What 43 owners told NHTSA about the 2019 BMW X7

The shark fin antenna seal on my BMW failed, allowing water to enter the Telematics Control Unit (TCU). This caused a complete failure of the vehicle’s Emergency SOS / BMW Assist crash notification system. The failure occurred without any warning messages or prior indications that the system was compromised. Because the TCU controls the vehicle’s automatic crash notification and emergency call functions, this failure disabled a critical safety system. This defect placed me and my family at risk, as the vehicle would not be able to automatically contact emergency services in the event of a collision or other serious incident. The failure first occurred in April 2026. I immediately contacted my BMW dealership’s service center, where the service advisor acknowledged that the shark fin seal had issues causing this to happen (water intrusion). However, instead of treating this as a safety defect, I was told to file an insurance claim. I also contacted BMW Customer Service, but both the dealership and BMW declined responsibility and refused to cover the repair. The shark fin antenna seal is a manufacturer‑installed, non‑serviceable component. Its failure directly disabled a federally regulated safety system without warning. BMW’s refusal to address this issue leaves the safety defect unresolved and exposes other owners to the same risk.

NHTSA ODI 11745382

The contact owns a 2019 BMW X7. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine overheated and the engine seized. The check engine warning light was illuminated. While attempting to restart the vehicle, the vehicle restarted with the power train warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed, and the failure reoccurred. The failure was a persistent failure. The contact stated that there was thick white smoke coming from the exhaust. The contact noticed a fuel odor on the interior and exterior of the vehicle. In addition, the RPM was elevated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The contact stated that the failure was a known failure with the vehicle. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact was informed that the repair was not covered under recall or warranty. The failure mileage was approximately 102,000.

NHTSA ODI 11733949

I am reporting a safety concern involving BMW vehicles equipped with the B58 Technical Update (B58TU) engine, commonly found in model years 2019–2021. These vehicles use a variable-displacement oil pump with an internal thermoplastic component that regulates oil pressure. This component is increasingly failing in the field, often fracturing and causing sudden loss or instability of oil pressure. Failures commonly occur during cold starts in low temperatures. When the component breaks, oil pressure may become erratic or drop entirely, often with little or no warning before engine damage or vehicle shutdown. Early warning signs can include inability to measure oil level, abnormal oil pressure behavior, or drivetrain malfunction alerts. In many cases, failures quickly lead to engine shutdown or severe damage due to oil starvation. This can leave vehicles suddenly disabled while driving or shortly after startup, creating a safety risk—especially in traffic or in cold weather, where occupants may be exposed to freezing conditions while waiting for assistance. Repair requires extensive disassembly, with oil pump replacement alone typically costing $6,000–$8,000, excluding additional engine damage. Owners also cannot reliably determine whether their vehicle has the original thermoplastic component or an updated metal version, as parts databases now default to the revised design regardless of what is actually installed. Failures have been reported across multiple model years, and the full scope of affected vehicles remains unclear. Because this issue can cause sudden vehicle disablement without adequate warning—particularly in cold conditions—it may represent a safety-related defect warranting investigation.

NHTSA ODI 11731339

BMW has a known issue that the fin antenna on the roof leaks and sets off a cascade of dangerous issues with the Emergency Call function and disabling the heads up dash so that you cannot see your navigation. On April 2, 2026 in Austin, TX it rained and our car started sending an Emergency Call request repeatedly to BMW. BMW operators called repeatedly even though they knew there was no emergency and that they were actively interrupting our driving. The heads up dash would not allow us to see our maps to navigate, but only displayed a notification that an Emergency Call had been initiated. BMW needs to address and recall this antenna seal so that owners can use their cars safely (with all functions) while not paying out of pocket for BMW's failure.

