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2017 BMW X5 Problems & Owner Complaints

73 NHTSA owner complaints
3 crash 4 injury 1 death

Age-normalised, this year draws ~7.3 complaints per year on the road — ranking 10 of 11 BMW X5 years we track (1 = most complaints per year).

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What owners report

Electrical System is the most-reported problem area on the 2017 BMW X5, cited in 17 of 73 filed complaints (23%).

Fuel/Propulsion System is next (15 complaints, 21%), followed by Engine (12), Power Train (9), Service Brakes (7).

Across all complaints, 3 report a crash, 4 report injuries, 1 report a death.

The most safety-critical cluster is Structure: 1 crash, 3 injury, 1 death report(s).

Complaints by vehicle system

Owner complaints filed with the U.S. NHTSA for the 2017 BMW X5, grouped by the vehicle system each cites. A single complaint can name more than one system, so the group totals can add up to more than 73.

Electrical System 17 1 crash 1 injury

“WIFE WAS REAR ENDED CAUSING LOSS OF POWER AND CONTROL TO VEHICLE PUSHING HER OVER TRAIN TRACKS IN THE VEHICLE WITH NO CONTROL.”
NHTSA complaint #11078337, 2017 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“While driving, the electronic parking brake (EPB) system malfunctioned. The vehicle was stopped in DRIVE with Auto Hold active. When the driver door was opened briefly, the vehicle attempted to transition from Auto Hold to applying the electronic parking brake as a safety function. At that moment, the EPB malfunction warning appeared and the parking brake system faulted. There were no prior mechanical brake issues (no dragging brakes, no unusual noises, no brake wear symptoms). The issue appears to be an electronic/control-related failure of the EPB actuator/control unit rather than typical b…”
NHTSA complaint #11712937, 2026

“The contact owns a 2017 BMW X5. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine overheated with several unknown warning lights illuminated. In addition, the vehicle lost electrical functions. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with a failed coolant pump. The contact was informed that the coolant pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System); however,…”
NHTSA complaint #11676273, 2025

Fuel/Propulsion System 15

“I am writing to formally document two significant incidents involving the complete failure of the high-pressure fuel system in my BMW vehicle, VIN [XXX] , which have raised concerns about the reliability of this component. On [XXX], while navigating city street traffic, my vehicle, with 57,376 miles, experienced a total loss of power, resulting in the vehicle stalling in the left lane. The vehicle was towed to an authorized BMW dealership, where the entire high-pressure fuel system was diagnosed and replaced under warranty. As the second owner of this vehicle, I acquired it from my neighbor,…”
NHTSA complaint #11655567, 2023

“I was driving approximately 30 mph. As I continued to accelerate the fuel system light came on and the car shut off in the road. I had to have it towed to the dealership as it would not start. Gas fumes could also be smelled coming from the car. Once looked at by BMW service center I was told “ EKPS and the fuel pump are intermittently failing. I was able to able to verify the concern briefly. Vehicle may lose fuel pressure randomly. Upon removing rear seats and inspecting harness, I found the wires going into the EKPS to be burnt. The wires from the EKPS to the low pressure fuel pump will als…”
NHTSA complaint #11559361, 2023

“Vehicle stopped three times on highway. There is an issue with fuel injection. I am repairing the same thing every year and it is stopping every year on highway. They keep on repairing/replacing the module and I still get the problem. I missed a big rear collision because of this. This model has so many issues. Suspension broke. So many issues with gas pump. being it a first generation hybrid, it can cause threat to so many people if we let these vehicles be on road.”
NHTSA complaint #11549625, 2023

Engine 12 1 crash 1 injury

“WIFE WAS REAR ENDED CAUSING LOSS OF POWER AND CONTROL TO VEHICLE PUSHING HER OVER TRAIN TRACKS IN THE VEHICLE WITH NO CONTROL.”
NHTSA complaint #11078337, 2017 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“The contact owns a 2017 BMW X5. The contact stated that while driving or while the vehicle was parked and occupied, there was an abnormal smoke odor coming from the engine of the vehicle. An independent mechanic was contacted. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed; however, the diagnostic result was unknown. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the issue. The failure mileage was 60,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11692092, 2025

