2021 BMW X5 Head Restraint Recall (21V156)

Recall 21V156 at a glance

What is wrong with the 2021 BMW X5 in recall 21V156?

The head restraints on the second-row outer seats may be the incorrect type for the vehicle.

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2021 X5 sDrive40i, X5 xDrive50i, X5 M50i, X5 xDrive45e, 2021 X7 xDrive40i, X7 M50i, and XB7 vehicles. The head restraints on the second-row outer seats may be the incorrect type for the vehicle.

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Is it safe to drive a 2021 X5 with recall 21V156?

NHTSA has not told owners to stop driving, but the risk is real: In the event of a crash, the head restraints could detach, and increase the risk of injury.

NHTSA describes the risk this way: In the event of a crash, the head restraints could detach, and increase the risk of injury.

NHTSA has not issued a do-not-drive or park-outside warning for this recall. Still, get the repair done as soon as it is available, and stop driving if you notice symptoms related to the head restraint.

Which vehicles are included in recall 21V156?

Recall 21V156 covers 258 vehicles: 2021 BMW X5; 2021 BMW X5 Hybrid; 2021 BMW X7; 2021 BMW XB7.

NHTSA lists 258 vehicles in this campaign. Not every vehicle of these models and years is included, so check your VIN.

What is the fix for the X5 head restraint recall?

Yes. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the head restraints, and replace them as necessary, free of charge.

BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the head restraints, and replace them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began May 3, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

When was recall 21V156 announced?

BMW of North America, LLC reported recall 21V156 to NHTSA on March 10, 2021.

This recall was filed 67 months ago. If your X5 was built in that window, the VIN check below is the way to confirm it is included.

How do I check if my X5 is part of recall 21V156?

Enter your 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. If recall 21V156 is open on your X5, it will be listed there.

Look up your VIN on nhtsa.gov/recalls. If 21V156000 is open on your X5, it will be listed there. You can also ask any BMW dealer to run the VIN. The VIN is printed on your registration and visible through the lower driver-side windshield.

What should X5 owners do about recall 21V156?

Check your VIN, schedule the free recall repair, and keep a repair order for every dealer visit.

1. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm recall 21V156000 applies to your X5.
2. Book the recall appointment with any authorized BMW dealer. Ask up front whether parts are available and how long the vehicle will be there.
3. Get a repair order for every visit, even if the dealer only inspects the vehicle. Read it before you leave and make sure your complaint is written the way you described it.
4. Keep a simple log of any head restraint symptoms with dates and mileage. Video of a warning light or the problem happening is strong evidence.
5. Count the days the vehicle is at the dealer. Days out of service add up toward California's 30-day presumption.
6. If the problem comes back after the repair, return to the dealer and contact a lemon law attorney.

What are X5 owners reporting to NHTSA?

Owners have filed 155 complaints with NHTSA about these vehicles since 2020, 6 of them about the body, doors and seats.

NHTSA’s public complaint database lists 155 owner complaints filed since 2020 for the vehicles in this recall, and 6 of them involve the body, doors and seats. Complaints are reports from owners and have not been verified by NHTSA, but a high count for the same component is a sign the problem is widespread.

• 2021 BMW X5: 108 complaints in total, 1 about the body, doors and seats
• 2021 BMW X7: 46 complaints in total, 5 about the body, doors and seats
• 2021 BMW X5 Hybrid: 1 complaints in total, 0 about the body, doors and seats
• 2021 BMW XB7: 0 complaints in total, 0 about the body, doors and seats

Here is what some owners told NHTSA, in their own words (excerpts, unverified):

The left-side 3rd-row seat on my 2021 BMW X7 is stuck upright and won't fold down to open up cargo space. You can hear the motor trying to work, but the physical latch inside the seat gets completely stuck and won't release. The seat mechanism is available for inspection.

2021 BMW X7 owner, NJ, NHTSA complaint 11740014, filed May 26, 2026

Error message on screen stating right 3rd row seat not latched. The seat works properly but it pops up every time you start the car. The dealer said this is not covered under the apparent recall for other like vehicles. See (nhtsa recall 22v670000) for 2019–2022 models). This is really sad.

2021 BMW X7 owner, TX, NHTSA complaint 11756182, filed August 11, 2026

Sunroof exploded, just driving down the road, and BOOM! Most of the glass exploded outward, but it was definitely a hazard. The sunroof cover was open about 8-10 inches to let light in, but the glass sunroof was closed.

2021 BMW X7 owner, TX, NHTSA complaint 11494188, filed November 18, 2022

Can recall 21V156 make my X5 a lemon in California?

Not by itself. A recall repair that fails, or repeat dealer visits for the same defect, can support a California lemon law claim.

A recall by itself does not make a car a lemon. Under California's Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act, what matters is whether a defect covered by the warranty substantially impairs the vehicle's use, value or safety, and whether the manufacturer or its dealers fixed it within a reasonable number of attempts (Civ. Code 1793.2(d)).

Body and latch defects on the 2021 BMW X5 may seem minor until a door opens while driving or a seat will not lock. Problems that return after repair belong in your records.

The recall repair is available at dealers. If it works, great. If the same symptom comes back, the recall visit is one repair attempt and the next visit is another.

Civil Code 1793.22(b) sets out a presumption that applies in the first 18 months or 18,000 miles: two or more repair attempts for a defect likely to cause death or serious bodily injury, four or more attempts for the same defect, or more than 30 total days out of service for repairs. Written notice to the manufacturer is required in some cases. Owners outside that window can still have a claim.

An owner who prevails in a lemon law case can recover reasonable attorney fees and costs from the manufacturer (Civ. Code 1794(d)). You pay nothing, win or lose. We are paid only if you win, and the manufacturer pays our fees, including in settlements. If a case is lost, our firm covers the costs.

Frequently asked questions about recall 21V156