Diagsheet

Fourth generation · first-year watch

2026 BMW X5, day 249

  • 21complaints since Jan 7, 2026
  • 2recalls
  • 2involved a crash

Newest report Sep 6, 2026 · checked Sep 13, 2026

Changed since August

  • 3 new complaints in September, mostly about speed control and structure.
  • Nothing filed yet on sticky steering, transmission failure, engine failure or fire.
  • 37th most complaints of the 69 2026 models on this site.
2026 BMW X5
Photo: OWS Photography, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0

What's been reported

NHTSA's own component codes. One report can cite several.

  • Electrical
    9
  • Transmission and drivetrain
    4
  • Backup camera
    3
  • Structure
    3
  • Other
    3
  • Engine
    2
  • Speed control
    2
  • Collision avoidance
    2

Problems so far

  • Infotainment, screen or backup camera fails 5 reports

Recent reports

“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 “high voltage failure” and “drivetrain malfunction”. 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 — 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

“I went to drive the car and there was a drivetrain malfunction error. The car could not be driven and had to be towed.”

Filed Feb 23, 2026

Recalls

Whether your car is included depends on its VIN. Check yours at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

25V-837Dec 4, 2025
Air Bags:Critical Fasteners

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
Risk: An air bag that does not deploy properly can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
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.
25V-556Aug 27, 2025
Visibility:Windshield:Critical Fasteners

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
Risk: Water inside electrical components can lead to electronic function failures, such as a loss of headlights, increasing the risk of a crash. In addition, an electrical short-circuit may occur, increasing the risk of a fire while parked or driving.
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.

The log

Complaints by the month NHTSA received them, newest first. Dark bars mark a month with a recall or an investigation.

Sep 2026
3Speed control, Structure
Aug 2026
6Electrical, Engine
Jul 2026
4Electrical, Transmission and drivetrain
Jun 2026
3Lane keeping, Latches/Locks/Linkages
May 2026
0
Apr 2026
1Electrical
Mar 2026
1Structure, Electrical
Feb 2026
1Transmission and drivetrain
Jan 2026
2Backup camera, Transmission and drivetrain

Other model years