BMW X5 recalls & complaint record (MY 2017–2026)

By Ivan H., EVCostIQ · reviewed against our public methodology · every source dated on this page

As of July 10, 2026, the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) lists 48 recall campaigns and 801 consumer complaints for the BMW X5 (MY 2017–2026). The most-reported complaint areas are Electrical System, Service Brakes, Engine. Every recall is a free remedy — an open recall is repaired at no cost — so a recall adds nothing to what the X5 costs to own.

Every BMW X5 recall campaign, by year

All 48 NHTSA recall campaigns on file for the X5 (MY 2017–2026), newest first. A recall is a free remedy — the manufacturer repairs the defect at no cost. Source: NHTSA (nhtsa.gov), data as of July 10, 2026.

2026 — 1 campaign

Service Brakes26V422000 · July 1, 2026 · about 428 vehicles
Risk: A loss of power brake assist can extend the distance required to stop the vehicle.
Remedy: The Integrated brake system will be inspected and, if necessary, replaced, free of charge.

2025 — 3 campaigns

Air Bags25V837000 · December 4, 2025 · about 25 vehicles
Risk: An air bag that does not deploy properly can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the instrument panel trim, free of charge.
Electrical System25V644000 · September 25, 2025 · about 145,102 vehicles
Risk: An overheated starter motor can ignite nearby combustible material in the engine compartment, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the engine starter, free of charge.
Visibility25V556000 · August 27, 2025 · about 1,406 vehicles
Risk: Water inside electrical components can lead to electronic function failures, such as a loss of headlights, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the windshield seal.

2024 — 8 campaigns

Electronic Stability Control (Esc)24V739000 · October 2, 2024 · about 11,579 vehicles
Risk: A loss of power brake assist can extend the distance required to stop the vehicle.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the integrated brake module, free of charge.
Electronic Stability Control (Esc)24V697000 · September 18, 2024 · about 309 vehicles
Risk: A loss of brake power assist or rear brake function can result in extended stopping distance.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the integrated brake system, free of charge.
Engine And Engine Cooling24V608000 · August 13, 2024 · about 720,796 vehicles
Risk: An electrical short increases the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the water pump and plug connector as necessary, and install a protective shield, free of charge.
Electrical System24V576000 · August 1, 2024 · about 105,588 vehicles
Risk: A starter motor that overheats can ignite nearby combustible material in the engine compartment, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will update the vehicle software, free of charge.
Seat Belts24V345000 · May 15, 2024 · about 3,256 vehicles
Risk: A seat belt warning light that does not alert occupants of an unbelted seat belt or an SRS system that deploys improperly can both increase the risk of injury in a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the front seat lower seat belts as necessary, free of charge.
Equipment24V327000 · May 10, 2024 · about 703 vehicles
Risk: Incorrect tire information can allow an incorrectly sized tire to be installed or result in improperly inflated tires, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the tire information placard, free of charge.
Structure24V138000 · February 23, 2024 · about 8 vehicles
Risk: Instrument panel separation during air bag deployment can result in pieces of the panel striking occupants.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the instrument panel, free of charge.
Electronic Stability Control (Esc)24V104000 · February 12, 2024 · about 266,716 vehicles
Risk: A loss of power brake assist can extend the distance required to stop the vehicle.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the integrated brake system, free of charge.

2023 — 4 campaigns

Power Train23V821000 · December 6, 2023 · about 552 vehicles
Risk: Transmission oil that leaks into the control unit can lead to a seizure of the transmission gears, causing a sudden loss of drive power and increasing the risk of a cr…
Remedy: Dealers will replace the transmission mechatronics module and the automatic transmission fluid, as necessary, free of charge.
Air Bags23V622000 · September 7, 2023 · about 2,352 vehicles
Risk: An air bag that does not deploy as intended can increase the risk of injury in a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the front passenger knee air bag, free of charge.
Air Bags23V471000 · July 10, 2023 · about 1,981 vehicles
Risk: A knee air bag that does not deploy as intended increases the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the knee air bag (driver and/or passenger), free of charge.
Seats23V253000 · April 6, 2023 · about 235 vehicles
Risk: A head restraint without a locking tab may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the second-row outboard seat head restraint guide sleeves, as necessary, free of charge.

2022 — 3 campaigns

Seats22V942000 · December 19, 2022 · about 4 vehicles
Risk: A loose driver's seat backrest may not properly restrain the occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the driver's seat backrest and if necessary, install an attachment bolt, free of charge.
Visibility22V820000 · November 2, 2022 · about 47 vehicles
Risk: An electrical short-circuit increases the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the windshield seal and as necessary, remove and reinstall the windshield with a new seal, free of charge.
Visibility22V267000 · April 20, 2022 · about 61,221 vehicles
Risk: A sunroof that closes without the key fob present inside the vehicle can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will reprogram the roof function control unit, free of charge.

