2020 Bmw X5: complaints, problems and recalls

MY VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN INVOLVED IN ANY ACCIDENTS AS A FUNCTION OF THIS DESIGN FLAW. THE FOLLOWING OCCURS WHEN VEHICLE IS IN MOTION OR STATIONARY: DURING DAYTIME DRIVING, WHEN HEADLIGHTS ARE NOT TURNED ON, THE DIGITAL INSTRUMENT PANEL AND DIGITAL CONTROL PANEL DIM UNDESIRABLY, MAKING THEM DIFFICULT TO READ AND CREATING UNSAFE DRIVING CONDITIONS. THIS IS UNDESIRABLE BEHAVIOR IS MOST PREVALENT ON CLOUDY DAYS AND AT SUNRISE AND SUNSET. THE DIMMING NEEDS TO BE INACTIVE IF HEADLIGHTS ARE OFF. IF HEADLIGHTS ARE ON, IT NEEDS TO BE INACTIVE IF BRI…

Owner-reported narrative. 3,200 miles reported. Look up ODI 11321779 at NHTSA ↗

NAVIGATION DISPLAY AND RIGHT SIDE OF INSTRUMENT PANEL GO BLANK INTERMITTENTLY AND THEN RESET AND COME BACK ON AFTER ABOUT 10 SECONDS. DISPLAY GOES OFF DURING PERIODS OF DRIVING AND OR STATIONARY WITH VEHICLE ENGINE RUNNING. OCCURS DURING TIMES AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS AND CITY DRIVING. *TR

Owner-reported narrative. 4,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 11324581 at NHTSA ↗

AIR CONDITIONING QUIT WORKING ON DAY 2 OF OWNERSHIP. DEALER SAYS THE COMPRESSOR NEEDS TO BE REPLACED AND THERE IS A LEAD TIME BETWEEN 2 WEEKS AND 2 MONTHS. AFTER PURCHASING A CAR THAT COST ABOUT $125,000 AND DRIVING IT ONE TIME, IT HAD TO BE SENT TO THE SHOP. SINCE IT IS SO HOT WHERE I LIVE, DRIVING THE CAR IS OUT OF THE QUESTION. BMW DID GIVE ME A LOANER CAR, BUT THE VALUE OF THE LOANER IS ABOUT 45% OF THE CAR I PURCHASED. *TR

Owner-reported narrative. 170 miles reported. Look up ODI 11329328 at NHTSA ↗

MY SAMSUNG GALAXY S9 PHONE SEEMS INCOMPATIBLE WITH MY X5. ABOUT EVERY 30 MINUTES THE NAV DISPLAY AND HALF THE INSTRUMENT PANEL BLACK OUT FOR ABOUT 10 SECONDS THEN RESTARTS. THIS OCCURS ON THE HIGHWAY AND IN THE CITY.

Owner-reported narrative. 4,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 11349724 at NHTSA ↗

THE AUTO-DIMMING FEATURE OF THE DIGITAL INSTRUMENT PANEL ON 2020 BMW X5 MODELS IS POORLY IMPLEMENTED, AND UNDER VARIABLE LIGHTING CONDITIONS (CLOUDY, SNOWY, SUNRISE, SUNSET), IT DIMS AT INAPPROPRIATE TIMES, SUCH AS WHEN DRIVING TOWARD THE SUN AT SUNRISE OR SUNSET. THIS MAKES THE DISPLAY EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO READ AND UNSAFE. THE AUTO-DIMMING FEATURE FOR THE INSTRUMENT PANEL IS ONLY APPROPRIATE UNDER NIGHT-DRIVING CONDITIONS.

Owner-reported narrative. 13,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 11366895 at NHTSA ↗

Automatic braking system. Traveling about 50 MPH the automatic brake activated, there was nothing even close to my vehicle, my passenger's head was jerked forward. I had the vehicle in for computer problems about two weeks ago, concerning the radio and dash board displays, not knowing about the automatic braking problem at that time, ( this is the second incident involving the automatic brake, first time I didn't think too much about it since I had just purchased the vehicle I thought maybe a new car bug ). I was told that there was no fix for…

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11418267 at NHTSA ↗

Backing out of my garage to a street with a 25 mph speed limit, the vehicle is supposed to alert the driver with a warning sound and or brake if a vehicle is crossing behind the vehicle. This feature has never worked and the dealer can't find any problem. This condition has been report on several internet websites with no resolution.

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11426368 at NHTSA ↗

My 2020 X5 is equipped with Rear Cross Traffic Warning however it does not warn when traffic is crossing. The car will be in reverse, i can be very close to either a car or a person and there are no audible or visual warnings until the object stops moving or is within inches of the vehicle. I have taken it to my dealership several times however they are stating its in full working function even though it does not do what BMW advertises how that system should work. This is both very dangerous and false advertising by BMW! I have videos to pr…

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11434061 at NHTSA ↗

Reported: 2019-08-28 (August 28, 2019)

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.

Consequence: A loss of steering control increases risk of a crash.

Remedy: 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.

Reported: 2019-09-27 (September 27, 2019)

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."

Consequence: 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.

Reported: 2020-07-28 (July 28, 2020)

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.

Consequence: 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.

Reported: 2020-08-07 (August 7, 2020)

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.

Consequence: An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy: 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 recall began on October 2, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Reported: 2020-09-01 (September 1, 2020)

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020-2021 X5 sDrive40i, xDrive40i, xDrive50i, X5 M50i, X5M, X6 sDrive40i, xDrive40i, X6 M50i, X6M, X7 M50i and 2021 X5 xDrive45e vehicles. The headlamps may allow a blue light to illuminate. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."

Consequence: Oncoming drivers may be confused by the blue light of approaching vehicles, which could potentially increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the headlamps and, if necessary, replace them, free of charge. The recall began October 30, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Reported: 2020-11-04 (November 4, 2020)

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.

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: 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.

Reported: 2021-02-10 (February 10, 2021)

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.

Consequence: 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.

Reported: 2021-02-19 (February 19, 2021)

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."

Consequence: 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.

Reported: 2022-04-20 (April 20, 2022)

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."

Consequence: 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.

Reported: 2024-08-01 (August 1, 2024)

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.

Consequence: 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.

Reported: 2025-09-25 (September 25, 2025)

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.

Consequence: 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.