The 2024 BMW X7 is a full-size luxury SUV with all the latest driving technology and safety features. The automaker boasts that it is a “ combination of uncompromising power, luxurious comfort, and expressive design language.” It can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 3.9 seconds, which is impressive. But, for owners who have experienced brake and/or electronic stability control malfunctions, this is more of a risk than anything else. Those whose safety features have failed are also very disillusioned.
2024 X7 Overview
The greatest volume of complaints to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) about the 2024 BMW X7 relate to the brakes (more than 66%) and the electronic stability control system (33%). This isn’t surprising, since BMW has acknowledged these systems have problems by recalling hundreds of thousands of vehicles. There are, though, many complaints on record stating that the parts required to fix the problem are not available.
There are also serious issues related to safety features, specifically backover prevention and forward collision avoidance. Several owners report crashing because of these systems failing. Other components and systems highlighted in complaints include the electrical system and seat belts. For example:
An owner in Texas states that the air conditioning system is inadequate, resulting in excessive heat instead of cooling.
An owner in New York states that the seat belts aren’t adjustable, making it very uncomfortable to drive.
There are two recalls implemented because of faulty airbags and two that are related to electronic stability control (ESC) and the brakes.
A total of 278,275 vehicles including the X7 are implicated by faulty ESC and service brakes. The issue is that the integrated brake (IB) system may malfunction and result in a loss of power brake assist. They might also cause the Antilock Brake (ABS) and Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) systems to not function properly. The recall warns that a loss of “power brake assist can extend the distance required to stop the vehicle. Additionally, malfunctioning ABS and/or DSC systems can cause a loss of vehicle control. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.”
A much smaller number (only 270) of vehicles are affected by the risk of incorrectly welded brake control modules failing. But the results are the same as those described above.
Both airbag recalls warn that airbags may not deploy as intended. The very real risk is that occupants may be injured if affected vehicles crash.
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Brake Malfunctions
Brake problems range from grinding noises to brake failure. There are also many complaints that the parts needed to fix the ESC brake recall were not available. This recall, NHTSA Campaign No. 24V104000, was lodged in February 2024. Complaints that the parts needed for the recall repair were not available were lodged with the NHTSA from April 2024.
Issues Related to the ESC Brake Recall
An owner from New Jersey states that it had been two months “with no update on safety recall remedy, and there is still no estimated time frame on when the remedy will be available. The vehicle is unsafe to use as (the) brakes are not performing properly, (and) there is (an) extended stopping distance.”
An owner from Pennsylvania discovered just how unsafe the BMW was in July 2024. After receiving the recall notification, he narrowly avoided crashing. While driving at about 60 mph, he tried to brake. “The pedal remained on the floorboard. However, the vehicle failed to slow down as intended.” The driver managed to downshift, veer to the side of the road, and stop. “The power train warning light illuminated and the message ‘Brake System and Chassis Stabilization – Avoid Braking Heavily as Much as Possible’ was displayed. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the Dynamic Stability Control unit needed to be replaced.” However, the BMW was not repaired, possibly because the parts were not available.
“This BMW X7 car has had a recall, with no resolution on it since Feb of 2024,” states an owner from Massachusetts. “I purchased my car in July 2024 and the dealer never once mentioned this to me. This is a serious issue and I do not think this was good business. It’s also terrifying to think the brakes on such a heavy and fast vehicle can lock up. This is unacceptable. The cars should be taken back by dealers immediately and owners offered new vehicles which are not part of the recall that are safe.”
Other Brake Malfunctions
A complaint from an owner from New Mexico lists several warning alerts. These were a brake malfunction, parking brake malfunction, chassis malfunction, reduced driver assistance warning, drive vehicle to nearest service center. When the vehicle started, the brake wouldn’t release. When it did, the vehicle rolled. The driver needed to press the brakes “to the floor to stop the vehicle.” Then there was a warning alert to secure the vehicle. “Overall a very unsafe experience, despite the initial warning alerts telling me that I could drive the vehicle to the nearest service center.” The vehicle had to be towed to the dealer!
An owner from Pennsylvania states that the brakes started making grinding noises and the brakes took longer to stop the BMW. “It felt like the car was not going to stop safely.” Fortunately, it did!
Safety Features Malfunctions
The complaints about safety component malfunctions refer specifically to backover prevention and forward collision avoidance. Both of these systems are designed to enhance driver awareness and prevent accidents, contributing to the overall safety of the vehicle. Backover prevention helps prevent accidents when reversing, while forward collision avoidance helps detect potential collisions and can apply the brakes or alert the driver to take action. Both are considered critical components of modern vehicle safety technology. When they malfunction, the results can be disastrous.
