This page covers 8 recalls, 73 owner complaints and NHTSA crash-test ratings for the 2017 BMW X5.
5/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
The most consistent theme across 2017 BMW X5 complaints centers on the fuel and propulsion system, followed by electrical issues. Owners frequently report engine overheating, often accompanied by warning lights and loss of some electrical functions, with failed coolant pumps coming up as a diagnosed cause in multiple cases. Smoke or burning odors from the engine compartment also appear across several reports, though not all owners were able to get a definitive diagnosis. On the electrical side, owners describe battery-related failures, including heat damage to battery components, and broader electrical system faults. The electronic parking brake draws a handful of reports describing the system faulting or throwing a warning when Auto Hold transitions to the parked state. Powertrain complaints round out the top three reported systems, though those reports describe a mix of symptoms without a single dominant failure pattern emerging.
73
Total Complaints
3
Crash-Related
3
With Injuries
By System
The 2017 BMW X5 has 8 recalls, the most serious being fire and stall risks tied to the diesel engine: the exhaust gas recirculation system can cause the intake manifold to melt and catch fire, and the high-pressure fuel pump can fail and stall the engine while driving. These diesel-related issues apply to xDrive35d models only.
Two separate airbag recalls affect the passenger-side frontal inflator, which can rupture during deployment and send metal fragments into the cabin. One of these applies to a broader range of BMW models; the other is specific to 2017 X5 trims including the sDrive35i, xDrive35i, xDrive50i, xDrive35d, and xDrive40e. On the electrical side, a wiring connector fault on xDrive40e models can cause a short circuit and raise the risk of a fire.
On the X5 M, the tire information label incorrectly lists 20-inch tires when the vehicle is actually fitted with 21-inch tires, a compliance issue that affects both US and Canadian filings.
At a glance
What can fail
The electrical connector on the water pump may not be properly sealed, allowing water to enter and cause an electrical short circuit.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the water pump, replace it and the connector if needed, and install a protective shield.
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Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). Based on 2 tested variants; worst-case ratings shown.
Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The exhaust gas recirculation cooler can leak internally, allowing coolant to mix with engine soot and create smoldering particles that may melt the intake manifold.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the EGR cooler and inspect the intake manifold, replacing it if needed, at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The high-pressure fuel pump may fail, potentially causing the engine to lose fuel pressure and stop running.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the high-pressure fuel pump at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The EGR cooler can leak internally, allowing coolant to mix with diesel soot. High temperatures may cause these particles to smolder and damage the intake manifold.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and replace the EGR cooler. If leakage already occurred, the intake manifold will also be replaced at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The tire and loading information label lists incorrect tire sizes: X5 M and X6 M labels say 20-inch when equipped with 21-inch tires; M6 Cabriolet and M6 Coupe labels say 19-inch when equipped with 20-inch tires. M6 Cabriolet and M6 Coupe labels also show incorrect tire pressure of 32psi instead of 35psi.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the tire and loading information label with a corrected version showing the proper tire size and pressure specifications.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The tire information label on the driver's door lists 20-inch tires, but the vehicles are actually equipped with 21-inch tires. This mismatch means the label provides incorrect tire specifications.
What the fix does
BMW will replace the tire information placard with a corrected label that accurately reflects the 21-inch tires installed on your vehicle at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The passenger airbag inflator can build up too much pressure during deployment due to a blockage, causing it to rupture and send fragments toward occupants or prevent the airbag from deploying properly.
What the fix does
The dealer will replace the passenger airbag inflator with a new one.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The passenger front air bag inflator may not vent correctly during a crash, preventing the air bag from deploying properly.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the passenger front air bag modules at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
