2005 BMW X5

Fatalities reported

Owners filed 82 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the airbags. It has been recalled 3 times.

Not among the BMW X5 years to avoid. Which BMW X5 years to avoid →

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
89,000 milesMedian miles at failure

64 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 90,000–105,000 miles.

Most common 2005 BMW X5 problems

16 of the 82 complaints (20%) are about the airbags.

ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Air Bags · airbags15
304
Electrical System12
020
Service Brakes · brakes9
000
Engine8
011
Seats4
002
Power Train › Automatic Transmission · transmission4
002
Engine and Engine Cooling · engine4
000
Service Brakes, Hydraulic · brakes3
000
Power Train · transmission3
000
Tires2
000

3 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Equipment07E069000
Filed Sep 6, 2007675 vehiclesBMW of North America, LLC

Defect. CERTAIN AFTERMARKET BMW BIKE CARRIERS, P/N 82110393954, SOLD FOR USE ON MY 2005 BMW X3 AND X5 VEHICLES. A PINCH BOLT EXISTS BETWEEN THE BIKE ARM BRACKET AND THE UPRIGHT ASSEMBLY OF THE HITCH STYLE BICYCLE RACK.

Risk. WHEN MOVING THE BIKE ARM BRACKET TO ITS DOWN POSITION, THIS PINCH POINT HAS THE POTENTIAL OF CAUSING A SEVERE INJURY TO THE USER'S FINGER OR HAND.

Remedy. BMW WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND PROVIDE A REPAIR KIT ALONG WITH REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 13, 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT BMW CUSTOMER RELATIONS AND SERVICES TOLL-FREE AT 800-831-1117.

Power Train › Automatic Transmission05V504000
Filed Nov 1, 2005240 vehiclesBMW of North America, LLC

Defect. CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN BUILT WITH AN INCORRECTLY MANUFACTURED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION PARKING PAWL GUIDE PLATE.

Risk. THIS COULD CAUSE THE PARKING LOCK SYSTEM NOT TO ENGAGE, AFTER THE TRANSMISSION IS PLACED IN THE PARK ("P") POSITION. IF THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED ON AN INCLINE, AND THE PARKING BRAKE WAS NOT ENGAGED, THIS COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE ROLLAWAY CONDITION.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL REPAIR AND REPLACE THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION GUIDE PLATE FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 30, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-332-4269.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings05V367000
Filed Aug 26, 2005165 vehiclesBMW of North America, LLC

Defect. ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE ATTACHMENT OF THE BRAKE LINE SUPPORT BRACKET WITHIN THE FRONT LEFT WHEEL WELL WAS NOT WELDED ACCORDING TO SPECIFICATIONS. IT COULD LOOSEN AND OVER TIME THE BRAKE HOSE COULD RUB AGAINST THE WHEEL WELL.

Risk. THE FRONT LEFT BRAKE HOSE COULD BECOME DAMAGED TO THE POINT WHERE A LOSS OF BRAKE FLUID COULD OCCUR INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL RE-ATTACH THE BRAKE LINE SUPPORT BRACKET TO THE FRONT LEFT WHEEL WELL FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 20, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-831-1117.

All 3 campaigns on file, newest first.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Tires
Filed Jul 16, 2025CA

I purchased a used Pirelli Scorpion Strada 255/55R18 109V tire (DOT code 1UN L4W990 4221) for my SUV. When I returned home from the installation, the tire appeared normal. However, the next morning—within 24 hours of installation—I began driving for work when my car suddenly started shaking violently and pulling hard to the right while on the freeway around 3 AM. I was able to safely exit the freeway and pull over. Upon inspection, I discovered that the tire had been shredded by the road—the sidewall had catastrophically failed, and the inner structure had separated. The tire had good tread and showed no signs of damage before the incident. This was a sudden and dangerous failure that placed me at serious risk of losing control of the vehicle. It occurred under normal driving conditions at moderate freeway speed. There were no prior warning signs, dashboard messages, or visible damage. The tire was manufactured in October 2021 at Pirelli’s Rome, Georgia plant. The failure appears consistent with belt separation or internal delamination. The damaged tire has been preserved and is available for inspection. I believe this tire may be part of a defective batch and am reporting this for safety investigation. There are similar complaints online regarding Pirelli tires made in this timeframe.

EngineFire1 injured1 killed
Filed Dec 27, 2022WA

My father was sitting in his parked car in his driveway and his car caught on fire. A neighbor witnessed it she said it was engulfed in flames within seconds and my father died from smoke inhalation due to the fire. Aberdeen WA police department and fire department examined the vehicle and investigated the cause and determined it started in the vehicle engine. Also the coroner did an autopsy to determine his cause of death. From what I understand there has been numerous similar fires with this model yet it hasn’t been included in any recall. It is unknown to me whether there were any indicator lights on. He had only owned the vehicle for less than a week I believe. I am having the vehicle returned to me now that the police and fire department are finished examining it. As far as I know they are the only ones to have contact with it since the fire.

Service Brakes
Filed Feb 25, 2022CA

Faulty Check valve connected to brake booster leaks oil into brake booster causing contamination and loss of power braking. Recall issued for roughly 30,000 BMW X5 vehicles produced from 2007-2010 for a similar issue but none issued for this vehicle.

Electrical System
Filed Feb 26, 2020FL

THE WIRING HARNESS INSIDE THE HEADLIGHTS ARE LOOSING THE INSULATION, AND THERE ALL THE BARE WIRES ARE EXPOSED. THIS IS A HIGH FIRE HAZARD, WHAT MAY CAUSE DEATH OF THE OCCUPANTS AND OTHERS IN THE TRAFFIC. THIS PROBLEM IS NOT JUST IN MY VEHICLE, THERE ARE MANY FORUMS OVER THE INTERNET WITH THE SAME PROBLEM WHAT IS NOT THE FAULT OF THE OWNER OF THE VEHICLE

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Feb 24, 202010 milesCA

CAR STARTS TO SHAKE ALMOST UNCONTROLLABLY WHEN GOING AT A HIGH SPEED ON FREEWAY AND NOTICING LEAKS BUT NOT SURE FROM WHERE

Parking Brake
Filed Jun 3, 201970,000 milesNY

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 BMW X5. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE EMERGENCY BRAKE WAS FRACTURED. ON ONE OCCASION, THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO PULL THE EMERGENCY BRAKE AND THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO MOVE FORWARD AND ALMOST STRUCK A WALL. THE EMERGENCY BRAKE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO RAY CANTENA BMW (543 TARRYTOWN RD, WHITE PLAINS, NY 10607, (914) 761-5555), BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED BECAUSE THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN A RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000.

Air Bags
Filed May 13, 2019176,303 milesMI

TAKATA RECALL? DRIVING AT LOW SPEED A VERY LARGE EXPLOSION NOISE (SOUND LIKE SHOTGUN) FROM PASSENGER SIDE. DID NOT COM THROUGH DASH BUT SOUND LIKE IT TORE THROUGH THE HEATER FAN. COULD HEAR PIECES WHEN HEATER ON. EARS STILL RINGING.

Engine
Filed Mar 3, 2019125,112 milesIL

ON JANUARY 10 2019 I WAS DRIVING TO WORK WHEN SUDDENLY MY BMW DECIDES TO SHUT OFF ON THE HIGHWAY WITH NO WARNING. MY STEERING WHEEL STIFFENED UP AND I ALMOST CRASHED MY CAR. THERE WAS NO WARNING LIGHT OR NOTHING BLINKING ON THE DASH TO WARN ME OF ANY PROBLEMS. I JUST PAYED OFF MY CAR AND THIS HAPPENS TO ME. ITS BEEN REALLY HARD NOT HAVING A CAR AND NOT BEING ABLE TO TAKE MY KIDS TO SCHOOL. I REACHED UT TO NAPLETON KIA AND BMW OF NORTHAMERICA AND THEY DO NOT WANT TO HELP ME.THEY BASICALLY SOLD ME AN UNSAFE CAR WHICH COULD OF KILLED MY FAMILY. MECHANIC BASICALLY SAYS THAT THE MOTOR SEIZED WITHOUT WARNING.AND IT WOULD BE 6000$ TO FIX. IF YOU LOOK ONLINE THERES HUNDREDS OF PEOPLE WITH THE SAME PROBLEM AND BMW DOES NOT WANT TO HELP.A TRUE LEMON.

Air Bags
Filed Oct 20, 2018140,000 milesMA

TAKATA RECALL I JUST SWITCH MY CAR ON THE AIRBAG LIGHT COMES ON AFTER DOING SOME RESEARCH ONLINE I NOTICE IT SEEMS TO BE A PROBLEM ALSO SAW PEOPLE SAYING THERE WAS A RECALL FOR IT BUT WHEN CHECKING MY VIN IT SAID 0 RECALL

Seats1 injured
Filed Aug 24, 2018100,000 milesAZ

BMW X5 2005 A HOLE WAS BURNED INTO THE DRIVERS SEAT, BURNING MY LEG AND A HOLE IN MY SWEATER, WHILE DRIVING ON A CITY STREET. I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE NEW IN 2005 AND HAVE HAD IT SERVICED REGULARLY.

