BMW is recalling 83 2020-2021 X5, X6, X6 M, and X7 vehicles for a front axle weld defect. Free repair at franchised BMW dealers.
BMW is recalling 83 2020-2021 X5, X6, X6 M, and X7 vehicles because a weld between the front axle support and the right front control arm bearing bracket can separate. If that weld separates, vehicle handling and control are at risk, increasing crash risk, and BMW dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The front axle support on 2020-2021 BMW X5, X6, X6 M, and X7 vehicles is a structural suspension part at the front of the vehicle. It helps hold the front suspension in position, including the right front control arm bearing bracket. That bracket helps locate the control arm, which guides wheel movement as the suspension travels.
On affected vehicles, the weld between the front axle support and the right front control arm bearing bracket was not made to specification. BMW traced the problem to a welding process deviation after tool maintenance, when the tool recheck was not performed properly. If the weld separates, the bracket is no longer held as designed, and the front suspension geometry is no longer controlled the way BMW intended.
There is no warning sign before failure. An owner should not expect a dashboard message, sound, or visible symptom before the weld separates.
Who's affected?
Covers X5, X6, X6 M, and X7 SUVs from the 2020 and 2021 model years, all tied to the same control arm component.
| 2020 BMW X6 M | control arm |
|---|---|
| 2021 BMW X5 | control arm |
| 2020 BMW X6 | control arm |
| 2020 BMW X7 | control arm |
| 2020 BMW X5 | control arm |
| Units affected | 83 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific SUV is included in this recall.
What's the safety risk?
If the weld between the front axle support and right front control arm bearing bracket separates, BMW handling and control can be affected, increasing crash risk. Schedule the repair soon, and stop driving if the vehicle pulls, feels unstable, or becomes hard to control. Repair is free at any franchised BMW dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2020-2021 BMW X6 M, X5, X6, or X7 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised BMW dealer to schedule the free front axle support replacement that addresses the weld separation at the right front control arm bearing bracket.
- Bring the recall notice if BMW mailed one. If not, reference recall number 20V678 when you call.
- Drive cautiously until the repair is complete, and avoid abrupt steering or hard cornering.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a BMW technician replaces the front axle support covered by recall 20V678. The repair addresses the weld area between the front axle support and the right front control arm bearing bracket. Parts and labor are free under the recall. BMW's standard reimbursement plan covers documented out-of-pocket repairs tied to this defect. Bring repair paperwork to the service desk or contact BMW customer service before your appointment.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| November 4, 2020 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| November 4, 2020 | Dealer notification began |
| November 4, 2020 | Dealer notification ended |
| December 18, 2020 | Owner notification mailed |
| December 28, 2020 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 20V678?
Recall 20V678 covers 83 2020-2021 BMW X6 M, X5, X6, and X7 vehicles with a front axle support weld that can separate from the right front control arm bearing bracket. BMW dealers will replace the front axle support for free.
What should I do if my 2020-2021 BMW X6 M, X5, X6, or X7 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 20V678. If it is, contact a franchised BMW dealer to schedule the front axle support replacement. Reference recall number 20V678 when you call. The dealer repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and BMW's remedy says dealers will replace the front axle support free of charge at any franchised BMW dealer.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is reduced vehicle handling and control. If the weld between the front axle support and the right front control arm bearing bracket separates, the vehicle can become harder to control, increasing crash risk. The fix is a free front axle support replacement.
When did BMW begin this recall repair?
BMW began the recall repair on December 18, 2020. If your VIN is included and the repair has not been completed, call a franchised BMW dealer with recall number 20V678 and ask to schedule the free front axle support replacement.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/20V678000 |
|---|---|
| BMW customer service | 1-800-525-7417 |
| NHTSA recall # | 20V678 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 20V678000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 24, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →