InsightArise CarsU.S. Owner Complaint Index
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2019 BMW X5 problems, complaints & recalls

Fewer Steady

NHTSA has received 183 owner complaints about the 2019 BMW X5, or 23.8 per year on the road — fewer complaints than typical for a vehicle of its age (complaint index 0.57, where 1.00 is the average of all tracked vehicles). Among the 76 model-year 2019 vehicles we track, it ranks #30 for fewest complaints per year. Against other BMW models its rate is 104% higher; against other Luxury SUVs it is 58% higher.

Counts are normalized by time on the road, not by sales volume: a popular model generates more reports than a rare one, and complaints are not verified individually. How we count

Complaints filed between 2019-02-04 and 2026-09-01. Median delay from incident to filing: 16 days.

183Complaints
23.8Complaints per year on the road
0.57Complaint index vs. all tracked vehicles
13Recalls
2.7%Share involving a crash or fire
61Last 12 months

Analysis

The previous model year (2018) drew 8.1 complaints per year, fewer than this one. The following model year (2020) drew 16.0 per year, fewer than this one. In its first two years on the road the 2019 model collected 26 complaints, 68% lower than the average vehicle of the same model year.

The most common problem area is Engine (32.8% of complaints), followed by Electrical (29.0%) and Interior & equipment (10.4%). Within Engine reports, owners most often mention “oil pump”, “starter”, “plastic”, “engine” and “oil pressure”. 5 reports (2.7%) describe a crash or fire; owners mention 0 injuries and 0 deaths.

Half of the reported incidents happened within 69 months of the model year's start; the busiest period was after five years (63% of incidents). In the last 12 months 61 new complaints were filed, versus 48 in the 12 months before — a steady pace.

NHTSA lists 13 safety recalls for this model year. 59% of the complaints fall in component areas that a recall addresses.

Complaint index

  • vs. all tracked vehicles0.57
  • vs. other BMW models2.04
  • vs. other 2019 models0.52
  • vs. other Luxury SUVs1.58
  • Complaints in first 2 years on the road · vs. same-year average (26)0.32
  • #30 of 76 · 2019Rankings ›

1.00 means the same rate as the comparison group. 2.00 means twice as many complaints per year on the road.

Other model years

  • 20188.1 per year0.19
  • 201923.8 per year0.57
  • 202016.0 per year0.38
  • 202118.2 per year0.43
  • 202214.8 per year0.35
  • 20238.4 per year0.2
  • 202453.8 per year1.28
  • 202536.5 per year0.87

BMW X5 problems, complaints & recalls by model year ›

What owners complain about

  • Engine60 · 32.8% · 1.48×
  • Electrical53 · 29.0% · 1.84×
  • Interior & equipment19 · 10.4% · 1.16×
  • Airbags & seat belts12 · 6.6% · 1.73×
  • Steering11 · 6.0% · 0.92×
  • Transmission / powertrain10 · 5.5% · 0.47×
  • Brakes5 · 2.7% · 0.45×
  • Body & structure5 · 2.7% · 0.29×

vs. all vehicles: 1.00 = All-vehicle average

Engine · Common terms in reports

  • oil pump23
  • starter22
  • plastic18
  • engine42
  • oil pressure12
  • oil level10

Electrical · Common terms in reports

  • shark fin13
  • antenna10
  • emergency system9
  • starter13
  • water12
  • electrical14

Interior & equipment · Common terms in reports

  • evaporator3
  • sunroof exploded3
  • starter3
  • area4
  • glass4
  • system8

Problem areas: Electrical · Engine · Transmission / powertrain · Interior & equipment · Brakes

When complaints were filed

2019: 20 20 2019 2020: 6 6 2020 2021: 9 9 2021 2022: 6 6 2022 2023: 19 19 2023 2024: 30 30 2024 2025: 59 59 2025 2026: 34 34 2026
  • Crashes reported: 4
  • Fires reported: 1
  • Injuries: 0
  • Deaths: 0

Vehicle age at incident

  • <1 yr12.6%
  • 1–2 yrs3.3%
  • 2–3 yrs4.4%
  • 3–5 yrs16.9%
  • 5+ yrs62.8%

Median age at incident: 69 months

What owners report

Excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA, trimmed for length. The ODI number is NHTSA's record identifier.

Segment peers · 2019 · Luxury SUVs

ModelsComplaintsComplaints per year on the roadComplaint index
2019 Lexus RX00.00.0
2019 Mercedes-Benz GLE324.20.1
2019 Audi Q5506.50.15
2019 Audi Q7617.90.19
2019 Mercedes-Benz GLC688.90.21
2019 BMW X316721.80.52
2019 BMW X518323.80.57
2019 Acura MDX19325.10.6

Safety recalls (13)

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:STARTER ASSEMBLY Campaign 25V644000 · 2025-09-25

Summary: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020 340I, X6, 2020-2025 840I, 2020-2022 740LI, 2019-2020 X7, and X5 vehicles. After repeated attempts, the starter motor may overheat from an electrical overload.