“Radiator fan assembly malfunctioning causing engine to overheat. Upon replacing fan assembly vehicle is still overheating. Water pump and thermostat needs to be replaced as well as connectors. Mileage appr 67,000 Vehicle went into safety mode while traveling on highway”
NHTSA complaint #11622638, 2024

Power Train 9

“Radiator Fan assembly connection corroded and water pump failing due to connector exposed to liquid”
NHTSA complaint #11621639, 2024

“Vehicle stopped three times on highway. There is an issue with fuel injection. I am repairing the same thing every year and it is stopping every year on highway. They keep on repairing/replacing the module and I still get the problem. I missed a big rear collision because of this. This model has so many issues. Suspension broke. So many issues with gas pump. being it a first generation hybrid, it can cause threat to so many people if we let these vehicles be on road.”
NHTSA complaint #11549625, 2023

“Drive train malfunction message populated for first time, advised could continue at moderate speed. However, car immediately shit down in 'fast lane' of busy interstate.”
NHTSA complaint #11531150, 2023

Service Brakes 7 1 crash

“WHILE BACKING INTO A PARKING SPACE, AT A VERY SLOW SPEED, THE BRAKES FAILED AND THE CAR HIT THE BUILDING BEHIND THE PARKING SPOT. NEXT DAY, WHILE PARKING AT A CONVENIENCE STORE, ALSO AT A VERY SLOW SPEED, THE BRAKES FAILED AGAIN AND HIT A POST. BOTH TIMES THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR. THE FIRST TIME, I THOUGHT I HAD MADE A MISTAKE, BUT AFTER THE SECOND INCIDENT I REALIZED THE BRAKES FAILED. ON THE WAY HOME, I FOUND THAT I COULD DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM AT WILL WHILE AT A VERY SLOW SPEED (SIMULATED PARKING SITUATION). I CONTACTED THE DEALER AND THEY PICKED THE CAR UP FOR DIAGNOST…”
NHTSA complaint #11010463, 2017 · crash

“While driving, the electronic parking brake (EPB) system malfunctioned. The vehicle was stopped in DRIVE with Auto Hold active. When the driver door was opened briefly, the vehicle attempted to transition from Auto Hold to applying the electronic parking brake as a safety function. At that moment, the EPB malfunction warning appeared and the parking brake system faulted. There were no prior mechanical brake issues (no dragging brakes, no unusual noises, no brake wear symptoms). The issue appears to be an electronic/control-related failure of the EPB actuator/control unit rather than typical b…”
NHTSA complaint #11712937, 2026

“The contact owns a 2017 BMW X5. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was heavily depressed for the brakes to engage. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer to be diagnosed; however, the cause for the failure was not yet determined. The dealer informed the contact that there was air in the brake lines and that the air needed to be bled from the brake lines to repair the vehicle. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The contact researched and was made aware of an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not i…”
NHTSA complaint #11650892, 2024

Unknown Or Other 7

“I am writing to express my concern regarding the recent recall identified under NHTSA Campaign ID: 24V608000 related to BMW vehicles. I own a 2017 BMW X5 with the VIN number [XXX]. Although my vehicle is currently not listed under this recall, it is exhibiting the exact symptoms described, including engine overheating with coolant pump failure warnings. Given the similarities, I am concerned about the safety of my vehicle and would like to know what steps I should take next. I respectfully request that my case be reviewed, and I would appreciate any guidance or assistance you can offer to hel…”
NHTSA complaint #11655379, 2025

“My BWW X5 hybrid give me a sudden error in the middle of the road. The error was Drive train malfunction and suddenly it stopped couple of seconds after the warning. Leaving me in the middle of the road. Thankfully I was on a low traffic road, so there was no accident. It was a scary situation to be at. After that, I managed to start the car after couple of tries and pull it over to a safer place. The car was useless so I had to call my BMW dealer. To add to the bad experience the dealer took long to service my car. They are unable to find the problem and it is charging me extra $1,170 f…”
NHTSA complaint #11457200, 2022

“Sunroof drain clogged, causing leaking of water into vehicle. The dealer tested and found the same issue. They stated that there is a fix for this, to reroute the drain, and that it was not done on my vehicle prior to it clogging.”
NHTSA complaint #11451168, 2022

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Air Bags 5 1 crash 2 injury 1 death

“OUR 2017 BMW X5 WAS INVOLVED IN A FATAL CAR ACCIDENT AND THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY CAUSING A HEAD INJURY. A DRIVER WAS DRIVING SOUTHBOUND LOST CONTROL ON ICE AND WENT INTO THE NORTHBOUND LANE WHERE ANOTHER VEHICLE STRUCK THE OUT OF CONTROL CAR CAUSING THOSE VEHICLES TO HIT OUR BMW AND PUSHING OUR VEHICLE OFF THE ROAD. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10945481, 2016 · crash · 1 death(s)

“A red light came on in my vehicle that read restraint system. Does that mean the airbags are faulty or is it with the seatbelts.”
NHTSA complaint #11576438, 2024

“Water possibly from moonroof getting into the car and warning messages about passenger airbags. I discussed matter with dealer and they want me to pay for diagnostic. I think they reset computer after service.”
NHTSA complaint #11558307, 2023

Fuel System 5

“The contact owns a 2017 BMW X5. The contact received a recall notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V907000 (Fuel System, Diesel) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.”
NHTSA complaint #11448997, 2022

“The contact owns a 2017 BMW X5. The contact received a recall notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V586000 (Fuel System, Diesel). The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the issue. The part was not available for repair. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.”
NHTSA complaint #11448103, 2022

“The contact owns a 2017 BMW X5. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 21V586000 (Fuel System, Diesel) and 21V907000 (Fuel System, Diesel) however, the parts to do the recall repairs were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle suddenly stalled with an unknown warning light illuminated. The vehicle failed to restart and was towed. The approximate failure mileage 75,000. Parts…”
NHTSA complaint #11477562, 2021

Seat Belts 5

“A red light came on in my vehicle that read restraint system. Does that mean the airbags are faulty or is it with the seatbelts.”
NHTSA complaint #11576438, 2024

“I was driving approximately 30 mph. As I continued to accelerate the fuel system light came on and the car shut off in the road. I had to have it towed to the dealership as it would not start. Gas fumes could also be smelled coming from the car. Once looked at by BMW service center I was told “ EKPS and the fuel pump are intermittently failing. I was able to able to verify the concern briefly. Vehicle may lose fuel pressure randomly. Upon removing rear seats and inspecting harness, I found the wires going into the EKPS to be burnt. The wires from the EKPS to the low pressure fuel pump will als…”
NHTSA complaint #11559361, 2023

“Restraint System Notification message: Fault in Airbag, belt tensioner or belt force limiter. Service center advised air bag might not deploy if not fixed. This could result in death or injury during a car accident. They provided an estimate with the description of cabling correction and the service advisor also told it has to do with a resistor and low voltage in the unit. This notification message first appeared when the car was under the warranty and they fixed it but then it happens again, showing that this is a recurring problem of this unit.”
NHTSA complaint #11501203, 2023

Structure 5 1 crash 3 injury 1 death

“OUR 2017 BMW X5 WAS INVOLVED IN A FATAL CAR ACCIDENT AND THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY CAUSING A HEAD INJURY. A DRIVER WAS DRIVING SOUTHBOUND LOST CONTROL ON ICE AND WENT INTO THE NORTHBOUND LANE WHERE ANOTHER VEHICLE STRUCK THE OUT OF CONTROL CAR CAUSING THOSE VEHICLES TO HIT OUR BMW AND PUSHING OUR VEHICLE OFF THE ROAD. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10945481, 2016 · crash · 1 death(s)

“BMW X5 HAS A STORAGE PACKAGE, IT ADDS TWO LASHING RAILS AND 4 LASHING EYES IN CARGO/TRUNK. THE FINISH OF THIS LASHING RAILS IS LIKE A RAZOR. I WAS UNLOADING A BOX AND MY PINKY FINGER GOT TRAPPED INSIDE THIS LASHING RAIL AND IT SLICED THE FINGER SKIN. IT TOOK ABOUT 30 MINUTES TO CONTROL THE BLEEDING FROM FINGER AS LASHING RAILS HAD SLICED GOOD CHUNK OF PINKY FINGER.”
NHTSA complaint #11064408, 2018 · 1 injury(ies)

“Sunroof drain clogged, causing leaking of water into vehicle. The dealer tested and found the same issue. They stated that there is a fix for this, to reroute the drain, and that it was not done on my vehicle prior to it clogging.”
NHTSA complaint #11451168, 2022

Engine And Engine Cooling 4

“The contact owns a 2017 BMW X5. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine overheated with several unknown warning lights illuminated. In addition, the vehicle lost electrical functions. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with a failed coolant pump. The contact was informed that the coolant pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System); however,…”
NHTSA complaint #11676273, 2025

“The contact owns a 2017 BMW X5. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost automotive power and stalled. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the residence, and then to a dealer and was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was made…”
NHTSA complaint #11639684, 2025

“The contact owns a 2017 BMW X5. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine overheated message was displayed, and the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact pulled over and restarted the vehicle; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate above 20 MPH. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was determined that the water pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufac…”
NHTSA complaint #11615165, 2024

Suspension 4

“Second time rear suspension dropped, less that 30K miles since last repair. On December 15th 2022, my car suspension dropped and my ride got bouncy. If this condition had ocurred in a high speed highway it can make the driver to lose control of the vehicle and possibly have an accident. The unit was taken to the Service Center and was diagnosed with exact same parts that were replaced the first time. I reached BMW USA and explain the timeline in which both events happened. First Incident: 02/14/ 2020 Mileage:48661 Second Incident: 12/15/2022 Mileage:78641 They didn’t recognize this as a…”
NHTSA complaint #11501220, 2022

“Hi, I have bought BMW x5 2017 from certified dealer in Nov 2020. From the beginning, vehicle is giving me problems. I spoke with BMW customer care and they are not helping me much. Below are the problems that vehicle has given me. They are so many other problems but I am noting the major problems. 1. Vibration during acceleration 2. The rear suspension got broke 3. Vehicle stopped on the road while traveling with an infant. Problem they said is fuel is not pumping into engine. They confirmed tank has 3/4th of gas. So that’s the problem with the vehicle. - they left us on the road for 4-5…”
NHTSA complaint #11483526, 2022

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 BMW X5. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING TO MOVE FROM A STOP, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND THE REAR SUSPENSION RESPONDED BEFORE THE FRONT SUSPENSION. THE CONTACT CALLED AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND SCHEDULED AN APPOINTMENT. NEITHER THE DEALER NOR THE MANUFACTURER WERE MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 53,100.”
NHTSA complaint #11329377, 2020

Seats 3

“Sunroof drain clogged, causing leaking of water into vehicle. The dealer tested and found the same issue. They stated that there is a fix for this, to reroute the drain, and that it was not done on my vehicle prior to it clogging.”
NHTSA complaint #11451168, 2022

“ON THE MORNING OF APRIL 17, 2019, MY WIFE SMELLED AND NOTICED SMOKE COMING OUT OF THE BACK SEAT OF OUR BMW X5 2017 MODEL WHILE IT WAS PARKED ON THE STREET OUTSIDE OUR HOUSE. THE SMOKE WAS COMING OUT OF A SMALL HOLE ON THE PASSENGER SIDE REAR SEAT NEAR THE SEAT BELT BUCKLE HOLDER. AREA AROUND THE HOLE WAS EXTREMELY HOT. SHE PUT A WET TOWEL OVER THE HOLE AND THE HOT AREA TO CONTROL THE SMOKE AND TO COOL DOWN THE SEAT. OUR BMW IS EQUIPPED WITH REAR SEAT HEATING SYSTEM. ON THE SAME DAY, SHE TOOK IT TO LOCAL BMW DEALERSHIP. DEALERSHIP KEPT THE CAR AND AFTER TWO WEEKS, INFORMED US THAT THEY HAVE FOU…”
NHTSA complaint #11206263, 2019

“THE DRIVER SEAT BELT ON A BRAND NEW, BMW 2017 X5 XDRIVE 35I HAD A SEAT BELT BUCKLE THAT WOULD RATTLE AND SHAKE WHEN THE DRIVER WAS SEATED. THE BUCKLE WOULD CONTINUE TO RATTLE AS THE DRIVER DROVE DOWN THE ROAD. THE BUCKLE WOULD RATTLE WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY, IN MOTION, OR RUNNING. THE BUCKLE ON THE PASSENGER SIDE DID NOT HAVE THIS ISSUE. IT APPEARS TO BE VERY DANGEROUS TO HAVE A DRIVER SEAT BELT THAT IS NOT PROPERLY MANUFACTURED.”
NHTSA complaint #11019027, 2017

Steering 3 1 crash 1 injury

“WIFE WAS REAR ENDED CAUSING LOSS OF POWER AND CONTROL TO VEHICLE PUSHING HER OVER TRAIN TRACKS IN THE VEHICLE WITH NO CONTROL.”
NHTSA complaint #11078337, 2017 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“I was driving approximately 30 mph. As I continued to accelerate the fuel system light came on and the car shut off in the road. I had to have it towed to the dealership as it would not start. Gas fumes could also be smelled coming from the car. Once looked at by BMW service center I was told “ EKPS and the fuel pump are intermittently failing. I was able to able to verify the concern briefly. Vehicle may lose fuel pressure randomly. Upon removing rear seats and inspecting harness, I found the wires going into the EKPS to be burnt. The wires from the EKPS to the low pressure fuel pump will als…”
NHTSA complaint #11559361, 2023

“Warning on screen came on suddenly while driving indicating charger system failure. While driving to the dealer for diagnosis and repair, power steering failed, then power brakes failed, then engine stopped running. Could not put vehicle in park and vehicle rolled back when foot brake was released. Car was diagnosed as alternator failure.”
NHTSA complaint #11435736, 2021

Tires 3

“I purchased (2) Scorpion Pirelli Verde run flat 255/50R19 107H MS All Season tires from Orr BMW, Shreveport Louisiana on 02/10/2023. On 02/20/2023 in less than 15 miles from home I got a low pressure notice and proceeded to the stop and put air in the tire so that I could return the car home. Upon exiting my vehicle I could hear the air leaking from the tire but a visual inspection did not show any cuts, nails, or punctures. I called Orr and was told to bring the tier/car in. I had to pay ($250) to have the vehicle towed to them and was charged $82 by Orr to mount and balance a replacement tir…”
NHTSA complaint #11508666, 2023

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 BMW X5 EQUIPPED WITH DUNLOP RUN FLAT TIRES, TIRE LINE: SPORT MAXX SP, TIRE SIZE: 315/35/R20, DOT NUMBER: (UNKNOWN). THE CONTACT STATED THAT ON THE DAY THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED, THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER DUE TO LOW TIRE PRESSURE ON THE PASSENGER'S SIDE REAR TIRE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH, THE PASSENGER'S SIDE REAR TIRE EXPERIENCED A BLOWOUT. THE CONTACT DROVE THE VEHICLE TO HER RESIDENCE. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC OBSERVED THE TIRE AND STATED THAT THE TIRE WAS DEFECTIVE. THE TIRE WAS REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT M…”
NHTSA complaint #11360485, 2020

“TL* THE CONTACT'S SON OWNS A 2017 BMW X5 EQUIPPED WITH PIRELLI SCORPION VERDE ALL SEASON TIRES, SIZE: 255/50R19 107W (NA). WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE SHOOK VIOLENTLY. THE DRIVER VEERED TO THE SHOULDER OF THE ROAD WHERE THE CONTACT NOTICED THE TREAD SEPARATED FROM THE REAR TIRES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A COLLISION CENTER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TREAD SEPARATED FROM THE TIRES. BOTH REAR TIRES WERE REPLACED; HOWEVER, APPROXIMATELY ONE MONTH LATER, THE REAR PASSENGER TIRE TREAD SEPARATED AND WAS REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT…”
NHTSA complaint #11267136, 2019

Child Seat 1

“The contact owns a Nuna car seat, Model Type: Rava, Model Number: CS05103CVR, Manufactured Date: July 14, 2022. The car seat was being used in a 2017 BMW X5. The contact stated that the left side harness on the safety car seat was loose, preventing the child from being securely restrained in the car seat. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The car seat was not repaired or replaced.”
NHTSA complaint #11709867, 2025

Forward Collision Avoidance 1

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 BMW X5. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ACTIVE DRIVE ASSIST MODULE WAS FAILING. THE CONTACT'S SPOUSE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO SANDY SANSING BMW (186 W AIRPORT BLVD, PENSACOLA, FL 32505, (850) 477-1855) FOR ROUTINE SERVICE AND IT WAS NOTICED THAT THE ANTI-CRASH SYSTEM WAS DAMAGED. THE VEHICLE'S COMPUTER WAS NOT DETECTING CRASH ISSUES OR WARNINGS. WHILE DRIVING, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO DETECT A LARGE AMOUNT OF TRASH AND DEBRIS IN THE MIDDLE OF THE HIGHWAY. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS AWAITING REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. TH…”
NHTSA complaint #11104540, 2018

Lane Departure 1

“Hi, I have bought BMW x5 2017 from certified dealer in Nov 2020. From the beginning, vehicle is giving me problems. I spoke with BMW customer care and they are not helping me much. Below are the problems that vehicle has given me. They are so many other problems but I am noting the major problems. 1. Vibration during acceleration 2. The rear suspension got broke 3. Vehicle stopped on the road while traveling with an infant. Problem they said is fuel is not pumping into engine. They confirmed tank has 3/4th of gas. So that’s the problem with the vehicle. - they left us on the road for 4-5…”
NHTSA complaint #11483526, 2022

Parking Brake 1

“MY BMW X5 2017 HIT MY GARAGE DOOR AFTER I PUT IT IN PARK MODE. I BELIEVE THAT IT WAS CAUSED BY ITS TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS AND THE FAILED HANDBRAKE. ON THAT NIGHT, I STOPPED MY CAR ON A SLIGHTLY INCLINED DRIVEWAY. I TURNED ON THE HANDBRAKE, PUT THE CAR IN PARK MODE, TURNED OFF THE ENGINE, AND THEN STEPPED OUT OF THE CAR. ABOUT 10 SECONDS LATER, THE CAR ROLLED FORWARD AND HIT MY GARAGE DOOR. IT WAS SNOWING THAT NIGHT, BUT THE SNOW WAS LESS THAN ONE INCH. THE CAR DIDN'T SLIP BECAUSE THE FOUR WHEELS ROLLED FORWARD. I TESTED IT A FEW TIMES RIGHT AFTER THE INCIDENT AND THE CAR STILL ROLLED FORWARD WI…”
NHTSA complaint #11075351, 2017

Tether 1

“The contact owns a Cybex car seat. Model number: 519004435,Model name: Sirona S. The car seat was being utilized in a 2017 BMW X5. The contact stated that while, his daughter was in the car seat it wiggled and moved at the base. The contact stated the writing on the chest clip faded within a week. The occupant of the car seat was able to move the chest clip. The contact stated the latch and seatbelt failed to correct the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact stated the car seat was to narrow at the base and was not suitable for several vehicles. Consumer st…”
NHTSA complaint #11436381, 2021

Vehicle Speed Control 1

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 BMW X5. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED SPONTANEOUSLY IN THE PRESENCE OF ELECTRIC RADIO WAVES. BMW OF PEABODY (221 ANDOVER ST, PEABODY, MA 01960, 1-(877) 530-0807) INDICATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS A SAFETY LIABILITY AND TURNED OVER THE TECHNICAL GUIDANCE TO A BMW ENGINEER. A LOANER VEHICLE WAS PROVIDED BY THE BMW MANUFACTURER. THE FAILURE WAS UNABLE TO BE DUPLICATED AND DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND WAS TO BE TRADED FOR ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE SEVERAL TIMES AND PROVIDED NO REMEDY. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAI…”
NHTSA complaint #11194551, 2019

Visibility 1

“The contact owns a 2017 BMW X5. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the sunroof shattered without impact. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the sunroof was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 56,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11565842, 2023

How we read this (methodology)

How to read this: raw complaint totals are not a clean reliability score — a model year with more cars sold, or simply more years on the road, accumulates more complaints regardless of how good it is. So this page leans on two signals that are not distorted by sales volume: the share of complaints falling on each vehicle system (the breakdown above) and NHTSA's own crash / fire / injury / death flags. When we compare model years of the same model, we normalise by years on the road (complaints ÷ vehicle age) rather than comparing raw totals. Age-normalised, the 2017 BMW X5 draws about 7.3 complaints per year on the road, ranking 10 of 11 among the BMW X5 model years we have ingested (1 = most complaints per year on road).

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