Unknown or OtherFire
Filed Jul 11, 2018160,000 milesFL

AS MY CAR SAT IN MY DRIVEWAY (WITH NO KEY IN THE IGNITION), IT BURST INTO FLAMES, SPREADING TO NEARBY TREES AND BUSHES, AND CRACKING SEVERAL WINDOWS IN MY HOUSE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT PUT IT OUT BEFORE IT COULD BURN THE HOUSE DOWN AND I MANAGED TO ESCAPE THE HOME WITHOUT INJURY.

Air Bags
Filed May 12, 2018125,500 milesGA

MY 2005 BMW X5 AIR BAG LIGHT IS ON,

Service Brakes
Filed Mar 27, 2018112,000 milesNJ

LEAVING HOUSE WE FOUND THE BRAKE PEDAL NOT FUNCTIONING PROPERLY AND PEDAL GOING ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR BEFORE ENGAGING. BRAKE LINES DAMAGED. BRAKE LINES NEEDED TO BE FABRICATED AND REPLACED.

Structure › Body › Door1 injured
Filed Dec 5, 201725,000 milesNY

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 BMW X5. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO EXIT THE VEHICLE, THE DOOR INDEPENDENTLY CLOSED. THE CONTACT'S RIGHT THUMB WAS SEVERED AND MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS REQUIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO RALLYE BMW (1 BRUSH HOLLOW ROAD, WESTBURY, NY 11590) WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE VEHICLE FUNCTIONED AS DESIGNED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE, AND PROVIDED AN INVESTIGATOR TO CONFIRM THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN ANY RECALLS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 25,000.

Electrical System
Filed Nov 24, 2017115,000 milesCO

BOTH TAILLIGHT HOUSING CIRCUIT BOARDS SHORTS OUT. BURNS BETWEEN HOUSING AND ADAPTER . THUS CAUSES A BREAK IN THE CIRCUIT AND YOU DON'T HAVE ANY TAILLIGHTS. THIS IS A SAFETY CONCERN AND IS ILLEGAL TO GO WITH NO TAILLIGHTS.

Air Bags
Filed Nov 6, 2017TN

FRONT PASSENGER AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT STAYS ON. WILL NOT TURN OFF

Service Brakes
Filed Aug 8, 201770,000 milesAP

I CURRENTLY HAVE A BMW X5 2005, WITH 4.4. VIN # [XXX]. BRAKES ARE NOT WORKING PROPERLY. BRAKE SYSTEM HARDENS WHEN VEHICLE SLOWS DOWN AND DOESN'T WORK PROPERLY UNTIL CAR IS RESTARTED. SAME ENGINE AND SAME BRAKE SYSTEM IN DIFFERENT MODEL (740I) HAS BEEN RECALLED TO FIX THE ISSUE. ACCORDING TO BMW SERVICE DESK, THE X5 MODELS HASN'T BEEN RECALLED WITH SAME ISSUES WITH THE BRAKE HYDRAULIC SYSTEM. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

Air Bags1 injured
Filed Jun 23, 201774,800 milesCA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 BMW X5. WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH, ALL THE FRONT AND REAR DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED MINOR INJURIES TO THE ARM, WHICH DID NOT REQUIRE MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO PACIFIC BMW (800 S BRAND BLVD, GLENDALE, CA 91204) WHERE THE DEALER STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER WOULD DIAGNOSE AND INVESTIGATE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER SENT AN INVESTIGATOR WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THERE WAS EVIDENCE OF A COLLISION, WHICH WAS THE CAUSE OF THE AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT. AS A RESULT, THE MANUFACTURER DECLINED TO PAY FOR THE REPAIRS IN FULL, BUT STATED THAT THEY WOULD PAY FOR THE REPAIR PARTS, BUT NOT THE LABOR. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 74,800.

Electrical System
Filed May 25, 2017AZ

I HAVE HAD ISSUES WITH EVERY SINGLE WINDOW. THEY DO NOT ROLL UP. I REPEATEDLY PAY TO HAVE THESE FIXED AND THEY CONTINUE TO BE AN ISSUE. THERE IS AN ABSOLUTE DEFECT IN THESE WINDOWS. I HAVE HAD AN ARRAY OF VEHICLES, NONE OF WHICH HAD HALF AS MANY ISSUES AS THIS BMW.

Air Bags
Filed May 2, 2017CO

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 BMW X5. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 16V071000 (AIR BAGS), 17V020000 (AIR BAGS), AND 17V138000 (POWER TRAIN). THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIRS WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIRS. THE DEALER STATED THAT NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V138000 (POWER TRAIN) WAS UNDERWAY FOR OTHER VEHICLE'S OF THE SAME MODEL FOR THE LAST COUPLE OF MONTHS. THE SERVICE ADVISER INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT NHTSA WAS RESPONSIBLE FOR DISTRIBUTION OF PARTS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE AIR BAG PARTS COULD BE EXPEDITED WITHIN 2-3 WEEKS. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V020000. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 17V020000 AND 17V138000.

