BMW X5 Complaints

420 consumer complaints on file.

#11705036December 15, 2025
POWER TRAIN
I am writing to formally file a complaint and request an expansion of recall coverage regarding a starter motor failure on my 2021 BMW X5, which occurred at approximately 38,000 miles. Recently, my vehicle experienced a sudden failure to start. After inspection, the issue was diagnosed as a starter malfunction. I am aware that BMW has issued a recall addressing starter-related defects for certain vehicles of the same model year and configuration. However, I was informed that my vehicle’s VIN is not included in the current recall list. Given the relatively low mileage, the nature of the failure, and the existence of an official BMW recall for the same defect, I believe this issue represents a manufacturing or design defect rather than normal wear and tear. A starter motor failure at 38,000 miles is both unexpected and unacceptable for a premium vehicle such as a BMW X5
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
#11704385December 11, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
While on a stretch of two lane highway with no shoulders I got some flashing error messages that were too quick to read, then the car made the shutdown sound like when you turn the car off, and said “Goodbye” on the screen. The gas pedal was unresponsive, pulled itself away from my foot. The screen showed what it normally shows when you turn the car off - option to charge immediately or precondition now. Car was just coasting. Eventually I hit the start button and the car turned back on. I think one of the error messages that flashed said Driver Assistance Disabled… the car doesn’t have any advanced drivers assistance packages so not sure what that could mean. I have a vague memory of this happening to me once over a year ago, pulling out of the driveway, and having to hit start to turn it back on.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11704139December 10, 2025
ENGINE, SUSPENSION
In the middle of driving, multiple warning lights came on in the car and the steering became very stiff, which made it difficult to steer the car. We brought the car to the dealer service station and they identified that the crank pulley system had a failure and the vibration damper needed to be replaced. Apparently, this issue also resulted in the engine not properly charging the car battery, which also resulted in battery failure. This car only has about 38,000 miles on it and has been plagued by safety issues. The difficulty steering the car could have resulted in an accident on the road. This same car also had a water pump failure at approximately 35-36k miles that was separately reported to NHTSA previously.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11703980December 9, 2025
ENGINE
BMW 2021 X5 Engine starter failed. BMW South Miami dealership troubleshooting found the starter motor faulty and replaced it. This failure is NOT part of the current starter recall for BMW X5. (25V644000) My X5 maufactured date is June of 2021. I purchased the X5 In July of 2021. I paid $2166.35 for repairs and I am seaking a refund.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11703190December 5, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I was driving 75mph on the highway and my sunroof exploded while driving. It sounded like a gunshot above my head and shattered while going 75mph. This vehicle and other bmws that share the same sunroof glass are not fit to drive on the road until investigated further. There has been recalls and lawsuits for this. This a supplier or install issue when the car was manufactured. It’s not safe while driving and the glass spontaneously combusts into a million pieces. I have contacted BMW NA and they stated there is nothing they can do about it. The service was paid for because I need a vehicle. I would like this investigated as a warranty claim so I can claim back the fees I have paid.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11703128December 4, 2025
POWER TRAIN, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The vehicle shut off and would not start while at a stop light. It is new: under one year old and still within warranty. The error was a “Restart not possible. Drivetrain fault” as shown in the picture. My safety as well as my passenger’s were put at risk due to being in a congested roadway and unable to move. After attempting to restart the system software, I then observed a “High voltage battery” warning. At that point my passenger and I exited the vehicle. As I was on the phone with emergency roadside assistance while out of the vehicle for about 10 minutes, the vehicle was able to start with the warning now displaying “Drivetrain. You can continue driving. Have the problem checked by your local service center.” I hesitantly drove the vehicle home. While parked, I checked about 15 minutes later and the issue resurfaced (as pictured). The problem has not yet been taken to the dealership. It will be tomorrow. The issue has not yet been inspected by any other representatives. There were no warning signs whatsoever before the issue occurred. The vehicle simply shut off, and upon attempting restart the aforementioned errors were observed.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11702677December 3, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
Three weeks ago the instrument cluster indicated a failure of the front collision avoidance system and said to have the vehicle examined by the dealer. I dropped it off two weeks ago and have been informed that they're having trouble updating the instrument panel and other component software. Other times the instrument panel would go dark for several seconds while driving. There is an open recall on X5 models produced from 01/24. Mine is not included as it was produced 11/23. Recall is 24V-138
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11701920November 28, 2025
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DIFFERENTIAL UNIT
The contact owns a 2021 BMW X5. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, there was an abnormal grinding and clanking sound coming from the front end of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the front differential was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 36,400.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11701093November 23, 2025
