2019 BMW X5: What to check before buying
Owners have filed 157 complaints with NHTSA about this car, most about the electrical, engine, and steering. The 9 checks below target those problems, in the order you would do them at the car.
2019- Owner complaints
- 157
- Recalls
- 13
- Crashes reported
- 4
Your inspection sheet
Tick items off on your phone at the car, or print it. Ticks stay on this device.
0/9 checked
2019 BMW X5: inspection sheet
Paperwork and questions
Before you go, or before you touch the car0/3
Walk-around and cabin
Engine off, key in hand0/3
Cold start, engine bay, and underside
Ask the seller not to warm the car up first0/2
Test drive
At least 20 minutes, with some highway0/1
These checks are specific to this model year. For tires, body panels, fluids, and the other basics every used car needs, use the general inspection guide.
Which X5 is it?
EPA figures for each version of the 2019 BMW X5. Use them to confirm you are looking at the version that was advertised, and as a yardstick on the test drive.
| Version | Drive | EPA rating |
|---|---|---|
| 3.0L 6-cyl | AWD | 22 mpg |
| 4.4L 8-cyl | AWD | 19 mpg |
- The 2019 BMW X5 was sold in two versions. Confirm which one this is from the window sticker, the engine cover, or the VIN report before you compare prices.
- Reset the trip computer at the start of the drive. A X5 that averages well under the EPA 19 mpg combined on a mixed route may have an engine or tire problem.
Check the odometer against these mileages
Owners report these failures starting around the mileages below. A car inside one of these ranges deserves a closer look at that part, or records showing it was already fixed.
Oil pump failure
35,000–90,000 miles
Passenger restraint system warning
36,000–47,500 miles
Starter failure, no-start
43,234–80,100 miles
Why these checks: what owners reported
NHTSA complaints for the 2019 BMW X5, grouped by the part owners named. Open a row to read what goes wrong.
Electrical451 crash
Starting failures dominate. The starter overheats, smokes or gives off a burning smell, and the car will not crank, sometimes after auto start/stop shuts the engine off at a light or in freeway traffic. Many reports tie this to recall 24V576000, and some say dealers refused to cover a starter or battery replaced outside the recall. A second pattern is water leaking through the shark fin antenna and damaging the telematics unit, which knocks out emergency call and the hands-free microphone. One fire-related and one crash-related complaint are on file, along with reports of the gauge cluster going dark while driving.
Engine30No crashes
The oil pump fails, and reports point to plastic internal parts that crack or break apart. Early signs are an electronic oil level check that stalls around 20% and never finishes, followed by a low oil pressure warning telling the driver to stop. With no dipstick, the oil level cannot be confirmed by hand. Failures cluster between about 35,000 and 90,000 miles, and several reports say the 2020 model switched to a metal pump. Starter overheating and a reduced engine power warning also appear.
Most reports here are starter failures linked to recall 24V576000. The car fails to start, or shuts off at a stop and will not restart, sometimes with a burning odor or a "System Overheated" message. Many owners learn their vehicle is not covered by the recall. Others hit a parts shortage or a telematics module that must be replaced before the recall software can be installed. Reported failures fall between about 60,000 and 85,000 miles. A few cases involve low oil pressure warnings, including one engine replacement.
Steering18No crashes
The wheel twitches and pulls left or right on its own in cold weather, usually below about 10 degrees F, and the problem fades once temperatures rise. Dealers often find nothing, and a software update did not help in at least one case. Auto start/stop can also shut the engine off before the car fully stops, taking power steering with it. Other reports cover lane-keeping intervention steering toward other lanes, low-speed shudder from the transfer case, and a failed steering column that disables the horn, turn signals and wiper control.
Transmission142 crashes
Two patterns stand out. At walking speed, especially while turning or reversing, the car shudders, jerks or grinds, which dealers trace to the transfer case and treat with a fluid change that does not always cure it. The other is starter failure tied to auto start/stop: the engine dies in traffic, will not restart, and the car cannot be shifted into neutral to push it aside. Two crash-related reports describe unintended acceleration with the brakes applied. Oil pump failures and a shifter fault that blocked Park also appear.
Airbags10No crashes
Restraint system warnings light up and tell the driver the passenger airbag may not deploy. Dealers usually blame the passenger seat occupancy mat or its sensor module, quoting about $1,800 to replace it. Another cause is liquid seeping through the cupholders onto the airbag control module and wiring below, corroding the pins. BMW treats that as outside damage and denies warranty coverage. A chafed airbag wiring harness and knee airbag faults also appear. Warnings tend to arrive around 36,000 to 47,500 miles.
Brakes41 crash
Reports are few but serious. One crash-related complaint describes the brakes failing on a highway exit ramp, ending in a collision and a totaled vehicle. Another describes the brake pedal pushing back against the driver's foot right after startup, letting the car roll backward until it was shifted into Park. A third says the parking brake applies but will not release, which can keep the car from moving or being towed if the engine also fails to start.