Seats › Front Assembly › Seat Heater/CoolerFire
Filed Mar 31, 2017100,000 milesCT

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 BMW X5. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY, THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT HEATER BURNED A HOLE IN THE SEAT AND THE CONTACT'S PANTS. THE CONTACT WAS NOT INJURED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

Seats
Filed Feb 13, 201795,000 milesMI

SEAT HEATER GOT TOO HOT . IT MADE A BURNT HOLE IN SEAT, MY PANTS AND BURNED ME. I WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE

Electrical System
Filed Dec 20, 2016155,000 milesWI

I WAS AT A STOP SIGN THEN ACCELERATED ONTO A ROUND-A-BOUT WHEN THE VEHICLE STOPPED IT WOULD NOT ACCELERATE EVEN THOUGH MY FOOT WAS ON THE GAS PEDAL AND THE CAR WAS STILL ON. I TRIED SIGNALING MY EMERGENCY LIGHTS BUT THE WHOLE INSIDE OF THE DASHBOARD WAS GOING ON & OFF NOT LETTING ME SIGNAL ANYTHING. I PUT THE VEHICLE IN PARK & TURNED OFF THE CAR. WHEN I TRIED TURNING IT BACK ON IT WOULD JUST CLICK AND ALL LIGHTS WOULD TURN ON. I WAITED FOR 20 MIN THEN TRIED TO START IT AGAIN & IT DID START BUT THEN SOUNDED LIKE IT WAS DYING OUT AND EVENTUALLY WOULD SHUT OFF, THERE WAS MORE THAN A HALF TANK OF GAS IN THE VEHICLE.

Exterior Lighting
Filed Oct 24, 201630,000 milesOH

TAKATA RECALL MY BRAKE LIGHT COMES ON TELLING ME THAT THEY DO NOT WORK. BUT SOME TIMES THEY ARE STILL WORKING AND SOME TIMES THERE ARE NOT! WHEN CHECKING THE LIGHT REMOVED RIGHT SIDE BULB (GOOD) PUT LIGHT BULB BACK IN WORKS FINE FOR A WEEK OR SO. THEN IT'S STARTS ALL OVER AGAIN.

Air Bags
Filed Oct 21, 2016NY

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 BMW X5. WHEN TURNING THE VEHICLE, AN ABNORMAL CLICKING NOISE WAS HEARD FROM THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE WHILE DRIVING 20-30 MPH. THE SERVICE ENGINE AND AIR BAG WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FRONT AXLES WERE DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE ILLUMINATION OF THE WARNING INDICATORS WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE AND VIN WERE NOT PROVIDED.

Engine
Filed Oct 5, 2016118,000 milesTX

THE 2005 X5 BMW V8 HAS GIVEN ME ALL KINDS OF PROBLEMS. FROM REPLACING ENGINE, TRANSMISSION, CATALYTIC CONVERTER, VALVE GASKETS TO FUEL INJECTOR AND IGNITION PROBLEMS. THE CAR SHUTS OFF WHILE STILL ON DRIVE AND SOMETIMES IN MOTION. CAR HAS ALL TYPES OF PROBLEM AND CONTINUES TO DRAIN ME FINANCIALLY

Structure › Body
Filed Aug 12, 201615 milesVA

ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM, DRIVER SIDE DOOR DAMAGE AND TRANSMISSION FAILURE ISSUES. SOUND OF A KICK IN THE BACK OF THE CAR WHEN STARTING MOTION.

Tires › Sidewall
Filed Jul 28, 2016CT

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 BMW X5 EQUIPPED WITH CONTINENTAL EXTREMECONTACT DWS TIRES, SIZE: 255/50/19 (NA). UPON INSPECTION OF THE TIRES, THE CONTACT NOTICED A BUBBLE IN THE SIDEWALL OF THE REAR DRIVER SIDE TIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE TIRE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 45,000. THE VIN AND VEHICLE FAILURE MILEAGE WERE NOT AVAILABLE.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed Jul 14, 201671,417 milesSC

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 BMW X5. AFTER STARTING THE VEHICLE AND DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL, BRAKE FLUID LEAKED UNDER THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE BRAKE LINE FRACTURED DUE TO RUST FROM WATER THAT ACCUMULATED UNDER THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS INVALID. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 71,417. UPDATED 10/04/16*LJ UPDATED 10/13/16.*JB

Engine
Filed May 4, 201681,000 milesVA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 BMW X5. AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS LEAKING OIL WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE VALVE COVER GASKET WAS LEAKING OIL ONTO THE ENGINE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED, ALONG WITH THE TIMING CHAIN COVER, ALTERNATOR BRACKET, AND OIL PRESSURE SWITCH. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 81,000.

