BMW X5 Complaints (2022)

75 consumer complaints on file.

#11771599October 16, 2026
ENGINE
On October 15, 2026, at approximately 5:50 PM EDT, my 2022 BMW X5 (VIN: 5UXCR6C06N9L45925, approximately 43,797 miles) caught fire in the engine compartment. I noticed a burning smell while driving in Bound Brook, NJ, pulled over, and saw flames coming from the engine bay. There was no collision. The Bound Brook Fire Department responded and extinguished the fire. The vehicle was purchased new in 2022 and regularly maintained. No injuries occurred.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11771450October 15, 2026
POWER TRAIN
The bolts by the front differential broke off, the differential broke, leading to damage to the coolant lines to the transmission, leading to catastrophic failure of the differential needing the vehicle to be towed.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11768590October 2, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2022 BMW X5. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start immediately or hesitated while starting. The messages "Goodbye" and "Pre-ventilation" were displayed. The contact attempted to start the vehicle several times before the vehicle was able to start. The contact related the failure to the starter. The manufacturer was notified of the failure by phone. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11765849September 21, 2026
POWER TRAIN, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Starter stops working randomly and has trouble starting sometimes. This may be an issue when in traffic or at a light when the start stop feature could possibly not engage. Vehicle only has 40k miles. I took the vehicle to the dealer today and they said it is a known issue at BMW.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11765962September 21, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:STARTER ASSEMBLY
The contact owns a 2022 BMW X5. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle hesitated while starting. The vehicle was jump-started. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the starter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 43,709.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11763265September 10, 2026
ENGINE, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, POWER TRAIN
xDrive all-wheel-drive has made the car slow down unexpectedly and produce a shudder, especially in slow corners and under gentle acceleration. The vehicle has also rapidly accelerated upon entering or exiting a freeway on ramp.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11761720September 2, 2026
POWER TRAIN
Front differentials failed at 31k miles. Potential for the car to lock up or break down in highway. Problem was confirmed by independent shop.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11758988August 24, 2026
ENGINE, POWER TRAIN, STEERING
Description of the Complaint: I own a 2022 BMW X5 (VIN: [XXX], current mileage: approximately 39,500 miles as of 08/24/2026) equipped with the B58TU engine, which uses a plastic oil pump (part number 11418646454) rather than a metal one. I have not yet experienced an actual failure, but I am reporting this as a precautionary safety concern based on the following: 1. On BMW's official parts reference site (RealOEM.com), the oil pump for my specific vehicle is flagged with an "Attention! Observe PuMA measure 65494813" notice, indicating BMW's own internal system has identified a known issue requiring special observation for this part. 2. I have learned that BMW Korea has acknowledged this plastic oil pump issue following a government investigation, and has committed to a full free repair program for affected vehicles in Korea. 3. I am aware of multiple reports and complaints from other B58TU engine owners in the United States regarding this same plastic oil pump issue. 4. Given that the oil pump is a critical component for engine lubrication, a failure of this part while driving — particularly during highway or long-distance travel — could pose a serious safety risk, including sudden loss of engine oil pressure and potential engine seizure at speed. I am filing this report to bring this issue to NHTSA's attention before an actual failure occurs, and to request that this be considered as part of any pattern analysis regarding B58TU engine oil pump defects in the United States. - **Year:** 2022 - **Make:** BMW - **Model:** X5 - **VIN:** [XXX] - **Mileage:** 39,500 - **Component:** Engine and Engine Cooling (or "Engine Oil System" if listed separately) - **Attachments:** RealOEM.com INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11757920August 19, 2026
SUSPENSION, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
-The component that is failing is the Transfer case which is shuddering and jerking. Yes, available for inspection. -UNKNOWN because I take the vehicle to the dealership service immediately when the issue presents due to concern, and to avoid further damage to the vehicle or delay and risk issue to the safety of myself and others -Yes, the problem has been reproduced and confirmed by dealerships multiple documented occasions. -Yes, by the manufacturer. This is a documented issue per SIB for BMW North America -Symptoms of the problem has shown prior to the failure each time in the presentation of the Shudder and Jerking. *Will be able to upload/provide service invoice images/documentation once I request and receive from dealership
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11756717August 13, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER, POWER TRAIN
My 2022 BMW X5 is having the transfer case star to fail. Where the symptoms currently are at is the car has a shudder in certain situations. I can feel it when maneuvering at slow speeds and I can feel it at times at speed or when on a steep hill. I bought the extended warranty for the car and the maintenance package for the vehicle. I'm at 68k miles and the shudder started before that but I am still covered under extended warranty. I have had all maintenance done on the vehicle at the local BMW dealership including all tire needs and have always replaced tires as necessary and number of tires at a time they suggest. When I took it in as the vehicle is reporting needing brakes 2 weeks ago, I mentioned the shudder and asked about tire tread on the 2 front tires. They came back with that the tires were fine in spec with the back 2 but that shudder is the transfer case. The dealer also then mentioned a couple things: - They now recommend changing the fluid in the transfer case by 60k miles due to amount of failures they are seeing (my X5 was in the dealership multiple times before an after 60k and it was never recommended). - that since it is not in the recommended maintenance for the xdrive4.0i that the car would not alert to have it changed and therefore BMW would not cover changing the fluid under the UltimateCare (service maintenance plan they sold me). That the transfer case was meant to be a for life fluid. - I asked what happens next if the fluid is not changed, that it will continue to degrade and once it fully gives out the vehicle will become inoperable - I asked does the fluid change save the transfercase and they said it seems to help many vehicles and the shudder disappears but for some it does not. - I then asked would the BMW Extended Warranty purchased cover it if it fully failed or the fluid change did not solve the shudder and I was told maybe fully, partially or not at all. Ext Warranty brochure says it is covered at platinum level I hav
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11756295August 11, 2026
POWER TRAIN:TRANSFER CASE (4-WHEEL DRIVE)
The contact owns a 2022 BMW X5. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal sound coming from the rear of the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the transfer case fluid needed to be replaced three separate times. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where it was diagnosed again and determined that the transfer case fluid needed to be replaced. The transfer case fluid was replaced; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 38,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11755843August 10, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, POWER TRAIN
The high-voltage battery system (this is a plug-in hybrid) began intermittently displaying a "battery not properly charging" warning approximately 6 months ago; the issue would resolve after plugging in and charging. On July 14, 2026, while driving, the vehicle displayed a "critical battery failure - pull over immediately and drive slowly" warning. The driver pulled over and shut off the vehicle; the warning cleared and the car appeared to drive normally afterward. This warning recurred several times over the following weeks under the same pattern. On August 6, 2026, the same critical battery failure warning appeared while driving; this time steering feel and drivetrain response were abnormal, and the air conditioning and several electronic features stopped working. Our safety, and the safety of other drivers on the road, was put at risk by the sudden loss of full vehicle control while in motion. The vehicle has been at an authorized BMW dealership for inspection since August 7, 2026; a full diagnosis is pending. Dealer service staff independently remarked that two other BMW X-series plug-in hybrids came in that same morning with the identical warning and symptoms, suggesting this may be a widespread component defect rather than an isolated issue.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11755185August 6, 2026
POWER TRAIN
Over the last approximately 20,000 miles or so I've noticed a studder/shaking of the vehicle when turning and/or accelerating at slow speeds, in particular, while the car is cold (not warmed up). I change the transfer case fluid about 5,000 miles ago and the problem did not resolve. I now see that there is a class action lawsuit against BMW for known failure of the transfer case. I would like my problem noted for the record and hopefully action by BMW.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11755151August 5, 2026
POWER TRAIN
I own a 2022 BMW X5 xDrive45e that has developed a drivetrain shudder during slow-speed, tight turns while lightly accelerating, such as when maneuvering in parking lots or making U-turns. The vibration is consistently reproducible under these conditions and is felt through the vehicle during the turn. The vehicle otherwise drives normally at higher speeds. After researching the issue, I found that many other owners have reported substantially similar symptoms involving the transfer case on BMW xDrive vehicles. My independent BMW repair shop has recommended a transfer case fluid service as the first corrective action based on the known nature of this problem. I am having that service performed and will retain all repair documentation. I am submitting this complaint because this appears to be a recurring issue affecting multiple vehicles. If the condition worsens, it could lead to drivetrain binding during low-speed maneuvers and may affect safe vehicle operation. I request that NHTSA investigate whether this is a broader defect requiring manufacturer action. I will update this complaint if the repair does not resolve the condition or if additional diagnosis identifies an internal transfer case failure.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11752075July 22, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1. What component/system failed, and is it available for inspection? The HVAC (heating/ventilation/air-conditioning) system — specifically the A/C evaporator and its condensate drainage — in my 2022 BMW X5 (G05). It emits a recurring musty/vinegar-like odor, consistent with microbial contamination on the evaporator. The system remains installed in the vehicle and is available for inspection upon request. 2. How was safety put at risk? The odor indicates mold/microbial growth in the cabin air supply, which is a respiratory air-quality concern for the driver and passengers . A strong odor on start-up is also a distraction that draws my attention away from driving . BMW's own bulletin attributes the odor to microbial contamination on the evaporator. 3. Reproduced/confirmed by a dealer or service center? I recently scheduled a service for next Wednesday. 4. Inspected by manufacturer, police, insurance, or others? Not yet escalated to BMW corporate (no PUMA/TSARA technical case opened). Not inspected by police or insurance. 5. Warning lamps/messages/symptoms, and when they first appeared? No warning lamp or dashboard message is associated with this condition [true — odor triggers no telltale]. The symptom is the odor itself: a musty/vinegar smell fro
