The 2019 BMW X5 has 13 safety recalls and 194 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is electrical system (72 complaints).
Recalls13safety recalls
Complaints194filed by owners
Crashes · fires4 · 1reported in complaints
Injuries · deaths0 · 0reported in complaints
2019 BMW X5 in an NHTSA crash test
Safety recalls
Electrical system › Starter assembly
NHTSA recall 25V644000 · Sep 25, 2025 · 145,102 vehicles · opened after NHTSA action (ODI)
Problem: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020 340I, X6, 2020-2025 840I, 2020-2022 740LI, 2019-2020 X7, and X5 vehicles. After repeated attempts, the starter motor may overheat from an electrical overload.
Risk: An overheated starter motor can ignite nearby combustible material in the engine compartment, increasing the risk of a fire.
Fix: Dealers will replace the engine starter, free of charge. This recall includes vehicles repaired under recall 24V576 and those owners will need to have their vehicle repaired again. Owner notification letters were mailed February 9, 2026. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov November 17, 2025.
Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Engine control module (ecu/ecm) › Software
NHTSA recall 24V576000 · Aug 1, 2024 · 105,588 vehicles
Problem: BMW of North America, LLC is recalling certain 2019-2020 X5, X7, 2020 3 Series Sedan, X6, 2020-2021 7 Series Sedan, 2020 8 Series Convertible, 8 Series Coupe, and 2020 8 Series Gran Coupe vehicles. 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.
Risk: A starter motor that overheats can ignite nearby combustible material in the engine compartment, increasing the risk of a fire.
Fix: Dealers will update the vehicle software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 27, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Components: Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Engine control module (ecu/ecm) › Software; Electrical system › Starter assembly
Problem: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2022 4 Series Gran Coupe (430i, 430i xDrive, M440i xDrive); 2019-2022 X5 sDrive40i, X5 xDrive40i, X5 xDrive50i, X5 M50i, X5M; 2021-2022 X5 xdrive45e; 2020-2022 X6 sDrive40i, X6 xDrive40i, X6 xDrive50i, X6M and 2019-2023 X7 xDrive40i, X7 xDrive50i, X7 M50i, X7 xDrive60i, X7 M60i, X7M, Alpina XB7 vehicles. The roof function control unit may be programmed incorrectly, allowing the sunroof to close without the key fob present inside the vehicle. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 118, "Power-Operated Window Systems."
Risk: A sunroof that closes without the key fob present inside the vehicle can increase the risk of injury.
Fix: Dealers will reprogram the roof function control unit, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 20, 2022. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Problem: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling one 2019 X5 xDrive 40i vehicle. The instrument panel may not have been manufactured correctly, which could prevent the passenger side air bag from deploying properly in a crash.
Risk: An air bag that does not deploy properly can increase the risk of injury in a crash.
Fix: A dealer will replace the instrument panel, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 26, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Components: Electrical system › Instrument cluster/panel; Air bags › Frontal
Back over prevention › Software
NHTSA recall 21V096000 · Feb 19, 2021 · 13,858 vehicles
Problem: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019-2021 X3 sDrive30i, X3 xDrive30i, X3 M40i, X3M, X4 xDrive30i, X4 M40i, M550i, X4M, X5 sDrive40i, X5 xDrive40i, X5 xDrive50i, X5M, X5 M50i, X7 xDrive40i, X7 xDrive50i, X7 M50i, Alpina XB7, 330i, 330i xDrive, M340i, M340i xDrive, and 8 Series Coupe, Convertible and Grand Coupe, 840i, 840i xDrive, M850i xDrive, M8, 2020-2021 530e, 530e xDrive, 330e, 330e xDrive, 745Le, 745Le xDrive, X5 xDrive45e, X3 xDrive30e, X6 sDrive40i, X6 xDrive40i, X6 xDrive50i, X6 M50i, X6M, 530i, 530i xDrive, 540i, 540i xDrive, M550i xDrive, M5, 740i, 740Li, 740Li xDrive, M760i Drive, M760Li xDrive, 750Li xDrive Alpina, Alpina B7 xDrive, and 2021 4 Series Coupe 430i, 430i xDrive, M440i xDrive vehicles. When shifting into Reverse, a small portion of the rearview image may be obscured, or the screen may not illuminate. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."
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.
Fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rearview camera software and update it if necessary, free of charge. The recall began April 16, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Components: Back over prevention › Software; Back over prevention › Sensing system › Camera
Service brakes, hydraulic › Power assist › Hydraulic
NHTSA recall 21V062000 · Feb 10, 2021 · 893 vehicles
Problem: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020-2021 8 Series Coupe, Grand Coupe and convertible 840i, 840i xDrive, M850i xDrive, M8 and 740 Li, 740 Li xDrive, 750 Li xDrive, M760 Li xDrive, X6 sDrive40i, X6 xDrive40i, X6 xdrive50i, X6 M50i, X6M, and 2019-2021 X5 sDrive40i, X5 xDrive40i, X5 xDrive50i, X5 M50i, X5M, X7 xDrive40i, X7 xDrive50i, X7 M50i, and 2021 M3, M3 Competition, M4 Coupe, M4 Competition Coupe, X5 xDrive45e, 745 Le xDrive. The rotor and shaft within the integrated brake system may not have been welded properly and could separate during a hard braking event, possibly resulting in a loss of the Antilock Brake System (ABS) and braking assistance.
