BMW X5 Complaints (2022)

75 consumer complaints on file.

#11728841April 2, 2026
SERVICE BRAKES, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
I was driving my 2022 BMW X5 on the highway at approximately 78 mph when the vehicle suddenly and unexpectedly applied the brakes without any obstruction or vehicle in front of me. A warning appeared instructing me to release the brakes while driving. This created a dangerous situation and could have caused a rear-end collision. The vehicle has approximately 34,000 miles. This appears to be a malfunction of the automatic emergency braking system. This happened on 2 seperate occasions.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11726969March 25, 2026
TIRES
The front Continental PremiumContact 6 tires, size 275/35ZR22, DOT [XXX] , developed abnormal and premature tread/shoulder failure. The condition included splitting, tearing, separation along the shoulder area, and exposed internal cords. I first raised concerns about the tire condition at about 20,000 miles. An alignment was performed at 20,142 miles, but the condition later worsened. One of the front tires deteriorated while the vehicle was being driven, creating a serious safety risk. The condition was documented with photographs and dashcam evidence. The vehicle was not safely drivable on the affected tire. The full set was later replaced based on BMW’s recommendation, at a cost of $2,358.75. A warranty/defect claim was submitted through the BMW / Dealer Tire / Continental process, but I did not receive a clear manufacturer-level inspection explanation or meaningful response. 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
#11726407March 23, 2026
POWER TRAIN
Front Differential failed at 51,000 miles
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11721325March 2, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE, POWER TRAIN
While driving, the vehicle displayed a 'Drivetrain malfunction' warning on the dashboard and began jerking. I safely pulled over and turned off the vehicle. Immediately after stopping, there was a distinct, strong electrical burning smell coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle was inspected by an authorized BMW dealership. The dealer diagnosed a catastrophic failure of the starter motor. The vehicle's computer logged fault codes 21611A (excessive counter-torque), 21A511 (Start system: Timeout), and 216119 (Line disconnection). These codes confirm the starter motor suffered a severe electrical overload and thermal event. This premature failure and fire hazard identically matches the safety risks outlined in BMW's recent massive starter motor recalls (such as NHTSA Recalls 25V-636 and 26V-056), but my specific vehicle is currently excluded from those recall campaigns. The starter requires complete replacement due to this overheating damage
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11716132February 6, 2026
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, POWER TRAIN, ENGINE
I am writing to formally express my concern regarding serious and repeated safety-related failures with my 2022 BMW X5 xDrive45e, VIN [XXX] . I purchased this vehicle in 2022 through a custom build, at a purchase price exceeding $80,000, with the expectation of reliability, safety, and premium quality consistent with the BMW brand. In October 2025, while my wife was driving with my son in the vehicle, the hybrid component safety box failed without warning, causing the vehicle to stall on the roadway. This created a dangerous situation for my family. The vehicle was towed to the dealership, repaired, and returned to me on November 4, 2025. Unfortunately, on February 3, 2026, a second serious incident occurred. After my wife picked up my son from school, the vehicle began jerking violently while driving, and a strong sulphur-like odor entered the cabin. Fearing for their safety, she immediately stopped driving. The vehicle was again towed to BMW of Jackson. I was informed today by the service advisor that the failure is due to another hybrid-related component, specifically the EME Hybrid Inverter, and that BMW North America is declining to cover this repair under warranty. These repeated hybrid system failures are deeply concerning, particularly given that both incidents involved my wife and children and posed clear safety risks. As a result, both of my children are now fearful of riding in the vehicle, and this situation has caused significant emotional distress to my family. Given the nature of these failures, the vehicle’s purchase price, and BMW’s emphasis on safety and engineering excellence, I find it unacceptable that a critical hybrid component failure would not be covered under warranty—especially following a prior hybrid system failure less than four months earlier. I am requesting that BMW North America review this matter promptly and provide a reasonable resolution, including warranty coverage for the EME Hybrid Inverter repair. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11709532January 7, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Windshield cracks with slightest chip Happened twice
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11707720December 30, 2025
ENGINE, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
During a trip out of town, I saw a warning light that informed me that the engine coolant level was low and that scalding could occur. The next morning, my husband checked the coolant levels and added coolant to the reservoir. Later that day, I received the same warning message. The vehicle was leaking coolant and could not sustain the appropriate levels. We brought the vehicle to the local BMW dealership and was told that the coolant pump had broken from the inside and would need to be replaced.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11706977December 24, 2025
WHEELS
I was driving the car on the middle lane on Northern State Parkway (Long Island, NY) West bound about 55mph. Near exit 26 suddenly my car was automatically moving towards to the right, steering wheel and brake were not working, car was completely out of control, it crossed the right lane and went out of the highway and suddenly stuck in the bushes and stopped. Luckily, there was no car on the right lane at that time. I did not hit anyone and no car hit me. Call automatically went to the police from my car. In short time police came and I came out of the car and found that left rear wheel broke from axel. I do regular service in BMW service center. This year I took to Rallye BMW service center one time in April and one time in August and I did complete servicing as their recommendation. My car is in Rallye BMW for over one and half month but I did not get any information from BMW what happened to my car. I called several times but from service center Mr. Anthony is telling that from BMW corporate one came yet to do inspection.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11706187December 19, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, UNKNOWN OR OTHER, VISIBILITY/WIPER
Electrical-soy covered wires causes rodents to chew wires causing electrical defaults and faulty control. Windshield - Minor chips causing massive cracks - happened twice in a 2 week time frame. After it was replaced. Cracked again
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11704563December 11, 2025
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2022 BMW X5. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer for routine service. The contact stated that during the inspection of the vehicle, the dealer discovered that the water pump was beginning to leak coolant onto electrical circuits, inside the engine compartment. The dealer recommended the water pump replacement. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System), however, the vehicle model year was not part of the original VIN selection. The failure mileage was approximately 21,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11697310November 3, 2025
POWER TRAIN
Like numerous other BMW owners, my transfer case is failing in my vehicle. It’s actively causing jerking/shuddering/locking up at low speeds and while making turns. This poses a significant danger to the driver and passengers in the vehicle, and other drivers as well while turning or trying to merge with traffic. I’ve brought the car into the dealer had the transfer case fluid changed according to the service bulletin that exists for this problem but it persists. I’ve brought the vehicle back into the dealer and told that now BMW suggests paying for another fluid change. This is obviously a known problem (thus the service bulletin), it’s persisted with models like mine for over 5 years, had cost numerous owners significant amounts of monies out of pocket, and poses a safety risk given the transfer case is a foundational component of these vehicles’ drive trains. Finally it’s a problem BMW openly admits they caused with improper fluid in the component. I believe the above meets all criteria for a formal recall that BMW should cover (or reimburse) the costs for given their negligence and the risks it poses. Can you confirm why this hasn’t risen to a formal recall? And confirm the steps you’re actively taking to elevate this to that status with BMW?
