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ProblemsByVin Index / 2020-BMW-X5 / COMPLAINTS
Full complaint record · NHTSA

2020 BMW X5 owner complaints

96 complaints filed with NHTSA on this vehicle , including 1 reporting a crash, fire, injury, or fatality. Showing the 300 most recent — grouped by category for scanning.

powertrain 5 complaints shown

15 total in this category · severe · avg repair $2,500 · see powertrain cluster analysis →
12/31/2024 ODI #11633285.0

Car indicating drivetrain malfunction and BMW has a service bulletin for the described issue which is to replace the transfer case yet the dealer service center has tried to say it was the radiator blinds and it was not, now saying its spark plugs and ignition coils yet there aren’t any fault codes for it. The car has lost power while on the freeway and could be potentially dangerous since it happens while driving. Plenty of other vehicle owners reporting the same issue yet bmw not being held accountable.

12/11/2025 ODI #11704622.0

I was having intermittent starting issues. After a starter recall was done, things got worse. Idrive will not turn off and car wont start draining battery. Battery was replaced and car still having idrive and start issues. It would not start after being hot. I was told extended warranty is not covered and that the center console was the problem after diagnostic. They want approximately $3000 to repair. The car will not start at all and the idrive will not shut off. They said it will continue until repaired.

12/09/2024 ODI #11629757.0

Vehicle Purchase from BMW of Devon Dear BMW Customer Relations Team, I am writing to express my deep disappointment and frustration regarding my recent experience with a Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) vehicle purchased from BMW of Devon. As a loyal BMW customer, I expected a higher standard of quality and service than what I have experienced. I purchased a 2020 BMW X5 (VIN: [XXX] in October 2023 with the confidence that it had undergone a rigorous inspection process, as advertised under your CPO program. However, after driving the vehicle for only 5,000 miles within a single year of ownership, I have been informed that the following costly repairs are required: 1. Brake pads replacement 2. RPLC both LW ctrl ar 3. Rear brake rotars 4. Front thrust arms 5. 4wa integral alignmen

11/08/2022 Crash ODI #11492772.0

While parking the vehicle in a head-on parking spot, the car suddenly accelerated without warning and hit a wall. The car then went into reverse and sped up rapidly until it hit a concrete patio on the other side of the parking lot. The brake pedal was depressed with substantial force the entire time the vehicle was moving but the vehicle would not stop moving. The brakes did not engage. I do not recall how the car went from drive to reverse. Fortunately, there were no people or cars in the parking lot at the time of the incident. The auto body shop that currently has possession of the vehicle could not find anything wrong with the computer/electrical systems in the vehicle nor were they able to recreate the incident. I do not know how thorough they looked for problems. BMW has be

11/07/2025 ODI #11698206.0

Transfer case issue which is well known across different BMW vehicles. While driving, reversing , slow parking maneuvers there is a very evident jerking sensation coming from the drivetrain. As if gears within the transfer case are slipping. Potentially dangerous while driving because the transfer case distributes power to the rear axle Issue has been confirmed by a BMW mechanic No warning lights

engine 5 complaints shown

26 total in this category · moderate · avg repair $3,100 · see engine cluster analysis →
12/19/2024 ODI #11631623.0

Dear NHTSA, I am writing to report an issue with my vehicle, VIN: [XXX] , which appears to be related to a recall program. My dealer, BMW of Sherman Oaks #488, refuses to acknowledge the connection between the starter failure and the recall despite clear indications of this connection. I kindly request your assistance in investigating this matter and ensuring that the dealer complies with the recall requirements and provides the necessary corrective action. Thank you for your prompt attention to this issue. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

12/10/2025 81,000 mi ODI #11704232.0

The contact owns a 2020 BMW X5. The contact stated while driving approximately 25 MPH, the message "Low Oil Pressure - Stop Vehicle Immediately" was displayed, and the oil warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was pulled over to the side of the road and turned off. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the oil pump was inoperable and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 81,000.

12/03/2024 44,000 mi ODI #11628527.0

The contact owns a 2020 BMW X5. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle there was a grinding sound coming from the engine compartment. While driving approximately 45 MPH, the message that the engine was overheating was displayed on the instrument panel. The contact pulled over to the side of the road and turned off the vehicle and waited for the engine to cool down. The vehicle failed to restart after the engine cooled down. The vehicle was towed to the dealer who diagnosed that the starter had failed and needed to be replaced. The dealer informed the contact of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V576000 (Electrical System, Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and filed a case for t

11/20/2023 45,000 mi ODI #11556127.0

The contact owns a 2020 BMW X5. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the check engine warning illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the active air flap controller. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 45,000.

11/19/2024 60,500 mi ODI #11626137.0

The contact owns a 2020 BMW X5. The contact stated while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to respond. The contact was able to start the vehicle after the sixth attempt. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The engine was not replaced; however, the battery was replaced. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V576000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The failure mileage was 60,500.

electrical 4 complaints shown

24 total in this category · severe · avg repair $850 · see electrical cluster analysis →
12/30/2025 ODI #11707751.0

engine hesitates on startup and doesn't turnover. plenty of power, battery is fine. other models have been recalled, but for some reason, this model is not included. please extend this recall to include more models as the problem exists in other 2020 models not on the current recall list.

12/04/2025 75,000 mi ODI #11703069.0

The contact owns a 2020 BMW X5. The contact stated that while stopped at a traffic light, after the light changed, the accelerator pedal was depressed and the vehicle stalled. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. The vehicle was diagnosed, and it was determined that the starter had failed. The mechanic advised the contact that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V644000 (Electrical System). The contact was advised to have the vehicle towed to a dealer for the recall repair. The contact called a local dealer and was informed that the recall remedy was not available. The contact called the manufacturer and was informed that the remedy was not available, and there was no ETA for parts

11/11/2024 ODI #11624493.0

There is a known recall on this car for engine/starter. It is a hazard and should be repaired. On 10/23 we scheduled and took the car to BMW of NW Arkansas. They refused to complete the recall on the starter without us paying $189.00 for a vehicle diagnostic and I am sure that would have resulted in more fees. A recall should be completed free of charge as it directly relates to a safety issue. Another issue on the vehicle that I am not sure if it is a recall items is the GPS antenna allows water to intrude and thereby the GPS/safety location services to fail. It is a complained about issue online from BMW owners. BMW will not replace or repair this faulty item either. "A recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle, equipment, car seat, or tire creates

11/03/2025 73,285 mi ODI #11697155.0

The contact owns a 2020 BMW X5. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V644000 (Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to immediately start. There was a timer displayed notifying the contact when to restart the vehicle; however, the vehicle failed to start. The contact's husband inspected the vehicle and noticed that the engine was running hot despite the vehicle not being driven. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The dealer determined that the battery had failed and needed to be replaced. The dealer informed the contact that the belts and m

airbags 2 complaints shown

6 total in this category · severe · avg repair $1,100 · see airbags cluster analysis →
12/10/2024 39,500 mi ODI #11629873.0

The contact owns a 2020 BMW X5. The contact stated that the message "Driver Restraint System Malfunction" was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the driver’s side knee air bags needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not covered under warranty. The failure mileage was approximately 39,500.

12/08/2022 ODI #11496539.0

BMW front cup holders have hole in bottom and it allows condensation/liquid to migrate through bottom to air bag sensor located directly underneath cup holders. Consumers are at risk of air bags going off unintentionally and/or not going off at all. Sensor should not be directly under a cup holder and/or the cup holder should not have a hole directly above safety sensor. BMW design defect. Consumers are having to pay out of pocket for sensor to be replaced as it is not covered under warranty. Additionally, there is a pending class action lawsuit that has been filed and documentation of this being a problem over several BMW models is well documented in forums, etc. on the internet.

body 1 complaint shown

3 total in this category · moderate · avg repair $1,500 · see body cluster analysis →
12/30/2025 ODI #11707928.0

Sunroof - explosion of glass while driving down the road. No other cars or anything that would cause flying debris. I decided to file this report after reading of multiple accounts being reported.

other 1 complaint shown

12/26/2025 ODI #11707139.0

Starter can malfunction and start fire. Unable to park in garage due to potential fire risk. BMW is aware of the problem. Care was serviced at BMW dealer and said that they have no remedy. This recall is over 15 months old.

steering 1 complaint shown

12/22/2025 ODI #11706532.0

Recall 19v-631, I am experiencing a faulty steering issue as reported in the recall. My vehicle was in production around the same time as the recall vehicles.

seatbelts 1 complaint shown

12/09/2021 ODI #11443270.0

Purchased the car Feb 2020. Over 6 months ago, back seat belts (middle and left side) stopped working. Seat belt will not click. Brand new car with nonfunctioning seat belts. Been trying to get hold of the dealer to fix and did not get anywhere. After months of hassle, they ordered the seat belts to be replaced. After dropping off the car, I get an email asking me to approve the fix for a cost of $1,100. Want to report malfunctioning unsafe car with nonworking seat belts (brand new car, a little over 1 year old) and a dealer that want to charge me for their malfunctioning seat belts. anyone that get in the car in the back is not safe. cannot use the car due to safety issues.

Showing 300 of 96 total complaints. The full federal record is available at nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2020/BMW/X5#complaints.
Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) owner complaint database. Last synced 2026-06-14. Complaints are owner-submitted and unverified — the existence of a complaint is not proof of a defect, but a pattern of complaints around the same component is a signal worth weighing. Verify any specific filing at nhtsa.gov.
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