Risk: A loss of ABS and a reduction in braking assistance can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the integrated brake system, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 25, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Components: Service brakes, hydraulic › Power assist › Hydraulic; Service brakes, hydraulic
Problem: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019-2020 X5 sDrive40i, X5 xDrive40i and X5 xDrive50i vehicles and 2020 X6M vehicles. The steering column shaft bearing plate may not have been properly attached to the vehicle, allowing it to loosen.
Risk: A loose bearing plate can affect the vehicle's handling and control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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. BMW telephoned owners and all of the vehicles have been remedied. No owner notification letter is necessary. Please contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Problem: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018 540d, 2018-2020 530i, 530i xDrive, 540i, 540i xDrive, M550i xDrive, M5, 530e, 530e xDrive, X3 sDrive, X3 xDrive, X3 M40i, X3 M, and 2019-2020 X4 xDrive, X4 M40i, X4 M, X7 xDrive, X7 M50i, 740Li, 740Li xDrive, 750Li, 750Li xDrive, 8 Series Convertible and Coupe 840i, 840i xDrive, M850i xDrive, X5 sDrive, X5 xDrive, X5 M50i, X6 xDrive, X6 M50i, 330i, 330i xDrive, M340i, M340i xDrive, Z4 sDrive, Z4 M40i, 740Le xDrive and 745Le xDrive, 2018-2019 640i xDrive Gran Turismo and Rolls-Royce Phantom, 2019 M850i xDrive Gran Coupe and Rolls-Royce Cullinan and 2020 Toyota Supra vehicles. The back-up camera and display settings can be adjusted such that the rear view image is no longer visible and the system will retain that setting the next time the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rearview Mirrors."
Risk: The lack of an image in the back-up camera display increases the risk of a crash.
Fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will update the back-up camera software, free of charge. The recall began November 8, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 or Rolls-Royce at 1-877-877-3735. Toyota owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371.
Problem: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019 X5 xDrive50i and X7 xDrive40i vehicles. The left side wheel bolts may have been insufficiently tightened and may loosen over time.
Risk: Loose bolts may allow a wheel to detach from the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace and tighten the left side wheel bolts, free of charge. The recall began July 16, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Problem: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020 750i xDrive, 2019 M850i xDrive Coupe, M850i xDrive Convertible, X5 xDrive50i, X7 xDrive50i, and M5 vehicles. The high pressure fuel pump may not have been properly attached to the engine, which may cause the fuel pump flange to crack, resulting in a fuel leak.
Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
Fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the high pressure fuel pumps, free of charge. The recall began August 27, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Components: Fuel system, other › Delivery › Fuel pump; Engine
Seats
NHTSA recall 19V096000 · Feb 13, 2019 · 68 vehicles
Problem: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019 X5 xDrive40i and xDrive50i vehicles. The attachment bolts for the driver's seat and/or seat belt may not have been properly tightened.
Risk: The improperly tightened bolts can increase the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Fix: 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, free of charge. The recall began April 9, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Components: Seats; Seat belts
Equipment › Other › Labels
NHTSA recall 18V918000 · Dec 19, 2018 · 11 vehicles
Problem: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019 BMW X5 xDrive40i and X5 xDrive50i vehicles. The driver and/or passenger sun visor may have an incorrect air bag warning label, or the label may be missing. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, "Occupant crash protection."
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.
Fix: BMW notified owners, and dealers will inspect the driver and passenger sun visor, replacing the visors as necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 4, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Electrical system
NHTSA recall 18V732000 · Oct 17, 2018 · 172 vehicles
Problem: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019 BMW X5 xDrive40i vehicles. The capacitors within the Body Domain Controller (BDC) may short circuit and overheat.
Risk: If the BDC short circuits, other nearby components may also overheat, increasing the risk of a fire.
Fix: All affected vehicles remain on dealer lots, therefore owner letters will not be mailed. BMW dealers will replace the BDC control unit, free of charge. The recall began on October 17, 2018. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA side barrier crash testNHTSA side pole crash test
2019 BMW X5 SUV AWD
Overall
★★★★★
Frontal crash
★★★★★
Side crash
★★★★★
Rollover
★★★★★
Rollover risk
15.9%
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (New Car Assessment Program). Ratings are comparable only between vehicles of similar size and weight, and ratings from 2011 on use tougher tests than earlier years. Photos: NHTSA.
Fuel economy
X5 xDrive40i
22mpg combined
City / highway
20 / 26 mpg
Fuel
Premium Gasoline
3 L · 6 cyl · Automatic (S8) · All-Wheel Drive · about $3,750/year to fuel
X5 xDrive50i
19mpg combined
City / highway
17 / 22 mpg
Fuel
Premium Gasoline
4.4 L · 8 cyl · Automatic (S8) · All-Wheel Drive · about $4,350/year to fuel
EPA estimates from fueleconomy.gov for each engine and transmission sold. Annual cost is the EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year at its current fuel and electricity price assumptions. Your results will vary.
What owners report
Problem area
Complaints
Crashes
Fires
Injuries
Typical mileage*
Electrical system Horn; Alternator/generator/regulator
72
1
1
0
55,000 mi
Engine
52
2
0
0
19,500 mi
Unknown or other
31
0
0
0
6,830 mi
Power train
20
2
0
0
—
Steering
18
0
0
0
1,200 mi
Service brakes
13
4
0
0
1,000 mi
Air bags Sensor › Occupant classification
13
0
0
0
—
Engine and engine cooling
12
0
0
0
68,000 mi
Seat belts
7
0
0
0
—
Structure Body
6
0
0
0
—
Back over prevention Rearview system braking; Warnings
*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.
Recent owner complaints
Nov 5, 2025Power train The vehicle experiences repeated jerking and shuddering from the driveline during low-speed cornering, acceleration from a stop, and under light-to-medium loads. No warning lights or Check Control messages appear. This matches the symptoms described in BMW Service Information Bulletin 27 02 20 regarding the xDrive transfer case on my vehicle. In November 2025, the authorized BMW dealer confirmed the concern, performed a transfer case oil change as the first diagnostic step required by the bulletin, and advised that if the problem returned the transfer case would need replacement. The oil change did not resolve the issue. The same symptoms have persisted. After being driven for about 8,000…
Aug 20, 2026Unknown or other The A/C evaporator core in my 2019 BMW X5 xDrive50i failed at approximately 65000 miles. On 8/20/2026, I noticed warm air from the passenger climate zone, a chemical odor/oily residue at the vents, and complete loss of A/C. A leak test at Nalley BMW on 10/20/2026 identified the evaporator core as the source of the refrigerant leak. The A/C system had no prior repairs, and the vehicle has been maintained at BMW dealers per BMWâs schedule. Repair requires removing the dashboard and was quoted at $6000. BMW has not issued a recall or extended warranty for this component. I believe this is a defect in the original aluminum evaporator core and not wear or misuse, as I have seen many similar…
Aug 5, 2026Engine I purchased a BMW X5 on August 5. Several weeks later, I kept noticing rubber pieces coming out of the engine so I lifted the hood and saw disconnected hoses, fraying, holes, extremely worn engine parts and pink wrapping around one metal hose. Two weeks ago a safety recall notice popped up on my infotainment screen. It said it was about the engine starter and when scrolling down to the additional information said that if the engine starts fire to exit the cabin if it fills with smoke. I put my Vin number into your website and my car pulled up. I read about the safety recall and it stated from September 2025. The car was currently not being driven due to the safety recall and the…
Aug 25, 2024Service brakes My 2019 BMW X5 suffered an identical failure to the 2023-2025 recalls to replace the entire integrated brake system unit at only 31,117 miles. The part # was 34-51-5-A7C-589. The repair work was performed by BMW of Ocala at a cost of $4,134.37 on 8/3/2024. Because this component matches the technical architecture of the widespread 2024 integrated Brake Module recalls, I believe BMW should reimburse the total cost of this repair.
Aug 28, 2026Unknown or other The emergency call system malfunctioned and the navigation system quit working due to a leak in the shark fin. This would be a major safety concern in the case of an emergency. The Dealer will replace the shark fin at their cost, but will not provide a loaner vehicle or rental car why we are waiting on the replacement shark fin. The part has been on backorder for a month and was supposed to arrive on XXX. On XXX I was told that the backordered part was now expected on XXX. The dealer told me I could not drive the car in the rain as rain would damage the headliner and if that happened the repair would be my responsibility not BMW's. I live in [XXX] and during this time of the year we have…
Aug 1, 2026Power train My transfer case is in bad condition. Initially I was getting really bad jerking in my car when turning. I was recommended by BMW of [XXX] to do a fluid flush. I have spent money to do this flush. Starting of August my mechanic as well as other mechanics that my transfer case is in really bad condition and is making really bad noises. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Aug 7, 2026Unknown or other I purchased my car in December 2025. In the early summer, I noticed my air conditioning system not working. I took it to my dealership and they did a recharge. I took my car back to the shop and found that after further investigation is an evaporator leak. I had to pay over $6000 in repairs.
Aug 10, 2026 · 84,000 milesEngine and engine cooling The contact owns a 2019 BMW X5. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the "Emergency SOS Malfunction" message was displayed. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed, and the contact was advised that the engine oil pump and TCB module were faulty and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 84,000.
Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.
