2020 BMW X5 Engine Problems

My 2019 BMW X5 (G05) equipped with the B58 Technical Update (B58TU) engine has experienced a failure / is showing early signs of failure of the engine oil pump assembly.Beginning with the B58TU engine, BMW utilized a variable-displacement oil pump that contains a thermoplastic/plastic internal adjusting ring. This plastic component degrades under normal operating temperatures, resulting in a sudden mechanical failure of the pump. This failure leads to a sudden drop in engine oil pressure, vehicle disablement without sufficient warning, or an inability for the iDrive infotainment system to complete an electronic oil level measurement.A sudden loss of engine lubrication while driving presents a severe safety hazard, capable of immobilizing the vehicle in active traffic. BMW has updated this exact pump part number to utilize all-metal internal carriers on later production runs, but refuses to cover the cost for early out-of-warranty models. I am requesting that the NHTSA open a safety defect investigation into the early B58TU oil pump assembly to force a mandatory safety recall.

NHTSA ID

11754552

Incident

Aug 3, 2026

It’s a common issue between 2019-2020 where the oil pump which came from factory has plastic impellers which crack/disintegrate causing catastrophic failure to the engine disabling the vehicle the only warning signs before this happens is you cant read oil level and or the car prompts with a warning low oil messages if untreated the car will have catastrophic engine failure with little to no warning the car was mass produced and this is a common issue therefore should be recalled

NHTSA ID

11751677

Incident

Jul 20, 2026

Low oil pressure light came on during interstate drive. Later analysis at dealership revealed this is related to faulty oil pump with plastic parts in B58 engine.

NHTSA ID

11750271

Incident

Jun 28, 2026

I replaced my starter prior to a recall that was issued. After the recall, I submitted a claim for reimbursement and the check was issued. Bmw of North American has not updated the recall information associated with my vin. I am this unable to list my vehicle on any rental platform as it is showing a status of an open recall for the starter. The repair was done in September, 2025 and I was reimbursed 3 weeks ago.

NHTSA ID

11749940

Incident

Sep 9, 2025

I own a 2019 BMW X5 xDrive40i with the B58 3.0L turbocharged inline-six engine. While driving in Minnesota, the vehicle suddenly displayed an urgent warning stating “oil pressure too low” and instructed me to stop the engine. This occurred while the vehicle was being operated on the road, requiring me to stop driving immediately. The vehicle was later inspected by an authorized BMW dealer. The dealer diagnosed the failure as a defective oil pump and stated that the oil pump must be replaced. The estimated repair cost was approximately $7,500 or more. This is a serious safety concern because a sudden loss of engine oil pressure can lead to engine seizure, loss of motive power, and loss of vehicle control risk depending on traffic conditions. The oil pump is a critical lubrication component and should not fail as a normal wear item. I have found numerous similar owner reports involving BMW B58 oil pump failures, including reports suggesting that cold-weather operation may contribute to or expose the failure. My vehicle is operated in Minnesota, a cold-weather state. The vehicle was inspected by Park Place BMW in Rochester, MN. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate whether this is a safety-related defect affecting 2019 BMW X5 xDrive40i vehicles and other BMW models equipped with the B58 engine.

NHTSA ID

11739764

Incident

Apr 1, 2025

Plastic oil pump cracking problem is apparently known to BMW, but they haven’t recalled these defective oil pumps leading to engine failure.

NHTSA ID

11734724

Incident

Apr 15, 2026

Safety Hazard: Oil Pump Failure Leading to Sudden Engine Stall (BMW B58TU engines) Description of Defect: The oil pump module in the 2020 BMW X5 (G05) contains internal plastic components that are prone to thermal degradation and premature failure. These plastic parts can crack or disintegrate, causing a sudden loss of oil pressure. Safety Risk: A failure of the oil pump leads to insufficient lubrication of critical engine components, which can result in a sudden and complete engine seizure while the vehicle is in motion. This causes an immediate loss of propulsion and power steering assist, significantly increasing the risk of a high-speed collision or being stranded in dangerous traffic conditions. Additional Note: This is a known mechanical defect where a critical engine component (oil pump) relies on non-durable plastic materials, creating an unreasonable safety risk for drivers and passengers due to potential catastrophic engine failure without prior warning.

NHTSA ID

11727767

Incident

Mar 29, 2026

Safety Hazard: Oil Pump Failure Leading to Sudden Engine Stall (BMW G05 X5) Description of Defect: The oil pump module in the 2020 BMW X5 (G05) contains internal plastic components that are prone to thermal degradation and premature failure. These plastic parts can crack or disintegrate, causing a sudden loss of oil pressure. Safety Risk: A failure of the oil pump leads to insufficient lubrication of critical engine components, which can result in a sudden and complete engine seizure while the vehicle is in motion. This causes an immediate loss of propulsion and power steering assist, significantly increasing the risk of a high-speed collision or being stranded in dangerous traffic conditions. Additional Note: This is a known mechanical defect where a critical engine component (oil pump) relies on non-durable plastic materials, creating an unreasonable safety risk for drivers and passengers due to potential catastrophic engine failure without prior warning.

NHTSA ID

11726965

Incident

Mar 24, 2026

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.

NHTSA ID

11722345

Incident

Jan 12, 2026

I'm reporting a safety issue with BMW vehicles equipped with the B58TU engine (primarily 2019–2021 models). These vehicles use an oil pump containing an internal plastic component that regulates oil pressure. This plastic part is fracturing in the field, leading to sudden loss or instability of oil pressure. Failures commonly occur during cold starts in low temperatures. When the component 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 behavior, or sudden drivetrain malfunction warnings. These can quickly progress to engine shutdown or severe engine damage due to oil starvation. My vehicle is currently experiencing all of the described oil pump-related symptoms, including inconsistent electronic oil level readings and drivetrain malfunction warnings consistent with oil pressure instability. This condition creates a serious safety risk. The vehicle can become disabled without warning while driving or shortly after startup. Oil starvation can lead to catastrophic engine failure, especially at highway speeds, where sudden engine shutdown or seizure increases the risk of a crash. Failures are particularly dangerous in winter conditions, when vehicles may become immobilized in traffic or freezing temperatures. Replacement of the pump requires major disassembly and typically costs $6,000–$8,000, assuming no engine damage. Owners cannot determine whether their vehicle has the original plastic component or a revised metal version. BMW’s VIN-based parts lookup now shows only updated components even when original plastic parts remain installed, and the original plastic part number has been removed from dealer systems. Because this defect can cause sudden vehicle disablement and potential catastrophic engine failure without adequate warning.

NHTSA ID

11721220

Incident

Feb 15, 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 oil pressure. Field failures are increasingly being reported in which this internal component fractures, resulting in sudden loss or instability of engine oil pressure. The failure frequently occurs during cold-start operation in low ambient temperatures. When the component fails, oil pressure regulation becomes erratic or is lost entirely. In many cases, drivers receive little or no actionable warning prior to engine damage or vehicle disablement. Reported precursor symptoms include inability to electronically measure engine oil level, abnormal oil pressure behavior, or sudden drivetrain malfunction warnings. Failures may rapidly progress to engine shutdown or severe mechanical damage caused by oil starvation. Loss of lubrication can cause the vehicle to become disabled without warning while driving or shortly after startup. This creates a safety hazard, particularly when vehicles become immobilized in active traffic or during winter conditions the cold is when they fail the most, where occupants may be exposed to freezing temperatures while awaiting assistance. Replacement of the oil pump requires extensive disassembly of the vehicle and repairs commonly exceed $6,000–$8,000 for just the pump, assuming the motor is unharmed. Owners are currently unable to determine whether their vehicles contain the original thermoplastic oil pump design or a later revised version utilizing metal internal components, as VIN-based parts information now identifies updated components in the car even when no replacement has occurred and the old components are actually in the car. Also, BMW has actively removed the plastic part number out of all dealer networks as well. Failures have be

