Recall 21V156 affects 258 2021 BMW X5, X5 Hybrid, X7, and XB7 SUVs for incorrect head restraints. Repair is free at any franchised BMW dealer.
BMW is recalling 258 2021 X7, XB7, X5, and X5 Hybrid vehicles because the second-row outer-seat head restraints are the wrong type for the vehicle. In a crash, those head restraints can detach and increase the risk of injury; BMW dealers will replace them free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The second-row outer head restraints in the 2021 BMW X7, XB7, X5, and X5 Hybrid are the padded supports behind the passenger's head on the left and right rear seats. They are part of the seat assembly, and their job is to stay locked into the seatback so they can help support the head and neck during a crash.
On affected vehicles, the head restraints installed in those outer rear seats are the wrong design for the seating configuration. The attachment rods that slide into the seatback do not have the required notch pattern for this application. In severe frontal collisions beyond the federal test requirement, that mismatch lets the restraint detach from the seat instead of staying locked in place.
There is no warning sign before failure. The head restraint can look normal and feel secure during everyday use, so the VIN decides whether the vehicle is included.
Who's affected?
Covers the X7, XB7, X5, and X5 Hybrid, all with the same second-row outboard head restraint issue.
| 2021 BMW X7 | seat assembly |
|---|---|
| 2021 BMW XB7 | seat assembly |
| 2021 BMW X5 | seat assembly |
| 2021 BMW X5 Hybrid | seat assembly |
| Units affected | 258 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
A matching year and model does not confirm inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific SUV is included.
What's the safety risk?
In a crash, the head restraints can detach and increase the risk of injury. There is no listed warning sign before a restraint problem, so use the VIN result to confirm whether your vehicle is included and schedule the inspection soon. Repair is free at any franchised BMW dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2021 BMW X7, XB7, X5, or X5 Hybrid is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised BMW dealer to schedule the free second-row outer-seat head-restraint inspection.
- Ask the dealer to replace any incorrect head restraints, the repair that keeps the wrong restraints from detaching in a crash.
- Bring the recall notice if BMW mailed one. If not, reference recall number 21V156 when you call.
- Call BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 with questions before your appointment.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a BMW technician inspects the head restraints on the second-row outer seats and replaces any incorrect head restraints with the correct parts for the vehicle. The recall repair is free, with parts and labor covered by BMW. BMW used its general reimbursement plan for this campaign, so documented out-of-pocket repairs tied to the head restraint issue can be submitted for review. Bring repair invoices and payment records to the service desk or contact BMW customer service.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| March 10, 2021 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| March 10, 2021 | Dealer notification began |
| March 10, 2021 | Dealer notification ended |
| May 3, 2021 | Owner notification mailed |
| May 3, 2021 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| May 3, 2021 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 21V156?
Recall 21V156 covers 258 2021 BMW X7, XB7, X5, and X5 Hybrid vehicles with second-row outer head restraints that require inspection for the correct type. In a crash, affected head restraints can detach and increase injury risk. BMW dealers inspect the restraints and replace them as needed for free.
What should I do if my 2021 BMW X7, XB7, X5, or X5 Hybrid is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 21V156. If it is, contact a franchised BMW dealer to schedule the head-restraint inspection. Reference recall number 21V156 when you call. BMW customer service is available at 1-800-525-7417.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and BMW dealers will inspect the second-row outer head restraints and replace them as necessary free of charge.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is injury protection in a crash. If the incorrect second-row outer head restraint is installed, it can detach during a crash and increase the risk of injury. The dealer repair path is inspection first, then replacement if the vehicle has the wrong restraint.
What if I bought my BMW X5, X7, or XB7 used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific 2021 BMW is included, then call a franchised BMW dealer with recall number 21V156.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/21V156000 |
|---|---|
| BMW customer service | 1-800-525-7417 |
| NHTSA recall # | 21V156 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 21V156000 |
Source documents
-
Download Quarterly Report (PDF) - Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 23, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →