X5

BMW X5 Recalls

All 103 NHTSA recall campaigns on the BMW X5 (2000–2026) — what failed, what it risks, how it gets fixed, and how many years passed before the defect was admitted.

NHTSA campaigns · 103 campaigns · Updated Aug 5, 2026
Quick answer

The BMW X5 has 103 NHTSA recall campaigns on record covering 2000–2026. On average a defect was admitted 4.73 years after the car was built, the slowest took 25 years. The most recalled system is Air Bags (19 campaigns). Owners also filed 2,204 complaints on this model — see what breaks.

What was recalled on the BMW X5

Grouped by system. Open any row for the campaigns themselves — what failed, what it risks and how the dealer fixes it, straight from the NHTSA filing.

Air Bags 18% 19 Read
2026 BMW X5 · 25V837000 · admitted after 0 years

What's wrong. BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2026 X6, X7, X5, and X5 Plug-In Hybrid vehicles. The instrument panel may have been manufactured incorrectly and prevent the passenger-side air bag from deploying properly

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

Fix. Dealers will replace the instrument panel trim, free of charge. The vehicles have not been sold from dealer inventory and therefore, no owner letters will be mailed. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov…

2024 BMW X5 · 23V471000 · admitted after 0 years

What's wrong. BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2024 X5 sDrive40i, X5 xDrive40i, X5 M60i, X5 M, xDrive 50e, 2024 X6 xDrive40i, X6 M60i, X6 M, 2024 X7 xDrive40i, X7 M60i, Alpina XB7, and 2023 XM vehicles. The knee air bag (driver and/or passenger) may not have been manufactured correctly, which can result in the knee air bag not deploying as intended

Risk. A knee air bag that does not deploy as intended increases the risk of injury

Fix. Dealers will replace the knee air bag (driver and/or passenger), free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 6, 2023. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417

2024 BMW X5 · 23V622000 · admitted after 0 years

What's wrong. BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2023 BMW XM, 2024 BMW X5 sDrive40i, X5 xDrive40i, X5 M60i, X5 M, X5 xDrive50e, X6 xDrive40i, X6 M60i, X6 M, X7 xDrive40i, X7 M60i, and Alpina XB7 vehicles. The front passenger knee air bag may not deploy as intended

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

Fix. Dealers will replace the front passenger knee air bag, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 3, 2023. Owners may contact BMW's customer service at 1-800-525-7417

Power Train 10% 10 Read
2023 BMW X5 · 23V821000 · admitted after 0 years

What's wrong. BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2023 Toyota GR Supra, 3 Series Sedan (330i xDrive, M340i xDrive, M3), 5 Series Sedan (530i, 530i xDrive, M5), 4 Series Gran Coupe (430i, 430i xDrive), 4 Series Coupe (430i, 430i xDrive, M440i xDrive), 4 Series Convertible (430i, 430i xDrive, M440i xDrive), 8 Series Coupe (840i, M850i xDrive, M8), 8 Series Convertible (840i, M850i xDrive, M8), 8 Series Gran Coupe (850i xDrive, M8), X3 SAV (X3 xDrive30i, X3M), X4 SAV (X4 xDrive30i), X5 SAV (X5 xDrive40i, X5 M50i, X5M), X6 SAV (X6 xDrive40i, X6 M50i, X6M), and Z4 sDrive30i, Z4 M40i vehicles. The weld seam of the integrated transmission control unit's cover may not have been manufactured…

Risk. Transmission oil that leaks into the control unit can lead to a seizure of the transmission gears, causing a sudden loss of drive power and increasing the risk of a crash

Fix. Dealers will replace the transmission mechatronics module and the automatic transmission fluid, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 26, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417

2020 BMW X5 · 20V465000 · admitted after 0 years

What's wrong. BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020 X5 sDrive 40i, X5 xDrive 40i and one X7 xDrive 40i vehicle. The starter motor may have an extra bolt that could potentially fall into the transmission housing and cause an engine stall

Risk. An engine stall increases the risk of a crash

Fix. 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 the bolt has fallen into the transmission housing, replacing any damaged parts as necessary. All repairs will be performed free of charge. The…

2013 BMW X5 · 17V138000 · admitted after 4 years

What's wrong. BMW of North America, LLC, (BMW) is recalling certain 2011-2013 X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive50i, X5 M and X5 xDrive35d vehicles, 2011-2014 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6M vehicles, and 2011 x6 ActiveHybrid Vehicles. Water and debris may enter the front driveshaft's universal joint, causing excessive wear and possibly resulting in the joint's failure

Risk. If the front universal joint fails, the front wheels would not be driven, affecting vehicle traction. Additionally, continued driving of the vehicle with a broken front universal joint may damage other components. Either condition may increase the risk of a crash

Fix. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front driveshaft, free of charge. The recall began on April 18, 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417

Service Brakes, Hydraulic 9% 9 Read
2021 BMW X5 · 21V089000 · admitted after 0 years

What's wrong. BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2021 X5 sDrive40i and X5 xDrive40i vehicles. The right front brake disc may have been assembled with incorrect fasteners, which over time, could result in the front brake disc becoming loose

Risk. A loose brake disc could affect vehicle handling and control, and increase the risk of a crash

Fix. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the right front brake disc and replace it if necessary, along with the unaffected left side brake disc, free of charge. There are no owner vehicles affected; therefore, owner notification is not necessary and, as such, a planned owner notification date is not entered…

2021 BMW X5 · 21V062000 · admitted after 0 years

What's wrong. 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

Fix. 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

2020 BMW X5 · 21V062000 · admitted after 1 year

What's wrong. 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

Fix. 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

Engine And Engine Cooling 9% 9 Read
2018 BMW X5 · 24V608000 · admitted after 6 years

What's wrong. BMW of North America, LLC. (BMW) is recalling certain 2012-2015 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i, 2012-2016 Z4 sDrive28i, 528i, 528i xDrive, 328i, 328xi, 2016-2018 X5 xdrive 40e, 2014-2016 228i, 228xi, 428i, 428i xDrive, 328xi Gran Turismo, 2013-2017 X3 sDrive28i, X3 xDrive28i, 2015-2018 X4 xDrive28i, 2015-2016 428xi vehicles. An improperly sealed electrical connector on the water pump may be exposed to water and short circuit

Risk. An electrical short increases the risk of a fire

Fix. Dealers will inspect and replace the water pump and plug connector as necessary, and install a protective shield, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 28, 2025. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417

2017 BMW X5 · 18V755000 · admitted after 1 year

What's wrong. BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2013-2018 BMW 328d and 328d xDrive, 2014-2018 328d Sports Wagon and 328d xDrive Sports Wagon, 2014-2016 535d and 535d xDrive, 2015 740Ld xDrive, 2015-2017 X3 xDrive28d SAV and 2014-2017 X5 xDrive35d SAV vehicles equipped with an Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) module with an integrated cooler. If the EGR cooler leaks internally, the coolant can mix with diesel engine soot. The high EGR temperatures may result in these particles possibly smoldering and melting the intake manifold

Risk. The melting intake manifold can increase the risk of a fire

Fix. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the EGR cooler as necessary. If a leak has already occurred, the engine intake manifold will also be replaced. These repairs will be made free of charge. The recall began May 13, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417

2017 BMW X5 · 24V608000 · admitted after 7 years

What's wrong. BMW of North America, LLC. (BMW) is recalling certain 2012-2015 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i, 2012-2016 Z4 sDrive28i, 528i, 528i xDrive, 328i, 328xi, 2016-2018 X5 xdrive 40e, 2014-2016 228i, 228xi, 428i, 428i xDrive, 328xi Gran Turismo, 2013-2017 X3 sDrive28i, X3 xDrive28i, 2015-2018 X4 xDrive28i, 2015-2016 428xi vehicles. An improperly sealed electrical connector on the water pump may be exposed to water and short circuit

Risk. An electrical short increases the risk of a fire

Fix. Dealers will inspect and replace the water pump and plug connector as necessary, and install a protective shield, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 28, 2025. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417

Steering 8% 8 Read
2021 BMW X5 · 21V031000 · admitted after 0 years

What's wrong. BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2021 X5 sDrive40i, X5 xDrive40i, X5M, X5 xDrive45e, X6 sDrive40i, X6 xDrive40i, X7 xDrive40i, X7 M50i vehicles. The steering column shaft's universal joint connection may not have been tightened to specifications, and can become loose

Risk. A loose steering column shaft universal joint connection can affect vehicle handling and control, increasing the risk of a crash

Fix. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, depending upon the inspection, either the bolt will be replaced and tightened to specifications, or the steering column shaft, universal joint, and bolt will be replaced and tightened to specifications, free of charge. The recall began March 30, 2021. Owners may…

2020 BMW X5 · 19V631000 · admitted after 0 years

What's wrong. BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020 X5 sDrive40i, X5 xDrive40i, X5 M50i, X7 xDrive40i and X7 M50i vehicles. The steering rack pinion teeth may break under load, resulting in a loss of steering control

Risk. A loss of steering control increases risk of a crash

Fix. 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

2020 BMW X5 · 20V434000 · admitted after 0 years

What's wrong. 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

Fix. 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

Electrical System 7% 7 Read
2021 BMW X5 · 20V761000 · admitted after 0 years

What's wrong. BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2021 M340i xDrive, M440i xDrive Coupe, 530i, 530i xDrive, 540i, 540i xDrive, 740Li, 740Li xDrive, 840i Gran Coupe, 840i xDrive Gran Coupe, X5 sDrive40i, X5 xDrive40i, X6 sDrive40i, X6 xDrive40i, and X7 xDrive40i vehicles. The connection between the 48-Volt battery and the starter-generator may not have been assembled properly, which can cause increased electrical resistance at the connections

