Car Defect Radar
Get the report
Built from NHTSA complaints and recalls collected for this model, generated October 26, 2026. Totals reflect what has been collected, not every complaint ever filed.
Confirm 8 recalls before you buy.

Ask the seller for proof the repair was completed, or run the free VIN check. Recall repairs are done at no cost by a dealer.

Recalls

8 total · 8 to confirm

Safety issues the manufacturer must repair for free. A recall means confirm the fix was done, not walk away.

Brakes recall

Confirm it was repairedRecall 26V422000 · Jul 2026

A loss of power brake assist can extend the distance required to stop the vehicle. Additionally, malfunctioning ABS and/or DSC systems can cause a loss of vehicle control. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy
The Integrated brake system will be inspected and, if necessary, replaced, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed August 21, 2026. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 or Rolls-Royce customer service at 1-877-877-3735. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will become searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning August 21, 2026. Vehicles previously repaired under recall 24V739 or 24V104 will need to have the new remedy completed.
Status
Remedy available. Confirm by VIN that this repair was completed.
What to do
Enter the VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm this car was repaired.

Safety recall

Confirm it was repairedRecall 24V739000 · Oct 2024

A loss of power brake assist can extend the distance required to stop the vehicle. Additionally, malfunctioning ABS and/or DSC systems can cause a loss of vehicle control. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy
Dealers will replace the integrated brake module, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters notifying owners of the safety risk are expected to be mailed November 22, 2024. Second letters will be mailed once the parts are available. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. Vehicles in this recall were previously repaired under recall number 24V-104 and will need to have the new remedy completed.
Status
Remedy available. Confirm by VIN that this repair was completed.
What to do
Enter the VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm this car was repaired.

Safety recall

Confirm it was repairedRecall 24V697000 · Sep 2024

A loss of brake power assist or rear brake function can result in extended stopping distance. A loss of ABS or DSC can cause a loss of vehicle handling and control. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy
Dealers will replace the integrated brake system, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 13, 2024. Owners can contact BMW Customer Service at 1-800-525-7417.
Status
Remedy available. Confirm by VIN that this repair was completed.
What to do
Enter the VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm this car was repaired.

Safety recall

Confirm it was repairedRecall 24V327000 · May 2024

Incorrect tire information can allow an incorrectly sized tire to be installed or result in improperly inflated tires, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy
Dealers will replace the tire information placard, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 9, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Status
Remedy available. Confirm by VIN that this repair was completed.
What to do
Enter the VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm this car was repaired.

Structure recall

Confirm it was repairedRecall 24V138000 · Feb 2024

Instrument panel separation during air bag deployment can result in pieces of the panel striking occupants. Improper air bag deployment may not restrain an occupant as intended during a crash. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of injury.

Remedy
Dealers will replace the instrument panel, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 16, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Status
Remedy available. Confirm by VIN that this repair was completed.
What to do
Enter the VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm this car was repaired.

Safety recall

Confirm it was repairedRecall 24V104000 · Feb 2024

A loss of power brake assist can extend the distance required to stop the vehicle. Additionally, malfunctioning ABS and/or DSC systems can cause a loss of vehicle control. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy
Dealers will replace the integrated brake system, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed between June and December 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 or Rolls Royce customer service at 1-877-877-3735.
Status
Remedy available. Confirm by VIN that this repair was completed.
What to do
Enter the VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm this car was repaired.

Airbags recall

Confirm it was repairedRecall 23V622000 · Sep 2023

An air bag that does not deploy as intended can increase the risk of injury in a crash.

Remedy
Dealers will replace the front passenger knee air bag, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 3, 2023. Owners may contact BMW's customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Status
Remedy available. Confirm by VIN that this repair was completed.
What to do
Enter the VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm this car was repaired.

Airbags recall

Confirm it was repairedRecall 23V471000 · Jul 2023

A knee air bag that does not deploy as intended increases the risk of injury.

Remedy
Dealers will replace the knee air bag (driver and/or passenger), free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 6, 2023. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Status
Remedy available. Confirm by VIN that this repair was completed.
What to do
Enter the VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm this car was repaired.

Owner complaints by system

145 total

Unverified reports owners filed with NHTSA, grouped by the part of the car. Useful for spotting patterns. Open a group to read recent examples.

Engine & powertrain

Worth reading
16

Most reports here involve transmission slipping. Of these, 1 mention a crash.

transmission slipping 5sudden stalling 5software faults 3
A recent report: I am writing to formally document serious and recurring safety concerns with my Certified Pre-Owned 2024 BMW X5e, which I purchased from BMW of Sterling on XXX. On XXX I was merging onto [XXX] during…
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I am writing to formally document serious and recurring safety concerns with my Certified Pre-Owned 2024 BMW X5e, which I purchased from BMW of Sterling on XXX. On XXX I was merging onto [XXX] during morning rush hour when my vehicle suddenly lost power and shut down in the middle of traffic. The vehicle first displayed a yellow drivetrain warning indicating that I could continue driving at reduced power to the nearest service center. Almost immediately afterward, a red drivetrain warning appeared instructing me to seek service immediately. At that point, the vehicle would not restart and continued displaying the error message. Having a vehicle suddenly become disabled in the middle of a major interstate during rush-hour traffic was both frightening and extremely dangerous. I contacted BMW Assist but was transferred among several representatives without receiving meaningful assistance. VDOT ultimately responded, and the vehicle was towed at my expense to BMW of Sterling. Ultimately, I was informed that BMW of Sterling could not identify the cause of the failure or replicate the problem. I was told that BMW in Germany had been consulted and that the vehicle's electronics had been reset. When I picked up the vehicle, I specifically asked whether it had been tested in electric, hybrid, and sport modes and was told that it had. However, my BMW app indicated that the vehicle had not been charged since before I brought it in for service, which raised concerns for me about the extent of the testing that was performed. On XXX, I drove the vehicle to [XXX], for work. When I returned to the vehicle that afternoon and attempted to start it, I received the same drivetrain warning messages. After approximately 15 minutes, the vehicle eventually started normally, and I was able to drive home without further incident. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11763444 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

Electrical & infotainment

Worth reading
23

Most reports here involve software faults.

software faults 10sudden stalling 6
A recent report: I purchased my 2024 BMW X5 new at BMW Alexandria, Virginia it’s have approximately 34,000 miles . I have taken X5 into dealer warranty repairs regarding malfunction emergency call system since May…
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I purchased my 2024 BMW X5 new at BMW Alexandria, Virginia it’s have approximately 34,000 miles . I have taken X5 into dealer warranty repairs regarding malfunction emergency call system since May 2026. Total 3 visits to dealer to resolve this issues has been unsuccessful in resolving the issues . At the moment ,‘‘quote’’from dealership below: the shop foreman has opened the TASARA CASE on the vehicle....and has sent the information to the head engineer of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA. We are waiting on a response at to what to do with the issue that we have....it may need a new HUH module . On two additional separate visits 2 TCU or TSB modules and 1 wiring harness were replaced. On 06/30/26 dashboard warning emergency call malfunction REAPPEAR AGAIN. There are numerous complaints regarding this issues online forum . BMW should take responsibility in resolving this matter maybe it’s in need of a major recall . Furthermore , defects in the emergency call system may result in loss of life / injury what the system was designed features. When I made my purchase on this X5 BMW I was believing its was reliable and trustworthy had me thinking otherwise. 7/14/26 Gotten call today from service advisor they may not be able to resolve issue and mentioned option but didn’t go into details . Afterwards received 2nd text from my service advisor case would be expedited to head engineer of BMW . Wondering what next ??

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11750450 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

Brakes

Worth reading
82

Most reports here involve loss of braking. Of these, 7 mention a crash, 1 mention an injury.

loss of braking 30unintended acceleration 2
A recent report: I am requesting NHTSA assistance regarding a serious and recurring braking safety concern involving our BMW X5. We initially reported braking problems to BMW and brought the vehicle to the dealership…
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I am requesting NHTSA assistance regarding a serious and recurring braking safety concern involving our BMW X5. We initially reported braking problems to BMW and brought the vehicle to the dealership for evaluation. We were advised that the vehicle was operating normally. Subsequently, a brake related recall was issued, and the vehicle underwent recall related service. Despite this, braking concerns continued. We again reported the problem and were advised after evaluation that the vehicle was operating properly. There were subsequent incidents involving abnormal braking behavior. During 1 incident, my wife was slowly parking the vehicle when it did not stop as expected despite repeatedly applying the brake pedal. The vehicle continued moving and collided with a wall before eventually stopping. We have also experienced abnormal brake vibration and other concerning braking behavior. Because of these repeated safety concerns, the vehicle is currently the subject of pending lemon law litigation involving BMW North America. Most recently, we returned the vehicle to the BMW dealership because of the braking and safety concerns. The vehicle remained there for approximately 4 months. We have not received a clear explanation of what diagnostic testing, inspection, repair, or corrective work was performed during this extended period. We were then informed that the vehicle was ready for pickup. When we went to retrieve it, it was covered with substantial dust and had very low tire pressure. We were unable to take it home. Our primary concern is safety. We do not know whether the reported braking malfunction was identified or corrected, what was done during approximately 4 months at the dealership, or the technical basis for releasing the vehicle for operation. We regularly transport our young children in this vehicle and are extremely concerned about driving it without knowing whether the braking problem has been properly identified and addressed. We respectfully request

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11758732 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

Steering, suspension & tires

Minor
1

Most reports here involve loss of steering.

loss of steering 1
A recent report: Received warning that steering effort changed requiring replacement of steering module

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11609894 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

Airbags & seat belts

Worth reading
2

Most reports here involve airbags not deploying. Of these, 1 mention a crash, 1 mention an injury.

airbags not deploying 1electrical shorts 1
A recent report: Car's information system was giving error stating: "Urgent interior functionality check up. The driver restraint system of your vehicle is malfunctioning. There is an increased risk of injury in case…
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Car's information system was giving error stating: "Urgent interior functionality check up. The driver restraint system of your vehicle is malfunctioning. There is an increased risk of injury in case of a collision." Took it to the BMW dealer, they shared this info: Cause: Read out faults found fault 930949 knee air bag drivers short to negative need to replace harnesses as per SIB 65-27-24. Correction: Replace harness for knee air bags. The estimate for this is $2,013.72 which breaks down to parts at $288.96 and 7 hours worth of labor costing $1,724.76. This car is two years old. I would assume this is a manufacturing defect happening at only two years of age.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11712478 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

Structure & body

Worth reading
6

Most reports here involve other issues. Of these, 1 mention an injury.

other issues 6
A recent report: Driving at 70 mph down a clear stretch of highway, no cars in front, panoramic sunroof spontaneously exploded. Not under an overpass, no flying debris. Temperature was 54 degrees F. on a sunny day…
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Driving at 70 mph down a clear stretch of highway, no cars in front, panoramic sunroof spontaneously exploded. Not under an overpass, no flying debris. Temperature was 54 degrees F. on a sunny day. The vehicles behind me pulled back as my sunroof showered them. Wife and daughter in vehicle, fortunately, the panoramic shade was closed, so no debris impacted anyone. As it’s visible on the pictures, the explosion was outwards.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11739165 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

Other systems

Minor
15

Most reports here involve software faults.

software faults 3
A recent report: The air conditioning fan has five fan beats starting with extra low, low, medium, high and extra high. The extra low is too low, but when you turn the fan speed up to one, it becomes as loud as the…
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The air conditioning fan has five fan beats starting with extra low, low, medium, high and extra high. The extra low is too low, but when you turn the fan speed up to one, it becomes as loud as the highest setting often sounding way too loud where it is hard to hear anything. Causes a problem then when adjusting buttons to get it to your temperature, especially while driving on an expressway. Vehicle was taken in and looked at by the dealership, but returned with the same issue and issues have also been reported online by various owners of the vehicle.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11745118 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

Is 145 complaints a lot? They were filed between 2023 and 2026, roughly 46 a year, which is more than the typical model in this dataset. We do not have sales figures for this model, so treat this as a rough volume, not a rate per car on the road. Popular, high-volume models naturally collect more complaints over time.

How does it compare with other years? The 2024 has 145 complaints on file, more than the 2023 (31) and more than the 2025 (61). Of the 17 model years of the BMW X5 we cover, the 2012 has the most (271). Older model years have had longer to collect complaints.