2020 BMW X7 Problems and Top Issues – Is Your Car A Lemon?

Suspension, electrical system and powertrain issues among the top complaints received by the NHTSA from vehicle owners

Updated on Author: Brian Jones

Updated on Author: Brian Jones

The 2020 BMW X7 is designed as a Sports Activity Vehicle designed to provide plenty of performance. In fact, the automaker claims it can “make every day legendary.” However, the only legendary aspect is the faults owners are dealing with from the powertrain to the structure and the electrical system to the suspension.

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NHTSA Complaints for the 2020 BMW X7

Complaint CategoryNumber of Complaints
Unknown Or Other
3
Electrical System
2
Power Train
2
Structure:body
2
Back Over Prevention: Rearview System Braking
1
Service Brakes
1
Steering
1
Engine
1
Fuel/propulsion System
1
Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking
1

Problems with the Transmission

The potent powertrain in the X7 is meant to provide lots of excitement. However, there are some complaints and issues that need to be addressed.

One Edmunds review warns people, “don’t buy it if you’re gonna drive Eco.”

With that said, there’s something more important to pay attention to. NHTSA Campaign Number 20V465000 talks about how some models might have an extra bolt in the starter motor that can fall into the transmission and lead to massive problems. It appears that BMW was so focused on making this model “legendary, that it threw in an extra bolt for good measure.

Problems with the Vehicle Structure

For the price paid on the X7, it is only expected that the structure will be well-built and designed to last. Yet, that’s not what existing customers say.

A Cars.com review states, “one week after we purchased it, my wife was driving it on I-97 in Maryland on a sunny/hot day and the panoramic sunroof shattered (nothing hit the car).”

Aside from this, there are lighting issues that can’t be overlooked. NHTSA Campaign Number 20V052000 shows that the rear reflex reflectors don’t produce enough reflection, which can decrease on-road visibility. The vehicle is so “legendary,” it doesn’t want to be seen at night. However, it’s impossible to hide a legend.

Problems with the Electrical System

For a luxury model, the electrical system is another part that is not up to par. This faulty system is leaving a lot to be desired.

Another Edmunds review states, “Front passenger side power window module broke. Window won’t close and had to drive in extreme cold temp with window down. Remote car app stopped working, had to re- activate acct in car.”

Is there a recall dealing with electrical system problems? Yep – as with everything else. NHTSA Campaign Number 19V684000 says that some vehicles have a malfunctioning back-up camera that doesn’t display the right image. This can occur in more than 250,000 models and might lead to an accident. Maybe it’s only meant to be a legend when moving forward.

Problems with the Suspension

Finally, looking at the suspension system shows more faults that need to be addressed.

Here is an Edmunds complaint. “The stupid suspension thing is slow and just for show, the car will revert back to whatever level the modes tell them to.”

Working in conjunction with the suspension system is the steering. NHTSA Campaign Number 19V631000 talks about how some X7 models have steering rack pinion teeth that could break while under a load. If this happens, the driver could lose control over the SAV, which could lead to an accident. Maybe this model should change its tagline to “make every day dangerous” instead.

