BMW X5 years to avoid (and the best years)
2,002 NHTSA owner complaints and 75 recalls across 17 model years, 2010 to 2026. Built from NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, generated October 26, 2026.
- 2,002complaints
- 75recalls
- 77reported crashes
- 70reported fires
- 69reported injuries
- 2reported deaths
Which BMW X5 years should you avoid?
By NHTSA owner complaints, the BMW X5 years to avoid are 2012 and 2011. The typical BMW X5 year has 105 complaints on file.
- 2012: 271 complaints, 2.6 times the typical year. Most complaints name the engine (38% of complaints) and the airbags (31% of complaints).
- 2011: 263 complaints, 2.5 times the typical year. Most complaints name the engine (45% of complaints) and the airbags (25% of complaints).
What are the best BMW X5 years?
The BMW X5 years with the fewest complaints on file are the 2023 (31), 2022 (67) and 2018 (72). Model years after 2023 are left out: they have not been on the road long enough to compare.
NHTSA does not publish sales figures, so these are complaint counts, not a rate per car on the road. A year that sold more cars collects more complaints, and older years have had longer to collect them.
Every model year
| Year | Complaints | vs typical year | Recalls | Crashes | Injuries | Our read | Most reported |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 22 | 0.2× | 2 | 2 | 9 | Few red flags | Electrical system |
| 2025 | 61 | 0.6× | 5 | 8 | 3 | Few red flags | Brakes |
| 2024 | 145 | 1.4× | 8 | 9 | 3 | Few red flags | Brakes |
| 2023 | 31 | 0.3× | 4 | 3 | 1 | Few red flags | Electrical system |
| 2022 | 67 | 0.6× | 1 | 9 | 3 | Few red flags | Transmission and drivetrain |
| 2021 | 105 | 1.0× | 12 | 9 | 7 | Few red flags | Electrical system |
| 2020 | 111 | 1.1× | 11 | 3 | 5 | Few red flags | Engine |
| 2019 | 186 | 1.8× | 13 | 4 | 0 | Some concerns to check | Electrical system |
| 2018 | 72 | 0.7× | 5 | 2 | 3 | Few red flags | Engine |
| 2017 | 73 | 0.7× | 6 | 3 | 4 | Some concerns to check | Fuel system |
| 2016 | 73 | 0.7× | 5 | 3 | 2 | Few red flags | Electrical system |
| 2015 | 152 | 1.4× | 6 | 6 | 6 | Some concerns to check | Engine |
| 2014 | 98 | 0.9× | 8 | 3 | 3 | Some concerns to check | Fuel system |
| 2013 | 148 | 1.4× | 6 | 2 | 8 | Few red flags | Engine |
| 2012 | 271 | 2.6× | 10 | 4 | 6 | Approach with caution | Engine |
| 2011 | 263 | 2.5× | 14 | 5 | 4 | Approach with caution | Engine |
| 2010 | 124 | 1.2× | 14 | 2 | 2 | Few red flags | Engine |
Most reported problem areas
Share of the 931 complaints sorted by system, all years together.
- Engine & powertrain350 (38%)
- Electrical & infotainment169 (18%)
- Brakes142 (15%)
- Airbags & seat belts112 (12%)
- Other systems74 (8%)
Recalls (75)
Brakes · 26V422000 · Jul 2026 · model years 2024, 2025
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.
Airbags · 25V837000 · Dec 2025 · model year 2026
An air bag that does not deploy properly can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
Electrical system · 25V644000 · Sep 2025 · model years 2019, 2020
An overheated starter motor can ignite nearby combustible material in the engine compartment, increasing the risk of a fire.
Body & glass · 25V556000 · Aug 2025 · model year 2026
Water inside electrical components can lead to electronic function failures, such as a loss of headlights, increasing the risk of a crash. In addition, an electrical short-circuit may occur, increasing the risk of a fire while parked or driving.
Safety · 24V739000 · Oct 2024 · model year 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.
Safety · 24V697000 · Sep 2024 · model years 2024, 2025
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.
Engine · 24V608000 · Aug 2024 · model years 2016, 2017, 2018
An electrical short increases the risk of a fire.
Electrical system · 24V576000 · Aug 2024 · model years 2019, 2020
A starter motor that overheats can ignite nearby combustible material in the engine compartment, increasing the risk of a fire.
Airbags · 24V527000 · Jul 2024 · model year 2014
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, increasing the risk of injury or death.
Seat belts · 24V345000 · May 2024 · model year 2025
A seat belt warning light that does not alert occupants of an unbelted seat belt or an SRS system that deploys improperly can both increase the risk of injury in a crash.
