Fourth generation
2020 BMW X5
The most reported problem on the 2020 BMW X5 is stalling, with 16 complaints.
- 112owner complaints
- 11recalls
- 3involved a crash
- 48,000median miles at failure
Newest report Sep 27, 2026 · checked Oct 2, 2026
Problem sheets
No single problem on the 2020 BMW X5 has enough owner reports for a sheet of its own yet. The counts below still cover every complaint on file.
Is the 2020 BMW X5 reliable?
The 2020 BMW X5 has 112 owner complaints on file with NHTSA, less than half the median of 233 for 2020 SUVs on this site. Of the 13 X5 model years since 2014, it has the 4th 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 2019 and 2021
- At 16 complaints for each year on the road, the 2020 runs below the 2019 (24) and close to the 2021 (18).
- Top problem
- No problem dominates. The largest, stalling, covers 16 of the 112 complaints (14%), and engine failure is next with 12 (one complaint can fall under more than one problem, so these overlap). Too few of the stalling reports give a mileage to say when it starts.
- Crash, fire and injury reports
- 11 of the 112 complaints (10%) report a crash, a fire or an injury. The typical vehicle on this site sits at 6%, so this one runs well above it. Counted separately (one report can carry more than one), 3 reports mention a crash, 7 mention a fire and 5 people were hurt.
- Recalls behind the top problems
- 11 recalls are on file, but no problem here has enough reports to set against them.
- When owners filed
- Complaints are still climbing. 2025 brought 34, the most of any year so far. So far in 2026, 39 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, 16 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
112 complaints is 2.0 times fewer than the median 2020 model on this site and 2.1 times fewer than the median 2020 SUV. Among the 6 X5 model years here it ranks 4th 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 2020 BMW X5
BMW filed 373 bulletins and other notices with NHTSA that list the 2020 BMW X5. 47 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.
Driveshaft, axle or transfer case problems 1 bulletin · 10 complaints
KNOCKING NOISE FROM THE REAR AXLE OVER UNEVEN ROAD SURFACES: . Knocking noises coming from the rear axle when cornering slowly and/or traveling over uneven road surfaces.
Battery dies or the car will not start 9 bulletins · 9 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.
7 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.
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.
COMFORT ACCESS AND COMFORT GO NOT POSSIBLE: This Service Information Bulletin (Revision 1) replaces SI B66 19 19 dated May 2019. Vehicle cannot be unlocked/locked or started via Comfort Access.
Infotainment, screen or backup camera fails 15 bulletins · 9 complaints
The Central Information Display goes black intermittently due to resets of the Head Unit (HU-H3). FaultB7F8F9 ¢ ¢HU-H: Reset¢ will be stored in the HU-H3.
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 ...
13 more on this problem
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 ...
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).
Plus 3 older ones not listed here.
Engine overheats or leaks coolant 11 bulletins · 8 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
On these Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEV), the air conditioning cycles from cold to warm air while driving or while at a standstill. A rattling noise may also be heard coming from the electrical coolant condenser (EKMV).
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.
A/C blows warm or the compressor fails 4 bulletins · 6 complaints
The air conditioning cycles from cold to warm air while driving or while at a stand still. The vent outlet temperatures vary by 25 degrees Fahrenheit or more (38 F to 60 F +) without changing any climate control settings.
On these Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEV), the air conditioning cycles from cold to warm air while driving or while at a standstill. The vent outlet temperatures vary by 25 degrees Fahrenheit or more (38F to 60F +;
2 more on this problem
Moisture in the driver footwell and/or passenger footwell when the air conditioning (A/C) is activated.
SERVICE ACTION: INSPECT AND SECURE THE ENGINE ELECTRICAL HARNESS: An improperly routed engine wiring harness may become damaged if it contacts the air conditioning (AC) compressor pulley.
Airbag warning light or recall 2 bulletins · 6 complaints
A check control message (CCM) for the restraint system (Air bag) appears. In the instrument cluster, the redair bag warning light lights up permanently.
A check control message for the restraint system appears. In the instrument cluster, the red air bag warning light lights up permanently.
Brakes grind, pulse or wear early 3 bulletins · 5 complaints
Inform the customer during a consultation that the M Compound (standard equipment) and M Carbon Ceramic (optional) brakes are high-performance brake systems which are designed for sporty, dynamic driving styles.
HELPFUL INFORMATION FOR CUSTOMER DISCUSSIONS REGARDING MOTORSPORT VEHICLE BRAKES: Note for customer deleted: If the noise does not disappear despite the attempts to regenerate the brake a repair is required.
1 more on this problem
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).
Car won't start 2 bulletins · 5 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
39 complaints came in 2026. Owners file in waves when a problem gets press or an investigation, so a spike measures attention as much as failures.
NHTSA investigations
Pedestrian alert sounds. Closed aug 7, 2023, led to recall 22V-063.
NHTSA summary
Recalls that include the 2020 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 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 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 and remedy
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.
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."
Risk and remedy
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.
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 and remedy
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.
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 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 and remedy
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.
All 11 recalls on the 2020 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 2020 BMW X5?
Stalling, with 16 of the 112 complaints.
At what mileage do 2020 BMW X5 problems start?
Of the 31 complaints that give a mileage, a quarter came by about 31,000 miles and half by about 48,000.
Is the 2020 BMW X5 better or worse than the 2019 and 2021?
Counted per year on the road, the 2020 has fewer complaints than the 2019 and about as many complaints as the 2021: 16 a year against 24 and 18.
How many 2020 BMW X5 complaints involve a crash, fire or injury?
11 of them (10%). The typical vehicle on this site is at 6%.
Is there a recall for stalling on the 2020 BMW X5?
No recall on file for the 2020 BMW X5 is on the same system as stalling. Another recall may still cover your car, so check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.