2020 BMW X5 Reliability & Recall Report
Based on 11 NHTSA recalls and 113 owner complaints. All data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — free, no signup required.
F
29/100
Very High Reported Activity — 2020 BMW X5
The 2020 BMW X5 shows very high recall and complaint activity in NHTSA data. Counts are raw and are higher for popular models, so see how we score this below. Review the issues and recalls carefully, and have the vehicle inspected before buying.
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11
NHTSA Recalls
11 recalls on record
113
Owner Complaints
Filed with NHTSA
3
Crash Reports
7 fire reports
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NHTSA Recalls — 2020 BMW X5 (11)
All recalls listed below must be repaired by an authorized BMW dealer at no charge to the owner.
🔧 Steering: Rack And Pinion: Rack
A loss of steering control increases risk of a crash.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering rack, free of charge. The recall began August 21, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
🔧 Back Over Prevention: Sensing System: Camera
If the driver relies on only the rearview camera image, the missing or reduced rearview image view can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rearview camera software and update it if necessary, free of charge. The recall began April 16, 2021. Owners may contact BMW…
🔧 Back Over Prevention: Sensing System: Camera
The lack of an image in the back-up camera display increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will update the back-up camera software, free of charge. The recall began November 8, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 or…
🔧 Steering
A loose bearing plate can affect the vehicle's handling and control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the steering column shaft bearing plate and properly attach or replace it, as necessary, free of charge. BMW telephoned owners and all…
🔧 Exterior Lighting: Headlights
Oncoming drivers may be confused by the blue light of approaching vehicles, which could potentially increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the headlamps and, if necessary, replace them, free of charge. The recall began October 30, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service…
🔧 Service Brakes, Hydraulic
A loss of ABS and a reduction in braking assistance can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the integrated brake system, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 25, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service…
🔧 Power Train: Automatic Transmission
An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the starter motor for the extra bolt, removing it if necessary. Dealers will also inspect the starter for damage, and check if…
🔧 Suspension: Front: Control Arm
If the weld between the front axle support and the right front control arm bearing bracket separates, vehicle handling and control may be affected, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front axle support, free of charge. The recall began December 18, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
🔧 Visibility: Sun/Moon Roof Assembly
A sunroof that closes without the key fob present inside the vehicle can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will reprogram the roof function control unit, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 20, 2022. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
🔧 Electrical System: Starter Assembly
A starter motor that overheats can ignite nearby combustible material in the engine compartment, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will update the vehicle software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 27, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Showing 10 of 11 recalls. View all on NHTSA.gov →
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Most Common Problems — 2020 BMW X5
Based on 113 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Bars show relative complaint frequency.
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BMW X5 — Complaints by Year
A spike means more owner complaints were filed for that model year. The 2020 model year is highlighted.
→ Recently checked BMW X5 VINs — free recall, safety and specs report for any VIN.
→ Decode a BMW VIN — free BMW VIN decoder guide: where to find the VIN and what each part means.
⚠ Higher-complaint years: 2019 — These model years have more owner complaints in NHTSA data than the other years compared.
✅ Best model years: 2023 — Lowest complaint rates for this model.
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Frequently Asked Questions — 2020 BMW X5
Is the 2020 BMW X5 reliable?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2020 BMW X5 has 11 recall campaigns and 113 owner complaints. This model year shows elevated recall or complaint activity — review the details and get a thorough pre-purchase inspection.
How many recalls does the 2020 BMW X5 have?
The 2020 BMW X5 has 11 NHTSA recalls. Affected systems include: see recall details above. All recalls are repaired free at authorized dealers.
What are the most common problems with the 2020 BMW X5?
The most commonly reported problems for the 2020 BMW X5 are: Electrical System, Engine, Power Train, Engine And Engine Cooling. See the complaint breakdown above for full details.
Is the 2020 BMW X5 safe to buy?
The 2020 BMW X5 has some safety and reliability items to review before buying. Ensure all 11 recalls are completed at a dealer. A pre-purchase inspection by an independent mechanic is strongly recommended.
What year BMW X5 should I buy?
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the best years for the BMW X5 are: 2023. These show the lowest complaint rates. Years with higher complaint counts: 2019.
How we score this: The score starts at 100 and subtracts points for the number of NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints filed for this model year, and for complaints that report crashes or fires. Newer model years get a small bonus because they have had less time to collect reports. These are raw counts and are not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold, so popular models tend to have more recalls and complaints. Complaints are unverified owner reports. This grade is not a prediction about any individual vehicle and is not an inspection: check a specific car’s VIN for open recalls and get an independent pre-purchase inspection.
Data source: All recall and complaint data is sourced directly from the
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public API. Data is cached and refreshed every 7 days. Recall and complaint counts reflect data available at the time of last cache update.
For the most current recall status on a specific vehicle, enter the VIN above or visit
NHTSA.gov/recalls.