Service Brakes
Filed May 3, 2016NJ

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 BMW X5. THE CONTACT STATED THERE WAS A LEAK AND THE BRAKES FAILED. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE BRAKE VACUUM PUMP FRACTURED AND LEAKED TO THE BRAKE LINE, WHICH CAUSED A FAILURE WITH THE BRAKE BOOSTER. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE BRAKE BOOSTER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER PROVIDED NO SOLUTION AND STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V045000 (SERVICE BRAKES, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

Engine
Filed Apr 11, 201664,000 milesIL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 BMW X5. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 65 MPH, THE ENGINE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO HESITATE TO START. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE THE FAILURE COULD NOT DETERMINED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 64,000.

Electrical System
Filed Mar 24, 2016138,000 milesGA

REAR BRAKE LIGHTS KEEP GOING OUT, IN MOTION, GOT PULLED OVER BY POLICE

Electrical System
Filed Feb 19, 2016140,000 milesGA

WHILE I WAS REPLACING MY ANGEL EYES I NOTICED THAT THE WIRE INSULATION WAS GONE. I COULD SEE BROWN AND WHITE WIRES ALL IN THE LIGHT HOUSING. NOW ITS JUST BARE COPPER WIRE.

Engine
Filed May 28, 201580,250 milesNY

EXCESS SMOKING UPON STARTING. ONE WEEK LATER EXCESS SMOKING CONTINUOUSLY ..SO MUCH SMOKE I COULD NOT USE CAR.

Service Brakes
Filed Mar 25, 2015118,000 milesCA

THE CAR WAS DRIVING FINE UNTIL I WENT TO USE THE BRAKES AS A SLOW SPEED 5-25MPH. THE BRAKE PEDAL GOT REALLY HARD AND THE CAR WAS NOT STOPPING. I WAS COMING UP TO A RED LIGHT AND THERE WAS A CAR IN FRONT OF ME I ALMOST HIT, BECAUSE THE CAR WAS NOT STOPPING AS NORMAL. THIS CONDITION SEEMS TO BE ONLY WHEN DRIVING REALLY SLOW, OR JUST STARTING. THERE WERE NO INDICATOR LIGHTS (BRAKE LIGHT). I CHECKED THE BRAKE FLUID AND ALL OTHER FLUIDS, WHICH WERE AT ACCEPTABLE LEVELS. I TURNED OFF THE CAR AND BACK ON TO SEE IF IT WAS THE COMPUTER OR ABS SYSTEM, THIS DID NOT HELP. I TOOK THE CAR TO MY MECHANIC (INDEPENDENT) AND HE EXPLAINED THAT IT WAS THE VACUUM PUMP THAT HAD AN OIL LEAK. THIS PUSHED THE OIL UP THE VACUUM LINE AND INTO THE BREAK BOOSTER. SO I NEED TO REPLACE THE VACUUM PUMP, VACUUM LINE, AND BRAKE BOOSTER. HE AND I DID A CHECK AND FOUND A RECALL ON THE SAME ENGINE IN DIFFERENT BMW MODELS IN THAT YEAR AND AFTER 2007 IN THE SAME MODEL. I RESEARCHED ONLINE AND FOUND OTHER PEOPLE WITH THE SAME ISSUE I HAVE AND THEY CAME TO THE SAME CONCLUSION THE IT IS WEIRD THAT THE 2005 X5 4.4 V8 IS NOT IN THE RECALLS, EVEN THOUGH IT IS EXHIBITING THE SAME ISSUES AS OTHER BMW MAKE AND MODELS THAT HAVE THE SAME ISSUE THAT HAVE BEEN RECALLED. I AM CONCERNED, BECAUSE THIS IS A DANGEROUS ISSUE THAT BMW AND THE NHTSA IS AWARE OF (BECAUSE OF RECALLS), BUT THE 2005 V8 X5 DOES NOT FALL UNDER THIS RECALL???? *TR

Seats › Front Assembly › Seat Heater/Cooler
Filed Mar 4, 2015135,000 milesOH

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 BMW X5. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH WITH THE SEAT HEATER ACTIVATED, THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE SEAT BEGAN TO GET HOT AND THERE WAS A BURNING ODOR. THE CONTACT REDUCED THE HEAT FOR THE SEAT, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED WHENEVER THE SEAT HEATING OPTION WAS ACTIVATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 135,000.

