BMW AG has issued a Delivery Stop: Due to a software failure, there is the possibility that the transmission does not go into "sleep mode" if the car is turned off.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2019 BMW X5 powertrain problems
severe Owners of the 2019 BMW X5 have filed 16 NHTSA complaints about the powertrain at roughly $2,500 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See powertrain across all vehicles →
Complaints
16
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
| Model year | powertrain complaints |
|---|---|
| 2016 X5 | 9 |
| 2017 X5 | 8 |
| 2018 X5 | 9 |
| 2019 X5 (this page) | 16 |
| 2020 X5 | 16 |
| 2021 X5 | 22 |
| 2022 X5 | 14 |
| 2023 X5 | 7 |
2crashes
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering powertrain on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
There is a howling or whistling noise from under the vehicle at 30 -37 mph (50 -60 km/h) when driving after a cold start, when the outside temperature is 32 F (0 C) or lower. The noise goes away as the vehicle/driveline reaches operating temperature.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗After an automatic engine start (MSA start), the transmission intermittently goes into the Park "P" or Neutral "N" position without any customer influence.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗SERVICE ACTION: PROGRAM OR REPLACE DUAL STORAGE SYSTEM BATTERY: A software error intermittently causes a continuous resetting of the microcontroller in the power management system. This causes the red Check Control Message (CCM) "Replace Battery" to be illuminated.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗ACCESSORIES DO NOT POWER UP FROM THE FRONT 12 V POWER SOCKET PLUG: Customer is unable to power up or charge accessories through a plug adapter inserted in the front 12-volt power socket plug.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners of 2019 BMW X5s describe several serious powertrain failures. The most common and safety-critical is sudden unintended acceleration—the engine revs up without driver input, forcing owners to ride the brakes hard to regain control. One owner reported accelerating from 50 mph to 65+ mph involuntarily, then getting stuck in Park and unable to shift back to Drive; another hit another vehicle after losing braking control. Engine start failures also appear repeatedly: vehicles won't turn over in normal driving or stop-and-go traffic, trapping owners in live traffic lanes with no way to shift to Neutral and no electrical power to move the car. Several note electrical burning smells during these events.
Oil pump failures are documented at relatively low mileage (44k–70k miles), with sudden low-oil-pressure warnings mid-drive. One owner's independent repair confirmed a defective plastic internal component; another notes BMW switched to a metal design in 2020. Transmission issues include limp-mode warnings, inability to shift out of Park, and driveline shuddering during low-speed turns—dealers cite a known service bulletin (SIB 27 02 20) about incorrect transfer-case fluid from the factory.
Starter motor overheating and failure to start appear at varying mileage. One owner reports a heat-management module replacement ($2,500) five months before starter failure. Owners cite recalls 24V-576, 25V-644, and B120524 (starter) but some vehicles fall outside recall scope or owners weren't notified. Most repairs—when not covered by warranty—run $1,100–$8,700+ per component. Dealers have sometimes blamed maintenance items (tires, normal wear) or simply told owners "we can't reproduce it," even when service bulletins existed.
Same BMW X5 powertrain reports on nearby years: 2020 · 2021 · 2022
Failure modes owners describe
Unintended Acceleration
Engine suddenly accelerates without driver pressing the gas pedal, often triggered by normal acceleration or stop-and-go driving. Vehicle continues to accelerate despite driver lifting off pedal and cannot be controlled by shifting to Park.