NHTSA ODI 11728783

Safety Defect Report — Engine Oil Pump Failure (BMW B58TU Engine) Component or System Involved The failure involves the variable-displacement engine oil pump installed in BMW vehicles equipped with the B58 Technical Update (B58TU) engine, commonly found in model years 2019–2021. The oil pump contains an internal thermoplastic adjusting component that regulates engine oil pressure. Field reports indicate this internal component can fracture, causing unstable or complete loss of engine oil pressure. The failed component may be available for inspection upon request if retained after repair. Description of Failure and Safety Risk When the internal thermoplastic adjusting component fails, engine oil pressure regulation becomes erratic or is lost entirely. This results in insufficient engine lubrication and may cause sudden engine shutdown or severe mechanical damage due to oil starvation. Loss of engine power or complete engine disablement can occur without adequate warning, creating a safety hazard if the vehicle becomes immobilized while driving or shortly after startup. This risk is heightened when the failure occurs in active traffic or in cold weather conditions, where occupants may be exposed to freezing temperatures while awaiting assistance. Operating Conditions and Failure Pattern The failure most frequently occurs during cold-start operation in low ambient temperatures. Failures appear to progress rapidly once symptoms begin. Warning Lamps, Messages, or Prior Symptoms Reported precursor symptoms may include: Inability to electronically measure engine oil level. Abnormal or unstable oil pressure behavior. Sudden drivetrain malfunction warnings. Minimal or no actionable warning prior to engine damage or shutdown. These symptoms may appear shortly before failure or may not provide sufficient time for corrective action. Inspection or Confirmation of the Problem Field failures have been reported across multiple vehicles and production years. In many cases

NHTSA ODI 11721017

Transfer case goes bad on all 2019 models. I'm in awe that there's not a recall on it. A replacement costs around $9k. Somebody should look into this. Thank you

NHTSA ODI 11707157

My car was not starting up, I sent to my mechanic and we got it fixed. But have to change my starter , I tried to buy the starter from bmw they told me I have a recall and I can’t purchase that part until I send the car to a dealership. The car is been shipped out of the country and it’s in Ghana now. Please I really need your help to make this purchase and clear the recall

NHTSA ODI 11705762

The contact owns a 2019 BMW X7. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle started to vibrate, and the vehicle lost motive power. The contact stated that the message "Timing Chain Failure - Contact Manufacturer" was displayed. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that there was no failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the loss of motive power and vibration was a recurring failure and occurred at 40 MPH or faster. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and was advised that there was no recall related to the failure, and referred the contact to the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.

NHTSA ODI 11705867

My 2019 BMW X7 is under Safety Recall 25V-644 for an overheating/fire-risk defect, but the recall remedy is unavailable. The vehicle has now experienced multiple safety-related failures that appear to be progressing. BMW diagnosed the following failures: • Emergency Call System Malfunction • GPS and maps not working • Failure of the TCB telematics module • Failure of the antenna and TCB battery due to fluid ingress • Battery voltage in the red zone • All four tire pressure sensors beginning to fail • Collapsed engine mounts attributed to heat • $11,296 in repair estimates related to electrical and heat damage Immediately after picking up the vehicle from BMW service, a new battery/charging system warning light appeared that was NOT present before the visit. This suggests further deterioration of the electrical system. The combination of: • an open fire-risk recall with no fix available, • fluid ingress damaging telematics components, • multiple electrical and safety-system failures, and • new warning lights appearing after service makes this vehicle unsafe to operate, especially for long-distance highway travel. I am requesting that NHTSA document this as a safety-defect case and assist in ensuring BMW provides a safe resolution.

NHTSA ODI 11702931

the transfer case for this 2019 is failing, and cannot be repaired without changing the entire case according to the mechanic notes. there is a significant grinding when turning at slow speeds and a locking-up feeling to the steering. dealer will not admit to any issues. car was inspected by an independent certified BMW mechanic no warning or indication given other than the impaired handling of the vehicle.

NHTSA ODI 11701579

My 2019 BMW X7 has developed a recurring headrest defect with the 3rd row passenger side seat that has proven impossible for your authorized dealership to repair. This defect substantially impacts the vehicle's use, safety, and value. Despite multiple repair attempts and at least spanning 5-6 months now in the last year, the issue remains completely unresolved.

NHTSA ODI 11697789

Explosion when turning on my car.

NHTSA ODI 11691965

The contact owns a 2019 BMW X7. The contact stated that after depressing the Push-To-Start button, the vehicle hesitated to start. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a local independent mechanic who related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V576000 (Electrical System, Engine and Engine Cooling). The vehicle was towed to a local dealer where it repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V576000 (Electrical System, Engine and Engine Cooling). In addition, the contact was advised that the starter needed to be replaced; however, the vehicle was not repaired due to the cost not covered under the warranty. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 20,000. The VIN was not available.

NHTSA ODI 11669190

My vehicle just stopped, in the middle of a busy 95 South Cross Bronx Expressway.

