The 2023 BMW X5 has 4 safety recalls and 34 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is power train (9 complaints).
Recalls4safety recalls
Complaints34filed by owners
Crashes · fires3 · 0reported in complaints
Injuries · deaths1 · 0reported in complaints
2023 BMW X5 in an NHTSA crash test
Safety recalls
Power train › Automatic transmission › Control module (tcm/pcm/tecm)
NHTSA recall 23V821000 · Dec 6, 2023 · 552 vehicles
Problem: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2023 Toyota GR Supra, 3 Series Sedan (330i xDrive, M340i xDrive, M3), 5 Series Sedan (530i, 530i xDrive, M5), 4 Series Gran Coupe (430i, 430i xDrive), 4 Series Coupe (430i, 430i xDrive, M440i xDrive), 4 Series Convertible (430i, 430i xDrive, M440i xDrive), 8 Series Coupe (840i, M850i xDrive, M8), 8 Series Convertible (840i, M850i xDrive, M8), 8 Series Gran Coupe (850i xDrive, M8), X3 SAV (X3 xDrive30i, X3M), X4 SAV (X4 xDrive30i), X5 SAV (X5 xDrive40i, X5 M50i, X5M), X6 SAV (X6 xDrive40i, X6 M50i, X6M), and Z4 sDrive30i, Z4 M40i vehicles. 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.
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 crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the transmission mechatronics module and the automatic transmission fluid, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 26, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Problem: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2023 X5 sDrive40i, X5 xDrive40i, X5 M50i, X5 M and X5 xDrive45e vehicles. The head restraints for the second-row outboard seats may have been improperly manufactured without locking tabs in the guide sleeves. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 202, "Head Restraints."
Risk: A head restraint without a locking tab may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the second-row outboard seat head restraint guide sleeves, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 31, 2023. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Seats › Critical fasteners
NHTSA recall 22V942000 · Dec 19, 2022 · 4 vehicles
Problem: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2023 X5 sDrive40i, X5 M50i and X5 xDrive 45e vehicles. One of the four bolts that connects the backrest to the driver's seat frame may not have been correctly installed.
Risk: A loose driver's seat backrest may not properly restrain the occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix: Dealers will inspect the driver's seat backrest and if necessary, install an attachment bolt, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed February 17, 2023. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Visibility › Windshield
NHTSA recall 22V820000 · Nov 2, 2022 · 47 vehicles
Problem: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2023 X5 sDrive40i, xDrive40i, xDrive45e, and X7 xDrive40i vehicles. The windshield may not have been properly bonded to the vehicle which could allow water to enter the vehicle and contact electrical components, possibly resulting in a short-circuit.
Risk: An electrical short-circuit increases the risk of a fire.
Fix: Dealers will inspect the windshield seal and as necessary, remove and reinstall the windshield with a new seal, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 30, 2022. 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
2023 BMW X5 SUV AWD
Overall
★★★★★
Frontal crash
★★★★★
Side crash
★★★★★
Rollover
★★★★★
Rollover risk
15.9%
2023 BMW X5 SUV RWD
Overall
Not Rated
Frontal crash
★★★★★
Side crash
★★★★★
Rollover
Not Rated
2023 BMW X5 Hybrid SUV AWD
Overall
Not Rated
Frontal crash
Not Rated
Side crash
Not Rated
Rollover
Not Rated
2023 BMW X5 M SUV AWD
Overall
Not Rated
Frontal crash
Not Rated
Side crash
Not Rated
Rollover
Not Rated
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 sDrive40i Hybrid
23mpg combined
City / highway
21 / 26 mpg
Fuel
Premium Gasoline
3 L · 6 cyl · Automatic (S8) · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $3,550/year to fuel
X5 xDrive40i Hybrid
23mpg combined
City / highway
21 / 25 mpg
Fuel
Premium Gasoline
3 L · 6 cyl · Automatic (S8) · All-Wheel Drive · about $3,550/year to fuel
X5 xDrive45e Plug-in Hybrid
20mpg combined
City / highway
19 / 22 mpg
Electric range
31 mi
On electricity
50 MPGe · 63 kWh/100 mi
Fuel
Premium Gasoline
3 L · 6 cyl · Automatic (S8) · All-Wheel Drive · about $4,100/year to fuel
X5 M50i
18mpg combined
City / highway
16 / 22 mpg
Fuel
Premium Gasoline
4.4 L · 8 cyl · Automatic (S8) · All-Wheel Drive · about $4,550/year to fuel
X5 M
15mpg combined
City / highway
13 / 18 mpg
Fuel
Premium Gasoline
4.4 L · 8 cyl · Automatic (S8) · All-Wheel Drive · about $5,500/year to fuel
X5 M Competition
15mpg combined
City / highway
13 / 18 mpg
Fuel
Premium Gasoline
4.4 L · 8 cyl · Automatic (S8) · All-Wheel Drive · about $5,500/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*
Power train
9
0
0
0
—
Electrical system
8
1
0
0
—
Unknown or other
8
1
0
0
—
Engine
5
0
0
0
—
Structure Body
4
0
0
0
—
Service brakes
3
2
0
1
—
Visibility Sun/moon roof assembly; Defroster/defogger/hvac system
Back over prevention Warnings; Sensing system › Camera
2
1
0
0
—
Suspension
1
0
0
0
—
Fuel/propulsion system
1
0
0
0
—
*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.