Safety · 24V327000 · May 2024 · model years 2024, 2025
Incorrect tire information can allow an incorrectly sized tire to be installed or result in improperly inflated tires, increasing the risk of a crash.
Structure · 24V138000 · Feb 2024 · model year 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.
Safety · 24V104000 · Feb 2024 · model years 2024, 2025
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.
Transmission · 23V821000 · Dec 2023 · model year 2023
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.
Airbags · 23V797000 · Nov 2023 · model year 2014
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
Engine · 23V707000 · Oct 2023 · model years 2010, 2011
Loose or broken VANOS unit bolts can result in an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Airbags · 23V622000 · Sep 2023 · model year 2024
An air bag that does not deploy as intended can increase the risk of injury in a crash.
Airbags · 23V471000 · Jul 2023 · model year 2024
A knee air bag that does not deploy as intended increases the risk of injury.
Safety · 23V253000 · Apr 2023 · model year 2023
A head restraint without a locking tab may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Safety · 22V942000 · Dec 2022 · model year 2023
A loose driver's seat backrest may not properly restrain the occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Body & glass · 22V820000 · Nov 2022 · model year 2023
An electrical short-circuit increases the risk of a fire.
Body & glass · 22V267000 · Apr 2022 · model years 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022
A sunroof that closes without the key fob present inside the vehicle can increase the risk of injury.
Fuel system · 21V907000 · Nov 2021 · model years 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017
A melting intake manifold increases the risk of a fire.
Fuel system · 21V586000 · Jul 2021 · model years 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018
Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Airbags · 21V520000 · Jul 2021 · model year 2019
An air bag that does not deploy properly can increase the risk of injury in a crash.
Safety · 21V156000 · Mar 2021 · model year 2021
In the event of a crash, the head restraints could detach, and increase the risk of injury.
Safety · 21V096000 · Feb 2021 · model years 2019, 2020, 2021
If the driver relies on only the rearview camera image, the missing or reduced rearview image view can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
Brakes · 21V089000 · Feb 2021 · model year 2021
A loose brake disc could affect vehicle handling and control, and increase the risk of a crash.
Brakes · 21V062000 · Feb 2021 · model years 2019, 2020, 2021
A loss of ABS and a reduction in braking assistance can increase the risk of a crash.
Steering · 21V031000 · Jan 2021 · model year 2021
A loose steering column shaft universal joint connection can affect vehicle handling and control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Electrical system · 20V761000 · Dec 2020 · model year 2021
Increased electrical resistance can increase the risk of a fire.
Suspension · 20V678000 · Nov 2020 · model years 2020, 2021
If the weld between the front axle support and the right front control arm bearing bracket separates, vehicle handling and control may be affected, increasing the risk of a crash.
Electrical system · 20V601000 · Sep 2020 · model year 2021
The debris could result in a short-circuit, increasing the risk of fire or injury.
Exterior lighting · 20V528000 · Sep 2020 · model years 2020, 2021
Oncoming drivers may be confused by the blue light of approaching vehicles, which could potentially increase the risk of a crash.
Electrical system · 20V490000 · Aug 2020 · model year 2021
A short-circuited hybrid battery may increase the risk of a fire.
Tires · 20V483000 · Aug 2020 · model year 2021
A rapid loss of tire pressure while the vehicle is moving can affect vehicle handling and control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Transmission · 20V465000 · Aug 2020 · model year 2020
An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
Steering · 20V434000 · Jul 2020 · model years 2019, 2020
A loose bearing plate can affect the vehicle's handling and control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Airbags · 20V016000 · Jan 2020 · model years 2010, 2011, 2012
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Airbags · 20V017000 · Jan 2020 · model years 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Safety · 19V684000 · Sep 2019 · model years 2019, 2020
The lack of an image in the back-up camera display increases the risk of a crash.
Steering · 19V631000 · Aug 2019 · model year 2020
A loss of steering control increases risk of a crash.
Safety · 19V541000 · Jul 2019 · model year 2019
Loose bolts may allow a wheel to detach from the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fuel system · 19V513000 · Jul 2019 · model year 2019
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
Safety · 19V096000 · Feb 2019 · model year 2019
The improperly tightened bolts can increase the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Airbags · 19V017000 · Jan 2019 · model years 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Safety · 18V918000 · Dec 2018 · model year 2019
Without a label that shows the proper restraint usage guidelines, the occupants may have an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Engine · 18V755000 · Oct 2018 · model years 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017
The melting intake manifold can increase the risk of a fire.
Electrical system · 18V732000 · Oct 2018 · model year 2019
If the BDC short circuits, other nearby components may also overheat, increasing the risk of a fire.