Risk: An overheated starter motor can ignite nearby combustible material in the engine compartment, increasing the risk of a fire.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the engine starter, free of charge. This recall includes vehicles repaired under recall 24V576 and those owners will need to have their vehicle repaired again. Owner notification letters were mailed February 9, 2026. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov November 17, 2025.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:STARTER ASSEMBLY Campaign 24V576000 · 2024-08-01

Summary: BMW of North America, LLC is recalling certain 2019-2020 X5, X7, 2020 3 Series Sedan, X6, 2020-2021 7 Series Sedan, 2020 8 Series Convertible, 8 Series Coupe, and 2020 8 Series Gran Coupe vehicles. Please see the recall report for the complete list of models. In the event the starter motor fails, repeated attempts to start the vehicle can cause the starter motor to overheat from an electrical overload.

Risk: 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.

VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY Campaign 22V267000 · 2022-04-20

Summary: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2022 4 Series Gran Coupe (430i, 430i xDrive, M440i xDrive); 2019-2022 X5 sDrive40i, X5 xDrive40i, X5 xDrive50i, X5 M50i, X5M; 2021-2022 X5 xdrive45e; 2020-2022 X6 sDrive40i, X6 xDrive40i, X6 xDrive50i, X6M and 2019-2023 X7 xDrive40i, X7 xDrive50i, X7 M50i, X7 xDrive60i, X7 M60i, X7M, Alpina XB7 vehicles. The roof function control unit may be programmed incorrectly, allowing the sunroof to close without the key fob present inside the vehicle. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 118, "Power-Operated Window Systems."

Risk: 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.

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL Campaign 21V520000 · 2021-07-08

Summary: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling one 2019 X5 xDrive 40i vehicle. The instrument panel may not have been manufactured correctly, which could prevent the passenger side air bag from deploying properly in a crash.

Risk: An air bag that does not deploy properly can increase the risk of injury in a crash.

Remedy: A dealer will replace the instrument panel, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 26, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA Campaign 21V096000 · 2021-02-19

Summary: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019-2021 X3 sDrive30i, X3 xDrive30i, X3 M40i, X3M, X4 xDrive30i, X4 M40i, M550i, X4M, X5 sDrive40i, X5 xDrive40i, X5 xDrive50i, X5M, X5 M50i, X7 xDrive40i, X7 xDrive50i, X7 M50i, Alpina XB7, 330i, 330i xDrive, M340i, M340i xDrive, and 8 Series Coupe, Convertible and Grand Coupe, 840i, 840i xDrive, M850i xDrive, M8, 2020-2021 530e, 530e xDrive, 330e, 330e xDrive, 745Le, 745Le xDrive, X5 xDrive45e, X3 xDrive30e, X6 sDrive40i, X6 xDrive40i, X6 xDrive50i, X6 M50i, X6M, 530i, 530i xDrive, 540i, 540i xDrive, M550i xDrive, M5, 740i, 740Li, 740Li xDrive, M760i Drive, M760Li xDrive, 750Li xDrive Alpina, Alpina B7 xDrive, and 2021 4 Series Coupe 430i, 430i xDrive, M440i xDrive vehicles. When shifting into Reverse, a small portion of the rearview image may be obscured, or the screen may not illuminate. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."

Risk: 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 customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC Campaign 21V062000 · 2021-02-10

Summary: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020-2021 8 Series Coupe, Grand Coupe and convertible 840i, 840i xDrive, M850i xDrive, M8 and 740 Li, 740 Li xDrive, 750 Li xDrive, M760 Li xDrive, X6 sDrive40i, X6 xDrive40i, X6 xdrive50i, X6 M50i, X6M, and 2019-2021 X5 sDrive40i, X5 xDrive40i, X5 xDrive50i, X5 M50i, X5M, X7 xDrive40i, X7 xDrive50i, X7 M50i, and 2021 M3, M3 Competition, M4 Coupe, M4 Competition Coupe, X5 xDrive45e, 745 Le xDrive. The rotor and shaft within the integrated brake system may not have been welded properly and could separate during a hard braking event, possibly resulting in a loss of the Antilock Brake System (ABS) and braking assistance.

Risk: 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 at 1-800-525-7417.