NHTSA ODI 11666662

Hello, This USV problem with starter and my vehicle have been replace 3 times for starter, I received letter from BMW for recall starter and update firmware and brought to Sterling BMW in Newport Beach California and dealer only update firmware also denied to replace the starter, I told them this starter issue for many time during the factory warranty and each starter last only 16 months after replacement Now they want to charge $1500 for replace starter again

NHTSA ODI 11666134

The contact owns a 2019 BMW X7. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the message that the starter motor was overheating was displayed and the vehicle failed to start. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the starter motor. The vehicle was repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V576000 (Electrical System, Engine and Engine Cooling), but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 54,000.

NHTSA ODI 11660474

The contact owned a 2019 BMW X7. The contact stated while the vehicle was occupied and parked in the garage at the residence, the contact’s husband attempted several times to start the vehicle, and the vehicle failed to respond as needed. The contact stated that the failure had occurred on several occasions. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the starter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to the NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V576000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and escalated the issue to the claims department. The failure mileage was 49,447.

NHTSA ODI 11652377

Our car stopped at light and then wouldn’t start back up. Had roadside assistance come and battery is normal. I’m stranded at the moment blocking a lane and it seems to be the starter. There is a recall on starters from 2019-2020 on X7. My VIN is not included so the recall should be expanded.

NHTSA ODI 11649965

The contact owns a 2019 BMW X7. The contact stated that upon a warm start of the engine, a "System Overheating re-starting engine possible after cooling" message intermittently appeared on the instrument panel. The contact would be forced to open the hood to allow the engine to cool for several minutes before the vehicle would start up and resume normal operation. The dealer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V576000 (Electrical System, Engine and Engine Cooling). The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 58,000.

NHTSA ODI 11647722

When trying to start the vehicle it will say that the starter has overheated and to try restarting again in xx seconds. This occurs randomly and the car does not indicate that the engine is over heating, just the starter. When looking online it appears there is an active recall for this very issue but my VIN is not registered with the recall. BMW believes that my car should be covered under this warranty and advised filing a report with the NHTSA to have it extended to my car. The vehicle is a 2019 and was produced in March of 2019.

NHTSA ODI 11641212

I was driving on a 3 lane road during the day with no cars near me with my hands on the steering wheel and eyes on the road when the car applied the emergency braking and came to a complete stop. Thankfully no one was behind me. This was the second time it happened in a two week span.

NHTSA ODI 11638944

Remote software update for driver assist, lane departure and other safety updates will not install on the vehicle.

NHTSA ODI 11638184

Engine starter of my BMW X7 failed and required replacement. BMW has issued a safety recall "campaign number 24V-576: Engine Starter" related to this issue. Engine starter on my vehicle failed before I had a chance to get software upgrade as suggested by BMW.

NHTSA ODI 11634245

The started dies on my car. BMW issued a notification stating that there was a defect with the starter and a software patch had to be installed by the dealer. Without the patch, the notice indicated that the starter could overlap and die - which is what happened to my car. I had to have it towed - it died in the middle of a busy intersection. The notice indicted that drivers would be reimbursed for repairs that had to be made due to the issue. I had to have my starter replaced. I have requested assistance from the dealer and from BMW directly for months and nothing has happened. The repaid cost me over $1500. I would like to be reimbursed. The vehicle has approximately 65,000 miles.

NHTSA ODI 11633688

While stopped in my vehicle waiting for another car to leave a parking space, my car shifted into neutral and then park on its own. I was able to get it started after a few tries. Then, two hours later, I was waiting at a traffic light and the car, again, shifted itself into neutral, then park, and then turned itself off. Both times, I was blocking traffic and unable to move, which could've caused a collision. Several minutes later, I was able to get it started again, but this same issue proceeded to happen two more times, both while driving slowly/stopped at traffic lights. Again, I was blocking traffic, unable to move and the car took up to 10 minutes to re-start. Thankfully, in both instances, I was slow/stopped, but given that the car shifts itself into neutral, this clearly poses a safety risk if it were to happen at even moderate speeds and would likely cause injury to myself or others. Please note a similar issue happened a year ago (where the car would shift into neutral on its own) and I took it to the dealership for inspection. They were unable to find any issues and sent me home. Now, a year later, it is happening again, and the dealership has investigated it and is claiming it is a starter issue. When checked a year ago, the dealership never mentioned any concerns with the starter. Notably, the dealership checked the starter 4 weeks ago and it was fine. I did not receive any warning lamp, message, etc. until the car shifted to neutral/turned off. At that point, I received an "engine cannot be started" error. (This vehicle was part of a safety recall relating to the starter. I received notice in September and immediately had it repaired at the dealership.)

NHTSA ODI 11630112