Risk. Increased electrical resistance can increase the risk of a fire

Fix. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the connection between the 48-Volt battery and the starter-generator assembly, replacing it if necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin April 12, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417

2021 BMW X5 · 20V601000 · admitted after 0 years

What's wrong. BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020-2021 530e, 530e xDrive, 530e iPerformance and X3 xDrive30e and MINI Cooper Countryman All4 SE, 2020 BMW i8, and 2021 330e, 330e xDrive, 745Le xDrive and X5 xDrive45e vehicles. Debris may have entered one or more of the hybrid battery cells during their production

Risk. The debris could result in a short-circuit, increasing the risk of fire or injury

Fix. BMW will inspect and, if necessary, replace the battery module free of charge. The remedy is currently being developed. Until the remedy is completed, drivers are instructed to not charge their vehicles. Drivers are instructed to not drive in manual mode, sport mode, and to not use the shift paddles. Owners were…

2021 BMW X5 · 20V490000 · admitted after 0 years

What's wrong. BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2021 330e and X5 xDrive45e, 2020-2021 X3 xDrive30e, and 2020 MINI Countryman SE ALL4 vehicles. Loose welding beads may form a conductive path between the hybrid battery cells which could lead to a short-circuit

Risk. A short-circuited hybrid battery may increase the risk of a fire

Fix. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the battery modules, free of charge. BMW issued owners an interim notification on October 16, 2020. Although potentially affected BMW owners received interim owner notification letters, all potentially affected BMW owner vehicles have been…

Equipment 6% 6 Read
2025 BMW X5 · 24V327000 · admitted after 0 years

What's wrong. BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2024-2025 X5 xDrive40i vehicles. The tire information placard may indicate an incorrect tire size and tire pressure. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."

Risk. Incorrect tire information can allow an incorrectly sized tire to be installed or result in improperly inflated tires, increasing the risk of a crash

Fix. Dealers will replace the tire information placard, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 9, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417

2024 BMW X5 · 24V327000 · admitted after 0 years

What's wrong. BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2024-2025 X5 xDrive40i vehicles. The tire information placard may indicate an incorrect tire size and tire pressure. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."

Risk. Incorrect tire information can allow an incorrectly sized tire to be installed or result in improperly inflated tires, increasing the risk of a crash

Fix. Dealers will replace the tire information placard, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 9, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417

2019 BMW X5 · 18V918000 · admitted after 0 years

What's wrong. 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

Fix. 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

Seats 5% 5 Read
2023 BMW X5 · 22V942000 · admitted after 0 years

What's wrong. BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2023 X5 sDrive40i, X5 M50i and X5 xDrive 45e vehicles. One of the four bolts that connects the backrest to the driver's seat frame may not have been correctly installed

Risk. A loose driver's seat backrest may not properly restrain the occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury

Fix. Dealers will inspect the driver's seat backrest and if necessary, install an attachment bolt, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed February 17, 2023. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417

2023 BMW X5 · 23V253000 · admitted after 0 years

What's wrong. BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2023 X5 sDrive40i, X5 xDrive40i, X5 M50i, X5 M and X5 xDrive45e vehicles. The head restraints for the second-row outboard seats may have been improperly manufactured without locking tabs in the guide sleeves. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 202, "Head Restraints."

Risk. A head restraint without a locking tab may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury

Fix. Dealers will inspect and replace the second-row outboard seat head restraint guide sleeves, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 31, 2023. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417

2021 BMW X5 · 21V156000 · admitted after 0 years

What's wrong. BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2021 X5 sDrive40i, X5 xDrive50i, X5 M50i, X5 xDrive45e, 2021 X7 xDrive40i, X7 M50i, and XB7 vehicles. The head restraints on the second-row outer seats may be the incorrect type for the vehicle

Risk. In the event of a crash, the head restraints could detach, and increase the risk of injury

Fix. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the head restraints, and replace them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began May 3, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417

Visibility 4% 4 Read
2026 BMW X5 · 25V556000 · admitted after 0 years

What's wrong. BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2026 X5 Plug-in Hybrid, X5, and X7 vehicles. The windshield may not be sealed properly, which can allow water to enter the power distribution box or electronic control unit

Risk. Water inside electrical components can lead to electronic function failures, such as a loss of headlights, increasing the risk of a crash. In addition, an electrical short-circuit may occur, increasing the risk of a fire while parked or driving

Fix. Dealers will inspect the windshield seal. If any leaks are detected, the seal will be repaired and vehicle control units and wiring will be replaced as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 3, 2025. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417

2023 BMW X5 · 22V820000 · admitted after 0 years

What's wrong. BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2023 X5 sDrive40i, xDrive40i, xDrive45e, and X7 xDrive40i vehicles. The windshield may not have been properly bonded to the vehicle which could allow water to enter the vehicle and contact electrical components, possibly resulting in a short-circuit

Risk. An electrical short-circuit increases the risk of a fire

Fix. Dealers will inspect the windshield seal and as necessary, remove and reinstall the windshield with a new seal, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 30, 2022. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417

2022 BMW X5 · 22V267000 · admitted after 0 years

What's wrong. 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

Fix. 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

Suspension 4% 4 Read
2021 BMW X5 · 20V678000 · admitted after 0 years

What's wrong. BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020 X5 sDrive40i, xDrive40i, X5 M50i, X5M, X7 xDrive40i, X7 M50i, X6 xDrive40i, X6 M50i and X6M vehicles and 2021 X5 xDrive45e vehicles. The weld between the front axle support and the right front control arm bearing bracket may separate

Risk. 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

Fix. 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

2020 BMW X5 · 20V678000 · admitted after 0 years

What's wrong. BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020 X5 sDrive40i, xDrive40i, X5 M50i, X5M, X7 xDrive40i, X7 M50i, X6 xDrive40i, X6 M50i and X6M vehicles and 2021 X5 xDrive45e vehicles. The weld between the front axle support and the right front control arm bearing bracket may separate

Risk. 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

Fix. 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

2018 BMW X5 · 18V439000 · admitted after 0 years

What's wrong. BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018 BMW X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive50i, X5 xDrive35d, and X6 sDrive35i vehicles. The pivot bolt on the front lower-left control arm may not have been properly hardened, which may cause the control arm to break

Risk. If the lower control arm breaks, vehicle handling and control can be affected, increasing the risk of a crash

Fix. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the lower-left control arms and replace if necessary, free of charge. The recall began July 11, 2018. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417

How long a defect stays unadmitted

Campaign numbers encode the year of the announcement, so each recall on this model can be dated against the car it applies to.

FIG.03·BMW X5 — how fast defects were admitted
MeasureValue
Average gap before admission4.73 years
Slowest campaign25 years
Admitted 5+ years later49.1%
Campaigns on record103
ROWS 4·SOURCE ForCar, computed from NHTSA campaign numbers

Which X5 years were recalled most

Campaigns per model year. A year with more campaigns is not automatically worse — it may simply have sold in far greater numbers.

FIG.04·BMW X5 recalls by model year
Model yearCampaignsMost recalled system
20262Visibility
20254Electronic Stability Control (esc)
20247Air Bags
20234Visibility
20221Visibility
202112Tires
202011Steering
201913Electrical System
20185Suspension
20176Air Bags
20165Electrical System
20156Seats
20148Latches/locks/linkages
20136Steering
201210Power Train
201114Equipment
201014Visibility
200912Service Brakes, Hydraulic
200810Suspension
20078Air Bags
20062Power Train
20053Service Brakes, Hydraulic
20044Power Train
20033Service Brakes, Hydraulic
20023Service Brakes, Hydraulic
200112Seat Belts
20006Steering
ROWS 27·SOURCE NHTSA recall campaigns

Check your own car

A campaign applies to a range of production, not to every car of the model. The only way to know whether yours is affected — and whether the repair was already done — is by VIN.

FIG.05·How to check a recall by VIN
StepWhat you get
Enter the VIN aboveOpen campaigns for that exact vehicle, straight from NHTSA
Check the repair statusWhether the free fix has already been carried out on this car
Book at any franchised dealerRecall work is free regardless of age, mileage or owner
ROWS 3·SOURCE ForCar
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Frequently asked questions

How many recalls does the BMW X5 have?

103 NHTSA campaigns on record, covering 2000–2026. Not every campaign applies to every car — coverage is by production range, so check your VIN.

Is recall work free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer regardless of the car's age, mileage or how many owners it has had. That is a federal requirement, not a courtesy.

How do I know if my X5 still has an open recall?

Enter its VIN above. We show campaigns that apply to that exact vehicle and whether the repair has already been recorded as done.

Why did a defect take years to be recalled?

On this model the average gap between the car being built and the defect being admitted is 4.73 years, and the slowest campaign came 25 years later. Defects usually surface as they accumulate in the field: complaints pile up, an investigation opens, and only then is a campaign issued.

Recall campaigns from NHTSA, published as filed. Years elapsed before admission computed by ForCar from the campaign number, which encodes the year it was announced. Last updated Aug 2026. — ForCar Reviewed by , founder of ForCar.