CSR

BMW · NHTSA safety record

2019 BMW X5

Every safety complaint, recall and defect investigation the US government holds on this vehicle.

Owners have filed 190 safety complaints about the 2019 BMW X5 with the US government. Of those, 4 describe a crash, 1 mentions a fire and no death is recorded. 13 recall campaigns are open against it.

The most complained-about system is the electrical system, named in 71 complaints, 37% of the total. The typical failure was reported at 19,500 miles, the median across the 49 complaints that gave an odometer reading.

Compiled from NHTSA's complaint, recall and investigation files · Covers February 2019 to September 2026 · How this is counted

What is on file

190 complaints on file

190

Complaints

4

Describe a crash

1

Mention fire

0

People injured

0

Deaths

A complaint is an unverified account by the person who filed it, not a finding of fault. One complaint is one ODI number, which is how NHTSA counts them.

A recall is the manufacturer conceding a defect, and the repair is free. Whether one covers your particular car is a question only its VIN can answer, because a campaign covers a production range rather than a model year.

Which system owners named

Complaints naming each system
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 71 · 37%
ENGINE 51 · 27%
UNKNOWN OR OTHER 29 · 15%
POWER TRAIN 19 · 10%
STEERING 18 · 9%
AIR BAGS 12 · 6%
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 12 · 6%
SERVICE BRAKES 12 · 6%
SEAT BELTS 7 · 4%
BACK OVER PREVENTION 6 · 3%
STRUCTURE 6 · 3%
EXTERIOR LIGHTING 5 · 3%
0 31 62

Red marks a system with a recall campaign against it. One complaint can name several systems, so these add up to more than 190.

When the complaints arrived

By the year NHTSA received them

By the year NHTSA received them, which is not the year the failures happened. They peaked in 2025 at 59.

64 48 32 16
19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26

This is the year the complaint was filed, not the year the failure happened. The range runs from 2019 to 2026, the last of them a part year, which is why its column is drawn faint.

Crash test ratings

NHTSA New Car Assessment Program

NHTSA crashes a car into a barrier and a pole and measures what happens to the dummies inside. This is what it awarded the 2019 BMW X5, and it is a separate question from what owners report going wrong later.

Test SUV AWD
Overall
Frontal crash
Frontal, driver
Frontal, passenger
Side crash
Side barrier
Side pole
Rollover
Chance of rollover 15.9%
Stability control standard Forward collision warning standard Lane departure warning standard

A dash means NHTSA did not rate that test for this vehicle.

Recall campaigns

13 on file

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:STARTER ASSEMBLY

25V644000 · September 25, 2025

The defect
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020 340I, X6, 2020-2025 840I, 2020-2022 740LI, 2019-2020 X7, and X5 vehicles. After repeated attempts, the starter motor may overheat from an electrical overload.
The risk
An overheated starter motor can ignite nearby combustible material in the engine compartment, increasing the risk of a fire.
The remedy
Dealers will replace the engine starter, free of charge. This recall includes vehicles repaired under recall 24V576 and those owners will need to have their vehicle repaired again. Owner notification letters were mailed February 9, 2026. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov November 17, 2025.

BMW of North America, LLC · up to 145,102 vehicles across all model years covered

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:STARTER ASSEMBLY

24V576000 · August 1, 2024

The defect
BMW of North America, LLC is recalling certain 2019-2020 X5, X7, 2020 3 Series Sedan, X6, 2020-2021 7 Series Sedan, 2020 8 Series Convertible, 8 Series Coupe, and 2020 8 Series Gran Coupe vehicles. Please see the recall report for the complete list of models. In the event the starter motor fails, repeated attempts to start the vehicle can cause the starter motor to overheat from an electrical overload.
The risk
A starter motor that overheats can ignite nearby combustible material in the engine compartment, increasing the risk of a fire.
The remedy
Dealers will update the vehicle software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 27, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

BMW of North America, LLC · up to 105,588 vehicles across all model years covered

VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY

22V267000 · April 20, 2022

The defect
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2022 4 Series Gran Coupe (430i, 430i xDrive, M440i xDrive); 2019-2022 X5 sDrive40i, X5 xDrive40i, X5 xDrive50i, X5 M50i, X5M; 2021-2022 X5 xdrive45e; 2020-2022 X6 sDrive40i, X6 xDrive40i, X6 xDrive50i, X6M and 2019-2023 X7 xDrive40i, X7 xDrive50i, X7 M50i, X7 xDrive60i, X7 M60i, X7M, Alpina XB7 vehicles. The roof function control unit may be programmed incorrectly, allowing the sunroof to close without the key fob present inside the vehicle. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 118, "Power-Operated Window Systems."
The risk
A sunroof that closes without the key fob present inside the vehicle can increase the risk of injury.
The remedy
Dealers will reprogram the roof function control unit, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 20, 2022. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

BMW of North America, LLC · up to 61,221 vehicles across all model years covered

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

21V520000 · July 8, 2021

The defect
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling one 2019 X5 xDrive 40i vehicle. The instrument panel may not have been manufactured correctly, which could prevent the passenger side air bag from deploying properly in a crash.
The risk
An air bag that does not deploy properly can increase the risk of injury in a crash.
The remedy
A dealer will replace the instrument panel, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 26, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

BMW of North America, LLC · up to 1 vehicle across all model years covered

BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA

21V096000 · February 19, 2021

The defect
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019-2021 X3 sDrive30i, X3 xDrive30i, X3 M40i, X3M, X4 xDrive30i, X4 M40i, M550i, X4M, X5 sDrive40i, X5 xDrive40i, X5 xDrive50i, X5M, X5 M50i, X7 xDrive40i, X7 xDrive50i, X7 M50i, Alpina XB7, 330i, 330i xDrive, M340i, M340i xDrive, and 8 Series Coupe, Convertible and Grand Coupe, 840i, 840i xDrive, M850i xDrive, M8, 2020-2021 530e, 530e xDrive, 330e, 330e xDrive, 745Le, 745Le xDrive, X5 xDrive45e, X3 xDrive30e, X6 sDrive40i, X6 xDrive40i, X6 xDrive50i, X6 M50i, X6M, 530i, 530i xDrive, 540i, 540i xDrive, M550i xDrive, M5, 740i, 740Li, 740Li xDrive, M760i Drive, M760Li xDrive, 750Li xDrive Alpina, Alpina B7 xDrive, and 2021 4 Series Coupe 430i, 430i xDrive, M440i xDrive vehicles. When shifting into Reverse, a small portion of the rearview image may be obscured, or the screen may not illuminate. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."
The risk
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.
The remedy
BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rearview camera software and update it if necessary, free of charge. The recall began April 16, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

BMW of North America, LLC · up to 13,858 vehicles across all model years covered

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

21V062000 · February 10, 2021

The defect
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020-2021 8 Series Coupe, Grand Coupe and convertible 840i, 840i xDrive, M850i xDrive, M8 and 740 Li, 740 Li xDrive, 750 Li xDrive, M760 Li xDrive, X6 sDrive40i, X6 xDrive40i, X6 xdrive50i, X6 M50i, X6M, and 2019-2021 X5 sDrive40i, X5 xDrive40i, X5 xDrive50i, X5 M50i, X5M, X7 xDrive40i, X7 xDrive50i, X7 M50i, and 2021 M3, M3 Competition, M4 Coupe, M4 Competition Coupe, X5 xDrive45e, 745 Le xDrive. The rotor and shaft within the integrated brake system may not have been welded properly and could separate during a hard braking event, possibly resulting in a loss of the Antilock Brake System (ABS) and braking assistance.
The risk
A loss of ABS and a reduction in braking assistance can increase the risk of a crash.
The remedy
BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the integrated brake system, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 25, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

BMW of North America, LLC · up to 893 vehicles across all model years covered

STEERING

20V434000 · July 28, 2020

The defect
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019-2020 X5 sDrive40i, X5 xDrive40i and X5 xDrive50i vehicles and 2020 X6M vehicles. The steering column shaft bearing plate may not have been properly attached to the vehicle, allowing it to loosen.
The risk
A loose bearing plate can affect the vehicle's handling and control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The remedy
BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the steering column shaft bearing plate and properly attach or replace it, as necessary, free of charge. BMW telephoned owners and all of the vehicles have been remedied. No owner notification letter is necessary. Please contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

BMW of North America, LLC · up to 7 vehicles across all model years covered

BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA

19V684000 · September 27, 2019

The defect
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018 540d, 2018-2020 530i, 530i xDrive, 540i, 540i xDrive, M550i xDrive, M5, 530e, 530e xDrive, X3 sDrive, X3 xDrive, X3 M40i, X3 M, and 2019-2020 X4 xDrive, X4 M40i, X4 M, X7 xDrive, X7 M50i, 740Li, 740Li xDrive, 750Li, 750Li xDrive, 8 Series Convertible and Coupe 840i, 840i xDrive, M850i xDrive, X5 sDrive, X5 xDrive, X5 M50i, X6 xDrive, X6 M50i, 330i, 330i xDrive, M340i, M340i xDrive, Z4 sDrive, Z4 M40i, 740Le xDrive and 745Le xDrive, 2018-2019 640i xDrive Gran Turismo and Rolls-Royce Phantom, 2019 M850i xDrive Gran Coupe and Rolls-Royce Cullinan and 2020 Toyota Supra vehicles. The back-up camera and display settings can be adjusted such that the rear view image is no longer visible and the system will retain that setting the next time the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rearview Mirrors."
The risk
The lack of an image in the back-up camera display increases the risk of a crash.
The remedy
BMW will notify owners, and dealers will update the back-up camera software, free of charge. The recall began November 8, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 or Rolls-Royce at 1-877-877-3735. Toyota owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371.

BMW of North America, LLC · up to 257,473 vehicles across all model years covered

WHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS/STUDS

19V541000 · July 23, 2019

The defect
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019 X5 xDrive50i and X7 xDrive40i vehicles. The left side wheel bolts may have been insufficiently tightened and may loosen over time.
The risk
Loose bolts may allow a wheel to detach from the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The remedy
BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace and tighten the left side wheel bolts, free of charge. The recall began July 16, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

BMW of North America, LLC · up to 5 vehicles across all model years covered

FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

19V513000 · July 3, 2019

The defect
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020 750i xDrive, 2019 M850i xDrive Coupe, M850i xDrive Convertible, X5 xDrive50i, X7 xDrive50i, and M5 vehicles. The high pressure fuel pump may not have been properly attached to the engine, which may cause the fuel pump flange to crack, resulting in a fuel leak.
The risk
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
The remedy
BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the high pressure fuel pumps, free of charge. The recall began August 27, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

BMW of North America, LLC · up to 115 vehicles across all model years covered

SEATS

19V096000 · February 13, 2019

The defect
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019 X5 xDrive40i and xDrive50i vehicles. The attachment bolts for the driver's seat and/or seat belt may not have been properly tightened.
The risk
The improperly tightened bolts can increase the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
The remedy
BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the attachment bolts for the driver's seat and seat belt, and torque them to the correct specifications, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began April 9, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

BMW of North America, LLC · up to 68 vehicles across all model years covered

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

18V918000 · December 19, 2018

The defect
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019 BMW X5 xDrive40i and X5 xDrive50i vehicles. The driver and/or passenger sun visor may have an incorrect air bag warning label, or the label may be missing. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, "Occupant crash protection."
The risk
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.
The remedy
BMW notified owners, and dealers will inspect the driver and passenger sun visor, replacing the visors as necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 4, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

BMW of North America, LLC · up to 11 vehicles across all model years covered

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

18V732000 · October 17, 2018

The defect
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019 BMW X5 xDrive40i vehicles. The capacitors within the Body Domain Controller (BDC) may short circuit and overheat.
The risk
If the BDC short circuits, other nearby components may also overheat, increasing the risk of a fire.
The remedy
All affected vehicles remain on dealer lots, therefore owner letters will not be mailed. BMW dealers will replace the BDC control unit, free of charge. The recall began on October 17, 2018. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

BMW of North America, LLC · up to 172 vehicles across all model years covered

In owners’ own words

Quoted from the complaint file

Quoted from NHTSA's complaint file. These are unverified accounts by the people who filed them, not findings of fault.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

fire · 50,000 miles

The contact owns a 2019 BMW X5. The contact stated that when attempting to start the vehicle, it failed to start and a burning odor was present. The starter had begun smoking. The smoke had settled itself. The fire department was not at the scene. No police report was filed. There were no injuries reported. The vehicle had been towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the starter failed causing the starter to catch fire internally and needed to be replaced. The starter was replaced. After having the vehicle repaired the contact did some research and discovered that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V576000 (Electrical System, Engine and Engine Cooling). The dealer

NHTSA complaint 11609037, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

SERVICE BRAKES

crash · towed

I WAS DRIVING ON 10 FREEWAY WEST 750 AM ON 2/23 THERE WAS TRAFFICS EVERYBODY WAS BEHAVING I WAS KEEPING DISTANCE OF AT LEAST 2-3 CAR DISTANCE ALL OF SUDDEN MY CAR ACCELERATED MAKING A LOUD NOISE FROM THE HOOD MY FOOT WAS ON THE BRAKES BUT I COULD NOT STOP THE CAR I HIT FROM CAR MY FOOT WAS ALTHE WAY ON THE BRAKES I LET IT GO AFTER THE IMPACT BMW DOESN'T NOT WANT TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY I HAVE A POLICE REPORT FROM ME AND FROM DRIVER THAT WE HAD A GOOD DISTANCE BETWEEN TWO CARS IT WAS AT THE BALDWIN PARK CITY ON 10 FREEWAY

NHTSA complaint 11404457. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

SERVICE BRAKES

crash · towed

Traveling west on I-70 at the Eagle Colorado exit the brakes failed as we pulled off the highway the brakes failed. Went up the ramp at 50-60 MPH. Missed the cars waiting to enter the round-a-bout and went over a decorative divider about 3 feet high. Went in the air and was then traveling on the wrong side of street. Saw a fireplug and hit it at 20-30 MPH and that stopped us. No airbags deployed at either hit. Four in the car and no serious medical issues, just soreness. Had police and fire test the brakes to show they didn't work. Obviously the air bags Hadn't deployed. Filed police report with Eagle City, 2021-000417 and AIG insurance report 80255229. Car was declared totaled.

NHTSA complaint 11433193. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

SERVICE BRAKES

crash · towed

I was turning left on a residential street when the steering wheel locked, the brakes would not work to stop the car from going straight and the engine would not turn off when I attempted to stop the engine once realizing that everything was failing. The electrical panel went black and I collided with a residential home. Airbags deployed, EMS, fire and Police were called to the scene and the Tow truck driver noted that all systems had failed and the car basically shut off all functionality. They had to manually push the vehicle onto the flatbed tow truck. I am concerned as this issue was a safety concern while I was driving the car and it seemed all systems failed.

NHTSA complaint 11522665. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The emergency call system malfunctioned and the navigation system quit working due to a leak in the shark fin. This would be a major safety concern in the case of an emergency. The Dealer will replace the shark fin at their cost, but will not provide a loaner vehicle or rental car why we are waiting on the replacement shark fin. The part has been on backorder for a month and was supposed to arrive on XXX. On XXX I was told that the backordered part was now expected on XXX. The dealer told me I could not drive the car in the rain as rain would damage the headliner and if that happened the repair would be my responsibility not BMW's. I live in [XXX] and during this time of the year we have

NHTSA complaint 11767719, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

POWER TRAIN
My transfer case is in bad condition. Initially I was getting really bad jerking in my car when turning. I was recommended by BMW of [XXX] to do a fluid flush. I have spent money to do this flush. Starting of August my mechanic as well as other mechanics that my transfer case is in really bad condition and is making really bad noises. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint 11767190. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I purchased my car in December 2025. In the early summer, I noticed my air conditioning system not working. I took it to my dealership and they did a recharge. I took my car back to the shop and found that after further investigation is an evaporator leak. I had to pay over $6000 in repairs.

NHTSA complaint 11765797. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

84,000 miles

The contact owns a 2019 BMW X5. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the "Emergency SOS Malfunction" message was displayed. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed, and the contact was advised that the engine oil pump and TCB module were faulty and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 84,000.

NHTSA complaint 11765341. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

ENGINE
Engine oil pump failure. The housing for the oil pump is made out of plastic and know to fail due to the part turning brittle in the engine surrounded by oil and heat. The oil pump housing has cracked causing a failure at the pump housing. The results are catastrophic engine failure as well as not being able to read engine oil levels on bmw idrive system.

NHTSA complaint 11765086. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION
Dear Sir/Madam, I am experiencing an issue with my BMW vehicle whereby, approximately 5 to 10 minutes after beginning to drive, the Driver Assistance System becomes disabled. As a result, both the Blind Spot Detection and Lane Departure Warning functions are deactivated, and a warning message indicating that driver assistance support is restricted appears on the display. I understand that BMW has previously issued Service Action B66 20 19, which recommends replacement of the KAFAS (Camera-Based Driver Assistance System) under certain conditions. Based on my research, the symptoms affecting my vehicle appear to be consistent with those described in that service action. However, when I

NHTSA complaint 11763862, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

Compare

Other years of the BMW X5

Model year Complaints Recalls Deaths
2026 24 2 —
2025 62 5 —
2024 145 8 —
2023 33 4 —
2022 69 1 —
2021 108 12 —
2020 112 11 —
2018 72 5 —
2017 74 6 1
2016 74 5 —
2015 152 6 1
2014 98 8 —
2013 149 6 —
2012 271 10 —
2011 263 14 —
2010 124 14 —

Other 2019 BMW models

Every BMW on this site — 257 vehicles.

If this is your car and a dealer keeps failing to fix it, your state's lemon law may require the manufacturer to replace it or buy it back. How many repair attempts it takes, and how long you have to file, is set by the state you bought in and by nothing on this page.

Where these numbers come from

A complaint is one owner's account and has not been verified by NHTSA or by us. A vehicle with more complaints is not necessarily worse: models that sold in larger numbers collect more of them. How this is counted.

Compiled and maintained by
Independent developer and analyst