2017 BMW X5 Owner Complaints

While driving, the electronic parking brake (EPB) system malfunctioned. The vehicle was stopped in DRIVE with Auto Hold active. When the driver door was opened briefly, the vehicle attempted to transition from Auto Hold to applying the electronic parking brake as a safety function. At that moment, the EPB malfunction warning appeared and the parking brake system faulted. There were no prior mechanical brake issues (no dragging brakes, no unusual noises, no brake wear symptoms). The issue appears to be an electronic/control-related failure of the EPB actuator/control unit rather than typical brake wear. A repair facility retrieved multiple diagnostic fault codes related to the electronic parking brake actuator/control unit and recommended replacement of the EPB actuator assembly followed by initialization/calibration and clearing of faults. This creates a potential safety risk because the electronic parking brake may apply unexpectedly or may not apply/release as intended during safety logic events (such as opening the driver door while stopped), potentially immobilizing the vehicle or creating a hazard in traffic or parking situations.

NHTSA ID

11712937

Incident

Jan 16, 2026

The contact owns a Nuna car seat, Model Type: Rava, Model Number: CS05103CVR, Manufactured Date: July 14, 2022. The car seat was being used in a 2017 BMW X5. The contact stated that the left side harness on the safety car seat was loose, preventing the child from being securely restrained in the car seat. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The car seat was not repaired or replaced.

NHTSA ID

11709867

Incident

Dec 15, 2025

The contact owns a 2017 BMW X5. The contact stated that while driving or while the vehicle was parked and occupied, there was an abnormal smoke odor coming from the engine of the vehicle. An independent mechanic was contacted. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed; however, the diagnostic result was unknown. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the issue. The failure mileage was 60,000.

NHTSA ID

11692092

Incident

Aug 15, 2025

Mileage

60,000 mi

No remedy for recall and no plan

NHTSA ID

11676851

Incident

Aug 1, 2024

The contact owns a 2017 BMW X5. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine overheated with several unknown warning lights illuminated. In addition, the vehicle lost electrical functions. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with a failed coolant pump. The contact was informed that the coolant pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System); however, the VIN was not associated with the recall. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 78,000.

NHTSA ID

11676273

Incident

Jul 19, 2025

Mileage

78,000 mi

Battery overheated and melted plastic cover

NHTSA ID

11664779

Incident

May 30, 2025

The contact owns a 2017 BMW X5. The contact stated that the oil drain plug and the oil pan do not have adequate space after being stripped. The metal in the oil pan was very thin. There was oil located on the engine and the ground. The contact was losing a quart of oil every 600 miles driven. The contact added oil to the vehicle as needed. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that the oil pan needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified about the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 30,000.

NHTSA ID

11659218

Incident

Feb 1, 2023

Mileage

30,000 mi

I am writing to formally document two significant incidents involving the complete failure of the high-pressure fuel system in my BMW vehicle, VIN [XXX] , which have raised concerns about the reliability of this component. On [XXX], while navigating city street traffic, my vehicle, with 57,376 miles, experienced a total loss of power, resulting in the vehicle stalling in the left lane. The vehicle was towed to an authorized BMW dealership, where the entire high-pressure fuel system was diagnosed and replaced under warranty. As the second owner of this vehicle, I acquired it from my neighbor, the original owner. Upon reviewing the complete service records provided by the previous owner, I discovered that a nearly identical issue occurred at 39,066 miles. The service documentation states, "Client reports that while driving, the vehicle lost power and stalled." At that time, the high-pressure fuel system was also fully replaced. Further investigation revealed that BMW issued a safety recall notice between these two incidents, acknowledging potential failures in the high-pressure fuel pumps. However, the recall indicated that no remedy was available at the time. I've attached all the service records for both incidents and BMW North America's letter. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11655567

Incident

Dec 28, 2023

I am writing to express my concern regarding the recent recall identified under NHTSA Campaign ID: 24V608000 related to BMW vehicles. I own a 2017 BMW X5 with the VIN number [XXX]. Although my vehicle is currently not listed under this recall, it is exhibiting the exact symptoms described, including engine overheating with coolant pump failure warnings. Given the similarities, I am concerned about the safety of my vehicle and would like to know what steps I should take next. I respectfully request that my case be reviewed, and I would appreciate any guidance or assistance you can offer to help ensure my vehicle’s safety. Thank you for your attention to this matter. I look forward to your response. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11655379

Incident

Apr 18, 2025

The contact owns a 2017 BMW X5. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was heavily depressed for the brakes to engage. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer to be diagnosed; however, the cause for the failure was not yet determined. The dealer informed the contact that there was air in the brake lines and that the air needed to be bled from the brake lines to repair the vehicle. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The contact researched and was made aware of an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.

NHTSA ID

11650892

Incident

Jun 26, 2024

Mileage

60,000 mi

The contact owns a 2017 BMW X5. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost automotive power and stalled. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the residence, and then to a dealer and was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The vehicle was towed to the residence and has not been driven since. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

NHTSA ID

11639684

Incident

Jan 13, 2025

Mileage

80,000 mi

Radiator fan assembly malfunctioning causing engine to overheat. Upon replacing fan assembly vehicle is still overheating. Water pump and thermostat needs to be replaced as well as connectors. Mileage appr 67,000 Vehicle went into safety mode while traveling on highway

NHTSA ID

11622638

Incident

Oct 29, 2024

Radiator Fan assembly connection corroded and water pump failing due to connector exposed to liquid

NHTSA ID

11621639

Incident

Aug 19, 2024

The contact owns a 2017 BMW X5. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine overheated message was displayed, and the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact pulled over and restarted the vehicle; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate above 20 MPH. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was determined that the water pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 62,000.

NHTSA ID

11615165

Incident

Sep 13, 2024

Mileage

62,000 mi

The contact owns a 2017 BMW X5. The contact stated while driving the vehicle, the vehicle suddenly decelerated and failed to exceed 35 MPH. During the failure, a message that the engine had overheated was displayed. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the water pump had failed and needed to be replaced. The water pump was replaced, and the vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 55,000.

NHTSA ID

11609769

Incident

Aug 1, 2024

Mileage

55,000 mi

A red light came on in my vehicle that read restraint system. Does that mean the airbags are faulty or is it with the seatbelts.

NHTSA ID

11576438

Incident

Feb 26, 2024

The contact owns a 2017 BMW X5. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the sunroof shattered without impact. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the sunroof was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 56,000.

NHTSA ID

11565842

Incident

Oct 29, 2023

Mileage

56,000 mi

I was driving approximately 30 mph. As I continued to accelerate the fuel system light came on and the car shut off in the road. I had to have it towed to the dealership as it would not start. Gas fumes could also be smelled coming from the car. Once looked at by BMW service center I was told “ EKPS and the fuel pump are intermittently failing. I was able to able to verify the concern briefly. Vehicle may lose fuel pressure randomly. Upon removing rear seats and inspecting harness, I found the wires going into the EKPS to be burnt. The wires from the EKPS to the low pressure fuel pump will also need to be replaced.” I did research and saw that this was recall on other years of this model. Also the middle back seatbelt does not work. Also even after multiple alignments my car still pulls aggressively to the right causing near collisions and off roaring.

NHTSA ID

11559361

Incident

Dec 6, 2023

Water possibly from moonroof getting into the car and warning messages about passenger airbags. I discussed matter with dealer and they want me to pay for diagnostic. I think they reset computer after service.

NHTSA ID

11558307

Incident

Nov 25, 2023

Vehicle stopped three times on highway. There is an issue with fuel injection. I am repairing the same thing every year and it is stopping every year on highway. They keep on repairing/replacing the module and I still get the problem. I missed a big rear collision because of this. This model has so many issues. Suspension broke. So many issues with gas pump. being it a first generation hybrid, it can cause threat to so many people if we let these vehicles be on road.

NHTSA ID

11549625

Incident

Aug 20, 2023

I brought my 2017 X5 xDrive40e to my local dealer (Ray Catena in White Plains NY) after getting a ‘Drivetrain Malfunction” Error. After several weeks at the dealer, and thousands of dollars in repairs, I’m being told today that: -The car needs a new Electric Drive… cost $12,000 -The replaced electric drive may not solve the issue, which might be the transmission.. replacement cost $16,000 So almost $30k to perhaps solve the issue on a car with a $19,000 value per Kelly Bluebook. And this is a known issue for Hybrid X5s per multiple BMW owner websites.. Here is one: https://g05.bimmerpost.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1887640 My dealer is telling me that the value of this car is currently zero ($0.00) which I find to be absolutely ridiculous.

NHTSA ID

11531823

Incident

Jun 1, 2023

Drive train malfunction message populated for first time, advised could continue at moderate speed. However, car immediately shit down in 'fast lane' of busy interstate.

NHTSA ID

11531150

Incident

Jul 8, 2023

The vehicle’s gas tank has a leak on top the cabin fills with the smell of gasoline. After a smoke test was done, the test showed a leak coming from the top of the tank between the tank and the inlet for gasoline refill.

NHTSA ID

11523226

Incident

Apr 20, 2023

I purchased (2) Scorpion Pirelli Verde run flat 255/50R19 107H MS All Season tires from Orr BMW, Shreveport Louisiana on 02/10/2023. On 02/20/2023 in less than 15 miles from home I got a low pressure notice and proceeded to the stop and put air in the tire so that I could return the car home. Upon exiting my vehicle I could hear the air leaking from the tire but a visual inspection did not show any cuts, nails, or punctures. I called Orr and was told to bring the tier/car in. I had to pay ($250) to have the vehicle towed to them and was charged $82 by Orr to mount and balance a replacement tire. I was told that the tire had a cut in it but was never shown. On my way to work this morning and the other tire that was purchased on 02/10/2023 is registering low tire pressure. So it appears that the (2) tires purchased are defective tires!

NHTSA ID

11508666

Incident

Feb 20, 2023

Second time rear suspension dropped, less that 30K miles since last repair. On December 15th 2022, my car suspension dropped and my ride got bouncy. If this condition had ocurred in a high speed highway it can make the driver to lose control of the vehicle and possibly have an accident. The unit was taken to the Service Center and was diagnosed with exact same parts that were replaced the first time. I reached BMW USA and explain the timeline in which both events happened. First Incident: 02/14/ 2020 Mileage:48661 Second Incident: 12/15/2022 Mileage:78641 They didn’t recognize this as a manufacturing defect in parts or system and they offered a 50 % discount in the repair. I think this a defective system and it has been demonstrated by its recurrence. No notification message was displayed prior to the incidents Please find attached evidence of first and second estimates showing the same parts.

NHTSA ID

11501220

Incident

Dec 15, 2022