Safety · 18V652000 · Sep 2018 · model year 2018
An electrical shock or a fire can increase the risk of injury or death.
Suspension · 18V439000 · Jun 2018 · model year 2018
If the lower control arm breaks, vehicle handling and control can be affected, increasing the risk of a crash.
Engine · 18V336000 · May 2018 · model years 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013
If the idler pulley bolt breaks, the vehicle may unexpectedly lose power-assisted steering, increasing the risk of a crash.
Engine · 18V248000 · Apr 2018 · model years 2010, 2011, 2012
If the circuit board were to overheat, it can increase the risk of a fire.
Airbags · 18V030000 · Jan 2018 · model years 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Suspension · 17V727000 · Nov 2017 · model year 2018
Loose bolts can affect the performance of the suspension, thereby increasing the risk of a crash.
Engine · 17V683000 · Oct 2017 · model years 2010, 2011
An electrical short can cause the parts within the PCV valve to melt, increasing the risk of a fire, even when the vehicle is not in use.
Safety · 17V327000 · May 2017 · model year 2017
The incorrect tire size on the label does not comply with FMVSS number 110.
Airbags · 17V189000 · Mar 2017 · model year 2017
If the inflator cannot vent properly, the inflator may rupture, resulting in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants and causing serious injury or death.
Transmission · 17V138000 · Mar 2017 · model years 2011, 2012, 2013
If the front universal joint fails, the front wheels would not be driven, affecting vehicle traction. Additionally, continued driving of the vehicle with a broken front universal joint may damage other components. Either condition may increase the risk of a crash.
Airbags · 17V020000 · Jan 2017 · model year 2012
An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Electrical system · 16V919000 · Dec 2016 · model year 2016
If the vehicle unexpectedly shifts to neutral, there would be an increased risk of a crash.
Fuel system · 16V746000 · Oct 2016 · model years 2010, 2011
The loose wires may cause the connector to melt, resulting in a fuel leak. Additionally, the fuel pump may stop working, possibly causing an engine stall and increase the risk of a crash.
Airbags · 16V683000 · Sep 2016 · model years 2014, 2015
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator housing could separate from the base plate and result in metal striking the vehicle occupants, potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
Airbags · 16V364000 · May 2016 · model years 2010, 2011
An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Transmission · 16V311000 · May 2016 · model year 2011
If the front universal joint fails, the front wheels would not be driven, affecting vehicle traction. Additionally, continued driving of the vehicle with a broken front universal joint may damage other components. Either condition may increase the risk of a crash.
Airbags · 15V147000 · Mar 2015 · model years 2014, 2015
Without a secure connection to the inflator, the HPS air bags may have insufficient inflation during a vehicle crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Safety · 14V650000 · Oct 2014 · model year 2015
In the event of a crash, the seat belt attachment could break and fail to restrain a seat occupant, increasing the risk of injury.
Safety · 14V202000 · Apr 2014 · model year 2014
A disengaged child safety lock would allow the rear seat occupant to pull the door handle twice and open the door while the vehicle is parked or in motion, increasing the risk of injury.
Fuel system · 13V339000 · Aug 2013 · model year 2010
The fuel filter heater could remain activated even when the ignition is off and lead to a dead battery. The unit could also overheat, possibly resulting in a vehicle fire.
Steering · 12V267000 · Jun 2012 · model years 2012, 2013
LEAKING POWER STEERING FLUID CAN SPRAY ONTO HOT EXHAUST PARTS, INCREASING THE RISK OF AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE.
Transmission · 12V019000 · Jan 2012 · model year 2012
IF THE DRIVER BELIEVES THAT THE TRANSMISSION IS IN PARK AND DOES NOT USE THE PARKING BRAKE, THE VEHICLE COULD ROLL AWAY AFTER EXITING THE VEHICLE INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH OR INJURY.
Engine · 11V521000 · Oct 2011 · model years 2010, 2011
THIS COULD LEAD TO A SMOLDERING OF THE PUMP OR AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT OR VEHICLE FIRE.
Safety · 10V233000 · Jun 2010 · model year 2011
IMPROPER TIRE INFLATION CAN RESULT IN PREMATURE TIRE FAILURE OR REDUCED VEHICLE HANDLING PERFORMANCE, EITHER OF WHICH CAN INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Exterior lighting · 10V152000 · Apr 2010 · model year 2010
THESE VEHICLES DO NOT COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 108.
Body & glass · 10V025000 · Jan 2010 · model year 2010
IN THE CASE OF A ROLLOVER, THE STABILITY OF THE ROOF COULD BE AFFECTED INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURIES.