RoadVitals

2023 BMW X5

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
34
+1 complaint in 30 days
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
4
Latest Dec 6, 2023
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
0
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
3
1 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 34 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2023 BMW X5, most frequently naming the powertrain (other), electrical and engine categories. 4 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 161 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

4 campaigns cover this model year

View all 4

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov
23V821000

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)

Dec 6, 2023
552 units potentially affected
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2023 Toyota GR Supra, 3 Series Sedan (330i xDrive, M340i xDrive, M3), 5 Series Sedan (530i, 530i xDrive, M5), 4 Series Gran Coupe (430i, 430i xDrive), 4 Series Coupe (430i, 430i xDrive, M440i xDrive), 4 Series Convertible (430i, 430i xDrive, M440i xDrive), 8 Series Coupe (840i, M850i xDrive, M8), 8 Series Convertible (840i, M850i xDrive, M8), 8 Series Gran Coupe (850i xDrive, M8), X3 SAV (X3 xDrive30i, X3M), X4 SAV (X4 xDrive30i), X5 SAV (X5 xDrive40i, X5 M50i, X5M), X6 SAV (X6 xDrive40i, X6 M50i, X6M), and Z4 sDrive30i, Z4 M40i vehicles. The weld seam of the integrated transmission control unit's cover may not have been manufactured properly, which could allow automatic transmission oil to leak into the transmission control unit.
The risk: Transmission oil that leaks into the control unit can lead to a seizure of the transmission gears, causing a sudden loss of drive power and increasing the risk of a crash.
The remedy: Dealers will replace the transmission mechatronics module and the automatic transmission fluid, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 26, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
BMW of North America, LLCManufacturer number Toyota - 23TA14View on NHTSA.gov
23V253000

SEATS:MID/REAR ASSEMBLY:HEAD RESTRAINT

Apr 6, 2023
235 units potentially affected
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2023 X5 sDrive40i, X5 xDrive40i, X5 M50i, X5 M and X5 xDrive45e vehicles. The head restraints for the second-row outboard seats may have been improperly manufactured without locking tabs in the guide sleeves. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 202, "Head Restraints."
The risk: A head restraint without a locking tab may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the second-row outboard seat head restraint guide sleeves, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 31, 2023. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
BMW of North America, LLCView on NHTSA.gov
22V942000

SEATS:CRITICAL FASTENERS

Dec 19, 2022
4 units potentially affected
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2023 X5 sDrive40i, X5 M50i and X5 xDrive 45e vehicles. One of the four bolts that connects the backrest to the driver's seat frame may not have been correctly installed.
The risk: A loose driver's seat backrest may not properly restrain the occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The remedy: Dealers will inspect the driver's seat backrest and if necessary, install an attachment bolt, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed February 17, 2023. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
BMW of North America, LLCView on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

View all 34
Powertrain (other)
Filed Oct 26, 2026

The vehicle suffered a sudden, catastrophic structural drivetrain failure while operating at low speed (under 10 mph) on a flat, paved surface while exiting a youth soccer complex parking lot. There was no outside influence due to the road or contact with any curb or obstacle prior to the incident, which has been explicitly confirmed by an authorized BMW dealership inspection. While leaving the complex, a mechanical pop was heard from the rear of the vehicle. The rear axle bolt cleanly sheared in half, causing the axle shaft to pull completely out of the rear differential housing, instantly destroying the wheel bearing, axle seal, and related hardware. The vehicle immediately lost all motive propulsion and became completely disabled in a high-traffic pedestrian zone, creating an immediate safety hazard to surrounding motorists and pedestrians. Because this critical structural chassis fastener sheared under zero-impact, standard low-speed turning speeds, this represents a severe manufacturing defect and a critical safety risk that results in immediate loss of vehicle control.

NHTSA ID
11773828
Incident
Oct 21, 2026
Powertrain (other)
Filed Sep 28, 2026

The X5 transfer case has a defect that causes the vehicle to shudder when in reverse and at lower speeds. It can be felt sometimes at highway speeds, but is worse at low speeds. Our X5 has only 54,000 miles.

