Owner-reported complaints naming the electrical system, filed with NHTSA
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Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories. Every record below is an owner-reported complaint about the 2020 BMW X5 submitted to NHTSA — not a confirmed defect, not a recall and not a manufacturer bulletin. 38 reports on file name it.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
The 25 most recent of 38, in the owner's own words
The contact owns a 2020 BMW X5. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V644000 (Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.
For my 2019 BMW X5 SDRIVE40i, The A/C evaporator core failed and began leaking refrigerant, resulting in complete loss of cold air from the A/C system. The vehicle had approximately 50,000 miles. The repair required full dashboard removal and cost approximately $4,500 including a rental vehicle. This appears to be a widespread issue on 2019–2025 BMW X5/X6/X7 models, suspected to be caused by R-1234yf refrigerant incompatibility with the aluminum evaporator core. The leaking R-1234yf refrigerant is also an environmental concern. R-1234yf is a hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) greenhouse gas with a global warming potential significantly higher than CO2. An uncontrolled leak of this refrigerant directly into the atmosphere — due to a defective factory-installed evaporator core — contributes to environmental harm and violates the spirit of EPA regulations governing refrigerant emissions. Consumers should not bear the financial burden of a known manufacturing defect that also results in the uncontrolled release of a regulated substance. BMW has not issued a recall or extended warranty for this component despite widespread owner reports of the same failure. I am requesting NHTSA investigate this issue and compel BMW to issue a formal recall and provide reimbursement to affected owners.
The contact owns a 2020 BMW X5. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V644000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start. After several attempts, the vehicle started. The check control master warning light was illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.
While driving through west Los Angeles, the vehicle suddenly began emitting white smoke from the engine compartment. There were no prior warning lights, messages, or symptoms indicating a problem. The smoke quickly intensified and turned dark. Thick smoke filled the air, and the cockpit, with the smell of toxic fumes. I safely maneuvered to the shoulder and exited the vehicle with my passenger. Flames erupted from the front of the vehicle. We called 911, which dispatched the fire department. The LAFD responded, cutting open the hood in order to extinguish the fire. The vehicle was towed to a yard following the incident. The vehicle and its contents were declared a total loss. BWM North America dispatched a technician to inspect the vehicle. After inspection, the manufacturer indicated that the starter was the source of the fire. At the time of the incident, the vehicle was subject to a safety recall related to the starter with no remedy available. The failure occurred without warning. Both occupants were exposed to heavy smoke.
The contact owns a 2020 BMW X5. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V644000 (Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were not yet available for the recall repair. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.
The contact owns a 2020 BMW X5. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign: 25V644000 (Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair not available. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were not available. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue; however, no assistance was provided. The contact had not experienced a failure.
The safety risk arises from inaccurate federal recall records maintained by BMW of North America. My vehicle had a safety recall for starter replacement (Recall 25V-644). This recall repair was already completed by an authorized BMW dealer, and the starter was replaced under warranty. However, BMW continues to list the recall as OPEN with “Remedy Not Available.” This creates a safety risk because inaccurate recall records may lead to improper vehicle safety status, incorrect regulatory reporting, and potential refusal of assistance if a starter-related failure or no-start condition occurs in the future. The problem has been confirmed by an authorized BMW dealer, and I have official service documentation showing that the recall repair was completed. The vehicle was inspected and repaired by BMW of Gwinnett Place. No warning lights were present after the repair. This complaint is not about a new mechanical failure, but about BMW’s failure to accurately update and close a completed safety recall, which misrepresents the vehicle’s safety status.
engine hesitates on startup and doesn't turnover. plenty of power, battery is fine. other models have been recalled, but for some reason, this model is not included. please extend this recall to include more models as the problem exists in other 2020 models not on the current recall list.
I was having intermittent starting issues. After a starter recall was done, things got worse. Idrive will not turn off and car wont start draining battery. Battery was replaced and car still having idrive and start issues. It would not start after being hot. I was told extended warranty is not covered and that the center console was the problem after diagnostic. They want approximately $3000 to repair. The car will not start at all and the idrive will not shut off. They said it will continue until repaired.
