2022 BMW X5

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.

The contact owns a 2022 BMW X5. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal sound coming from the rear of the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the transfer case fluid needed to be replaced three separate times. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where it was diagnosed again and determined that the transfer case fluid needed to be replaced. The transfer case fluid was replaced; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 38,000.

NHTSA ID

11756295

Incident

Aug 11, 2025

Mileage

38,000 mi

The high-voltage battery system (this is a plug-in hybrid) began intermittently displaying a "battery not properly charging" warning approximately 6 months ago; the issue would resolve after plugging in and charging. On July 14, 2026, while driving, the vehicle displayed a "critical battery failure - pull over immediately and drive slowly" warning. The driver pulled over and shut off the vehicle; the warning cleared and the car appeared to drive normally afterward. This warning recurred several times over the following weeks under the same pattern. On August 6, 2026, the same critical battery failure warning appeared while driving; this time steering feel and drivetrain response were abnormal, and the air conditioning and several electronic features stopped working. Our safety, and the safety of other drivers on the road, was put at risk by the sudden loss of full vehicle control while in motion. The vehicle has been at an authorized BMW dealership for inspection since August 7, 2026; a full diagnosis is pending. Dealer service staff independently remarked that two other BMW X-series plug-in hybrids came in that same morning with the identical warning and symptoms, suggesting this may be a widespread component defect rather than an isolated issue.

NHTSA ID

11755843

Incident

Aug 6, 2026

Over the last approximately 20,000 miles or so I've noticed a studder/shaking of the vehicle when turning and/or accelerating at slow speeds, in particular, while the car is cold (not warmed up). I change the transfer case fluid about 5,000 miles ago and the problem did not resolve. I now see that there is a class action lawsuit against BMW for known failure of the transfer case. I would like my problem noted for the record and hopefully action by BMW.

NHTSA ID

11755185

Incident

Aug 1, 2024

I own a 2022 BMW X5 xDrive45e that has developed a drivetrain shudder during slow-speed, tight turns while lightly accelerating, such as when maneuvering in parking lots or making U-turns. The vibration is consistently reproducible under these conditions and is felt through the vehicle during the turn. The vehicle otherwise drives normally at higher speeds. After researching the issue, I found that many other owners have reported substantially similar symptoms involving the transfer case on BMW xDrive vehicles. My independent BMW repair shop has recommended a transfer case fluid service as the first corrective action based on the known nature of this problem. I am having that service performed and will retain all repair documentation. I am submitting this complaint because this appears to be a recurring issue affecting multiple vehicles. If the condition worsens, it could lead to drivetrain binding during low-speed maneuvers and may affect safe vehicle operation. I request that NHTSA investigate whether this is a broader defect requiring manufacturer action. I will update this complaint if the repair does not resolve the condition or if additional diagnosis identifies an internal transfer case failure.

NHTSA ID

11755151

Incident

Jun 1, 2026

1. What component/system failed, and is it available for inspection? The HVAC (heating/ventilation/air-conditioning) system — specifically the A/C evaporator and its condensate drainage — in my 2022 BMW X5 (G05). It emits a recurring musty/vinegar-like odor, consistent with microbial contamination on the evaporator. The system remains installed in the vehicle and is available for inspection upon request. 2. How was safety put at risk? The odor indicates mold/microbial growth in the cabin air supply, which is a respiratory air-quality concern for the driver and passengers . A strong odor on start-up is also a distraction that draws my attention away from driving . BMW's own bulletin attributes the odor to microbial contamination on the evaporator. 3. Reproduced/confirmed by a dealer or service center? I recently scheduled a service for next Wednesday. 4. Inspected by manufacturer, police, insurance, or others? Not yet escalated to BMW corporate (no PUMA/TSARA technical case opened). Not inspected by police or insurance. 5. Warning lamps/messages/symptoms, and when they first appeared? No warning lamp or dashboard message is associated with this condition [true — odor triggers no telltale]. The symptom is the odor itself: a musty/vinegar smell fro

NHTSA ID

11752075

Incident

Jun 28, 2026

On July 8, 2026, the vehicle unexpectedly stalled while I was driving in the middle lane on the I-95 highway, creating a safety concern. There was complete loss of engine power and low power to steering. The vehicle had to be towed to BMW of Peabody, Massachusetts. The vehicle had 30850 miles during the incident. During the inspection at service centre, I was informed that the safety fuse box and 12V auxiliary battery had failed which stalled the vehicle.

NHTSA ID

11749966

Incident

Jul 8, 2026

I took my 2022 BMW X5 xDrive 45e for concerns of shuddering at low speeds and tight turns under warranty. No warning messages on dashboard. I asked specifically what was causing the shuddering. BMW of Raleigh would not respond. But they found that the Transfer Case was affected so they flushed the oil and put an oil mixture replacement in. According to the most recent BMW service bulletin, the technician is only to put in DTF oil. The technician not only put in DTF oil but also an over-the-counter non-approved chemical additive. Reading the service bulletin, the Transfer Case is supposed to have a lifetime warranty. We were charged over $500 for this "oil change", but it was under warranty. Transfer Case failures can result in accidents on highways and other roadways and complete mechanical failure of vehicle.. The oil change did not fix the Transfer Case issue but extended out the vehicle so that it now falls out of warranty. A TC replacement will cost $10,000 or more out of pocket. TC issues is a known BMW issue since 2018. Lawsuit has begun w/thousands of plaintiffs all over USA w/ 2019-2025 BMWs because they refuse to acknowledge that they are at fault even though they continue to put out bulletins for this exact issue. BMW has made sure that Transfer Case is not on any warranty they offer.

NHTSA ID

11746659

Incident

Jun 6, 2026

Electronic Shifter goes out when exposed to moisture.. We had the vehicle detailed and it will not move after apparently some moisture got into the shift know that is located next to cup holders.. BMW will not warranty the part and acknowledge it is an issue.. Luckily we have an extended warranty that is covering the 2500.00 part

NHTSA ID

11742257

Incident

May 6, 2026

In the affected vehicles, an incorrect screwlocking device (circled) may have been usedfor the mounting bolts of the door latch locks.

The EVAP systems purge (vent) valve limited warranty for defects in materials and / or workmanship has been extended to 15 years / 150,000 miles as determined from the original first in-service / delivery date.

A check control message (CCM) for the restraint system (Air bag) appears. In the instrument cluster, the redair bag warning light lights up permanently. One of the following fault codes is stored in the ACSM (air bag control unit): 930949 - Knee airbag, driver: Short circuit to negative terminal 93094F - Knee airbag, front passenger: Short circuit to negative terminal 93094C - Knee airbag driver's side: Resistance too great 930952 - Knee airbag, front passenger: Resistance too great

The EVAP systems purge (vent) valve limited warranty for defects in materials or workmanship has been extended to 15 years / 150,000 miles as determined from the original in-service date.

The center console and front cup holder get noticeably too warm to the touch on long journeys with the interior "Heating on".

The Radiator Grilles Lower Active Air Flap Assembly limited warranty for defects in materials and/or workmanship has been extended to 15 years / 150,000 miles as determined from the original first in-service / delivery date.