Fourth generation
2019 BMW X5
The most reported problem on the 2019 BMW X5 is stalling, with 21 complaints, usually around 65,000 miles.
- 190owner complaints
- 13recalls
- 4involved a crash
- 47,500median miles at failure
Newest report Sep 29, 2026 · checked Oct 2, 2026
Problem sheets
No single problem on the 2019 BMW X5 has enough owner reports for a sheet of its own yet. The counts below still cover every complaint on file.
Is the 2019 BMW X5 reliable?
The 2019 BMW X5 has 190 owner complaints on file with NHTSA, below the median of 281 for 2019 SUVs on this site. Of the 13 X5 model years since 2014, it has the most complaints. Complaint counts rise with sales as well as faults, so read what owners report below before deciding.
At a glance
- Next to the 2018 and 2020
- At 24 complaints for each year on the road, the 2019 runs 3.0 times the 2018 (8) and above the 2020 (16).
- Top problem
- Two problems run close. Stalling has 21 complaints and infotainment has 17, out of 190 in all. A quarter of the 10 owners who gave a mileage for stalling saw it by about 41,000 miles, and half by about 65,000.
- Crash, fire and injury reports
- Only 5 of the 190 complaints (3%) report a crash, a fire or an injury, well under the 6% typical of vehicles on this site. Counted separately (one report can carry more than one), 4 reports mention a crash and 1 mentions a fire.
- Recalls behind the top problems
- 13 recalls are on file, but no problem here has enough reports to set against them.
- When owners filed
- Complaints are still climbing. 2025 brought 59, the most of any year so far. So far in 2026, 41 more have come in.
When each problem shows up
Each bar covers the middle half of the mileages owners reported for that problem. A quarter saw it earlier, a quarter later. The tick is the median. Most reported: engine stalls or loses power while driving, 21 complaints.
middle half of reports, median tick. The heavier grey bars have 75 or more reports.
Behind you
Around your mileage
Ahead of you
How this compares
190 complaints is 1.2 times fewer than the median 2019 model on this site and 1.5 times fewer than the median 2019 SUV. Among the 6 X5 model years here it ranks 1st for complaints. Counts follow sales volume as much as reliability, so a truck that sells 700,000 a year draws more reports than a sedan that sells 200,000.
Service bulletins for the 2019 BMW X5
BMW filed 482 bulletins and other notices with NHTSA that list the 2019 BMW X5. 72 of them deal with a problem owners have reported on this car. Newest first.
Federal rules make a manufacturer send NHTSA a copy of any notice about a defect that goes to more than one dealer or owner. Most of these are service bulletins, the repair instructions manufacturers send to dealers. NHTSA generally leaves safety recall bulletins out of this file, and recalls are listed separately.
Infotainment, screen or backup camera fails 28 bulletins · 17 complaints
Headlight check control (CC) message 128 "High beam headlight failure" is displayed. The following fault codes are stored during a vehicle test: 80419A - Left high-beam headlight: Short circuit and/or 8041A5 - light outputs: Number of permitted short circuit ...
Issues with the various functions of the camera-based driver assistance systems (KAFAS system) can possibly lead to following customer complaints: KAFAS camera system deactivates itself, due to system restrictions that are not clear to the customer KAFAS ...
26 more on this problem
Customer states there is no audio playback (telephony, navigation, radio) and system sounds (PDC, turn indicators, acoustic signals) may also have failed.
Check control message (CCM) 183 Windscreen wiper malfunction is displayed.
The incorrect Bluetooth module was installed in the headunit. Bluetooth functionality cannot be guaranteed, and mobile phones may possibly not be paired via Bluetooth.
The customer complains that the radio stations change by themselves.
After programming, the customer may complain that the Sport Mode display is not fully displayed in the instrument cluster. Instead of a red background in sport mode, the background is displayed in blue (like ECO PRO mode).
SiriusXM satellite radio is not working and does not display a channel list.
Check control message (CCM-ID 49) "You can continue driving. Drivetrain". In addition, the following information is shown on the Central Information Display (CID): "You can continue to drive. No roadside assistance necessary.
?PROGRAM HEAD UNIT: Satellite radio content is not available over IP, this does not affect channels received over satellite.
SURROUND VIEW PARKING VIEW IMAGES DISPLAYED INCORRECTLY: After programming and shifting into reverse, there may be various sporadic concerns regarding the rearview camera and the surround view (top view) camera images in the CID (Central Information Display).
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER AND ONBOARD COMPUTER INTERMITTENTLY INOPERATIVE: The audio source, radio station, or music track cannot be changed using the MFL. Normal functionality may possibly return after a sleep cycle or a battery reset.
Plus 16 older ones not listed here.
Battery dies or the car will not start 7 bulletins · 13 complaints
The electrical system of BMW vehicles has been subject to an ongoing development process over the last few years. This has led to increased demands being placed on the battery.
