BMW X5 reliability and problems by year
Owners have filed 2,156 complaints about the BMW X5 with NHTSA since 2010, most often about engine and electrical system. BMW has filed 46 warranty extensions and 64 service campaigns for it, and there are 82 safety recalls on file.
From NHTSA's public data files, downloaded 2026-10-10.
How reliable is the BMW X5? What NHTSA's records show
We don't give the X5 a reliability score. NHTSA publishes complaint counts but no sales figures, so complaints can't be turned into a rate or compared between models. Here is what's on file for model years 2010 on.
- Owner complaints
- 2,156
- Filed with NHTSA, all model years
- Warranty extensions
- 46
- Filed by BMW
- Service campaigns
- 64
- Filed by BMW
- Safety recalls
- 82
- Each covers part of the model
Every model year compared
Complaints rise with how many were sold and how long they've been on the road, so a newer or rarer year will show fewer. Compare years of the X5 with each other.
| Year | Complaints | Most named | Recalls | Warranty / campaigns |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 26 | Electrical system (38%) | 2 | 9 |
| 2025 | 62 | Stability control (29%) | 5 | 21 |
| 2024 | 145 | Stability control (39%) | 8 | 38 |
| 2023 | 33 | Transmission and drivetrain (24%) | 4 | 16 |
| 2022 | 73 | Transmission and drivetrain (36%) | 1 | 9 |
| 2021 | 110 | Electrical system (35%) | 12 | 5 |
| 2020 | 113 | Electrical system (35%) | 11 | 10 |
| 2019 | 191 | Electrical system (37%) | 13 | 9 |
| 2018 | 72 | Electrical system (21%) | 5 | 11 |
| 2017 | 75 | Electrical system (23%) | 6 | 13 |
| 2016 | 74 | Electrical system (31%) | 5 | 14 |
| 2015 | 152 | Engine (28%) | 6 | 12 |
| 2014 | 99 | Fuel and propulsion (21%) | 8 | 12 |
| 2013 | 162 | Airbags (32%) | 7 | 10 |
| 2012 | 295 | Engine (34%) | 14 | 11 |
| 2011 | 331 | Engine (42%) | 18 | 16 |
| 2010 | 143 | Engine (34%) | 19 | 12 |
Look up one model year, or a VIN
See the complaints, recalls and warranty extensions for a single X5 model year, with the typical mileage when owners reported each problem.
Acknowledged by BMW
Warranty extensions and service campaigns BMW filed with NHTSA for the X5, in its own words. A warranty extension means BMW pays for the repair beyond the normal warranty.
- Warranty extensionJun 2026· Electrical system· model years 2025
Due to an implementation error in various OBD diagnostics in the vehicle's control units, in very rare cases itmay happen that stored fault memory codes (DTCs) and the MIL (warning light) are not automaticallydeleted even though the underlying malfunction has already been…
- Warranty extensionMay 2026· Body and structure· model years 2019–2020
SHARK FIN ROOF ANTENNA SEALING SETTLEMENT Extended Warranty
- Warranty extensionSep 2025· Engine· model years 2014
The N57T diesel engine’s Auxiliary Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) Cooler’s component-specific extended limited warranty (ELW) now includes more Model vehicles.
- Warranty extensionAug 2025· Engine· model years 2014–2018
The Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) Cooler (with EGR Valve) and the Auxiliary Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) Cooler limited warranty for defects in materials and / or workmanship has been extended to 25 years without mileage limit as determined from the original first…
- Warranty extensionAug 2025· Engine· model years 2016–2018
The electric auxiliary heater assembly limited warranty for defects in materials and / or workmanship has been extended to 10 years / 120,000 miles as determined from the original first in-service / delivery date
- Warranty extensionJul 2025· Body and structure· model years 2020
After carrying out the vehicle test, one or more of the stored faults indicate that the operation of the front bottom active air flap is obstructed or blocked.
- Warranty extensionMay 2025· Engine· model years 2022
The high-voltage battery assemblys refrigerant circuit expansion valves limited warranty for defects in materials and/ or workmanship has been extended to 15 years / 150,000 miles as determined from theoriginal first in-service / delivery date.
- Warranty extensionMay 2025· Body and structure· model years 2020–2022
A vehicle listed above may arrive with a Check Control Message (CCM), and/or malfunction indicator lamp(MIL) illuminated.
- Warranty extensionApr 2025· Body and structure· model years 2019–2022
The Radiator Grilles Lower Active Air Flap Assembly limited warranty for defects in materials and/or workmanship has been extended to 15 years / 150,000 miles as determined from the original first in-service / delivery date.
- Warranty extensionFeb 2025· Electrical system· model years 2010–2013
The Footwell Module (FRM) limited warranty for defects in materials and / or workmanship has been supplementarily increased to 15 years / 240,000 miles as determined from the original first in-service / delivery date.