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11696957November 1, 2025
LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST
My lane keep assist shuts off every time I drive the vehicle. I reported this in February and was told it was just due to the weather (snow). I brought the vehicle back in a few weeks later to the same dealership and was told there’s something in the steering wheel that needs replaced and they needed to order it. They never called me back to tell me the part was in and did not reply to my inquiries. I took the car to a different dealership in August and again asked them to fix the lane assist. They again told me there was something called an agitator in the steering wheel and would need to see if they had any in stock or would order. After almost 3 weeks of being in the shop when I picked it up the assist shut off again 5 minutes down the road. I reported to BMW North America and did nothing about it. The GM from the original dealership emailed me to ask if I was satisfied with their service and reported the issues, no response. Nobody seems to be willing or able to fix this safety feature I have paid extra money to have.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11695356October 24, 2025
SEAT BELTS
When fully extended, the seatbelt will occasionally twist or fold as it is being retracted, sometimes causing the belt to be stuck or jammed in the retractor and rendering the seatbelt inoperable and in need of repair. BMW considers this an issue caused by "outside influence" (not a manufacturer defect) that is not covered under warranty repair, even if this issue occurs during normal operation of the seatbelt.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11676845July 28, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, POWER TRAIN
Sudden loss of power. Vehicle warning after starting stating power supply issue even after a brand new battery from the dealership. 3 similar incidents in a month. During the final incident the vehicle was again towed to the dealership where it’s been there for over a week and power supply issues persist. They are changing the whole high voltage box due to some unfixable errors.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11659962May 9, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Car has premature failure from the AC system. My system started to fail between 40-50k miles. Both the AC compressor and condenser failed causing metal pieces to be in the system. If not fixed, those metal shavings will cause failure in other electrical systems including the HV battery.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11654941April 16, 2025
POWER TRAIN, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Reoccurring drivetrain and high voltage issues with my 2022 BMW X545e
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11645644February 28, 2025
POWER TRAIN
There is a jerking or shuddering during either or both of the following: Cornering or accelerating from low speeds Driving with low to medium loads [XXX] 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
#11644331February 23, 2025
POWER TRAIN, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
The malfunction is my water pump is cracked & leaking coolant at 40k miles. The get up performance speed is lagging and delayed especially driving using Eco mode. The safety is at risk as the car is overheating, slow to accelerate and drive comfortably or safely. BMW of Riverside, CA has had to top off my coolant levels twice in a month or so. Bavarian Auto House located at 1009 E Balsam Ave, Anaheim, CA 92805 inspected my vehicle during a brake fluid flush and noticed my cracked leaking water pump. The low coolant levels pop up alert first appeared on my vehicle a month ago in the end of January 2025.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11631211December 17, 2024
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE, POWER TRAIN
On Dec 9, 2024 I was driving my 2022 BMW X5 45E on (in EV mode) local roads at approximately 30-35mph when all of a sudden I lost power and the steering wheel became tight. My instrument panels all showed a multitude of errors including: "Chassis stabilization", "Power Supply", "Reduced Power", "Transmssion Malfuction", and others I do not recall. I was fortunately able to turn into a parking lot slowly, but the steering was tight to the point I had to use 2 hands to make turn. There was also no throttle response. As soon as the car came to a stop, I powered it off and turned it on. The car's screens were blinking and the car would not turn on. I contacted BMW Roadside and the car was towed to the dealership at East Bay BMW in Pleasanton. As of today I am still waiting for a reply on the condition of the vehicle. Yesterday I was told that they will change out the battery first and see if this solves the problem. My biggest concern is that had this happened to me on the highway that I or someone would have gotten seriously injured or may result in death from an accident. I lost power to the car and the steering became stiff.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11629090December 5, 2024
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2022 BMW X5. The contact stated that while the vehicle was at the dealer for a scheduled service appointment, the contact was informed that the coolant pump was failing. The contact was informed that the coolant pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. In addition, the contact was informed that the repair was not covered under recall. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 53,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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