AIR BAGS, SEAT BELTS, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
On September 2, 2025, my 2025 BMW X5 xDrive50e was involved in a head-on collision with another vehicle. Despite the severity of the impact, the following safety systems failed to deploy: Front airbags Driver seatbelt pretensioner BMW Assist / automatic emergency notification Witnesses reported that my vehicle briefly went airborne before landing with the rear wheels up on a curb. I suffered neck injuries, and my vehicle sustained significant frontal damage. BMW later downloaded the Event Data Recorder (EDR) and confirmed: A frontal non-deployment event Three fault codes in the airbag control module (ACSM) post-crash The crash algorithm activated and reset ΔV reached approx. 12.4 mph longitudinal Forward Collision Mitigation system issued an acute warning 0.5 seconds before impact BMW states the “impulse was not sufficient” to trigger restraint deployment BMW has refused to provide: The deployment thresholds (ΔV criteria) for airbags or pre-tensioners Any engineering explanation for why restraint systems did not activate Any technical rationale for the ACSM fault codes Any escalation beyond Customer Relations All I have been given is an unsigned summary letter and the raw EDR file. BMW Customer Relations stated that engineering is “not customer-facing” and that no additional information will be provided. This leaves serious concerns that: The restraint systems did not function properly in a real-world impact. BMW is refusing to disclose the engineering basis for its conclusions. Consumers may be at risk if this is a repeatable failure mode. I am requesting NHTSA review this incident as a potential defect in the airbag, pretensioner, and/or crash-sensing system in the 2025 BMW X5. I can provide the EDR report, photos, BMW’s letter, and full correspondence upon request. VIN: [XXX] Mileage: ~10,700 Crash Date: 09/02/2025 BMW Case #: XXX INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
1
Deaths:
0
#11698859November 11, 2025
POWER TRAIN, ENGINE
drivetrain lights came on out of no where. i was coming to a red light and when car stopped the light on dash came on and message came on for drivetrain malfunction. Car was turned off and on and message went away. Car was brought to dealer and they were able to diagnose saying 3 injector problem and need to replace cylinder head. Was told this a problem with the new V8 engines. can be dangerous if driving and message is gone and continue driving.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11698378November 8, 2025
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, ENGINE, POWER TRAIN
The vehicle shakes at low speeds with a jolt and vibration when turning. When I pressed the accelerator from a standstill, the gas pedal broke off from its floor mounted bracket.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11697926November 6, 2025
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC, ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
The contact owns a 2024 BMW X5. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V104000 (Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the contact was informed that parts were not yet available. In addition, the contact stated that the parts for the recall repair had been unavailable for more than a year. The manufacturer was contacted; however, the contact was informed that the parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure.
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
#11696790October 31, 2025
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC), SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2024 BMW X5. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V104000 (ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC), SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11696422October 29, 2025
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2025 BMW X5. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed, and the vehicle failed to brake smoothly. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The dealer was made aware of the failure; however, the contact was informed that parts were not available. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V104000 (Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the parts had not been available since 2024, when the recall was initiated. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
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
#11695069October 22, 2025
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC), SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2024 BMW X5. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to respond as intended. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to stop smoothly. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that when the brake pedal was depressed, the brake pedal had an abnormal feeling. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V104000 (Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the parts were not yet available. The dealer was made aware of the failure; however, the contact was informed that parts were on back order. The contact stated that the dealer was contacted several times; however, the contact was informed each time that the parts were on back order. The contact stated that the parts had been unavailable for more than a year. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 1,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11695040October 22, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2021 BMW X5. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, there was an abnormal sputtering sound coming from the vehicle. After several attempts, the vehicle was able to start. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with starter failure. The contact was provided with the following DTC: 0012240600. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The contact stated that the failure persisted. Upon further investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V576000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). However, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 55,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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