- Warranty extensionJan 2025· Airbags· model years 2019–2020
The limited warranty for the Knee Air Bag wire harness repair cable procedure for defects in materials and / or workmanship has been extended to 10 years / 120,000 miles as determined from the original first in-service / delivery date.
- Warranty extensionDec 2024· Engine· model years 2019–2020
The NVLD modules limited warranty for defects in materials and/or workmanship has been extended to 15 years / 150,000 miles as determined from the vehicles original in-service / first delivery date.
- Warranty extensionDec 2024· Electrical system· model years 2016–2018
The High-Voltage (HV) Battery Assembly Cell Modules Temperature Sensors (Internal NTC repair kit-specific) limited warranty for defects in materials or workmanship has been extended to 15 years / 150,000 miles as determined from the original in-service/first delivery date.
- Warranty extensionNov 2024· Engine· model years 2018–2020
For this vehicle, the engine coolant thermostat limited warranty for defects in materials or workmanship has been extended to 15 years/150,000 miles, as determined from the original in-service date.
- Warranty extensionSep 2024· Engine· model years 2019–2023
For this vehicle, the EVAP systems purge (vent) valve limited warranty for defects in materials or workmanship has been extended to 15 years/150,000 miles, from the original 10 years/120,000 miles, as determined from the original in-service date.
- Warranty extensionMay 2024· Engine· model years 2019
EVAP system purge (vent) valve ext ltd wty (elw) 15/150
- Warranty extensionDec 2022· Fuel system· model years 2014–2018
For the eligible vehicles, BMW of North America, LLC (BMW NA) is extending the limited warranty for the vehicle's Fuel Injectors to 10 years/120,000 miles as determined by the vehicle's original in-service date.
- Warranty extensionJun 2022· Fuel system· model years 2016
Component specific limited warranty extension for the Exhaust Gas Recirculation Valve.
- Warranty extensionMay 2022· Engine and cooling· model years 2014–2018
Component specific limited warranty extension. For the eligible vehicles, BMW of North America, LLC (BMW NA) is extending the limited warranty for the vehicle Nitrogen Oxide (NOx) Sensor(s) to: 10 years/120,000 miles as determined by the vehicle original in-service date.
- Warranty extensionNov 2021· Electrical system· model years 2016–2018
For the eligible vehicles with the Electrical Machine Electronics (EME) wiring harness connector (A190*1B), BMW of North America (BMW NA) is providing a repair-specific extended limited warranty to: 10 years/120,000 miles as determined by the vehicle's original in-service date.
- Warranty extensionSep 2021· Fuel system· model years 2014–2018
For the eligible vehicles, BMW of North America, LLC (BMW NA) is extending the limited warranty for the vehicle's engine high pressure fuel pump (shown) to: 10 years/120,000 miles as determined by the vehicle's original in-service date.
- Warranty extensionFeb 2020· Engine· model years 2014–2018
LIMITED WARRANTY EXTENSIONTO 10 YEARS/120000 MILES: This Service Information Bulletin replaces SI B01 05 18 dated July 2019. Engine starts poorly (hard starting) rough idle and misfires. The Service Engine Soon (MIL) lamp is on.
- Warranty extensionFeb 2020· Engine· model years 2014–2018
LIMITED WARRANTY EXTENSION TO 15 YEARS/150000 MILES: Engine starts poorly (hard starting) rough idle and misfires.
- Warranty extensionApr 2019· Engine· model years 2014–2017
N47T/N57T DIESEL PARTICULATE SENSOR: LIMITED WARRANTY EXTENSION TO 10 YEARS/120000 MILEAGE This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI B01 04 18 dated April 2018.
- Warranty extensionOct 2018· Airbags· model years 2010–2013
For the above-referenced vehicles with driver?s side airbag modules, BMW of North America, LLC (?BMW NA?) will provide a Customer Support Program as outlined in the Takata Settlement Customer Support Program Overview attachment.
- Warranty extensionOct 2018· Airbags· model years 2010–2013
For the above-referenced vehicles with passenger?s side airbag modules, BMW of North America, LLC (?BMW NA?) will provide a Customer Support Program as outlined in the Takata Settlement Customer Support Program Overview attachment.
- Warranty extensionSep 2018· Engine and cooling· model years 2014–2015
EXHAUST-GAS RECIRCULATION (EGR) VALVE (N57T): LIMITED WARRANTY EXTENSION TO 10 YEARS/120,000 MILEAGE.
- Warranty extensionSep 2018· Engine and cooling· model years 2015
N63T CRANKCASE VENTILATION LINES: LIMITED WARRANTY EXTENSION TO 10 YEARS/120,000 MILEAGE.
