Crossovers have become the talk of the town ever since their rise in demand by the end of the 1990s and the beginning of the 2000s. The full-size and the mid-size segments of the crossovers received the luxury prefix earlier than the compact and the subcompact ones and the BMW X5 is a brilliant example of a luxury mid-size crossover SUV. Launched back in 1999, the vehicle initially started its life by borrowing several technologies from Land Rover but the later iterations of the vehicle were developed independently by the brand. Carrying the flag of the first SUV from BMW, the X5 is the most practical vehicle within the brand's portfolio even today. The SUV entered its fourth-generation model back in 2019 and the 2022 model comes with some minor updates in terms of optional cosmetics and standard equipment list. With a starting price of $59,400, it rivals the Audi Q7, the Volvo XC90, and the Mercedes-Benz GLE- Class.
2022 BMW X5 SUV Problems, Issues, Complaints, Recalls, and Which Year to Avoid
Updated on: April 8, 2022
Senior Editor
BMW X5 user complaints and problems
Almost every popular German vehicle is lauded for the incredible build quality and the safety they came with right out of the factory. And the luxury further enhanced the experience. However, reliability has not been a forte of a majority of modern German vehicles owing to the overly done electronics and the engineering. The BMW X5 has been a steady seller from the brand but its record of reliability has not been desirable considering its price and the segment. The BMW X5 issues include the powertrain malfunctions that were quite prominent on the 2018 and the 2021 models. Apart from that, the electronics of the X5 have faced quite a number of complaints as well.
Engine problems
- Transmission issues: Both the 2018 and 2021 BMW X5 model years were affected by transmission or drivetrain issues. Most of the complaints stated that while driving, the MID would show a drivetrain malfunction message, asking the driver to safely pull over along with losing motive power. In other cases, after coming to a complete stop during a stoplight or any other purpose, the vehicle would refuse to accelerate with the transmission failing to shift gears as well. Several owners also reported uncomfortable shaking or jerking of the entire vehicle due to the powertrain along with losing power. There were complaints reported stating that the engine of the vehicle would stall at low speeds on instances such as taking a turn or parking.
Safety problems
- Forward collision avoidance system malfunction: The advanced safety techs of both the 2018 and 2021 BMW X5s ran into some problems. Some of the reports stated that the automated emergency braking system failed to stop the vehicle and resulted in a crash where the airbags also failed to deploy. On a single occasion, the forward collision avoidance system got activated randomly despite the absence of any objects or obstructions on the way.
2022 BMW X5 recalls
From the reports recorded by the NHTSA, we can see that the BMW X5 transmission problems stick out like a sore thumb. The BMW X5 electrical problems such as the electronics failures and the advanced safety tech malfunctions were present on a moderate level as well. The brand did issue several recalls with the number reaching eleven for the 2021 model year. It was good to see that most of the recalls were aimed to fix the issues faced by the owners but in most cases, the dealerships responsible to carry out the fixes were clueless about the issues or were not properly equipped to carry out the fixes.
|
Recall Date |
NHTSA Campaign ID |
Component Affected |
Recall Issue |
Explanation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
November 17, 2017 |
17V727000 |
SUSPENSION |
Improperly Torqued Wishbone Suspension Bolts |
Loose bolts can affect the performance of the suspension, thereby increasing the risk of a crash. |
|
June 28, 2018 |
18V439000 |
SUSPENSION |
Lower Control Arm May Break |
If the lower control arm breaks, vehicle handling and control can be affected, increasing the risk of a crash. |
|
July 29, 2021 |
21V586000 |
FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL |
High-Pressure Fuel Pump May Fail |
Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash. |
|
August 14, 2020 |
20V483000 |
TIRES |
Inner Layer of Tire may Fail |
A rapid loss of tire pressure while the vehicle is moving can affect vehicle handling and control, increasing the risk of a crash. |
|
August 18, 2020 |
20V490000 |
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM |
Hybrid Battery May Short-Circuit |
A short-circuited hybrid battery may increase the risk of a fire. |
|
September 1, 2020 |
20V528000 |
EXTERIOR LIGHTING |
Headlights Contain Non-conforming Lens/FMVSS 108 |
Oncoming drivers may be confused by the blue light of approaching vehicles, which could potentially increase the risk of a crash. |
|
September 30, 2020 |
20V601000 |
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM |
Debris in Hybrid Battery may Cause Fire |
The debris could result in a short-circuit, increasing the risk of fire or injury. |
|
November 4, 2020 |
20V678000 |
SUSPENSION |
Front Axle/Right Control Arm Not Welded Properly |
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. |
|
December 9, 2020 |
20V761000 |
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM |
48V Battery Connection Misassembled |
Increased electrical resistance can increase the risk of a fire. |
|
January 29, 2021 |
21V031000 |
STEERING |
Loose Steering Column Shaft |
A loose steering column shaft universal joint connection can affect vehicle handling and control, increasing the risk of a crash. |
|
February 10, 2021 |
21V062000 |
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC |
Possible Loss of Braking Assistance and ABS |
A loss of ABS and a reduction in braking assistance can increase the risk of a crash. |
|
February 18, 2021 |
21V089000 |
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC |
Right Front Brake Disc May Loosen |
A loose brake disc could affect vehicle handling and control, and increase the risk of a crash. |
|
February 19, 2021 |
21V096000 |
BACK OVER PREVENTION |
Rearview Camera Image Malfunction/FMVSS 111 |
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. |
|
March 10, 2021 |
21V156000 |
SEATS |
Head Restraints Incorrect |
In the event of a crash, the head restraints could detach, and increase the risk of injury. |
What model year of the BMW X5 to avoid?
The recalls and the complaints recorded by the NHTSA show that among the model years post the X5’s entry into its fourth-gen model, the recent 2021 model faced as many as 11 recalls along with several problems regarding its powertrain as well. It can be termed as an underlying one that was miraculously absent on both 2019 and 2020 models but made a comeback on the 2021 model year. As per the simple assessments, avoiding the 2018 and 2021 BMW X5s from the used car lot would be the best option.
Should you buy a used BMW X5?
The BMW X5 is one of the best options in its segment even today by virtue of its immense practicality and versatility by the luxury vehicle standards. The X5s wide range of models ensures that right from the humble family to the thrill-seeking chap out there, BMW would have just the right vehicle for them. The standard models of the X5 are the most sought-after ones on the used car market but finding an example in a pre-worshipped state can include some in-depth searching and extensive mechanical testing of the used examples before going ahead with one. However, if you’re looking for a used X5 that too in its recent fourth-gen iteration, the 2020 model would be a perfect choice.