STEERING Campaign 20V434000 · 2020-07-28

Summary: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019-2020 X5 sDrive40i, X5 xDrive40i and X5 xDrive50i vehicles and 2020 X6M vehicles. The steering column shaft bearing plate may not have been properly attached to the vehicle, allowing it to loosen.

Risk: 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 of the vehicles have been remedied. No owner notification letter is necessary. Please contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA Campaign 19V684000 · 2019-09-27

Summary: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018 540d, 2018-2020 530i, 530i xDrive, 540i, 540i xDrive, M550i xDrive, M5, 530e, 530e xDrive, X3 sDrive, X3 xDrive, X3 M40i, X3 M, and 2019-2020 X4 xDrive, X4 M40i, X4 M, X7 xDrive, X7 M50i, 740Li, 740Li xDrive, 750Li, 750Li xDrive, 8 Series Convertible and Coupe 840i, 840i xDrive, M850i xDrive, X5 sDrive, X5 xDrive, X5 M50i, X6 xDrive, X6 M50i, 330i, 330i xDrive, M340i, M340i xDrive, Z4 sDrive, Z4 M40i, 740Le xDrive and 745Le xDrive, 2018-2019 640i xDrive Gran Turismo and Rolls-Royce Phantom, 2019 M850i xDrive Gran Coupe and Rolls-Royce Cullinan and 2020 Toyota Supra vehicles. The back-up camera and display settings can be adjusted such that the rear view image is no longer visible and the system will retain that setting the next time the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rearview Mirrors."

Risk: 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 Rolls-Royce at 1-877-877-3735. Toyota owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371.

WHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS/STUDS Campaign 19V541000 · 2019-07-23

Summary: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019 X5 xDrive50i and X7 xDrive40i vehicles. The left side wheel bolts may have been insufficiently tightened and may loosen over time.

Risk: Loose bolts may allow a wheel to detach from the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace and tighten the left side wheel bolts, free of charge. The recall began July 16, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP Campaign 19V513000 · 2019-07-03

Summary: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020 750i xDrive, 2019 M850i xDrive Coupe, M850i xDrive Convertible, X5 xDrive50i, X7 xDrive50i, and M5 vehicles. The high pressure fuel pump may not have been properly attached to the engine, which may cause the fuel pump flange to crack, resulting in a fuel leak.

Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the high pressure fuel pumps, free of charge. The recall began August 27, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

SEATS Campaign 19V096000 · 2019-02-13

Summary: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019 X5 xDrive40i and xDrive50i vehicles. The attachment bolts for the driver's seat and/or seat belt may not have been properly tightened.

Risk: The improperly tightened bolts can increase the risk of injury in the event of a crash.

Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the attachment bolts for the driver's seat and seat belt, and torque them to the correct specifications, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began April 9, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS Campaign 18V918000 · 2018-12-19

Summary: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019 BMW X5 xDrive40i and X5 xDrive50i vehicles. The driver and/or passenger sun visor may have an incorrect air bag warning label, or the label may be missing. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, "Occupant crash protection."

Risk: Without a label that shows the proper restraint usage guidelines, the occupants may have an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.

Remedy: BMW notified owners, and dealers will inspect the driver and passenger sun visor, replacing the visors as necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 4, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Campaign 18V732000 · 2018-10-17

Summary: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019 BMW X5 xDrive40i vehicles. The capacitors within the Body Domain Controller (BDC) may short circuit and overheat.

Risk: If the BDC short circuits, other nearby components may also overheat, increasing the risk of a fire.

Remedy: All affected vehicles remain on dealer lots, therefore owner letters will not be mailed. BMW dealers will replace the BDC control unit, free of charge. The recall began on October 17, 2018. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

How to check whether your car has an open recall ›

Investigations

No NHTSA investigation covers the tracked model years.

Frequently asked questions

How many complaints were filed for the 2019 BMW X5?

183 complaints were filed with NHTSA for the 2019 BMW X5, or about 23.8 per year on the road.

What is the most common problem reported for the 2019 BMW X5?

The most common category is Engine, accounting for 32.8% of complaints.

Does the 2019 BMW X5 have any recalls?

NHTSA lists 13 safety recall(s) for this model year.

Is the 2019 BMW X5 still generating complaints?

In the last 12 months 61 new complaints were filed, versus 48 in the 12 months before — a steady pace.

How does the 2019 BMW X5 compare with similar vehicles?

NHTSA has received 183 owner complaints about the 2019 BMW X5, or 23.8 per year on the road — fewer complaints than typical for a vehicle of its age (complaint index 0.57, where 1.00 is the average of all tracked vehicles). Among the 76 model-year 2019 vehicles we track, it ranks #30 for fewest complaints per year. Against other BMW models its rate is 104% higher; against other Luxury SUVs it is 58% higher.