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BMW X5 Problems, Recalls and Owner Complaints by Model Year
Across 15 model years, NHTSA lists 75 recalls and 1,691 owner complaints for the BMW X5. Newest model year first. Data as of October 25, 2026.
BMW X5 by model year
| Model year | Recalls | Complaints | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 BMW X5 | 0 | 28 | |
| 2025 BMW X5 | 5 | 63 | |
| 2024 BMW X5 | 8 | 145 | |
| 2023 BMW X5 | 4 | 33 | |
| 2022 BMW X5 | 1 | 75 | |
| 2021 BMW X5 | 12 | 111 | |
| 2020 BMW X5 | 11 | 113 | |
| 2019 BMW X5 | 13 | 193 | |
| 2018 BMW X5 | 5 | 73 | |
| 2017 BMW X5 | 6 | 75 | |
| 2016 BMW X5 | 5 | 74 | |
| 2015 BMW X5 | 0 | 152 | |
| 2014 BMW X5 | 0 | 99 | |
| 2013 BMW X5 | 0 | 162 | |
| 2012 BMW X5 | 5 | 295 |
Model years with no recall and fewer than three complaints are not listed. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. All BMW models.
BMW X5: questions owners ask
Which BMW X5 year has the most problems?
By owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the BMW X5 model years with the most are the 2012 (295), 2019 (193) and 2013 (162). Newer model years have had less time on the road, so their counts are naturally lower; compare years of a similar age.
Which BMW X5 years have the fewest complaints?
Leaving out the newest model years (too new to compare), the fewest owner complaints were filed for the 2023 (33), 2018 (73) and 2016 (74), out of 13 model years from 2012 to 2024. A low count can also mean that year sold fewer cars.
How many recalls does the BMW X5 have?
NHTSA lists recalls for 11 BMW X5 model years, 75 in total when counted per model year (one recall often covers several years). The years with the most are the 2019 (13), 2021 (12) and 2020 (11). Check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Which BMW X5 years have the most stalling complaints?
119 owner complaints across 13 BMW X5 model years describe the engine stalling, losing power or shutting off while driving. The most were filed for the 2012 (26), 2015 (13) and 2019 (13) model years, out of 13 years with such reports. Each model-year report has the owner quotes and any related recall.
Which BMW X5 years have the most overheating complaints?
69 owner complaints across 8 BMW X5 model years describe the engine overheating or coolant loss. The most were filed for the 2019 (17), 2012 (13) and 2020 (10) model years, out of 8 years with such reports. Each model-year report has the owner quotes and any related recall.
Which BMW X5 years have the most emissions system complaints?
61 owner complaints across 6 BMW X5 model years describe emissions faults such as DPF, EGR, catalytic converter, AdBlue/DEF or NOx sensor problems. The most were filed for the 2015 (22), 2012 (21) and 2013 (6) model years, out of 6 years with such reports. Each model-year report has the owner quotes and any related recall.
Which BMW X5 years have the most check engine light complaints?
58 owner complaints across 7 BMW X5 model years describe the check engine light coming on. The most were filed for the 2012 (17), 2015 (17) and 2016 (7) model years, out of 7 years with such reports. Each model-year report has the owner quotes and any related recall.
Which BMW X5 years have the most no-start complaints?
49 owner complaints across 5 BMW X5 model years describe the car failing to start. The most were filed for the 2019 (24), 2020 (11) and 2021 (6) model years, out of 5 years with such reports. Each model-year report has the owner quotes and any related recall.
Which BMW X5 years have the most engine failure complaints?
39 owner complaints across 4 BMW X5 model years describe complete engine failure or a replaced engine. The most were filed for the 2012 (15), 2019 (10) and 2013 (7) model years, out of 4 years with such reports. Each model-year report has the owner quotes and any related recall.
Which BMW X5 years have the most burning smell complaints?
35 owner complaints across 6 BMW X5 model years describe a burning smell or smoke. The most were filed for the 2013 (8), 2019 (7) and 2014 (6) model years, out of 6 years with such reports. Each model-year report has the owner quotes and any related recall.
Which BMW X5 years have the most sunroof complaints?
22 owner complaints across 5 BMW X5 model years describe the sunroof or panoramic roof shattering, exploding or failing. The most were filed for the 2016 (8), 2023 (4) and 2025 (4) model years, out of 5 years with such reports. Each model-year report has the owner quotes and any related recall.
Which BMW X5 years have the most transmission shifting complaints?
14 owner complaints across 3 BMW X5 model years describe harsh, jerky or delayed transmission shifting or shuddering. The most were filed for the 2022 (7), 2021 (4) and 2026 (3) model years. Each model-year report has the owner quotes and any related recall.
Which BMW X5 years have the most rough idle and misfire complaints?
13 owner complaints across 2 BMW X5 model years describe rough idling, misfires or hesitation when accelerating. The most were filed for the 2012 (10) and 2022 (3) model years. Each model-year report has the owner quotes and any related recall.
Which BMW X5 years have the most oil consumption complaints?
12 owner complaints across 2 BMW X5 model years describe excessive oil consumption or oil leaks. The most were filed for the 2013 (6) and 2019 (6) model years. Each model-year report has the owner quotes and any related recall.
Which BMW X5 years have the most air conditioning complaints?
12 owner complaints across 2 BMW X5 model years describe the air conditioning not cooling or failing. The most were filed for the 2019 (6) and 2020 (6) model years. Each model-year report has the owner quotes and any related recall.
How often does the BMW X5 fail its MOT?
In 2023 UK MOT tests, the BMW X5's first-time failure rate ranged from 6.4% for cars first registered in 2021 to 24.6% for 2010, across 12 registration years with at least 100 tests. Older cars fail more often. The most common failure areas were tyres, lights and electrics, suspension. Source: DVSA anonymised MOT results.