SERVICE ACTION: PROGRAM OR REPLACE DUAL STORAGE SYSTEM BATTERY: A software error intermittently causes a continuous resetting of the microcontroller in the power management system.
5 more on this problem
BATTERY DOES NOT CHARGE WITH EXTERNAL CHARGER AND CLOSED HOOD: After the vehicle has been charged using a 12 V charger with the hood closed during a long stationary period, the 48 V battery may be totally discharged, and possible replacement is needed.
HIGH-VOLTAGE BATTERY CONDITION VERIFICATION (20V-601): After additional in-depth research and analysis of the corresponding data for these vehicles, we can safely conclude that the issue identified in Recall Campaign 20V-601 has been satisfied and no further repair is required.
CHECKING THE DUAL STORAGE SYSTEM AND REPLACE IF NECESSARY: In the event of an accident, the two-battery Dual Storage System (DSS) is disconnected from the electrical system via an internal relay. In some cases, the relay is stuck closed and a fault is set.
SERVICE ACTION CHECKING THE DUAL STORAGE SYSTEM AND REPLACE IF NECESSARY: In the event of an accident, the two-battery Dual Storage System (DSS) is disconnected from the electrical system via an internal relay. In some cases, the relay is stuck closed and a fault is set.
COMFORT ACCESS AND COMFORT GO NOT POSSIBLE: Vehicle cannot be unlocked/locked or started via Comfort Access. Remote control functionality is restored by pressing any of the key buttons or by removing and reinstalling the remote control key battery.
Brakes grind, pulse or wear early 4 bulletins · 12 complaints
INCORRECT CONDITION BASED SERVICE DATA FOR BRAKE FLUID SERVICE. "Brake fluid service due since 12/2001" is displayed in the instrument cluster although the vehicle is only a maximum of 1 year old. Software error in the KOMBI (Instrument Cluster).
IB BRAKE-BY-WIRE SYSTEM PREFLIGHT CHECK. When starting a vehicle or driving off customers may complain of "no brake assist" or "hard brake pedal". Additionally some brake warning lights may illuminate in the instrument cluster (aka Kombi).
2 more on this problem
NO BRAKING FORCE ASSISTANCE AFTER ENGINE START DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE (DTC) 480705 / 480706. When starting the vehicle. The red brake warning light lights up in the instrument cluster. The braking force assistance has failed (stiff brake pedal). Check Control message appears: Drive at a moderate speed. Braking force assistance.
NO BRAKING FORCE ASSISTANCE AFTER ENGINE START DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE (DTC) 4808B4. When starting the vehicle with Electric Park Brake (EPB) engaged. The brake pedal is hard. The red brake warning light in the instrument cluster lights up. The braking force assistance has failed (stiff brake pedal).
Airbag warning light or recall 1 bulletin · 12 complaints
A check control message for the restraint system appears. In the instrument cluster, the red air bag warning light lights up permanently.
Engine overheats or leaks coolant 11 bulletins · 11 complaints
Coolant leaking from the engine compartment. Traces of coolant leaking from the expansion tank of the low temperature cooling system.
Coolant is leaking from under the car which is equipped with the S63 engine. A low coolant warning might also be displayed (CC Message ID166).
9 more on this problem
Symptom 1: There are traces of coolant leaking under the vehicle, or there is significant pressure released along with coolant loss when opening the low temperature cooling system reservoir (engine cold).
The belt pulley on the mechanical coolant pump may fracture allowing the engine drive belt to come off the coolant pump and alternator.
COOLANT LEAK FROM LOW TEMPERATURE COOLING CIRCUIT (N63R): Coolant leaking from the engine compartment. Traces of coolant leaking from the expansion tank of the low temperature cooling system.
SERVICE ACTION ADD SILICONE BOOSTER TO LOW TEMP COOLING SYSTEM: The coolant in the low temperature cooling system may not have sufficient coolant corrosion protection.
COOLANT LINE QUICK DISCONNECTS LEAK IN LOW TEMPERATURES AT OR BELOW -15Ë?C (5Ë?F): The coolant reservoir in the high or low temperature cooling system is low There may be a coolant leak under the vehicle There may be a check control message (ID166) to top up ...
COOLANT LEAK FROM LOW TEMPERATURE COOLING CIRCUIT (N63R): This Service Information Bulletin (Revision 5) replaces SI B17 06 17 dated June 2019. Traces of coolant leaking from the expansion tank of the low temperature cooling system.
COOLANT LEAKING FROM THE LOW TEMPERATURE COOLING SYSTEM (B58C ENGINE): This Service Information Bulletin (Revision 1) replaces SI B17 02 20 dated March 2020. Premature breakdown of the coolant with gassing in the low temperature cooling system.
DELIVERY STOP: N63R AND N63M ENGINE CHECK HIGH TEMPERATURE COOLANT SYSTEM FOR CONTAMINATION. The engine oil to coolant heat exchanger may have an internal leak resulting in engine oil contamination of the high temperature cooling system.
COOLANT LEAK FROM LOW TEMPERATURE COOLING CIRCUIT (N63R) This Service Information bulletin replaces SI B17 06 17 dated February 2019.
Seat belt or seat problems 16 bulletins · 9 complaints
?The front seat will not calibrate/initialize, and the stored faults cannot be deleted.
The driver's side (left rear) of the 60/40 split 2nd row seat may intermittently not fully latch into position on one side (inner rail).
14 more on this problem
The passenger's side (right rear) of the 60/40 split 2nd row seat may intermittently not fully latch into position on one side (inner rail).
When returning the 2nd row seat 40% (right) side from Easy-Entry: The seat stops moving before reaching the final home position, a check control message (CCM) appears alerting the customer that the seat back is unlocked.
Noise is heard from the seat frame/rail assembly. Noises may occur dynamically (creaking/knocking) when weight is shifting upon the seat Noises may also occur when activating the seat motors.
Noise is heard from the seat frame/rail assembly when activating the seat motors.
SEAT FAILS TO INITIALIZE DUE TO MISSING END STOP: Front seat will not calibrate/initialize.
SOFTWARE UPDATE FOR SEAT CHECK CONTROL MESSAGES: There is an operating failure with various Check Control (CC) messages displayed regarding seat adjustment of the second and third row of seats.
FALSE WARNINGS THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT IS OCCUPIED WITHOUT THE SEAT BELT BUCKLED: Acoustic and visual warnings indicate that the front passenger seat is occupied and the safety belt is not fastened when the seat is actually unoccupied.
SECOND ROW SEATS INTERMITTENTLY ELECTRONICALLY INOPERATIVE. The second and/or third row of seats intermittently may not electronically function preventing third row access. The customer may state that one or more seats do not respond to any inputs from the various switches.
SECOND ROW 60/40 PASSENGERS SIDE SEAT INTERMITTENTLY WON'T LATCH. The passenger's side (right rear) of the 60/40 split 2nd row seat may intermittently not fully latch into position on one side (inner rail).
SECOND ROW MECHANICAL 60/40 REAR SEAT NOISE DIAGNOSIS. This bulletin addresses multiple customer noise complaints heard/felt in the 2nd row seats. These repairs are for the mechanical second row 60/40 Bench Seat.
Plus 4 older ones not listed here.
Water leaks into the cabin 3 bulletins · 9 complaints
?Water leaking into the vehicle from the headliner/microphone area.
SUNROOF WATER LEAK DIAGNOSIS: This bulletin outlines multiple known areas of possible water entry for the vehicles listed above.
1 more on this problem
SUNROOF WATER LEAK DIAGNOSIS: This bulletin outlines multiple known areas of possible water entry for the vehicles listed above. It serves only as a diagnostic resource in troubleshooting water leak complaints from the roof area.
Car won't start 2 bulletins · 8 complaints
Due to a software error, the vehicle sporadically does not achieve sleep mode. As a result, the 12-volt battery becomes discharged and may cause a no-start condition.
SERVICE ACTION: BODY DOMAIN CONTROLLER PROGRAMMING. When the vehicle is left unlocked the interior light switch is continuously monitored. This may lead to an increased battery draw. Check control message "Energy management for engine start-up" may appear.
Complaints filed by year
59 complaints came in 2025, 2.0 times the year before. Owners file in waves when a problem gets press or an investigation, so a spike measures attention as much as failures.
Recalls that include the 2019 BMW X5
Whether your car is included depends on its VIN. Check yours at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
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 and remedy
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.
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 and remedy
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.
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 and remedy
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.
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 and remedy
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.
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 and remedy
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.
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 and remedy
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.
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 and remedy
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.
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 and remedy
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.
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 and remedy
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.
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 and remedy
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.
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 and remedy
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.
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 and remedy
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.
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 and remedy
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.
All 13 recalls on the 2019 BMW X5, with the owner complaints on each recalled system
Guide Buying one used? How to research one car’s history before you pay
Questions
What is the most common problem on the 2019 BMW X5?
Stalling, with 21 of the 190 complaints. Owners who gave a mileage for it put the median at about 65,000 miles.
At what mileage do 2019 BMW X5 problems start?
Of the 60 complaints that give a mileage, a quarter came by about 11,000 miles and half by about 48,000.
Is the 2019 BMW X5 better or worse than the 2018 and 2020?
Counted per year on the road, the 2019 has more complaints than both the 2018 and the 2020: 24 a year against 8 and 16.
How many 2019 BMW X5 complaints involve a crash, fire or injury?
5 of them (3%). The typical vehicle on this site is at 6%.
Is there a recall for stalling on the 2019 BMW X5?
No recall on file for the 2019 BMW X5 is on the same system as stalling. Another recall may still cover your car, so check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.