Home · 2020 BMW X6 · Complaints

What 9 owners told NHTSA about the 2020 BMW X6

These are the actual owner complaints behind this car’s reliability verdict, filed with the federal government, unedited. They’re unverified reports, not confirmed defects: read them as leads for your pre-purchase inspection, not a diagnosis.

All (9)Electrical system (5)Brakes (2)Engine & cooling (1)Seat belts (1)Transmission & drivetrain (1)

Newest first · 9 complaints

Jan 22, 2026Electrical 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 ODI 11712719

Jan 2, 2026Electrical system

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 interstate. The contact stated that the failure could have caused a crash. In addition, the contact stated that the situation was very dangerous and scary. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, and the contact was informed that the failure was the result of over attempting to start the vehicle, which might have damaged the battery. In addition, the contact was informed that the battery might need to be replaced. The contact stated that neither the dealer nor the independent mechanic had mentioned the unrepaired recall. The contact later received a recall notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V644000 (Electrical System); however, parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 67,786.

NHTSA ODI 11708411

Dec 17, 2025

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 an accident. Repair costs are estimated at approximately $4,000 due to full dashboard replacement. BMW has declined assistance, citing warranty expiration, despite the nature of the defect indicating a manufacturing or materials failure rather than normal wear and tear.

NHTSA ODI 11705538

Oct 10, 2025Electrical 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 ODI 11692474

Jun 23, 2025Engine & coolingElectrical system

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 ODI 11668539

Dec 13, 2024Transmission & drivetrainElectrical systemBrakes

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 ODI 11630662

Oct 5, 2024

Duluth BMW Dealership service department repaired a recall thats directly related to an issue due to a water pump leak. My X6 currently has a water pump leak for which they are charging me $1600.00 to repair. However, it is the water pump leak is what causes the potential for the engine to overheat and start the vehicle to catch fire. I purchased my 2020 in 2019 which was the first batch to be made by BMW. Apparently they're stating the X3, X4 and X5. My X6 have this very same issue and BMW have the responsibility to fix this water pump issue. It's not only the X3,4 and 5. Please help me. It's unfair that BMW pass their known problems on to the consumers who already pay an outstanding large amounts of monies for their vehicles. I kept up with my maintenance service ad scheduled and I am perplexed that they did not see that issue when I brought it in in March 2024. It is now October 2024. PLEASE HELP!

NHTSA ODI 11618276

Aug 2, 2024Brakes

On July 27, 2024, the parking brake on this car would not disengage, thus, I was unable to drive my car. We had to turn off the car for 15 minutes and then step on the gas and brake at the same time at which point the park brake "disengaged." I believe this is a safety/manufacturer issue that needs to be addressed and should be under a broader warranty protection (like 100,000 miles or more).

NHTSA ODI 11606171

Jan 9, 2024Seat belts

On December 28, 2023, the "Fasten Seat Belt" sign (rear passenger side seat) and sensor in my BMW x6 starting buzzing even though no one is seating on that seat. I subsequently brought my car to the dealership and the service consultant did an ocular inspection of my seat belt and looked inside the buckle with a flashlight because the seat belt will not lock in place. I was subsequently told that the metal that is supposed to hold the seat belt in the buckle is missing or stuck. Because at that time my car has 59,000 miles, I was told that the warranty has now expired (50,000) and that I have to pay for the diagnoses and fixing of the car seat. Now, the "Fasten Seat belt: sensor for the rear middle seat is also lighted and making the "buzzing sound" even though no one is seating in the middle seat. I believe that my seat belts have become defective and given that I purchased my car around May 10, 2020 - I should not have to pay for fixing seat belt problems for a new car given the safety need for these belts. I would like NTSB to compel BMW to fix my seatbelts.

NHTSA ODI 11564425

Working with the data? Download all 9 complaints as CSV · fetched from NHTSA July 10, 2026

How to use these: a complaint is one owner’s report, filed voluntarily and published unverified. Patterns matter more than any single story. If several owners describe the same failure at similar mileage, put that system at the top of your pre-purchase inspection list. Back to the full 2020 BMW X6 verdict →