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Complaint Data

CategoryBack Over Prevention: Rearview System Braking
DateMay 04, 2022
StateWA
Description
Cross traffic alert system does not work. When backing out of drive ways or parking spots there are no audible warnings or automatic braking. I've almost hit people walking behind my car while backing out of a parking space. Additionally, myself and others have complained about this on automobile forums. You can read one of many threads about this issue here. Https://g05. Bimmerpost. Com/forums/showthread. Php? T=1920194. Bmw just keeps stating the cross traffic alert system is working as designed. Anyone who even considers relying on this safety feature will surely get into an accident that could cause serious injury or even death if they put any faith in this system.
CategoryElectrical System
DateApr 11, 2022
StateNC
Description
On 11/23/2021 while driving the computer screen stated malfunction with personal protection device with in 10 seconds the rear of the car burst into flames the fire inspector from our insurance company traced the cause of the event to the fuse box neither bmw or the dealership will take any responsibility this car had never been repaired and only authorized dealership did yearly service
CategoryUnknown Or Other
DateNov 28, 2021
StateNC
Description
The bmw x7 caught on fire going down the hw.
CategoryElectrical System, Service Brakes, Steering
DateApr 04, 2021
StateCA
Description
While driving on the freeway at 70mph, my steering and brake system become less responsive. Could not brake fully. Electronic console gave a numerous warning alerts, including: cross traffic warning, four wheel drive system temporarily not available, restraint system malfunction, and possible chassis malfunction. I was to pull over to the side of an offramp, and needed about 100-200 feet for the car to come to a complete stop, despite pumping the brakes.
CategoryEngine, Fuel/propulsion System, Power Train
DateMar 22, 2021
StateNY
Description
我的bmw x7 m50i开在高速公路上,全车突然没有任何动力,然后我打了bmw roadside assistant,在i80-w高速公路上等待3小时没有任何bmw的roadside assistant,这个我对bmw usa 的服务真差,还好我人没事,我的车从2/26号开始没法启动,自己付拖车费拖回来纽约,等待到3/1号车自付费用拖车去brooklyn bmw,到目前我的车还没有修好,同时brooklyn bmw也没有提供任何临时车我使用,我的车整整放在dealership 目前3/22还没有任何消息维修好,这车让我感觉非常之危险了,威胁我的生命,你能想象这么高科技的车,新车,2020年的,车开着突然熄火在高速公路上吗?
CategoryForward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking, Forward Collision Avoidance: Warnings, Power Train
DateDec 21, 2020
StateNC
Description
On tuesday, november 17th, around 7pm et, I parked in front of a building complex. The car was in parking mod with engine on. I was talking to my brother in law in the car when within 4-5 min from the time of the car was in full stop, we heard the engine roaring louder and louder and the car accelerated with tremendous speed towards the building (parking spot is around 20 feet from the building). I pressed the brakes, but the car didn't stopped until we ended up inside the building going through a brick wall. The engine was still roaring louder for few more minutes with front wheels spinning around, until the car shuts down completely. From all that impact no airbag was open, coalition sensors didn't stop the car, not even me pressing the breaks didn't stop the car. After the incident our insurance (farm bureau) and the manufacture (bmw usa) was contacted immediately. After all this time of their "investigation", the bmw representative contacted us on friday, december 18th. Telling us that they have not found any data in the car (after they performed all tests...) to support our claim and that the car (the black box) has not recorded this accident. What I experience on this car is real and I thank god every day that I wasn't in a highway or with my kids in the car at that time. This car has to be investigated further as it is not safe
CategoryUnknown Or Other
DateNov 11, 2020
StateMS
Description
I was called by a bmw representative and told a safety recall was in affect and I was not to drive my brand new bmw x7 not even to the dealership. They would arrange to come get it via a wrecker and would be keeping it approximately a month. No one will disclose to me the issue or the fix. They are being very closed to all my questions. Must be serious and lawyers must be already involved. Best I can tell via the nhtsa website, no notification has been made to the nhtsa as required by law.
CategoryStructure:body
DateJun 09, 2020
StatePA
Description
Driving new bmw x7 (less than 1000 total miles) on maryland interstate & panoramic sunroof spontaneously cracked and pieces fell into the car. No indication of something falling onto the roof - sunny, clear day, vehicle was in motion and not underneath a bridge or any other structure. *tr
CategoryStructure:body, Unknown Or Other
DateOct 25, 2019
StateTX
Description
On august 27, 2019, I purchased a 2020 bmw x7. Since purchasing the vehicle, it's been returned for repairs at two authorized dealers at least two times and spends two weeks of my 2 months ownership in the service. According to the authorized dealer, the defects affecting the vehicle and creating unpleasant, whistling noise is due to the design of the vehicle. It is too much money for a vehicle that gives me headaches.

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Brian Jones

About the Author:

Brian Jones spent more than 20 years working as an ASE Certified Master Tech and Parts Specialist at multiple dealerships. Brian has become an authority in the industry, traveling across the country to consult for car dealerships and contributing his expertise as a writer for several major automotive publications. In his spare time, Brian enjoys working on pickup trucks, muscle cars, Jeeps and anything related to motorsports.

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1 COMMENT
  • John C

    My BMW X-7 2020 has only 12, 347miles since new, and so far, I have taken to service three times to a related battery electrical issue and yesterday March 8th 2022, after picking it up from the dealer’s service department for the same issue that they claimed it was fixed previously, they claimed in writing that by replacing a defective battery the problem was resolved and that now it was working as designed; the very same evening my family and I went out to dinner and the vehicle stalled and stop working , leaving me ,my wife and our two daughters stranded in the middle of the HWY were cars where passing fast and with no lights , exposing ourselves to a terrible accident, a really scary night! The car was picked up by a tow truck at aprox.9pm and taken to the BMW dealer Vista BMW of Coconut Creek 4401 Sample Road, FL.33073 They contacted us this morning and said they are working on the vehicle to fix it, but we do not feel safe any longer with the x-7 after what happened last night.
    What should I do?

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