When: While driving at 50–65 mph during normal acceleration or highway passage; also in stop-and-go traffic; one incident at 7:30 PM on city roads
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden engine acceleration without pedal input; Vehicle speed increases from 50 mph to 65+ mph uncontrolled; Loud noise from engine/hood during acceleration; Brakes become ineffective or require extreme pressure; Shifting to Park does not resolve acceleration; Unable to shift back to Drive after shifting to Park; Vehicle stuck in Park and unable to restart
Codes mentioned: TRANSMISSION DEFECT, LEVELER SELECT DEFECT
Repairs/costs cited: Owners report entire transmission and gearshift replacement required in at least one case; some events resolved by turning engine off and restarting, but recurrence noted
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recalls 24V-576 and 25V-644 referenced by owners; some vehicles outside recall scope; one dealership advised driver to operate at low speeds (25–35 mph) for first 3–4 minutes daily without further action
Engine Start Failure / Starter Motor Failure
Vehicle will not start in normal driving, stop-and-go traffic, or after Auto Start feature activation. Electrical burning smell noted; some cases accompanied by overheated starter motor and heat-management warnings on dashboard.
When: At 44,000 miles; during normal driving after Auto Start feature; while stopped in freeway traffic; after 25 minutes of normal operation
Symptoms owners cite: Engine cranks but will not start; Multiple restart attempts unsuccessful; Electrical burning or overheating smell from engine compartment; Dashboard warnings: 'Engine oil pressure too low — stop carefully' or fluid/component overheating indicators; No prior warning lights before failure; Vehicle stranded in live traffic lane with no power to shift into Neutral
Codes mentioned: 8 fault codes at frequency 255
Repairs/costs cited: Starter motor replacement $1,100; one owner had heat-management module replaced for $2,500 five months prior; dealer inspection at one location found bad battery causing starter electrical overload, but owner was charged for repairs and told not covered by warranty
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recalls 24V-576, 25V-644, and B120524 (starter) exist; one owner states BMW USA failed to advise of B120524 recall; some vehicles do not fall within recall VIN range; warranty denials reported
Oil Pump Failure
Oil pump develops internal defects, typically plastic components that crack or separate, causing sudden loss of oil pressure and functional failure. Independent testing confirmed defective plastic drive components.
When: At 70,000 miles during normal driving; sudden failure one week after BMW scheduled service with no prior warning
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden dashboard warning: 'Engine oil pressure too low — stop carefully'; Loss of oil-level monitoring; Oil-level test aborts at 16% making verification impossible while driving; No warning signs prior to failure; Risk of engine seizure, loss of power steering and braking assist
Repairs/costs cited: Oil pump replacement $8,769.41; independent facility confirmed defective plastic internal component; owner notes BMW switched to metal oil pump design in 2020 and later models, suggesting manufacturer awareness of design weakness
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: BMW service bulletins SIB 11 03 17 address 'N20/N26 Engine Timing Chain and Oil-Pump Drive Chain Warranty Extension' with pattern of oil-pump failures in prior engines; goodwill coverage denied in at least one case; warranty denials reported
Transmission Shift Lock / Gear Selection Malfunction
Transmission fails to shift out of Park or becomes locked in Neutral, leaving vehicle immobilized. Accompanied by transmission defect warnings and service transmission indicator lights. Vehicle cannot be moved manually or by tow truck without dragging.
When: At 860 miles (early in ownership); during low-speed driving; while stopped in traffic
Symptoms owners cite: Dashboard warnings: 'TRANSMISSION DEFECT, DO NOT TURN VEHICLE OFF' and 'LEVELER SELECT DEFECT'; Service transmission warning indicator illuminated; Cannot shift into Park from Drive or Neutral; Once finally shifted to Park, vehicle automatically shuts off and will not restart; Vehicle locked in Neutral and immobile; Vehicle must be dragged onto tow truck bed because no electrical power to shift to Neutral
Codes mentioned: TRANSMISSION DEFECT, LEVELER SELECT DEFECT
Repairs/costs cited: Entire gearshift and transmission replacement required; dealer unable to restart engine; one case repair not completed and vehicle status unknown
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer made aware; manufacturer response awaiting; no recalls cited for this failure mode
Driveline Shuddering / Jerking / Vibration
Transmission and driveline produce vibration, jerking, shuddering, and rough grinding noises during low-speed driving, turning, and backing up. Multiple visits to dealership with delayed diagnosis despite bulletins in circulation.
