Used BMW iX 2021-present reliability
Category: Electric SUV
A powerhouse of luxury, the BMW iX is great to ride in and good value used. Reliability is poor, however.
What should I look for in a used BMW iX 4x4?
When viewing a used car, always follow our used car buying checklist.
Nothing out of the ordinary just yet – do the usual visual checks of things like the wheels and tyres, as well as take it for a test drive if you can.
Independent testing by Euro NCAP revealed the iX to be one of the safest premium electric cars and it scored the full five-star rating. It beat the I-Pace for child occupant protection.
What are the most common problems with a used BMW iX 4x4?
The iX has a few recalls to its name – five, as of writing – with two exceeding a thousand cars involved. Both relate to the airbag warning light, stating it may not illuminate when there's an issue. Reprogramming the control unit should fix the issue. Contact your local BMW dealer to have the work carried out.
Click here for more information. Contact your local BMW dealer if you believe your vehicle is involved in a recall.
Is a used BMW iX 4x4 reliable?
The iX came in 25th out of 27 cars in the electric SUV class in our most recent 2025 What Car? Reliability Survey. It scored a disappointing 81%.
Reliability rating 81.0%
Most common faults: battery pack 10%, electric motor 10%, sat-nav/infotainment system 10%, steering 10%, interior trim 7%, bodywork 3%, brakes 3%, motor electrics 3%, charging system 3%, non-motor electrics 3%, suspension 3%
Average repair cost: 100% £0
Typical time off road: 43% more than a week, 38% one day to a week
The high-tech iX differs from some of BMW’s smaller electric models in that it was designed from the ground up as a dedicated electric vehicle. It's a big, luxurious electric SUV that’s very quick and whisper quiet. The most recent versions of the entry-level xDrive45 have a 94.8kWh (usable capacity) battery, providing an official range of up to 374 miles, which is only a few miles less than the Mercedes EQE SUV 350+.
The iX doesn't top the charts when it comes to reliability, though. Faults made 62% of the examples we were told about undriveable, and some owners report that BMW’s dealers have been slow to address problems. Among owners of faulty iXs, 43% told us that their cars were out of action for more than a week, whereas only 19% said that the faults were put right in a day or less.
BMW iX review
However, BMW, as a car brand, ranked sixth out of 30 manufacturers featured with a score of 94.6%. It proved more reliable than Audi and Mercedes but less reliable than Kia and Lexus.
Used BMW iX: owners' reliability data
The overall sentiment regarding BMW iX reliability is quite positive, with few reported issues, particularly in regards to the electric battery and motors.
In terms of dealer service, the feedback is overwhelmingly positive. Owners appreciate the professionalism and knowledge of the dealerships, with special mentions of the efficient handling of service appointments and the transparency regarding maintenance needs and costs. The proactive communication by service staff and the ease of booking service appointments have contributed to a satisfactory ownership experience.
In conclusion, the iX has demonstrated strong reliability and commendable dealer service, reflecting well on the brand's commitment to quality and customer satisfaction in the electric vehicle segment.