Recent owner complaints
Oct 21, 2026Power train The vehicle suffered a sudden, catastrophic structural drivetrain failure while operating at low speed (under 10 mph) on a flat, paved surface while exiting a youth soccer complex parking lot. There was no outside influence due to the road or contact with any curb or obstacle prior to the incident, which has been explicitly confirmed by an authorized BMW dealership inspection. While leaving the complex, a mechanical pop was heard from the rear of the vehicle. The rear axle bolt cleanly sheared in half, causing the axle shaft to pull completely out of the rear differential housing, instantly destroying the wheel bearing, axle seal, and related hardware. The vehicle immediately lost all…
Aug 3, 2026Power train The X5 transfer case has a defect that causes the vehicle to shudder when in reverse and at lower speeds. It can be felt sometimes at highway speeds, but is worse at low speeds. Our X5 has only 54,000 miles.
Sep 2, 2026Engine Check Control : Add engine coolant. Risk of scalding. Engine coolant level low. Risk of engine damage. Add engine coolant as soon as possible. sign came up. When take the vehicle to the dealer shop for inspection, leak had occurred and sprayed the coolant to top of the hood as well as surrounding parts. Certain modern BMW models have a 7-year / 70,000-mile extended warranty specifically covering the Heat Management Module, however my car is not included. My current mileage is at 56,000 miles.
Aug 10, 2026Engine 2023 BMW X5 had a defective water pump replaced under warranty at 27,585 miles on 9/12/2024. Today 8/10/2026 at 52,907 miles the water pump again needs to be replaced. BMW has had water pump recalls in the past for similar years of x5 SUV, but our VIN is not included in the current recalls. Photographs of the recalled water pumps look exactly like our pictures. I believe the recall should be expanded to include additional BMW models/VIN ranges.
Jul 1, 2026Electrical system A manufacturer defect caused connector pin corrosion and thus the head unit dash stopped working completely and needs to be replaced. The head unit is what the back up camera comes through causing safety concern. It is no longer under warranty because of the miles, otherwise yearwise it would be. BMW wonât provide any good will assistance. This happened in 2026 on a 2023 model year. It has been brought to a bmw service center with a quote of over 6k to fix. No warning symptoms.
Jun 23, 2026Structure › Body Sunroof leaks into cabin and there is no known solution for this model year 2023 BMW X5. It is my understanding that model years 2020-2023 all have this issue and a class action lawsuit is being reviewed. BMW has also issued a TSIB but there is no known recall. They will replace the seals under warranty but that is only a 2-3 year solution and will need to be redone.
May 1, 2026Power train Noticed noise. Took to dealer. Dealer confirmed bad front pinion/bearing and need front differential. Will be very dangerous if not fixed! Dealer has had this issue before and online forums state big issues
Jan 21, 2026Electrical system Drivetrain malfunction creating error message of critical failure on brake system and chassis. The first of 2 such issues so far in 4 months of ownership. Car is under original mfr warranty. Dealer charged $600 to fix. This is a PHEV and with the electrical system issues it prevents the car from functioning safely
Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.