NHTSA ID

11721149

Incident

Feb 22, 2026

I am submitting this correspondence as a formal notification of a potential safety-related defect affecting BMW vehicles equipped with the B58 Technical Update (B58TU) engine platform, most commonly model years 2019–2021. The purpose of this communication is to request immediate review under BMW’s vehicle safety defect evaluation process due to an increasing number of oil pump failures capable of causing sudden loss of engine lubrication, unexpected vehicle disablement, and occupant exposure to hazardous conditions. The original B58 engine (B58B30M0, 2015–2017) utilized a conventional mechanically robust gerotor oil pump with predominantly metallic internal construction and demonstrated strong reliability in field operation. This component, constructed from reinforced thermoplastics including PA66-GF materials, operates within a chemically aggressive and thermally cyclic environment involving continuous exposure to engine oil additives, fuel dilution, condensation, and repeated heat cycling. While acceptable under accelerated validation testing, real-world operating conditions increasingly demonstrate premature degradation consistent with polymer embrittlement and fracture. Documented owner and technician reports indicate that under cold-start conditions — particularly in sub-freezing climates — elevated oil viscosity and startup load impose increased mechanical stress on the thermoplastic carrier. Fracture of this internal component allows debris intrusion into the pump mechanism, resulting in unstable oil pressure regulation. Commonly reported precursor symptoms include: • Inability to perform electronic oil level measurement via iDrive • Erratic or oscillating oil pressure behavior • Intermittent lubrication warnings or absence of warning prior to failure • Rapid progression to bearing damage and engine seizure Given the potential for sudden vehicle disablement without adequate warning, I respectfully request BMW of North America initiate a formal inquiry

NHTSA ID

11721121

Incident

Feb 12, 2026

Please read file attached

NHTSA ID

11721083

Incident

Feb 27, 2026

Was driving at normal interstate speed when I received a warning on my dashboard to pull over and turn off engine —- low engine pressure, immediately. Call a tow. I immediately pulled over, turned off my car and contacted a tow. My vehicle was towed to the BMW dealership. I received an update that my oil pump failed. It’s almost $6k to replace and then stated not sure if that’ll truly fix the problem and to change the engine $28k. I began to do research and this is a known problem. Many owners have this problem- BMW is aware and began change the plastic part to metal in the subsequent years. I received no warning that it was beginning to fail and it is a safety hazard as I was on the interstate at the time.

NHTSA ID

11716904

Incident

Feb 8, 2026

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.

NHTSA ID

11708879

Incident

Dec 9, 2025

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.

NHTSA ID

11707751

Incident

Sep 10, 2025

The contact owns a 2020 BMW X5. The contact stated while driving approximately 25 MPH, the message "Low Oil Pressure - Stop Vehicle Immediately" was displayed, and the oil warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was pulled over to the side of the road and turned off. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the oil pump was inoperable and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 81,000.

NHTSA ID

11704232

Incident

Dec 3, 2025

Mileage

81,000 mi

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.

NHTSA ID

11689437

Incident

Sep 18, 2025

Mileage

48,000 mi

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.

NHTSA ID

11687403

Incident

Aug 23, 2025

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.

NHTSA ID

11683864

Incident

Aug 14, 2025

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.

NHTSA ID

11667694

Incident

Jun 12, 2025

Mileage

30,000 mi

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.

NHTSA ID

11663702

Incident

May 14, 2025

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.

NHTSA ID

11663370

Incident

May 28, 2025

Mileage

80,000 mi

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.

NHTSA ID

11662777

Incident

May 22, 2025

Mileage

73,000 mi

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.

NHTSA ID

11652589

Incident

Apr 2, 2025

Mileage

35,000 mi