Fourth generation · first-year watch
2026 BMW X5, day 268
- 24complaints since Jan 7, 2026
- 2recalls
- 3involved a crash
Newest report Sep 29, 2026 · checked Oct 2, 2026
Changed since August
- 6 new complaints in September, mostly about speed control, structure and collision avoidance.
- Nothing filed yet on sticky steering, transmission failure, engine failure or fire.
- 36th most complaints of the 79 2026 models on this site.
What's been reported
NHTSA's own component codes. One report can cite several.
- Electrical9
- Backup camera4
- Transmission and drivetrain4
- Other4
- Structure3
- Engine3
- Speed control3
- Collision avoidance3
Problems so far
- Infotainment, screen or backup camera fails 6 reports
Recent reports
“Car braked without warning while going around a curve and came to a complete stop in the middle of the road with no good reason. Traffic going the opposite direction was heavy but no hazards on my side of the road. Cars behind me had to swerve and I was nearly rear ended and could have resulted in very serious injury.”
Filed Sep 11, 2026
“The trim on the back of the exhaust is a rough manufactured cut on all their X5s and instead of filing the rough the edge BMW leaves this untouched. Was washing my car and ran my finger over the trim and it sliced my finger open like a razor blade.”
Filed Sep 3, 2026
“With 1900 miles since purchase, car became undriveable. Displayed warnings included âhigh voltage failureâ and âdrivetrain malfunctionâ. Car had to be towed to dealer.”
Filed Apr 18, 2026
“The vehicle is exhibiting symptoms that are identical to those described in NHTSA Recall 25V556 â water intrusion through the windshield and A-pillar area. The recall documents that improperly sealed windshields can allow water to enter the power distribution box and electronic control unit, leading to a short circuit and, in extreme cases, a thermal event even when the ignition is off.”
Filed Mar 16, 2026
At a glance
- Next to the 2024
- The 2026 is too new for a fair per-year comparison. It has 24 complaints so far; the 2024, on sale longer, has 145.
- Top problem
- Infotainment is the one problem with a cluster of reports here: 6 of the 24 complaints (25%). Too few of the infotainment reports give a mileage to say when it starts.
- Crash, fire and injury reports
- 4 of the 24 complaints (17%) 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 and 9 people were hurt.
- Recalls behind the top problems
- 2 recalls are on file, but no problem here has enough reports to set against them.
- When owners filed
- Every complaint so far came in during 2026.
Service bulletins for the 2026 BMW X5
BMW filed 23 bulletins and other notices with NHTSA that list the 2026 BMW X5. 4 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 4 bulletins · 6 complaints
After replacing the Multifunctional Display (MFD), the Central Information Display (CID) is black. The backlight of the CID is illuminated, and touch function does register an audible sound.
The vehicle may experience various operational issues with the Multifunction Display such as: Intermittent black screen Permanent black screen Intermittent head unit functions not displayed (i.e., Navigation screen only is black)
2 more on this problem
The vehicle may experience various operational issues with the infotainment system such as: Resets of the head unit Delayed start-up of the head unit (longer than 30 seconds) Failed start-up of the head unit Sporadic or permanent problems with navigation ...
RSU availability. The vehicle may experience various operation faults with the infotainment system such as: Resets of the head unit Delayed start-up of the head unit (longer than 30 seconds) Failed start-up of the head unit Sporadic or permanent problems with ...
Recalls
Whether your car is included depends on its VIN. Check yours at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
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 and remedy
Remedy: 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 on December 4, 2025.
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 and remedy
Remedy: 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.
All 2 recalls on the 2026 BMW X5, with the owner complaints on each recalled system
Guide Seeing this on your own car? How to file a complaint with NHTSA
The log
Complaints by the month NHTSA received them, newest first. Blue bars mark a month with a recall or an investigation.
Questions
What is the most common problem on the 2026 BMW X5?
Infotainment, with 6 of the 24 complaints.
How many 2026 BMW X5 complaints involve a crash, fire or injury?
4 of them (17%). The typical vehicle on this site is at 6%.
Is there a recall for infotainment on the 2026 BMW X5?
No recall on file for the 2026 BMW X5 is on the same system as infotainment. Another recall may still cover your car, so check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.