Exterior lights3No crashes
The instrument cluster and center display dim so much in daylight that they are hard to read, and some owners say this started from new. Dealers have not fixed it, and one blamed aftermarket window tint. The only true lighting complaint describes a headlight seal that weakens and lets water collect inside the lamp. With just 3 complaints, this is a minor area for this car.
Fuel system3No crashes
The oil pump degrades internally as its plastic parts fail, so the electronic oil level check cannot complete a reading, or a low oil pressure warning appears even with the oil level fine. No warning signs come before it. Repair quotes run as high as $8,000, though one owner got BMW to lower the price. Separately, a fuel door that would not open was fixed under warranty. Only 3 complaints fall in this category.
In owners' own words
Excerpts from complaints X5 owners filed with NHTSA, as written. Listen for the same symptoms on your test drive.
The emergency call system and hands free microphone does not work due to the telematic control unit getting wet as a result of the shark fin antenna leaking. As a result I cannot rely on communication through this system in the event of an emergency which was one of the features that lead me to the decision to buy this car. The vehicle has been inspected by the dealer. The first warning lamp brought to the attention of the dealer in February.
Filed with NHTSA, December 2025
I bought the car from the dealership, and they said there were no problems with it, but they cheated me. The car broke down twice. The first time, it was parked in a private lot for several hours, and I paid a large sum for parking. The second time, it broke down on the street, and I waited eight hours for help to tow it back to the dealership. 1-recall message 2- emergency call system
Filed with NHTSA, February 2026
At 112,589 miles the oil level is never reaching full capacity, replaced oil levelling sensor, that did not resolve issue. Dealer stated oil pump starting to fail.
Filed with NHTSA, November 2024
Engine Starter overheating. Car won't start until engine cools down. Car would not let my shift into neutral in order to move to a safe location. Was stuck in front of several cars in an unsafe location. No warning message showed up. Car was just inspected and serviced with no indication that this was a problem. Car taken to dealer after incident and inspected produced the same results.
Filed with NHTSA, January 2026
Transfer case on 2019 X5,yes available for inspection upon request. At stop position making right turn or left turn the vehicle jutters,also in reverse. Yes - confirmed by the bmw service center who tried to charge for diagnostic fee. Manufacturer knows of issue on 2019 X5 models. Video of these transfer case issues all over online in videos. Issue started about 6 - 9 months ago.
Filed with NHTSA, December 2025
BMWUSA failed to advise me of B120524 starter recall. As a result of their failure I have incurred damages that the manufacturer is unwilling to reimburse.
Filed with NHTSA, August 2024
How the 2019 compares with other X5 years
Complaints for this year next to the average for the other model years, area by area.
The 2019 has the most owner complaints of the 9 X5 years we cover, about 2.6 times the average of the others. Newer years have had less time to collect complaints, so compare like with like.
- Electrical4510
- Engine306
- Steering182
- Transmission1410
- Airbags102
- Brakes413
Where the 2019 fits in the X5's history
Redesigns and mid-cycle updates change what can go wrong.
The 2019 is the second model year of the X5's fourth generation (2018–2023).
Recalls to confirm (13)
Recall repairs are free at any BMW dealer, but the seller may never have had them done. Check each campaign number against the VIN.
25V644000ElectricalSep 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.
Risk: An overheated starter motor can ignite nearby combustible material in the engine compartment, increasing the risk of a fire.
Fix: 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.
24V576000ElectricalAug 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.
Risk: A starter motor that overheats can ignite nearby combustible material in the engine compartment, increasing the risk of a fire.
Fix: 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.
22V267000Wipers and visibilityApr 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.".
Risk: A sunroof that closes without the key fob present inside the vehicle can increase the risk of injury.
Fix: 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.
21V520000AirbagsJul 2021
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: An air bag that does not deploy properly can increase the risk of injury in a crash.
Fix: 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.
21V096000Backup cameraFeb 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.".
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
21V062000BrakesFeb 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.
Risk: A loss of ABS and a reduction in braking assistance can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
20V434000SteeringJul 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.
Risk: A loose bearing plate can affect the vehicle's handling and control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
19V684000Backup cameraSep 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.".
Risk: The lack of an image in the back-up camera display increases the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
19V541000Wheels and tiresJul 2019
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: Loose bolts may allow a wheel to detach from the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
19V513000Fuel systemJul 2019
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: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
Fix: 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.
19V096000SeatsFeb 2019
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: The improperly tightened bolts can increase the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Fix: 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.
18V918000EquipmentDec 2018
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: Without a label that shows the proper restraint usage guidelines, the occupants may have an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Fix: 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.
18V732000ElectricalOct 2018
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: If the BDC short circuits, other nearby components may also overheat, increasing the risk of a fire.
Fix: 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.
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