ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:STARTER ASSEMBLY
2020 BMW X5
Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data
Data refreshed
Overview
Our database contains 111 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2020 BMW X5, most frequently naming the engine, electrical and powertrain (other) categories. 11 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; 1 NHTSA investigation names it; and 373 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.
Complaint activity over time
When owners filed reports about this model year
View as table
| Month | Complaints filed | Cumulative |
|---|---|---|
| Apr 2020 | 1 | 1 |
| May 2020 | 1 | 2 |
| Jun 2020 | 1 | 3 |
| Aug 2020 | 1 | 4 |
| Oct 2020 | 1 | 5 |
| May 2021 | 1 | 6 |
| Jul 2021 | 1 | 7 |
| Sep 2021 | 1 | 8 |
| Dec 2021 | 1 | 9 |
| Mar 2022 | 1 | 10 |
| May 2022 | 1 | 11 |
| Aug 2022 | 1 | 12 |
| Nov 2022 | 1 | 13 |
| Dec 2022 | 1 | 14 |
| Jan 2023 | 1 | 15 |
| Feb 2023 | 1 | 16 |
| Oct 2023 | 2 | 18 |
| Nov 2023 | 1 | 19 |
| Jan 2024 | 1 | 20 |
| Feb 2024 | 1 | 21 |
| Apr 2024 | 1 | 22 |
| May 2024 | 4 | 26 |
| Aug 2024 | 1 | 27 |
| Oct 2024 | 5 | 32 |
| Nov 2024 | 2 | 34 |
| Dec 2024 | 5 | 39 |
| Jan 2025 | 2 | 41 |
| Feb 2025 | 6 | 47 |
| Mar 2025 | 4 | 51 |
| Apr 2025 | 1 | 52 |
| May 2025 | 4 | 56 |
| Jun 2025 | 3 | 59 |
| Jul 2025 | 1 | 60 |
| Aug 2025 | 2 | 62 |
| Sep 2025 | 2 | 64 |
| Nov 2025 | 2 | 66 |
| Dec 2025 | 7 | 73 |
| Jan 2026 | 1 | 74 |
| Feb 2026 | 11 | 85 |
| Mar 2026 | 6 | 91 |
| Apr 2026 | 1 | 92 |
| May 2026 | 2 | 94 |
| Jun 2026 | 2 | 96 |
| Jul 2026 | 5 | 101 |
| Aug 2026 | 6 | 107 |
| Sep 2026 | 4 | 111 |
What owners report
Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded
- Engine4833.1%
- Electrical3926.9%
- Powertrain (other)1711.7%
- Driver assistance74.8%
- Airbags64.1%
- Brakes53.4%
- Exterior lighting53.4%
- Body & structure42.8%
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
11 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.govELECTRICAL SYSTEM:STARTER ASSEMBLY; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:ENGINE CONTROL MODULE (ECU/ECM):SOFTWARE
VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY
Safety investigations
NHTSA inquiries naming this vehicle. An investigation is not a finding of a defect.
Pedestrian alert sounds
NHTSA received a petition on or about July 18, 2022, requesting that Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 141 be applied to all electric and hybrid vehicles operating in the United States. The petition can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI Number 11486072. FMVSS 141 establishes performance requirements for pedestrian alert sounds for motor vehicles. The standard applies to hybrid and electric vehicles that have a gross vehicle weight rating of 4,536 KG or less or are defined as low-speed vehicles. The standard became fully applicable to all such vehicles manufactured on or after March 1, 2021.On January 27, 2023, NHTSA opened Defect Petition (DP) 22-005 to evaluate the subject matter described in the petition. On June 24, 2023 and as supplemented on June 25, 2023, the petitioner notified NHTSA he was withdrawing his petition. The petitioner indicated that, based on his review of data, there is no justification for asserting potential benefits that could be derived from actions sought by my petition. Based on the petitioner's withdrawal, DP22-005 is closed. Closure of this DP does not represent a determination by NHTSA regarding the subject matter of the petition.
Recent owner complaints
Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words
See attached document for complaint.
- NHTSA ID
- 11764757
- Incident
- Jan 4, 2026
My 2020 BMW X5 sDrive40i has experienced recurring and serious electrical, shutdown, and drivability problems that have not been resolved despite BMW service and a recall-related repair. The vehicle has unexpectedly restarted after being turned off and has also failed to shut down properly. On September 6, 2026, after being parked at Costco for approximately 40–60 minutes, I returned to find the vehicle off but not secured. The brake lights were on, the windows were down even though I had left them up, and the interior systems were operating. The radio was playing an unfamiliar station, although I do not listen to the radio. I documented this on video. Later that same day at Whole Foods, after parking, turning the vehicle off, and getting out to retrieve my dogs, the vehicle appeared to still be running. Video captured the engine running for approximately one second. I shut it off and locked it, but the vehicle then unlocked itself, also captured on video. These were two separate incidents within nine days, occurring after BMW performed a recall-related repair intended to address unexpected vehicle reactivation. In addition, the vehicle has twice shut off unexpectedly while accelerating on the freeway. These incidents, combined with the unexpected restarting, failure to shut down, windows opening, and vehicle unlocking itself, create serious safety concerns. I purchased this vehicle specifically to transport my dogs. If the vehicle can unlock itself or lower the windows while I am away, my dogs could escape or be exposed to being taken. I no longer have confidence that the vehicle will remain safely shut down and secured when I leave it. The recurring nature of these failures and the fact that they have continued after BMW’s attempted repair require a thorough investigation and permanent resolution. I am requesting that BMW review the complete history and consider repurchase or replacement if the defect cannot be permanently corrected.
- NHTSA ID
- 11764210
- Incident
- Dec 31, 1969
I'm reporting a safety issue with BMW vehicles equipped with the B58TU engine, primarily 2019-2021 models. These vehicles have an oil pump with an internal plastic component that regulates oil pressure, and this part is fracturing in the field, causing sudden loss of oil pressure. The failure typically occurs during cold starts in low temperatures. When it fails, oil pressure becomes erratic or is lost entirely, often with little to no warning before engine damage or vehicle disablement. Warning signs, when present, include inability to measure oil level electronically, abnormal oil pressure, or sudden drivetrain malfunction warnings. These can rapidly progress to engine shutdown or severe damage from oil starvation. This creates a dangerous situation because the vehicle can become disabled without warning while driving or after startup. This is especially hazardous when cars become immobilized in traffic or during winter conditions when failures occur most frequently, leaving occupants exposed to freezing temperatures while awaiting assistance. Pump replacement requires extensive disassembly and commonly costs $6,000-$8,000, assuming no engine damage. A critical concern: owners cannot determine if their vehicle has the original plastic pump or the later metal revision. BMW's VIN-based parts lookup now shows updated components even when original plastic parts remain installed, and BMW has removed the original plastic part number from dealer networks entirely. Failures are reported across multiple production years, and the scope of affected vehicles remains unclear. Because this condition causes sudden vehicle disablement without adequate warning, especially in cold weather, I believe this warrants investigation as a potential safety-related defect.
- NHTSA ID
- 11763718
- Incident
- Sep 10, 2026
I am reporting a safety concern involving BMW vehicles equipped with the B58 Technical Update (B58TU) engine, commonly found in model years 2019–2021. These vehicles utilize a variable-displacement engine oil pump containing an internal thermoplastic adjusting component responsible for regulating engine oil pressure. Failures have been reported in which this internal plastic component fractures, resulting in sudden loss of or instability in engine oil pressure. My own vehicle has experienced this oil pump failure. The failure is particularly concerning because it can occur during cold-start operation and appears to be more prevalent in low ambient temperatures. When the internal component fails, oil pressure regulation can become erratic or be lost entirely. The resulting loss of lubrication can lead to severe engine damage or vehicle disablement. Reported precursor symptoms include an inability to electronically measure the engine oil level, abnormal oil-pressure behavior, drivetrain malfunction warnings, and other warning messages. However, these symptoms may provide little meaningful advance warning before the vehicle becomes disabled or the engine sustains significant damage. The safety concern is not limited to the cost of the repair. A sudden loss of oil pressure can cause the vehicle to become disabled without warning while driving or shortly after startup. This presents a potential safety hazard if the vehicle loses power or becomes immobilized in active traffic. The risk is particularly concerning during cold-weather operation, when these failures appear to occur most frequently. In winter conditions, occupants of a disabled vehicle may also be exposed to freezing temperatures while waiting for roadside assistance. Replacement of the oil pump is a major repair with cost ranging $6000-8000, even when engine has not been damaged. These costs are secondary to the safety concern but demonstrate the seriousness of the defect and the potential severity.
- NHTSA ID
- 11763291
- Incident
- Sep 3, 2026
I am reporting a safety concern involving BMW vehicles with the B58TU engine, model years 2019-2021. These engines use a variable-displacement oil pump with an internal thermoplastic adjusting ring that regulates oil pressure. Field failures are being reported in which this component fractures, causing sudden loss or instability of oil pressure. Owners and independent shops report catastrophic engine damage within minutes, with little or no advance warning. A sudden loss of motive power at highway speed, or an engine seizure in traffic, creates a crash risk. I have not experienced a failure. I am reporting because: 1. My vehicle falls within the affected production range. 2. Owners cannot determine whether their vehicle has the original thermoplastic pump or the later metal revision. BMW issued the revised part without changing the part number, and VIN-based parts lookups reportedly return the updated component even when the original is still installed. This deprives owners of any means of assessing their own risk. 3. BMW quietly revised the design to all-metal, indicating the manufacturer identified a durability problem, yet no recall or customer notification has been issued in the United States. 4. Out-of-warranty repair requires removal of the front subframe and eight or more hours of labor. Owners report quotes near $6,000. 5. In South Korea, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport opened a formal investigation into this same defect in XXX. BMW Korea then confirmed it is performing this repair free of charge regardless of warranty status. A foreign regulator has already found this serious enough to investigate. I request that NHTSA investigate the B58TU oil pump, determine the failure rate, and evaluate whether a safety recall is warranted. At minimum, owners should be given a reliable method of identifying which pump revision is installed in their vehicle.
- NHTSA ID
- 11759850
- Incident
- Aug 26, 2026
The oil level reading is failing at 16% due to an oil pump malfunction. BMW has addressed this on all 2022+ b58 engine but all prior years have the plastic failing oil pump. The had to upgrade it because it cause catastrophic failure to the engine. It creates oil pressure with plastic parts and was upgraded to all metal in 2022. There should be a recall for this part since it can cause catastrophic engine failure at any point anywhere while driving at any speed, slow, fast, speed limit. Doesn’t matter the part can fail and injure or kill people
- NHTSA ID
- 11759405
- Incident
- Dec 15, 2025
I am on my third front differential in first in 2023, one in 2025 and now one in 2026. All M50I have this issue but the X5 M model does not.
- NHTSA ID
- 11759094
- Incident
- Jul 31, 2026
The A/C evaporator coil failed on my 2020 BMX X5 S40i prior to 27,564 miles. It was taken into the local dealer for evaluation at a cost of $811.33 and UV dye was added with refrigerant, which escaped over a 2 week period. The final diagnosis after a further two weeks and at a cost of $301.38, later confirmed that the evaporator coil needed to be replaced. The BMW Dealer quoted $6,686.35 for the replacement. BMW USA refused to comp or co-op the repair. From my research I see that this is a common failure across a large segment of the BMW range and that a conservative minimum of 771,000 BMW vehicles could be affected and that the cost to cure each vehicle ranges between $4,000 & $8,000. I was very surprised to hear that the was no NHTSA recall nor Class Action Law Suit given the potential number of cases and huge expense to cure
- NHTSA ID
- 11758762
- Incident
- Jul 7, 2026
Manufacturer communications
A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.
STRUCTURE:BODY
BMW Notice of the Court’s Final Approval for Shark-Fin Antenna Settlement (X3, X4, X5, X6, X7)
STRUCTURE:BODY
Rear Roof Antenna Shark Fin Cover Sealing Issue
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.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; ENGINE
The manual starting of electronic engine oil level measurement from inside the vehicle, usually afterperforming an engine oil service task, is inoperative or it may lock up at between a 15% to 30% completionrate.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Once the Telematics Module (TCB2) enters sleep mode, a BMW Data Services trigger for Remote Services(remote engine start, lock/unlock/climate conditioning) will not be able to reactivate the TCB2. Due to this issue, Remote Services will not function in the vehicle when parked and locked.
STRUCTURE:BODY
In the affected vehicles, an incorrect screwlocking device (circled) may have been usedfor the mounting bolts of the door latch locks.
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
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Investigations | Issue Index |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 23 | 2 | 0 | 59.7 |
| 2025 | 61 | 5 | 0 | 60.9 |
| 2024 | 145 | 8 | 0 | 55.6 |
| 2023 | 32 | 4 | 0 | 58.2 |
| 2022 | 69 | 1 | 1 | 61.6 |
| 2021 | 107 | 12 | 1 | 70.4 |
| 2020Viewing | 111 | 11 | 1 | 72.7 |
| 2019 | 188 | 13 | 0 | 61.0 |
| 2018 | 72 | 5 | 3 | 64.7 |
| 2017 | 74 | 6 | 3 | 59.7 |
| 2016 | 74 | 5 | 3 | 64.0 |
| 2015 | 152 | 6 | 2 | 61.8 |
| 2014 | 98 | 8 | 2 | 65.2 |
| 2013 | 149 | 6 | 1 | 60.3 |
| 2012 | 271 | 10 | 1 | 56.3 |
| 2011 | 263 | 14 | 1 | 57.2 |
| 2010 | 124 | 14 | 1 | 57.3 |
| 2009 | 138 | 12 | 1 | 55.9 |
| 2008 | 215 | 10 | 0 | 50.2 |
| 2007 | 71 | 8 | 0 | 49.2 |
| 2006 | 168 | 2 | 1 | 56.0 |
| 2005 | 82 | 3 | 0 | 51.7 |
| 2004 | 64 | 4 | 0 | 54.3 |
| 2003 | 99 | 3 | 0 | 53.3 |
| 2002 | 102 | 3 | 0 | 51.4 |
| 2001 | 160 | 12 | 0 | 56.7 |
| 2000 | 29 | 6 | 0 | 50.7 |
| 1999 | 0 | 1 | 0 | — |
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.