Power Train
Filed Feb 6, 201588,000 milesCO

BANG/CLUNK/KICK - AFTER GIVING GAS FROM A ROLLING STOP - FEELS LIKE JUST GOT HIT! WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON? THIS IS NOT SAFE, MY NECK GETS SNAPPED BACK BIG TIME. I JUST PURCHASED MY 2005 X5 4.4I (88K MILES) AND ALL OF A SUDDEN EVERY TIME I DON'T STOP COMPLETELY FROM A STOP SIGN (ROLLING STOP OR SLIGHT INCLINE) I HEAR AND FEEL THIS LOUD BANG/KICK/CLUNK AFTER I PRESS THE GAS. SEEMS LIKE IT'S TRYING TO FIND A GEAR OR THE TRANSFER CASE HAS SOMETHING WRONG OR REAR DIFFERENTIAL? CLOSEST REFERENCE TO WHAT I AM EXPERIENCING: TRANSMISSION BUMP - BIMMERFEST - BMW FORUMS OR ANOTHER WAY TO DESCRIBE IT IS THAT IT FEELS LIKE I JUST GOT REAR ENDED BY ANOTHER CAR -- AFTER GIVING IT GAS FROM A ROLLING STOP OR ON AN SLIGHT INCLINE AND MY NECK GETS SNAPPED BACK. JUST GOT A " TRANSMISSION FAIL SAFE ERROR" LAST NIGHT, SO I PULLED OVER, STOPPED THE ENGINE, AND STARTED UP AND MESSAGE WENT AWAY. WTF? SEEMS LIKE THE TRANSMISSION IS SUDDENLY NOT ENGAGING? DOES ANYONE KNOW WHAT I SHOULD DO BESIDES TRADING IT IN BEFORE IT GETS WORSE AND HAVE TO PAY $$$ TO FIX? THIS IS AN ISSUE FOR THIS MAKE AND MODEL, SO WHY ISN'T BMW FIXING THIS IN A RECALL? *JS

Air Bags
Filed Jan 22, 2015135,000 milesSC

FASTEN SEATBELT CHIME AND DISABLED AIRBAG LIGHT APPEAR EVEN THOUGH PASSENGER'S SEATBELT IS FASTENED. SYMPTOMS OCCUR WHETHER SEAT IS OCCUPIED OR UNOCCUPIED. *TR

Engine
Filed Jan 18, 201597,000 milesWI

ENGINE ICED UP AND HYDRO-LOCKED FROM CONDENSATE. STALLED IN TRAFFIC WITH SLIPPERY ROADS, IN FRONT OF A LOGGING TRUCK. VERY NARROWLY ESCAPED COLLISION. FOUND MANY INCIDENTS OF THIS ON INTERNET AND IT APPEARS THAT BMW HAS ALLOWED THIS TO CONTINUE OVER TIME AND IS NOT ACKNOWLEDGING ISSUE. REPAIR SHOP I'M USING HAS DEALT WITH MANY INCIDENTS OF THIS, TOO. USED FOR 17 MILE EACH WAY DAILY COMMUTE SO SHORT TRIP-RELATED PROBLEMS SHOULD NOT BE AN ISSUE. *TR

Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed Jan 13, 2015115,000 milesNY

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 BMW X5. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE DRIVER WAS AT A COMPLETE STOP, ANOTHER DRIVER FAILED TO YIELD THE RIGHT OF WAY AND CRASHED INTO THE PASSENGER SIDE CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO SPIN SEVERAL TIMES. THE DRIVER'S SIDE FRONTAL AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. ADDITIONALLY, THE PASSENGER FRONT AND REAR CURTAIN AIR BAGS PARTIALLY DEPLOYED. THE DRIVER SUFFERED INJURIES TO THE HEAD, THE BACK, AND THE FEET THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE CONTACT DID NOT DISCLOSE IF A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED OR NOT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 115,000. *TT

Air Bags
Filed Nov 10, 2014CA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS 2006 BMW X5. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 13V564000 (AIR BAG). HOWEVER, THE PARTS NEEDED FOR REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.

Service Brakes
Filed Jul 31, 201466,000 milesMA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 BMW X5. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, BRAKE FLUID STARTED TO LEAK AND THE BRAKES FAILED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT REPLACED THE BRAKE FLUID AND DROVE THE VEHICLE HOME. THE CONTACT WAS MADE AWARE OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 05V367000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC) BUT DID NOT CONFIRM IF THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 66,000.

Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed Jun 25, 2014800 milesFL

DRIVING ON I-95 AT 65 MILES PER HOUR. HIT ON PASSENGER SIDE, REAR QUARTER PANEL FROM ANOTHER CAR ATTEMPTING TO CHANGE LANES WITHOUT SEEING MY AUTO. MY CAR WENT INTO A HIGH SPEED SPIN RESULTING IN THE CAR LEAVING THE HIGHWAY CAUSING A HEAD ON, HIGH IMPACT CRASH INTO A CANAL. AIR BAG(S) DID NOT DEPLOY, HOWEVER ALL WINDOWS, SUNROOF, AND TRUNK AUTOMATICALLY OPENED ALLOWING EASY EXIT. *TR

Air Bags
Filed Jun 11, 2014128,000 milesPA

TL * THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 BMW X5. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND DISPLAYED THAT IT WAS DEACTIVATED WHEN THE PASSENGER SEAT WAS OCCUPIED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A MANUFACTURER'S RECALL FOR THE FAILURE BUT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 128,000.

Power Train
Filed Jan 16, 201483,500 milesTN

ON 1/6/14 I WENT OUTSIDE AND STARTED UP VEHICLE AND LET IT WARM UP FOR A BIT AND THEN I DROVE ABOUT 2MILES AND CAR WAS ACTING FUNNY AS I DROVE IT. IT DIDN'T WANT TO GO SO I GAVE IT SOME GAS AND RPM'S REVVED UP BUT ODOMETER WAS MOVING UP AND DOWN ALL CRAZY. I LEFT VEHICLE CRANKED AS I WENT INTO STORE AND DROVE IT BACK HOME. DIDN'T WANT TO TURN IT OFF IN CASE IT DIDN'T START BACK UP. ON 1/8/14 I WENT OUT AND CRANKED CAR TO WARM UP FOR A MINUTE AND THEN PUT CAR INTO DRIVE AND HEARD A LOUD POP. I THEN PUT CAR BACK INTO PARK. CAR ACTED AS IF IT DIDN'T WANT TO STAY STARTED SO I GAVE IT SOME GAS AND THEN A BUNCH OF SMOKE CAME OUT FROM EXHAUST PIPES. TURNED CAR OFF AND LET ALL SMOKE CLEAR AND TRIED TO RESTART CAR BUT IT WOULDN'T TURN OVER. HAD CAR TOWED TO IMPORT SPECIALTY AND 2 DAYS LATER THEY INFORMED ME THIS IS A COMMON ISSUE WITH MAKE & MODEL THAT THE DIAPHRAGM BUST AND THE TCC VALVE BREAKS AND THROWS OIL EVERYWHERE. THANK GOODNESS I BOUGHT A EXTENDED WARRANTY THAT COVERS POWER TRAIN BUT NOT THIS ISSUE $1,725.00 ON THE LOW SIDE TO JUST CLEAN OIL OUT AND THEN WE WILL BE ABLE TO LOOK FURTHER INTO CAR TO SEE IF ENGINE IS SALVAGEABLE OR NOT. I AM IN A RENTAL CAR PAYING FOR THAT, REPAIRS TO START ARE JUST $1.725.00 PLUS.... CAR PAYMENT. WE DON'T KNOW IF WARRANTY WILL COVER THIS AFTER THEY FIND OUT WHAT HAPPENED PER MGR AT IMPORT SPECIALTY. I HAVE CALLED BMW NASHVILLE FOR GOODWILL ASSISTANCE BECAUSE OF YEAR OF CAR PER [XXX] THEY CAN'T HELP. THIS IS A KNOW ISSUE WITH THIS CAR AND BMW NE

Service Brakes
Filed Sep 24, 2013FL

MY BREAKS WENT OUT THE LIGHTS GOES ON AND OFF THE WIOERS DONT WORK THE OUTSIDE LIGHTS GOES ON AND OFF AT NIGHT I HAVE A OUTRAGEOUS CIOLANT LEAK AND MIRE I HAVE DROVE THE CAR IN ABOUT 5 MONTHS OR LONGER AND STILL MAKING PAYMENTS NOW THE CAR IS COMPLETELY DEAD I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO ME AND THE KIDS GERS SOAKED BECAUSE I H A VE WALK THEM TO AND FROM SCHOOL EVERYDAY IT SUCKS SO IM MAKING PAYMENTS FOR SOMETHING I CAN USE IVE HAD COILS REPLACED EVERYTHING IT VIBRATES REALLY BAD WHEN I COME TO A STOP LIGHT IBHAVE HAD NO ACCIDENT OR ANYTHING JUST PROBLEMS