The contact owns a 2020 BMW X5. The contact stated that while stopped at a traffic light, after the light changed, the accelerator pedal was depressed and the vehicle stalled. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. The vehicle was diagnosed, and it was determined that the starter had failed. The mechanic advised the contact that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V644000 (Electrical System). The contact was advised to have the vehicle towed to a dealer for the recall repair. The contact called a local dealer and was informed that the recall remedy was not available. The contact called the manufacturer and was informed that the remedy was not available, and there was no ETA for parts availability. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.
The contact owns a 2020 BMW X5. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V644000 (Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to immediately start. There was a timer displayed notifying the contact when to restart the vehicle; however, the vehicle failed to start. The contact's husband inspected the vehicle and noticed that the engine was running hot despite the vehicle not being driven. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The dealer determined that the battery had failed and needed to be replaced. The dealer informed the contact that the belts and motor mounts were damaged and might need to be replaced or repaired. The dealer also informed the contact that the part was not expected until November 2025. The starter was replaced, and a software update needed to be performed. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 73,285.
The contact owns a 2020 BMW X5. The contact stated that while stopped at a red traffic light, the vehicle lost power. The contact attempted to restart the vehicle; however, the vehicle failed to respond as intended. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was towed to dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the starter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V576000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). The vehicle was previously repaired; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The failure mileage was 48,000.
My 2020 BMW X5 experienced starter failure after completing recall campaign 24V-576 for starter electrical overload risk. The vehicle was subject to this recall which acknowledged a defect causing electrical overload to the starter system. I completed the required software update in late 2024, approximately 4 years after the vehicle was manufactured and exposed to the acknowledged defect. Following the recall repair, the starter system failed on three separate occasions over a six-week period. The most recent failure occurred while traveling with family, creating a safety risk by nearly stranding us in a remote location. The vehicle would not start despite multiple attempts, requiring emergency roadside assistance. The failing starter component has been diagnosed and confirmed by an authorized BMW dealership service center. The dealership provided a repair estimate of approximately $3,000 for starter replacement. The component is available for inspection upon request at the dealership. Prior to complete failure, there were intermittent starting issues with the engine occasionally requiring multiple start attempts. No warning lamps or dashboard messages appeared before the failures. The vehicle has low mileage for its age, making this a premature component failure. The timeline strongly suggests the starter damage resulted from prolonged exposure to the electrical overload defect acknowledged in the recall, as the failure occurred shortly after the 4-year delayed software remedy was applied. The manufacturer has not inspected the failed component despite the clear connection to their acknowledged safety defect.
Car would randomly not start and went dead at red stop lights on occasion. Had to have the car towed to BMW dealership where they diagnosed it as a bad starter. Car only has 35,000 miles and this appears to be a know problem by BMW and BMW owners.
The contact owns a 2020 BMW X5. The contact stated that after refueling the vehicle, the contact attempted to restart the vehicle; however, the vehicle failed to restart. The contact made several attempts, and after approximately an hour, the vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle failed to start and was towed to a local dealer. The contact stated that there were no warning lights illuminated. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the starter motor had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V576000 (Electrical System, Engine and Engine Cooling). The contact called the manufacturer and asked about the recall for the starter motor and was informed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 30,000.
I own a 2020 BMX X5 S40i. Car was parked and turned off. When I tried to turn the car ON, the car refused to start and smoke and fire smell started coming from engine compartment. I opened the hood and could smell a burning smell. Waited for smell to disappear and tried starting the car again. Car would not start and burning smell appeared again. Got a warning on the dashboard that engine compartment was overheated and car would be ready to start after 180 seconds. Called AAA to jump start car and same behaviour was observed and car refused to start. Technician also stated that battery was completely dead. Took car to dealer and replaced main and start/ stop battery. Car still would not start. On inspection dealer observed started mechanism was shorted and needed to be replaced. After replacement, car starts fine without burning smell. Going through recall database, this issue with fire hazard from starter assembly is documented for my make, model and year but when I enter the VIN number it doesnt apply to ny vehicle VIN number. 4 year old child and me were occupants of the vehicle when burning incident happened originally.