- Warranty extensionJul 2018· Electrical system· model years 2016–2017
HIGH-VOLTAGE BATTERY SAFETY BOX: LIMITED WARRANTY EXTENSION TO 10 YEARS/120,000 MILEAGE: For the eligible vehicles, BMW of North America, LLC (ÒBMW NAÓ) is extending the limited warranty for the vehicleÕs high-voltage battery safety box to
- Warranty extensionJun 2018· Fuel system· model years 2016–2017
X5 PHEV, I3 REX AND I8 FUEL TANK PRESSURE SENSOR: LIMITED WARRANTY EXTENSION TO 10 YEARS/120,000 MILES: For the eligible vehicles, BMW of North America, LLC (BMW NA) is extending the limited warranty for the vehicleÕs Fuel Tank Pressure Sensor to
What owners report most
The parts of the car owners named in their complaints, across every X5 model year. Unverified, and not a failure rate.
- Engine572 (27%)
- Electrical system402 (19%)
- Transmission and drivetrain363 (17%)
- Airbags312 (14%)
- Other or unspecified238 (11%)
- Fuel and propulsion197 (9%)
- Brakes102 (5%)
- Engine and cooling101 (5%)
Safety recalls
82 recalls cover at least one X5 model year. Each covers a range of VINs, not every car. Check one car at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
The integrated brake (IB) system may malfunction and result in a loss of power brake assist or cause the Antilock Brake (ABS) and Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) systems to not function properly.
The instrument panel may have been manufactured incorrectly and prevent the passenger-side air bag from deploying properly.
After repeated attempts, the starter motor may overheat from an electrical overload.
The windshield may not be sealed properly, which can allow water to enter the power distribution box or electronic control unit.
Please see the recall report for a complete list of models and model years.
Please refer to the recall report for the complete list of models.
An improperly sealed electrical connector on the water pump may be exposed to water and short circuit.
Please see the recall report for the complete list of models. In the event the starter motor fails, repeated attempts to start the vehicle can cause the starter motor to overheat from an electrical overload.
Please see the recall report for the complete list of models. The driver's air bag inflator may explode during deployment, due to a manufacturing defect.
The seat belt system may inaccurately detect that passengers are belted, preventing the seat belt warning light from illuminating and possibly causing the supplemental restraint system to not deploy as intended during a…
The tire information placard may indicate an incorrect tire size and tire pressure.
The instrument panel may not have been manufactured properly, which can result in improper air bag deployment or the panel separating during air bag deployment.
Please see the recall report for a complete list of models and model years.
The weld seam of the integrated transmission control unit's cover may not have been manufactured properly, which could allow automatic transmission oil to leak into the transmission control unit.
The driver's air bag inflator may explode during deployment, due to a manufacturing defect.
And 67 more recalls on NHTSA.
NHTSA investigations
Defect investigations NHTSA opened. Many close without a recall.
- EA23001Engineering analysis· opened Mar 2023, still open· Fuel system (diesel)· model years 2014–2018
High pressure fuel pump failure
Led to recall 24V957.
- DP22005Defect petition· opened Jan 2023, closed Aug 2023· Electrical system· model years 2016–2018, 2020–2022
Pedestrian alert sounds
Led to recall 22V063000.
- EA21002Engineering analysis· opened Sep 2021, still open· Airbags· model years 2010–2018
Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
- RQ18001Recall query· opened Apr 2018, closed Dec 2018· Steering· model years 2010–2013
Idler Pulley Bolt Failure
Led to recall 18V336000.
NHTSA's own page for the 2026 BMW X5 has the complaint text and every document.
Was the work actually done on the car you're looking at?
Model-year records can't tell you about one car. A BMW service history check returns that vehicle's own dealer records by VIN.
Check a BMW's service historyCommon questions
Is the BMW X5 reliable?
We don't score reliability: NHTSA publishes complaint counts but no sales figures, so complaints can't be turned into a rate or compared between models. What's on file for model years 2010 on: 2,156 owner complaints, 46 warranty extensions and 64 service campaigns BMW filed, and 82 safety recalls. The model years with the most complaints are 2011 (331), 2012 (295), 2019 (191). Whether a known problem was fixed on one car is what its service records show.
What are the most common problems with the BMW X5?
Across every model year since 2010, owners' complaints to NHTSA most often name engine (27%), electrical system (19%), transmission and drivetrain (17%). BMW has filed 46 warranty extensions covering the X5, listed on this page.
Which X5 model years have the most complaints?
2011 (331), 2012 (295), 2019 (191). Complaint counts rise with how many were sold and how long they've been on the road, so compare years of the X5 with each other rather than with other models.
Has BMW extended the warranty on the X5?
Yes: electrical system (model years 2025); body and structure (model years 2019–2020); engine (model years 2014), and 43 more. A dealer does a covered repair for free within the extended time or mileage.
How do I check recalls on a X5?
Enter the car's 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. That answers for one vehicle; the 82 recalls listed here are for the model, and each covers only part of it.