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11749966July 13, 2026
POWER TRAIN, STEERING
On July 8, 2026, the vehicle unexpectedly stalled while I was driving in the middle lane on the I-95 highway, creating a safety concern. There was complete loss of engine power and low power to steering. The vehicle had to be towed to BMW of Peabody, Massachusetts. The vehicle had 30850 miles during the incident. During the inspection at service centre, I was informed that the safety fuse box and 12V auxiliary battery had failed which stalled the vehicle.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11746659June 26, 2026
ENGINE, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
I took my 2022 BMW X5 xDrive 45e for concerns of shuddering at low speeds and tight turns under warranty. No warning messages on dashboard. I asked specifically what was causing the shuddering. BMW of Raleigh would not respond. But they found that the Transfer Case was affected so they flushed the oil and put an oil mixture replacement in. According to the most recent BMW service bulletin, the technician is only to put in DTF oil. The technician not only put in DTF oil but also an over-the-counter non-approved chemical additive. Reading the service bulletin, the Transfer Case is supposed to have a lifetime warranty. We were charged over $500 for this "oil change", but it was under warranty. Transfer Case failures can result in accidents on highways and other roadways and complete mechanical failure of vehicle.. The oil change did not fix the Transfer Case issue but extended out the vehicle so that it now falls out of warranty. A TC replacement will cost $10,000 or more out of pocket. TC issues is a known BMW issue since 2018. Lawsuit has begun w/thousands of plaintiffs all over USA w/ 2019-2025 BMWs because they refuse to acknowledge that they are at fault even though they continue to put out bulletins for this exact issue. BMW has made sure that Transfer Case is not on any warranty they offer.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11742257June 5, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Electronic Shifter goes out when exposed to moisture.. We had the vehicle detailed and it will not move after apparently some moisture got into the shift know that is located next to cup holders.. BMW will not warranty the part and acknowledge it is an issue.. Luckily we have an extended warranty that is covering the 2500.00 part
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11742057June 4, 2026
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING, LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION, BACK OVER PREVENTION: WARNINGS
I am writing to you as a loyal BMW owner to formally lodge a serious complaint regarding a technical safety failure in my BMW X5 and the subsequent dismissive treatment I received at an authorized service center in New York. The Incident Recently, while reversing, the Driving Assistance and Parking Assistant systems failed without warning. As a result, the vehicle collided with an object, causing damage to the rear bumper. This was not a result of driver negligence, but a direct failure of the safety technology that I trusted to protect my family. Service Center Negligence Upon visiting the service center to address this life-threatening defect, I was met with unacceptable indifference. The service advisor flatly refused to investigate the system failure, stating they would only perform a standard NYC Inspection. I was given a follow-up appointment for May 5th—forcing me to wait weeks to address a critical safety defect. Safety Concerns & Demand for Replacement As a father [XXX], I no longer feel safe operating this vehicle. The integrity of the safety modules has been compromised, and my confidence in this specific car is completely shattered. Repairing a bumper does not fix a failed safety system that could have caused a much more serious accident.And when I provide all of this evidence to BMW North America they Lay to me and asked me to take my vehicle without resolving the problem and the doesn’t care about my family safety INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11729200April 4, 2026
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
The electric A/C compressor on my 2022 BMW X5 xDrive45e (VIN [XXX] ) failed internally at approximately 59,000 miles, causing metal debris to circulate throughout the refrigerant system. The failed compressor and contaminated components are at BMW of Sterling (Sterling, VA) and available for inspection. This is a safety concern because the A/C refrigerant circuit provides thermal management for the high-voltage hybrid battery. BMW of Sterling's service advisor confirmed in writing that the A/C system is "a critical component of your vehicle's HV system," that there is no independent backup cooling system, and that the failure "can cause potential high voltage battery failures." Without active cooling, the HV battery is at risk of overheating, which could result in a thermal event. The failure was diagnosed and confirmed by BMW of Sterling. They categorized the repair as "EHV: FULLY ELECTRIC OR HYBRID VEHICLE DRIVETRAIN DIAGNOSTICS" with the complaint "HIGH VOLTAGE SYSTEM ERROR." The repair estimate is $11,356.59 and requires replacement of the compressor, condenser, all expansion valves, and a double system flush. BMW Service Information Bulletin SI B64 09 21 documents this exact failure pattern for the G05 X5 xDrive45e, and BMW created a dedicated repair kit (part 64 50 5 A5B 590) for it. This is my second major HV component failure. A battery cell replacement was performed under warranty in 2025. Both failures were confirmed by the dealership to be component defects unrelated to owner use. Prior to complete failure, a fan noise was present in the front driver's area for a period of time before it stopped, consistent with the compressor degrading before failing entirely. A high voltage system error was displayed. BMW NA (case #XXX) has declined warranty coverage despite the vehicle being within the 8-year/80,000-mile HV battery warranty. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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