2022 BMW X5 Engine Problems

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

While driving, the vehicle displayed a 'Drivetrain malfunction' warning on the dashboard and began jerking. I safely pulled over and turned off the vehicle. Immediately after stopping, there was a distinct, strong electrical burning smell coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle was inspected by an authorized BMW dealership. The dealer diagnosed a catastrophic failure of the starter motor. The vehicle's computer logged fault codes 21611A (excessive counter-torque), 21A511 (Start system: Timeout), and 216119 (Line disconnection). These codes confirm the starter motor suffered a severe electrical overload and thermal event. This premature failure and fire hazard identically matches the safety risks outlined in BMW's recent massive starter motor recalls (such as NHTSA Recalls 25V-636 and 26V-056), but my specific vehicle is currently excluded from those recall campaigns. The starter requires complete replacement due to this overheating damage

NHTSA ID

11721325

Incident

Feb 19, 2026

I am writing to formally express my concern regarding serious and repeated safety-related failures with my 2022 BMW X5 xDrive45e, VIN [XXX] . I purchased this vehicle in 2022 through a custom build, at a purchase price exceeding $80,000, with the expectation of reliability, safety, and premium quality consistent with the BMW brand. In October 2025, while my wife was driving with my son in the vehicle, the hybrid component safety box failed without warning, causing the vehicle to stall on the roadway. This created a dangerous situation for my family. The vehicle was towed to the dealership, repaired, and returned to me on November 4, 2025. Unfortunately, on February 3, 2026, a second serious incident occurred. After my wife picked up my son from school, the vehicle began jerking violently while driving, and a strong sulphur-like odor entered the cabin. Fearing for their safety, she immediately stopped driving. The vehicle was again towed to BMW of Jackson. I was informed today by the service advisor that the failure is due to another hybrid-related component, specifically the EME Hybrid Inverter, and that BMW North America is declining to cover this repair under warranty. These repeated hybrid system failures are deeply concerning, particularly given that both incidents involved my wife and children and posed clear safety risks. As a result, both of my children are now fearful of riding in the vehicle, and this situation has caused significant emotional distress to my family. Given the nature of these failures, the vehicle’s purchase price, and BMW’s emphasis on safety and engineering excellence, I find it unacceptable that a critical hybrid component failure would not be covered under warranty—especially following a prior hybrid system failure less than four months earlier. I am requesting that BMW North America review this matter promptly and provide a reasonable resolution, including warranty coverage for the EME Hybrid Inverter repair. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA

NHTSA ID

11716132

Incident

Feb 3, 2026

During a trip out of town, I saw a warning light that informed me that the engine coolant level was low and that scalding could occur. The next morning, my husband checked the coolant levels and added coolant to the reservoir. Later that day, I received the same warning message. The vehicle was leaking coolant and could not sustain the appropriate levels. We brought the vehicle to the local BMW dealership and was told that the coolant pump had broken from the inside and would need to be replaced.

NHTSA ID

11707720

Incident

Dec 29, 2025

The contact owns a 2022 BMW X5. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer for routine service. The contact stated that during the inspection of the vehicle, the dealer discovered that the water pump was beginning to leak coolant onto electrical circuits, inside the engine compartment. The dealer recommended the water pump replacement. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System), however, the vehicle model year was not part of the original VIN selection. The failure mileage was approximately 21,000.

NHTSA ID

11704563

Incident

Dec 11, 2025

Mileage

21,000 mi

Car has premature failure from the AC system. My system started to fail between 40-50k miles. Both the AC compressor and condenser failed causing metal pieces to be in the system. If not fixed, those metal shavings will cause failure in other electrical systems including the HV battery.

NHTSA ID

11659962

Incident

Apr 18, 2025

On Dec 9, 2024 I was driving my 2022 BMW X5 45E on (in EV mode) local roads at approximately 30-35mph when all of a sudden I lost power and the steering wheel became tight. My instrument panels all showed a multitude of errors including: "Chassis stabilization", "Power Supply", "Reduced Power", "Transmssion Malfuction", and others I do not recall. I was fortunately able to turn into a parking lot slowly, but the steering was tight to the point I had to use 2 hands to make turn. There was also no throttle response. As soon as the car came to a stop, I powered it off and turned it on. The car's screens were blinking and the car would not turn on. I contacted BMW Roadside and the car was towed to the dealership at East Bay BMW in Pleasanton. As of today I am still waiting for a reply on the condition of the vehicle. Yesterday I was told that they will change out the battery first and see if this solves the problem. My biggest concern is that had this happened to me on the highway that I or someone would have gotten seriously injured or may result in death from an accident. I lost power to the car and the steering became stiff.

NHTSA ID

11631211

Incident

Dec 9, 2024

The contact owns a 2022 BMW X5. The contact stated that while the vehicle was at the dealer for a scheduled service appointment, the contact was informed that the coolant pump was failing. The contact was informed that the coolant pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. In addition, the contact was informed that the repair was not covered under recall. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 53,000.

NHTSA ID

11629090

Incident

Nov 30, 2024

Mileage

53,000 mi

The car accelerated itself when stopping at a red light. The brake was not working and accept the car forward instead.

NHTSA ID

11611734

Incident

Aug 28, 2024

The contact owns a 2022 BMW X5. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the low coolant warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed water pump. The contact was informed that the water pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but did not assist. The failure mileage was approximately 70,381.

NHTSA ID

11611238

Incident

Aug 1, 2024

Mileage

70,381 mi

We have started noticing a burning smell whenever the vehicle is plugged into a charging station. At first we thought it was due to the charger, but the issue continued after we replaced the charging unit. Further, we also tried charging the unit at another station and experienced the same issue. This can be a potential fire risk and we'd like to get the matter resolved at the earliest. We have not seen this same issue with the 2023 version of the X5 hybrid.

NHTSA ID

11547658

Incident

Sep 1, 2023

While driving I smelled a burning smell and within minutes noticed Smoke coming from under the hood. Pulled over and popped the hood and there was a fire behind the battery into the firewall area. Was out out with fire extinguisher by tow truck driver.

NHTSA ID

11520165

Incident

Apr 27, 2023

The car came to a complete stop due to the Drivetrain Malfunction. The surprising part was that I noticed the error after 45 mins of buying the car.

NHTSA ID

11446431

Incident

Jan 5, 2022