2020 Toyota Supra vehicles. The back-up camera and display settings can be adjusted such that the rear view image is no longer visible and the system will retain that setting the next time the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rearview Mirrors."
The risk
The lack of an image in the back-up camera display increases the risk of a crash.
The remedy
BMW will notify owners, and dealers will update the back-up camera software, free of charge. The recall began November 8, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 or Rolls-Royce at 1-877-877-3735. Toyota owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371.

BMW of North America, LLC · up to 257,473 vehicles across all model years covered

What owners report

Complaints naming each system. One complaint can name several, so these add up to more than 9.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 5 56%
SERVICE BRAKES 2 22%
UNKNOWN OR OTHER 2 22%
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 1 11%
POWER TRAIN 1 11%
SEAT BELTS 1 11%

When the complaints arrived

By the year NHTSA received them, which is not the year the failures happened. They peaked in 2024 at 4.

2024 2026
2024 to 2026, the last of them a part year

In owners' own words

Quoted from NHTSA's complaint file. These are unverified accounts by the people who filed them, not findings of fault.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

towed · 67,786 miles

The contact owns a 2020 BMW X6. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with battery failure. The contact was informed that the battery needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine seized. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. In addition, the engine overheating warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the failure had occurred while the contact was driving on a busy

NHTSA complaint 11708411, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
This issue of the Starter not functioning properly was identified by the manufacturer and brought to my attention through their correspondence. Later confirmed on the NHSTA website. To date, no fix has been made available.

NHTSA complaint 11712719. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Vehicle: 2020 BMW X6M Problem Category: Interior / Visibility / Structural Integrity Description of the Safety Issue: The dashboard material in my 2020 BMW X6M is peeling, lifting, and separating from the underlying structure. This is occurring without misuse, damage, or excessive wear. The defect creates reflective glare on the windshield and presents a visual distraction while driving, particularly in sunlight. The separation appears to be a material or adhesive failure and is not isolated. Multiple BMW X5/X6 owners have reported the same issue, indicating a pattern of premature dashboard deterioration. This defect affects driver visibility and concentration and could increase the risk of

NHTSA complaint 11705538, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The vehicle would not start and left me stranded over 40 miles from home. I was unable to start the vehicle for over an hour. The road side service was unable to start the vehicle.

NHTSA complaint 11692474. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

59,900 miles

The contact owns a 2020 BMW X6. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start, with the message "Check Control - Repeat Start Attempt" displayed. In addition, the check engine warning light remained illuminated. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V576000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 59,900.

NHTSA complaint 11668539. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

SERVICE BRAKES
I’ve been having issues with the front end since I purchased the vehicle. The dealership had not diagnosed this issue yet in 3 years. It had caused my vehicle to be in the shop continuously, my front driver side tire is worn out. I had to replace all brakes and rotors after 2 years, numerous sensor issues, radiator loses fluid as well as software issues.

NHTSA complaint 11630662. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

Compare

Other years of the BMW X6

Model year Complaints Recalls Deaths
2024 9 5
2016 9 1
2015 9 1
2014 11 3
2013 25 5
2012 32 7
2011 31 11
2010 15 9

Other 2020 BMW models

Every BMW on this site — 249 vehicles, 484 recall campaigns and 2 open investigation s.

If this is your car and a dealer keeps failing to fix it, your state's lemon law may require the manufacturer to replace it or buy it back. What each state asks for , read from the statutes.

Where these numbers come from

A complaint is one owner's account and has not been verified by NHTSA or by us. A vehicle with more complaints is not necessarily worse: models that sold in larger numbers collect more of them. How this is counted.

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