RoadVitals

2019 BMW X5

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
195
+4 complaints in 30 days
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
13
Latest Sep 25, 2025
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
0
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
5

Overview

Our database contains 195 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2019 BMW X5, most frequently naming the electrical, engine and powertrain (other) categories. 13 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 485 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

13 campaigns cover this model year

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:STARTER ASSEMBLY

Sep 25, 2025
145,102 units potentially affected
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, LLCView on NHTSA.gov

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:STARTER ASSEMBLY; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:ENGINE CONTROL MODULE (ECU/ECM):SOFTWARE

Aug 1, 2024
105,588 units potentially affected
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, LLCView on NHTSA.gov

VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY

Apr 20, 2022
61,221 units potentially affected
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, LLCView on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

Driver assistance
Filed Nov 5, 2026

The contact owns a 2019 BMW X5. The contact stated that while attempting to reverse the vehicle out of their driveway, the contact's grandson was almost run over because the center display and rearview camera did not work in such a large vehicle. The contact stated by having this failure it causes for all the safety features to be disabled and all side mirror lights. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The dealer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 127,000.

NHTSA ID
11776068
Incident
May 1, 2026
Mileage
127,000 mi
Powertrain (other)
Filed Oct 26, 2026

The vehicle experiences repeated jerking and shuddering from the driveline during low-speed cornering, acceleration from a stop, and under light-to-medium loads. No warning lights or Check Control messages appear. This matches the symptoms described in BMW Service Information Bulletin 27 02 20 regarding the xDrive transfer case on my vehicle. In November 2025, the authorized BMW dealer confirmed the concern, performed a transfer case oil change as the first diagnostic step required by the bulletin, and advised that if the problem returned the transfer case would need replacement. The oil change did not resolve the issue. The same symptoms have persisted. After being driven for about 8,000 miles, vehicle is currently back at the same dealer - BMW of Escondido - in order to address the issue. The manufacturer has directed the dealer to repeat the oil change yet again, although this oil is a lifetime fill and not subject to scheduled maintenance, and conduct an evaluation drive of approximately 200 miles before deciding whether to replace the transfer case.

NHTSA ID
11773591
Incident
Nov 5, 2025
Filed Oct 20, 2026

The A/C evaporator core in my 2019 BMW X5 xDrive50i failed at approximately 65000 miles. On 8/20/2026, I noticed warm air from the passenger climate zone, a chemical odor/oily residue at the vents, and complete loss of A/C. A leak test at Nalley BMW on 10/20/2026 identified the evaporator core as the source of the refrigerant leak. The A/C system had no prior repairs, and the vehicle has been maintained at BMW dealers per BMW’s schedule. Repair requires removing the dashboard and was quoted at $6000. BMW has not issued a recall or extended warranty for this component. I believe this is a defect in the original aluminum evaporator core and not wear or misuse, as I have seen many similar failures at low mileage reported by other 2018-2025 BMW owners. No crash, fire, or injury occurred.

NHTSA ID
11772483
Incident
Aug 20, 2026
ElectricalEngine
Filed Oct 14, 2026

I purchased a BMW X5 on August 5. Several weeks later, I kept noticing rubber pieces coming out of the engine so I lifted the hood and saw disconnected hoses, fraying, holes, extremely worn engine parts and pink wrapping around one metal hose. Two weeks ago a safety recall notice popped up on my infotainment screen. It said it was about the engine starter and when scrolling down to the additional information said that if the engine starts fire to exit the cabin if it fills with smoke. I put my Vin number into your website and my car pulled up. I read about the safety recall and it stated from September 2025. The car was currently not being driven due to the safety recall and the disconnected hoses but also the starter is making a clicking noise and electrical has flashed different buttons near the gearshift or the cupholders. I do have a video of the flashing lights in the sound of the starter. This is tied to an ongoing investigation with the CFPB and my bank. I have been stranded here for almost 7 weeks waiting for my bank or to retain an attorney because I have no idea what to do as this safety recall and disconnected houses in the engine on top of a tire pressure malfunction sensor a rear restraint pop-up so I'm hoping for an attorney to help me with every issue from identity and selling of a vehicle that is unsafe and unfit for the road. I am disabled and on a fixed income so I'm unable to do much especially with my dog and needing to. Stay near the car to move it every so often in order to not have it towed.

NHTSA ID
11771238
Incident
Aug 5, 2026
Brakes
Filed Oct 1, 2026

My 2019 BMW X5 suffered an identical failure to the 2023-2025 recalls to replace the entire integrated brake system unit at only 31,117 miles. The part # was 34-51-5-A7C-589. The repair work was performed by BMW of Ocala at a cost of $4,134.37 on 8/3/2024. Because this component matches the technical architecture of the widespread 2024 integrated Brake Module recalls, I believe BMW should reimburse the total cost of this repair.

NHTSA ID
11768368
Incident
Aug 25, 2024
Filed Sep 29, 2026

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 popup thunder storms and it rains almost every day so it makes the car effectively useless. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID
11767719
Incident
Aug 28, 2026
Powertrain (other)
Filed Sep 26, 2026

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 ID
11767190
Incident
Aug 1, 2026
Filed Sep 21, 2026

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 ID
11765797
Incident
Aug 7, 2026

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

B611320

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

In the event of an accident, the two-battery Dual Storage System (DSS) is disconnected from the electricalsystem via an internal relay. In some cases, the relay is stuck closed, and a fault is set. In these circumstances: A crash shutdown of the DSS does not occur The power distribution box is supplied with power until the DSS is fully discharged

B110426

ENGINE

If the manual electronic engine oil level measurement aborts or is inoperative and the vehicles I-level is lower than S18A-26-07-518, a one-time software update procedure is covered up to 10 years / 120,000 miles, as determined from the original first in-service/delivery date.

B110626

ENGINE

the engine oil pump assembly coveragefor the issue described in the Service Information Bulletin that addresses defects inmaterials and / or workmanship has been extended to 10 years / 120,000 miles, asdetermined from the original first in-service/delivery date

B010226DCS

STRUCTURE:BODY

BMW Notice of the Court’s Final Approval for Shark-Fin Antenna Settlement (X3, X4, X5, X6, X7)

B010226

STRUCTURE:BODY

Rear Roof Antenna Shark Fin Cover Sealing Issue

B011524

ENGINE

The NVLD modules limited warranty for defects in materials and/or workmanship has been extended to 15 years / 150,000 miles as determined from the vehicles original in-service / first delivery date.

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

BMW X5 by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2026312060.8
2025635060.6
20241458054.7
2023344058.4
2022731161.6
202111412170.3
202011411173.2
2019Viewing19513059.5
2018736364.5
2017767360.7
2016746364.4
20151526261.8
2014998266.1
20131496160.3
201227110156.3
201126514158.1
201012414156.3
200913812155.9
200821510050.2
2007718049.2
20061692156.9
2005823051.7
2004644054.3
2003993053.3
20021023051.3
200116012056.7
2000296050.7
1999010—

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.