The contact owns a 2020 BMW X5. The contact stated that upon entering the vehicle, the message that the engine had overheated, and the vehicle was disabled was displayed. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the starter motor. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V576000 (Electrical System, Engine and Engine Cooling), but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 80,000.
The contact owns a 2020 BMW X5. The contact stated that while at a complete stop, the START/STOP feature failed to operate as designed, and the engine failed to restart while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact stated that a "Starting Engine Possibly Shortly: System Overheated. Restarting Engine Possible After Cooling" message was displayed on the instrument panel. After the contact allowed the engine to cool down, the vehicle failed to restart with the same messages displayed. Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed to the dealer where it remained. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V576000 (Electrical System, Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The contact also discovered and linked the failure to Technical Service Bulletin: B120424. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 73,000.
The contact owns a 2020 BMW X5. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start. The contact stated that the message that the vehicle was overheating was displayed. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V576000 (Electrical System, Engine, and Engine Cooling). The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the failure was due to the starter. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 35,000.
A code for check engine came on and the code is say active grille shutter. I also see there is a safety issue for the same issue on other models of bmw. I'm not seeing one for X5 which needs to be added to the list.
The contact owns a 2020 BMW X5. The contact stated while driving at approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that START/STOP warning light was illuminated. The contact attempted to restart the vehicle but was unable. The contact had the vehicle towed to a dealer who diagnosed that the starter motor had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V576000 (Electrical System, Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the VIN was not included. The failure mileage was approximately 31,000.
The contact owns a 2020 BMW X5. The contact stated that on several occasions the vehicle failed to immediately start. Additionally, while the vehicle was idling the vehicle shut off and had to be restarted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the starter was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The local dealer and manufacturer were informed of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V576000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 60,000.
See attached document for complaint.
The contact owns a 2020 BMW X5. The contact stated while at a stop light, the gear shifter independently shifted into neutral. The contact stated after several attempts, the gear shifter was shifted into park. The contact stated that the gear shifter had seized in park(P). The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with internal starter motor shortage. The contact was informed that the starter motor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V576000 (Electrical System, Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. Additionally, the contact stated that the failure had occurred at night, while the four minor children were inside the vehicle. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was unknown.
On February 14, 2025, my 2020 BMW X5 unexpectedly failed to restart after engaging the Auto Start/Stop function while waiting at a traffic light. Despite multiple attempts, the vehicle would not turn back on, leaving me stranded in active traffic and creating a significant safety hazard. This failure occurred only three months after BMW applied a recall fix (software update) to address a known issue with the starter system. BMW initially issued a nationwide recall in July 2024 related to the starter function, with official letters sent to owners in September 2024. I purchased this vehicle in October 2024 and, upon learning of the recall, took it to an authorized BMW dealership in November 2024, where the recall remedy was applied (software patch). Despite this fix, the vehicle has now suffered a complete starter failure at just 50,250 miles, which is extremely premature for a modern luxury vehicle. BMW technicians at the dealership have confirmed that the starter motor itself has failed and requires full replacement. However, they claim it is unrelated to the recall, despite the failure occurring directly in line with the recall-related system. This issue is not an isolated incident—multiple BMW owners have reported similar failures following the recall fix, suggesting that the software update did not fully resolve the underlying defect. Given that the failure occurred under normal driving conditions and shortly after the recall repair, this raises serious concerns about the effectiveness of BMW’s recall remedy and the reliability of the Auto Start/Stop system. To date, BMW corporate has not yet provided a resolution, and I am seeking answers regarding whether this failure will be covered under an extended recall or goodwill repair. A premature starter failure caused by a known defect is unacceptable and presents a severe safety risk—had this occurred in a more dangerous situation, such as on a highway or at a railroad crossing, the consequences could have been
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.
Categories with enough reports to have a page of their own
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