Electrical SystemFire
Filed Jul 26, 2013131,940 milesTN

I BOUGHT THE VEHICLE IN MAY 2013. ON JULY 25, I HAD JUST STARTED THE CAR AND BLACK SMOKE BEGAN POURING OUT OF THE VENTS. NO SMOKE UNDER THE HOOD. I TURNED OFF THE VCAR AND WENT FOR HELP. SPARKS AND FLAMES STARTED, THE DRIVERS CURTAIN AIRBAG DEPLOYED, AND THE ALARM WENT OFF. WE WERE ABLE TO STOP THE FIRE WITH AN EXTINGUISHER ANDNO ONE WAS HURT. I SAW ANOTHER COMPLAINT OF THIS TYPE. MY CAR IS A TOTAL LOSS. ALL THE ELECTRONICS ARE BURNED OUT. THIS SHOULD NOT HAPPEN SPONTANEOUSLY! *TR

Engine
Filed Jul 11, 201390,000 milesAP

I BOUGHT THIS SUV LAST WEEK FOR MY KIDS TO DRIVE AFTER RESEARCHING AND TEST-DRIVING VARIOUS MAKES AND MODELS FOR MONTHS: BMW X5 4,4I, MERCEDES ML430, PORSCHE CAYENNE, AND JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE. THE BMW WON IN THE END BECAUSE I HAVE HAD SEVERAL 3-SERIES WITH 200,000K ON IT THAT RUN LIKE NEW. THE PREVIOUS OWNER ASSURED ME THAT THERE WERE NO PROBLEMS WITH THIS SUV AND SOLD IT TO ME IN AS-IS EXCELLENT CONDITION. SHE ALSO ASSURED ME THAT IT HAD BEEN SERVICED BY A BMW DEALER WITH A FULL INSPECTION ON JUNE 13, 2013. I ALSO HAD IT INSPECTED BY AN INDY MECHANIC. TWO DAYS AFTER I BOUGHT IT IT STARTED BLOWING CLOUDS OF BLUE SMOKE ON ACCELERATION, INTERMITTENTLY. I IMMEDIATELY CONTACTED THE SELLER WHO TOLD ME THAT SHE HAD MENTIONED THIS TO THE BMW DEALERSHIP DURING THE JUNE 13, 2013 INSPECTION, AND THAT THEY COULD NOT DETECT OR ISOLATE THE SOURCE OF THE PROBLEM BUT, THEY TOLD HER THAT IT WAS NOTHING TO WORRY ABOUT. I THEN CONTACTED THE DEALERSHIP TO PULL THE SERVICE RECORDS WHICH VERIFY THIS TO BE TRUE. UPON RESEARCHING THIS ISSUE ONLINE, I FOUND SEVERAL TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETINS ABOUT IT (PCV, CCV FOR THE N62 ENGINE AND OSV FOR THE M54 ENGINE) AS WELL AS HUNDREDS OF COMPLAINTS FROM CONSUMERS - EVERYTHING FROM BLOWING SMOKE TO BLOWN ENGINES RELATED TO THESE PRESSURE RELEASE VALVES. HOW CAN A DEALER NOT KNOW TO CHECK THE PRESSURE RELEASE VALVE WHEN THERE IS SO MUCH CONSUMER HISTORY AND TECHNICAL LITERATURE ON IT??? THIS JUST BLOWS MY MIND!!! I WOULD NOT HAVE BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE HAD I KNOW

Service Brakes
Filed Jun 18, 2013110,128 milesUT

I NOTICED THE RECALL ON THE BRAKE SYSTEM FOR 2007 -2010 BMW X5, BUT THINK THEY SHOULD INCLUDE OTHER YEARS OF SAME MODEL. MY BRAKE LIGHT CAME ON SAYING CHECK BRAKE LININGS. HAD THE BRAKE PADS REDONE AND AFTER LEAVING WAS ALMOST IN 4 ACCIDENTS DUE TO THE BRAKE BOOSTERS FAILING. AFTER FULL ANALYSTS FROM BMW THEY SAID 1800.00 TO REPLACE, BUT HAVE NEVER HAD ANY PROBLEMS WITH MY BRAKES UNTIL THEY WERE REPLACED. *TR

Complaints 1-50 of 82, newest first, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2012
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
202629200Routine
202563510Routine
2024145810Routine
202334400Routine
202272110Routine
20211111230Routine
20201131170Routine
20191941310Routine
201873520Routine
201775601Fatalities reported
201674500Routine
2015152671Fatalities reported
2014998100Routine
2013149670Do not drive
201227110100Do not drive
201126314150Do not drive
20101241450Do not drive
20091381280Do not drive
200821510120Do not drive
200771820Do not drive
20061682110Routine
2005 — this page82351Fatalities reported
2004644100Routine
2003993130Do not drive
2002102371Do not drive
200116012160Do not drive
200029610Do not drive
19990100Routine

Compare every X5 year →

Reading this record

1 death reported in complaints filed with NHTSA.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Sep 6, 2007. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.