BMW X5 Recalls

The BMW X5 has 151 recalls spanning 1999 through 2026, with the most serious recent issue being a brake system malfunction on 2024–2025 models where the integrated brake system can lose power assist and disable anti-lock braking and stability control, extending stopping distances and reducing vehicle control.

The 2024–2025 model years carry several additional safety concerns. The knee airbags for the driver and front passenger may not deploy as intended in a crash, and on 2024 models the instrument panel may be manufactured incorrectly, preventing the passenger airbag from deploying properly or causing panel pieces to break free during deployment. The 2025 model year has a seat belt warning system that may fail to alert occupants of an unlatched belt, and the airbag system may deploy improperly. On 2026 models, the windshield may not be properly sealed, allowing water to enter electrical components and cause failures including loss of headlights, and the passenger-side airbag may not deploy correctly.

The 2023 model year has a transmission control unit that can allow transmission oil to leak into the unit, seize the gears, and cause a sudden loss of drive power. There is also a windshield bonding issue on 2023 models where an improperly bonded windshield can allow water to contact electrical components and create a fire risk. The 2023 model year additionally has second-row head restraints without locking tabs that can move in a crash, and a driver's seat backrest bolt that may not hold the seat securely. On 2021 models, the hybrid battery on xDrive45e variants can short-circuit and create a fire risk, and the steering column shaft joint can loosen and affect handling. The 2021 model year also has second-row outer head restraints that can detach in a crash, a right front brake disc assembled with incorrect fasteners that can work loose over time, and certain Pirelli tires that can rapidly lose pressure while driving.

The 2020 model year has a steering rack where the pinion teeth can break under load, causing complete loss of steering. On 2019–2020 models, the starter motor can overheat from repeated failed starts and ignite nearby material in the engine compartment, and the steering column shaft bearing plate can loosen and affect handling. A fuel pump flange can crack on 2019 models and leak fuel near ignition sources. The 2019 model year also has left-side wheel bolts that may not have been tightened sufficiently and can allow a wheel to separate from the vehicle. On 2019–2021 models, an internal component in the integrated brake system can fail during hard braking, reducing brake boost and disabling anti-lock braking.

The 2017 model year has a passenger frontal airbag inflator that may not vent properly during deployment and can rupture, sending metal fragments toward occupants. On 2016–2018 plug-in hybrid models, an electrical short in the wiring can increase fire risk. On 2018 models, a front lower control arm pivot bolt may not have been properly hardened and can break, affecting vehicle control, and front suspension fasteners may not have been tightened correctly. The 2015 model year has an electric power steering control unit with a missing weld that can overheat and cause a fire, and a rear seat belt attachment weld on optional rear comfort seat models that can break in a crash. The 2014–2015 model years have driver frontal airbag inflators that can rupture and send metal fragments into the