When: Occurring for 18 months or longer; during low-speed operation (2–5 mph) and low-speed turns; while backing up
Symptoms owners cite: Vibration at low speeds when turning or backing up; Jerking and shuddering sensation; Rough grinding noise from drivetrain; Safety risk during turns with oncoming traffic; Problem reproduced and confirmed by dealership but not resolved by initial repairs
Repairs/costs cited: Transfer case oil replacement $627+ for diagnosis and repair; tire replacements (left and right) made but did not resolve issue; vehicle in testing phase after oil change requiring 300+ miles of driving
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: BMW service bulletin SIB 27 02 20 'Jerking or Shuddering from Driveline xDrive Transfer Case ATX13-X (faulty factory oil specification)' issued May 2020; owner states bulletin was known to dealership but they initially blamed tires and stalled diagnosis; goodwill coverage for transfer-case fluid change approved in one case; other safety repairs denied
Engine Electrical and Thermal Faults
Multiple electrical and thermal system faults including center console electrical faults from liquid intrusion, faulty telematics communication box seals, and engine cooling/heat management issues. Center console control panel develops internal electrical faults affecting vital vehicle systems.
When: At 70,000 miles; roof-mounted antenna seal failures allowing water ingress; heat-management issues preceding starter failure
Symptoms owners cite: Center console control panel internal electrical faults; Dashboard warnings and glitches that disappear before documentation; Electrical burning smell during engine failure events; Overheating fluid and component warnings on dashboard; Telematics communication box failure (shark-fin antenna seal not adhering)
Codes mentioned: 8 fault codes at frequency 255
Repairs/costs cited: Center console control panel $3,051.93; Telematics Communication Box replacement and reprogramming paid out of pocket; heat-management module $2,500
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: BMW service bulletins: SIB B01 13 23 'Front Center Console Cupholder Liquid Ingress (electrical faults from liquid intrusion in 2019–2022 G05 X5)' and SIB 65 12 22 'Roof-Mounted Antenna Housing Seal Not Adhering (water ingress from shark-fin antenna affecting interior electronics)'; owner notes class action lawsuit in California for exact issue; warranty denials reported
Transfer Case Mechanical Failure
Transfer case exhibits driveline shuddering and exhibits mechanical wear or failure, requiring fluid replacement and further diagnosis. May be related to improper factory fluid fill specification.
When: By 70,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Driveline shuddering during low-speed turns and acceleration; Transfer case fluid identified as incorrect specification from factory
Repairs/costs cited: Transfer case fluid change $627+ (diagnostic and service); transfer case replacement cost TBD
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: BMW service bulletin SIB 27 02 20 addresses 'Jerking or Shuddering from Driveline xDrive Transfer Case ATX13-X (faulty factory oil specification)'; goodwill coverage for transfer-case fluid change approved in one case; full transfer case replacement denied warranty coverage in another
Synthesized from 16 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
I am reporting a serious safety defect involving the oil pump assembly on my 2019 BMW X5 xDrive40i. While driving at low speed in normal conditions, a sudden dashboard warning appeared stating: “Engine oil pressure too low — stop carefully.” I immediately pulled over and shut off the engine. My vehicle had been serviced by an authorized BMW dealership less than one week earlier, and no faults or…
while stopped in traffic on a freeway in fast lane, the vehicle was in the "stop/go" mode. When I pressed the accelerator, the engine failed to start. On multiple attempts engine would not start and I could smell electrical burn. The CHP was on site and we attempted to push the car to the side and out of the fast lane. However, since the engine would not start, there was no way to shift the…
Had powertrain trouble with your 2019 BMW X5?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the powertrain problem on the 2019 BMW X5?
It's a meaningful issue. 16 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $2,500.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Mileage data is limited for this issue. Owners report failures across a wide range, suggesting cause is more about driving conditions and maintenance than mileage alone.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $2,500 for powertrain repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2019/BMW/X5.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.