2021 — 8 campaigns

Fuel System21V907000 · November 19, 2021 · about 50,404 vehicles
Risk: A melting intake manifold increases the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the EGR cooler and inspect the intake manifold, replacing it as necessary, free of charge.
Fuel System21V586000 · July 29, 2021 · about 11,216 vehicles
Risk: Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the high-pressure fuel pump, free of charge.
Air Bags21V520000 · July 8, 2021 · about 1 vehicle
Risk: An air bag that does not deploy properly can increase the risk of injury in a crash.
Remedy: A dealer will replace the instrument panel, free of charge.
Seats21V156000 · March 10, 2021 · about 258 vehicles
Risk: In the event of a crash, the head restraints could detach, and increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the head restraints, and replace them as necessary, free of charge.
Back Over Prevention21V096000 · February 19, 2021 · about 13,858 vehicles
Risk: If the driver relies on only the rearview camera image, the missing or reduced rearview image view can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rearview camera software and update it if necessary, free of charge.
Service Brakes21V089000 · February 18, 2021 · about 9 vehicles
Risk: A loose brake disc could affect vehicle handling and control, and increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the right front brake disc and replace it if necessary, along with the unaffected left side brake disc, free of charge.
Service Brakes21V062000 · February 10, 2021 · about 893 vehicles
Risk: A loss of ABS and a reduction in braking assistance can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the integrated brake system, free of charge.
Steering21V031000 · January 29, 2021 · about 21 vehicles
Risk: A loose steering column shaft universal joint connection can affect vehicle handling and control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, depending upon the inspection, either the bolt will be replaced and tightened to specifications, or the steering…

2020 — 8 campaigns

Electrical System20V761000 · December 9, 2020 · about 812 vehicles
Risk: Increased electrical resistance can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the connection between the 48-Volt battery and the starter-generator assembly, replacing it if necessary, free of charge.
Suspension20V678000 · November 4, 2020 · about 83 vehicles
Risk: If the weld between the front axle support and the right front control arm bearing bracket separates, vehicle handling and control may be affected, increasing the risk…
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front axle support, free of charge.
Electrical System20V601000 · September 30, 2020 · about 4,509 vehicles
Risk: The debris could result in a short-circuit, increasing the risk of fire or injury.
Remedy: BMW will inspect and, if necessary, replace the battery module free of charge.
Exterior Lighting20V528000 · September 1, 2020 · about 307 vehicles
Risk: Oncoming drivers may be confused by the blue light of approaching vehicles, which could potentially increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the headlamps and, if necessary, replace them, free of charge.
Electrical System20V490000 · August 18, 2020 · about 713 vehicles
Risk: A short-circuited hybrid battery may increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the battery modules, free of charge.
Tires20V483000 · August 14, 2020 · about 42 vehicles
Risk: A rapid loss of tire pressure while the vehicle is moving can affect vehicle handling and control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: BMW has notified all of the affected owners, and dealers will replace the defective tires, free of charge.
Power Train20V465000 · August 7, 2020 · about 21 vehicles
Risk: An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the starter motor for the extra bolt, removing it if necessary.
Steering20V434000 · July 28, 2020 · about 7 vehicles
Risk: A loose bearing plate can affect the vehicle's handling and control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the steering column shaft bearing plate and properly attach or replace it, as necessary, free of charge.

2019 — 5 campaigns

Back Over Prevention19V684000 · September 27, 2019 · about 257,473 vehicles
Risk: The lack of an image in the back-up camera display increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will update the back-up camera software, free of charge.
Steering19V631000 · August 28, 2019 · about 12 vehicles
Risk: A loss of steering control increases risk of a crash.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering rack, free of charge.
Wheels19V541000 · July 23, 2019 · about 5 vehicles
Risk: Loose bolts may allow a wheel to detach from the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace and tighten the left side wheel bolts, free of charge.
Fuel System19V513000 · July 3, 2019 · about 115 vehicles
Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the high pressure fuel pumps, free of charge.
Seats19V096000 · February 13, 2019 · about 68 vehicles
Risk: The improperly tightened bolts can increase the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the attachment bolts for the driver's seat and seat belt, and torque them to the correct specifications, as necessary,…

2018 — 5 campaigns

Equipment18V918000 · December 19, 2018 · about 11 vehicles
Risk: Without a label that shows the proper restraint usage guidelines, the occupants may have an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Remedy: BMW notified owners, and dealers will inspect the driver and passenger sun visor, replacing the visors as necessary, free of charge.
Engine And Engine Cooling18V755000 · October 25, 2018 · about 44,368 vehicles
Risk: The melting intake manifold can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the EGR cooler as necessary.
Electrical System18V732000 · October 17, 2018 · about 172 vehicles
Risk: If the BDC short circuits, other nearby components may also overheat, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy: All affected vehicles remain on dealer lots, therefore owner letters will not be mailed.
Equipment18V652000 · September 20, 2018 · about 3,501 vehicles
Risk: An electrical shock or a fire can increase the risk of injury or death.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the charging cable, and replace it if necessary, free of charge.
Suspension18V439000 · June 28, 2018 · about 43 vehicles
Risk: If the lower control arm breaks, vehicle handling and control can be affected, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the lower-left control arms and replace if necessary, free of charge.

2017 — 3 campaigns

Suspension17V727000 · November 17, 2017 · about 33 vehicles
Risk: Loose bolts can affect the performance of the suspension, thereby increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and tighten the wishbone suspension bolts, free of charge.
Equipment17V327000 · May 18, 2017 · about 24 vehicles
Risk: The incorrect tire size on the label does not comply with FMVSS number 110.
Remedy: BMW has notified the affected owners and is providing them with a corrected tire information placard, free of charge.
Air Bags17V189000 · March 17, 2017 · about 36 vehicles
Risk: If the inflator cannot vent properly, the inflator may rupture, resulting in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants and causing serious injury or death.
Remedy: BMW has notified owners, and dealers will replace the air bag modules, free of charge.

Where the X5’s recalls and complaints cluster

Recalls by component (48 campaigns total): Electrical System (6), Air Bags (5), Equipment (4), Seats (4), Service Brakes (3), Visibility (3), Electronic Stability Control (Esc) (3), Fuel System (3), and 10 other components.

Complaints by reported area (801 total; a single complaint can cite more than one area): Electrical System (221), Service Brakes (157), Engine (144), Power Train (119), Electronic Stability Control (Esc) (78), Hydraulic (66).

Recall counts are NHTSA campaign records; complaint counts are consumer reports. Complaints are unverified reports submitted by consumers to NHTSA.

Crash, fire, injury and death reports

Across those consumer complaints, NHTSA’s records for the X5 (MY 2017–2026) include 45 crash reports, 14 fire reports, 26 injury reports and 1 report of a death. Complaints are unverified reports submitted by consumers to NHTSA.

Do recalls affect what the X5 costs to own?

No direct cost. A recall is a free remedy: the manufacturer must repair the defect at no charge, so an open or completed recall adds nothing to the 5-year cost of ownership.
Resale is the one caveat. An unrepaired recall can make a used X5 harder to sell or trade in — a buyer or dealer may want it fixed first — but the fix itself is still free, and completing it removes that friction.
How our totals treat it. Our 5-year cost-of-ownership totals use market-level depreciation estimates; they are not adjusted per recall campaign. See the honest 5-year cost to own: BMW X5 xDrive40i cost to own →.

Recalls & complaints — FAQ

How many recalls does the BMW X5 have?

As of July 10, 2026, NHTSA lists 48 recall campaigns for the BMW X5 (MY 2017–2026). Each is a free remedy — the manufacturer repairs the defect at no cost. The full dated campaign list is above.

What is the most serious X5 recall?

The largest by scale is campaign 24V608000 (August 13, 2024, Engine And Engine Cooling), affecting about 720,796 vehicles: An electrical short increases the risk of a fire. The remedy is free of charge.

How do I check if my X5 has an open recall?

Enter your 17-character VIN at NHTSA’s free recall lookup, nhtsa.gov/recalls. It shows any open (unrepaired) recall for your exact vehicle, and recall repairs are always free at a franchised dealer.

Do recalls make the X5 cheaper or more expensive to own?

Neither, directly — recall repairs are free, so they add nothing to the cost of ownership. An unrepaired recall can make a used one harder to resell, but our 5-year cost totals use market-level depreciation and are not adjusted per campaign. See the X5 cost to own.

About this data

All powertrains and trims. Figures cover all powertrains and trims sold under the X5 nameplate for the model years shown (MY 2017–2026).
A recall is a free fix. A recall means the manufacturer must remedy a safety defect free of charge; it is not the same as a breakdown or a repair bill.
Complaints are unverified. Consumer complaints are unverified reports submitted by consumers to NHTSA — a signal of what owners report, not confirmed defects.

Source: NHTSA (nhtsa.gov), data as of July 10, 2026.