NHTSA ID
11767547
Incident
Aug 3, 2026
Engine
Filed Sep 18, 2026

Check Control : Add engine coolant. Risk of scalding. Engine coolant level low. Risk of engine damage. Add engine coolant as soon as possible. sign came up. When take the vehicle to the dealer shop for inspection, leak had occurred and sprayed the coolant to top of the hood as well as surrounding parts. Certain modern BMW models have a 7-year / 70,000-mile extended warranty specifically covering the Heat Management Module, however my car is not included. My current mileage is at 56,000 miles.

NHTSA ID
11765404
Incident
Sep 2, 2026
Engine
Filed Aug 10, 2026

2023 BMW X5 had a defective water pump replaced under warranty at 27,585 miles on 9/12/2024. Today 8/10/2026 at 52,907 miles the water pump again needs to be replaced. BMW has had water pump recalls in the past for similar years of x5 SUV, but our VIN is not included in the current recalls. Photographs of the recalled water pumps look exactly like our pictures. I believe the recall should be expanded to include additional BMW models/VIN ranges.

NHTSA ID
11756061
Incident
Aug 10, 2026
Electrical
Filed Jul 29, 2026

A manufacturer defect caused connector pin corrosion and thus the head unit dash stopped working completely and needs to be replaced. The head unit is what the back up camera comes through causing safety concern. It is no longer under warranty because of the miles, otherwise yearwise it would be. BMW won’t provide any good will assistance. This happened in 2026 on a 2023 model year. It has been brought to a bmw service center with a quote of over 6k to fix. No warning symptoms.

NHTSA ID
11753617
Incident
Jul 1, 2026
Body & structure
Filed Jun 23, 2026

Sunroof leaks into cabin and there is no known solution for this model year 2023 BMW X5. It is my understanding that model years 2020-2023 all have this issue and a class action lawsuit is being reviewed. BMW has also issued a TSIB but there is no known recall. They will replace the seals under warranty but that is only a 2-3 year solution and will need to be redone.

NHTSA ID
11745920
Incident
Jun 23, 2026
Powertrain (other)
Filed May 7, 2026

Noticed noise. Took to dealer. Dealer confirmed bad front pinion/bearing and need front differential. Will be very dangerous if not fixed! Dealer has had this issue before and online forums state big issues

NHTSA ID
11736421
Incident
May 1, 2026
BrakesElectricalPowertrain (other)
Filed Mar 17, 2026

Drivetrain malfunction creating error message of critical failure on brake system and chassis. The first of 2 such issues so far in 4 months of ownership. Car is under original mfr warranty. Dealer charged $600 to fix. This is a PHEV and with the electrical system issues it prevents the car from functioning safely

NHTSA ID
11724888
Incident
Jan 21, 2026

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

B121226

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; ENGINE

Due to an implementation error in various OBD diagnostics in the vehicle's control units, in very rare cases itmay happen that stored fault memory codes (DTCs) and the MIL (warning light) are not automaticallydeleted even though the underlying malfunction has already been rectified. This does not comply with the statutory OBD specifications.

B110723

ENGINE

The return springs on the exhaust camshaft followers (switchable rocker arm) may break.

B120326

ENGINE

Due to an implementation error in various OBD diagnostics in the vehicle's control units, in very rare cases itmay happen that stored fault memory codes (DTCs) and the MIL (warning light) are not automaticallydeleted even though the underlying malfunction has already been rectified. This does not comply with the statutory OBD specifications.

B510726

STRUCTURE:BODY

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

B010324

ENGINE

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.

B120626

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

In these vehicles with an S68 engine, an incorrect diagnosis of the Valvetronic (VVT) may occur. Undercertain operating conditions, the software may detect a short-circuit in the valve control system even thoughthere is no fault. When the above-mentioned fault occurs, the red Check Control warning light ‘Drive system fault’ illuminates.This can result in the intake valves closing gradually, which may lead to misfires while the engine is running.

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

BMW X5 by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2026312060.8
2025635060.6
20241458054.7
2023Viewing344058.4
2022731161.6
202111412170.3
202011411173.2
201919513059.5
2018736364.5
2017767360.7
2016746364.4
20151526261.8
2014998266.1
20131496160.3
201227110156.3
201126514158.1
201012414156.3
200913812155.9
200821510050.2
2007718049.2
20061692156.9
2005823051.7
2004644054.3
2003993053.3
20021023051.3
200116012056.7
2000296050.7
1999010—

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. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.