Two crashes described in complaints resulted in damage amounting to thousands of dollars. Luckily no-one was injured.
Forward Collision Avoidance Complaints
An owner from Pennsylvania crashed after the forward collision avoidance warning and automatic emergency brakes failed. “There were no system warnings or emergency braking applied although the car is equipped with those and many more safety features. During the accident, the airbags were not deployed. The impact was not severe but caused a combined $10,000 plus in cosmetic damage to both vehicles.”
Eight months later, this same owner issued a second complaint to the NHTSA. This was because of a warning message received on the center console. “The message stated that Driver Assistance (was) permanently restricted.” The message appeared several times but disappeared without providing a code or tripping a warning lamp.
A Florida owner reported “a serious flaw” that compromises convenience and creates a potential safety hazard. The problem relates to the Driving Assistant Professional Package, which “deviates from the somewhat industry standard practice of allowing the driver to select a mode where the vehicle reads speed signs and/or refers to a location speed limit map.”
The owner had test-driven a 2023 X7 and not a 2024 model, which he discovered after purchase, doesn’t follow the same driving assistant functionality. “I have contacted BMW several times and no explanations or the opportunity to discuss the concern has been allowed.”
Backover Prevention Complaints
An owner from California describes “a distressing incident involving my BMW X7’s parking assistance system” that caused a crash. While using this safety feature to exit her garage, the owner collided with another vehicle. There was no audible warning and the BMW “failed to stop automatically and appeared to accelerate, causing considerable damage to my BMW X7’s front bumper and the rear bumper of the other vehicle.” Her complaint highlights the automaker’s “extensive advertising that touts the safety and reliability of its parking assistance technology,” which can even be used when the driver is not in the car. The risk of collision can possibly lead to a hit into the driver or anyone pass-by,” she states. Neither the dealer nor the automaker would accept responsibility, and they refused to pay compensation of $2,500 for damages. Worse still, they claimed the system was working correctly.
A backover prevention complaint from another owner states that the main center screen and all the cameras and settings stopped working. Nevertheless, the “car would start and drive with just a black screen.”
Can Lemon Law Help You?
If you’re wondering whether lemon law might be the solution to your car problems, here are some key points to consider:
Pursue a lemon law claim if your vehicle has persistent issues that impact its safety, value, or functionality, even after multiple repair attempts.
Lemon laws typically apply when a vehicle has undergone several unsuccessful repairs within a set time frame or mileage.
If your vehicle has been out of service for an extended period due to recurring issues, it may qualify under lemon law.
Defects that significantly impair your car’s use and remain unresolved by the manufacturer or dealer could entitle you to a refund or replacement.
Check your state’s specific lemon law guidelines to confirm eligibility.
So… Are You Experiencing Recurring Problems?
If your 2024 BMW X7 is experiencing recurring problems, it’s essential to take action to protect your rights. Follow these steps:
Document each issue in detail, noting the dates, symptoms, and any warning lights or unusual noises.
Keep copies of all repair orders, invoices, and communications with the dealership or manufacturer.
Ensure that your service records clearly outline the nature of the repairs and how frequently the vehicle has been in the shop.
Even if your X7’s issues don’t exactly match what we’ve described, it could still qualify as a lemon.
If the problems persist, consult with a lemon law attorney who can evaluate your case and help you seek a refund or replacement.
Lemberg Law Has Your Back
If you are concerned that your 2024 X7 might be a lemon, Lemberg Law can help you. We’ll evaluate your case for free and help determine your next steps.
Lemberg Law has successfully negotiated settlements for many vehicle owners, and we may be able to do the same for you. You won’t have to worry about legal costs because the automaker is required by law to cover attorney fees in lemon law cases. Simply call our Helpline or fill out our contact form to get started.
About the Author:
Sergei Lemberg is an attorney focusing on consumer law, class actions related to automotive issues, and personal injury litigation. With nearly two decades of experience, his areas of practice include Lemon Law (vehicle defects), Debt Collection Harassment, TCPA (illegal robocalls and texts), Fair Credit Reporting Act, Overtime claims, Personal Injury cases, and Class Actions. He has consistently been recognized as the nation's "most active consumer attorney." In 2020, Mr. Lemberg represented Noah Duguid before the United States Supreme Court in the landmark case Duguid v. Facebook. He is also the author of "Defanging Debt Collectors," a guide that empowers consumers to fight back against debt collectors and prevail, as well as "Lemon Law 101: The Laws That Lemon Dealers Don't Want You to Know."
