BMW of North America has identified a defect that affects certain model years X5 and X7 vehicles 2026 between August 5 and August 2025. According to documents submitted to the US regulatory authorities, 1,406 vehicles may be affected. The problem is about a windshield that may not have been properly sealed. If water penetrates through the right A-pillar, it can drive down into the cabin and come into contact with sensitive electrical components.
While initial symptoms may only contain malfunctions of doors or headlights, the greater concern is that a longer exposure to moisture can lead to a short circuit. In rare cases, BMW warns, this can trigger a thermal event, even if the ignition is eliminated.
Which models are affected?
Of the 1,406 identified vehicles:
- 1.073 are X5 models (both internal combustion and plug-in hybrid variants)
- 333 are X7 models that are offered exclusively with mild hybrid petrol engines.
The plug-in hybrid option is only available on the X5, but BMW emphasizes that the standard six-cylinder and V8 versions of both SUVs could be affected.
BMW’s answer and fix
BMW has instructed US dealers to inspect the wind protection disc seals of affected vehicles and, if necessary, revise. If electrical components have signs of water damage, they are replaced free of charge. Owners and tenants are expected to be notified by post from October 17, 2025. In the meantime, customers can use their 17-character VIN on the BMW consumer website to check whether their vehicle is included. Since both the X5 and the X7 are built in Spartanburg, South Carolina, their vins start with the number “5”.
What the owners should do
Until official notifications are sent, those affected X5 and X7 owners can run a VIN check online to confirm whether their vehicle is affected. As soon as the dealers are finished, the inspection and all necessary repairs are carried out free of charge. BMW has not reported any accidents or injuries in connection with the defect, but the car manufacturer takes the problem seriously due to the potential fire risk.
