2020 BMW X5 Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2020 BMW X5, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Engine4230.9%
- Electrical3827.9%
- Powertrain (other)1611.8%
- Driver assistance75.1%
- Airbags64.4%
- Exterior lighting53.7%
- Brakes53.7%
- Body & structure42.9%
- Seat belts32.2%
- Visibility21.5%
- Fuel system21.5%
- Steering21.5%
- Suspension21.5%
- Other / unspecified10.7%
- Interior & seats10.7%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
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
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.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
Shark fin antenna - Telematic control module malfunctioning. Seems to have a leak issue causing modules inside/under antenna to get wet from rain or car washes. This is causing an error message "SOS emergency call system malfunctioning", you will not be able to make calls under an emergency. Other issues include GPS, remote start, lane assist, adaptive cruise control etc... not working properly and potentially causing an accident on the road.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owned a 2020 BMW X5. The contact stated while the contact's mother was driving at an undisclosed speed, another vehicle attempted to make a left turn and crashed head-on into the front driver and passenger side of the vehicle. The driver's air bag did not deploy. During the impact, the driver's head hit the windshield causing it to crack. The police and paramedics arrived on the scene. The contact and the contact's mother were transported to the local medical center. The contact's mother was treated for a severe concussion and severe cuts and bruises. In addition, the contact's mother had broken glass in her hands which was removed. The contact sustained cuts and bruises. The contact's mother received additional testing because of the impact of the steering wheel on the chest, however the test results were negative. A police report was filed, however, the information was unavailable. In addition, the police officer inspected the vehicle and noticed the driver's seat belt had a lot of play, which could have contributed to the contact's mother's head injury. The vehicle was towed to the local tow yard and condemned as a total loss. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 65,327.
The contact owns a 2020 BMW X5. The contact stated that the message "Driver Restraint System Malfunction" was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the driver’s side knee air bags needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not covered under warranty. The failure mileage was approximately 39,500.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
Vehicle has excessive condensation in driver headlight. Garage kept only. Problem discovered because of parking vehicle outside on driveway while the garage hosted moving boxes. This was the only time this vehicle has spent the night outside.
Headlights continually fog up and puddle water in them. It takes a major effort to dry them out. Dealer says they are vented and that they will clear themselves but don't. This is a continual problem and poses a safety issue because of headlight failure.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
2020 BMX X5 xDrive40i experienced recall issue 24V-104. Year of vehicle is not included in recall 24V-104. I did not receive a notice of recall issue 24V-104. This recall should be extended to additional Years of this model of vehicle. Was driving in traffic on a state highway. Utilized breaks to stop the vehicle and brakes failed. Received warning notices through the cars system that aligned exactly with the errors expected to be received in Recall 24V-104. If I had been driving at a higher speed, I would not have been able to stop the vehicle and would have crashed into the vehicle in front of me at a high rate of speed, causing grave harm to myself and any individuals in the car ahead of me - and potentially any other car/individuals that were around me. The vehicle was inspected by an independent service center, which confirmed that brake failure was identical to current recall 24V-104. Auto shop only found out about the recall because they attempted to order new part and was informed that part could not be sold due to recall. Recall did not appear when VIN was searched. The problem was confirmed by the independent service center. There were no prior warnings, messages, or other systems of this problem prior to the failure and this is the first time it was experienced.
Vehicle Purchase from BMW of Devon Dear BMW Customer Relations Team, I am writing to express my deep disappointment and frustration regarding my recent experience with a Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) vehicle purchased from BMW of Devon. As a loyal BMW customer, I expected a higher standard of quality and service than what I have experienced. I purchased a 2020 BMW X5 (VIN: [XXX] in October 2023 with the confidence that it had undergone a rigorous inspection process, as advertised under your CPO program. However, after driving the vehicle for only 5,000 miles within a single year of ownership, I have been informed that the following costly repairs are required: 1. Brake pads replacement 2. RPLC both LW ctrl ar 3. Rear brake rotars 4. Front thrust arms 5. 4wa integral alignment The estimated total cost for these repairs exceeds $5,000, which is entirely unacceptable given the short duration and low mileage since the purchase. This indicates either a lack of proper inspection and servicing by BMW of Devon or a failure to disclose critical information about the vehicle’s condition at the time of sale. As a consumer, I relied on the assurances provided by the BMW CPO program, which is marketed as delivering “ultimate peace of mind” and a vehicle of premium quality. This experience has instead been stressful and costly, undermining my trust in the BMW brand. I demand that BMW of Devon and BMW of North America take full responsibility for these shortcomings by covering the cost of all necessary repairs immediately and free of charge. Anything less would not only fail to rectify this issue but also tarnish BMW’s reputation for quality and customer satisfaction. I hope this matter can be resolved promptly and amicably. Please respond within 10 days to confirm your commitment to addressing this issue. Should I not receive a satisfactory resolution, I will have no choice but to escalate this matter further, including but not limited to contact INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATI
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
Sunroof - explosion of glass while driving down the road. No other cars or anything that would cause flying debris. I decided to file this report after reading of multiple accounts being reported.
When it rains water comes into the drivers side from the roof (sun visor area), and under the dashboard. Depending on how much rain, it leaves a puddle on the floor mat, and constantly drips on the driver as I drive.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owned a 2020 BMW X5. The contact stated while the contact's mother was driving at an undisclosed speed, another vehicle attempted to make a left turn and crashed head-on into the front driver and passenger side of the vehicle. The driver's air bag did not deploy. During the impact, the driver's head hit the windshield causing it to crack. The police and paramedics arrived on the scene. The contact and the contact's mother were transported to the local medical center. The contact's mother was treated for a severe concussion and severe cuts and bruises. In addition, the contact's mother had broken glass in her hands which was removed. The contact sustained cuts and bruises. The contact's mother received additional testing because of the impact of the steering wheel on the chest, however the test results were negative. A police report was filed, however, the information was unavailable. In addition, the police officer inspected the vehicle and noticed the driver's seat belt had a lot of play, which could have contributed to the contact's mother's head injury. The vehicle was towed to the local tow yard and condemned as a total loss. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 65,327.
Passenger Seat Belt Malfunction indicator on stating the system has a malfunction. Passenger safety systems are reduced in the stated malfunction. It has not been inspected by the dealer or service center. There were no known issues prior to the vehicle indicator stating the system malfunctioned.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
This vehicle has AC problem it’s blowing hot air. It has evaporator leaking. I called multiple shops and they said this problem is very popular for the X5 2019 to 2023 in my car is 2020. Please recall the Evaporator Core problem. It is too dangerous to drive in the car without AC and is too expensive to Have the Evaporator Core replacement.
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.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
Fuel pump failure. Resulted in car losing speed and power and car coming to a halt. Car went into park. Had to be towed from the road but the car had to be dragged onto the flatbed due to no parking selector release accessible from the side of the road. Resulting in total destruction of the front differential resulting in $10000 repair bill.
Vehicle Purchase from BMW of Devon Dear BMW Customer Relations Team, I am writing to express my deep disappointment and frustration regarding my recent experience with a Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) vehicle purchased from BMW of Devon. As a loyal BMW customer, I expected a higher standard of quality and service than what I have experienced. I purchased a 2020 BMW X5 (VIN: [XXX] in October 2023 with the confidence that it had undergone a rigorous inspection process, as advertised under your CPO program. However, after driving the vehicle for only 5,000 miles within a single year of ownership, I have been informed that the following costly repairs are required: 1. Brake pads replacement 2. RPLC both LW ctrl ar 3. Rear brake rotars 4. Front thrust arms 5. 4wa integral alignment The estimated total cost for these repairs exceeds $5,000, which is entirely unacceptable given the short duration and low mileage since the purchase. This indicates either a lack of proper inspection and servicing by BMW of Devon or a failure to disclose critical information about the vehicle’s condition at the time of sale. As a consumer, I relied on the assurances provided by the BMW CPO program, which is marketed as delivering “ultimate peace of mind” and a vehicle of premium quality. This experience has instead been stressful and costly, undermining my trust in the BMW brand. I demand that BMW of Devon and BMW of North America take full responsibility for these shortcomings by covering the cost of all necessary repairs immediately and free of charge. Anything less would not only fail to rectify this issue but also tarnish BMW’s reputation for quality and customer satisfaction. I hope this matter can be resolved promptly and amicably. Please respond within 10 days to confirm your commitment to addressing this issue. Should I not receive a satisfactory resolution, I will have no choice but to escalate this matter further, including but not limited to contact INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATI
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
Recall 19v-631, I am experiencing a faulty steering issue as reported in the recall. My vehicle was in production around the same time as the recall vehicles.
squeaking and grinding in steering column, overheated steering column to the touch. Took to local BMW and was informed it was an issue with steering rack (after two visits there) and part has to be ordered and replaced.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
Hello, my front differential recently failed on my BMW. based on some research, this appears to be a manufacturing defect that BMW isn't covering affecting many owners of this car.
Suspension "clunking noise" when going slowly over bumps. Oct. 14, 2024 32,688 miles. BMW dealer replaced left front Tension Strut due to Balljoint failure/defect @ owner expense. Tire wear indicated excessive "play" in joint for some time. I had complained to BMW dealer since the car was new that it did not track straight. Car was previously aligned several times by BMW dealer but defective ball joint was not identified until i brought "clunking" noise to their attention. Balljoint failure can result in loss of control resulting in a CRASH.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owned a 2020 BMW X5. The contact stated that she parked the vehicle in her garage. No warning light was illuminated. The contact entered her home and 15 minutes later, a neighbor knocked on the door, alerting her that the garage had caught fire. When the contact opened the garage door, she saw flames. The contact called 911 and evacuated her family. There were no injuries sustained. The police and fire departments arrived on the scene, and the firefighters extinguished the fire. The fire destroyed all three vehicles in the garage and engulfed the residence. Police and fire department reports were filed. The vehicle was towed to the tow yard. The insurance company deemed the vehicle totaled. The contact later became aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V576000 (Electrical System, Engine And Engine Cooling) associated with the VIN. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
The front passenger door remained open as I was pulling out of my garage with my kid sitting in the front passenger seat. I thought he didn't close the door, but he was unable to close it. I got out of the car and it turns out the door wouldn't latch. There was no warning to the failure of the soft closing door mechanism. Just an alert that door is open. I had to drive it to the dealership the next day with rope securing the door to the pillar and the rear passenger door.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
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.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .