2020 BMW X7 Reliability Report

Starter failures make up most of these reports. The car stops in the middle of the road and will not restart, and in one case the starter failed again after a recall visit. Owners in this group mostly describe recall paperwork and disputes over who pays for the repair. One report describes a fire while driving on the highway. Another describes the moonroof sunshade opening by itself repeatedly while driving. An early report says the car was towed in for about a month for an unexplained safety recall.

Sudden heavy or locked steering is the most serious pattern. Reports describe an "Increased Steering efforts" message followed by a wheel that feels locked, and a highway episode where steering and braking both became less responsive while several chassis and restraint warnings appeared. Another problem starts as a squeak from the steering column when turning and worsens until the car feels unstable at highway speed. Dealers diagnose a faulty steering rack. One report filed here actually describes a front differential failure at 69k miles.

The front control arms and thrust arm bushings wear out early. Owners hear abnormal noise from the front wheels when turning left or right. Dealers recommend replacing both front control arms or both thrust arm bushings, and one replacement bushing failed again after about 22,500 miles. Another report describes a shudder and slipping feel when turning at low speed, which matches the drivetrain complaints filed under power train.

The powered third-row seats can move unexpectedly or lock up and trap a passenger. Children's legs are caught between the seatbacks, and these reports count 3 injuries. Owners describe no working electronic or manual release. Warnings such as "Third row seat risk of injury" and "rear seat back unlocked" appear before or alongside the failure. Inspections find a broken seat motor housing or a faulty seat switch. One dealer could not fix the problem after more than six weeks.

Starter overheating is the main pattern. The engine will not turn over, and messages such as "Starter Motor Overheating" or "Starting Engine Possible After Engine Overheat" appear, sometimes with no warning light. Some owners wait hours before the car will restart. Dealers replace the starter or starter module, sometimes along with the battery and a coolant drain and refill. Owners cite a recall campaign as a possible cause. A separate report describes oil pump failure at 60,000 miles, with a dash message telling the driver to have the car towed.

The panoramic sunroof can crack on its own. In one report it shattered at interstate speed with under 1000 miles on the car, and pieces fell into the cabin. Other reports describe a whistling noise in a nearly new car that dealers attribute to the vehicle's design, along with repeat service visits. A check engine light that comes on after long drives and then clears is traced to the active grille shutter at the front of the body.