2020 BMW X5: What to check before buying
Owners have filed 81 complaints with NHTSA about this car, most about the electrical, engine, and transmission. The 9 checks below target those problems, in the order you would do them at the car.
2020- Owner complaints
- 81
- Recalls
- 11
- Crashes reported
- 3
- 2 injuries
Your inspection sheet
Tick items off on your phone at the car, or print it. Ticks stay on this device.
0/9 checked
2020 BMW X5: inspection sheet
Paperwork and questions
Before you go, or before you touch the car0/2
Walk-around and cabin
Engine off, key in hand0/4
Cold start, engine bay, and underside
Ask the seller not to warm the car up first0/1
Test drive
At least 20 minutes, with some highway0/2
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 2020 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, RWD | 22–23 mpg |
| 4.4L 8-cyl | AWD | 18 mpg |
- The 2020 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 18 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.
Starter failure, no-start
31,000–80,000 miles
Why these checks: what owners reported
NHTSA complaints for the 2020 BMW X5, grouped by the part owners named. Open a row to read what goes wrong.
Electrical20No crashes
Starter failures dominate. The car refuses to start, or will not restart after auto start/stop shuts it off at a light, often with an engine-compartment overheating message and a burning smell. Three reports involve fire, one a full engine-bay fire while parked. Many complaints concern recall delays. The starter replacement under 25V-644 often has no parts available, and some starters failed again after the earlier 24V-576 software fix. Other reports describe a leaking roof antenna that disables the SOS emergency call, GPS and remote start, plus navigation and instrument screens going blank while driving.
Engine20No crashes
The engine fails to start or shuts off at a stop, usually with a system-overheated message telling the driver to wait for it to cool. Waiting rarely helps, some cars stall while moving, and some cannot be shifted out of park or into neutral for towing. Dealers typically find a failed starter motor. Most owners link this to recall 24V-576, yet many say their VIN was not included, and some say the failure returned after a repair. Starter reports fall between about 31,000 and 80,000 miles. Single reports cover an oil pump failure and a failed active air flap controller.
A sudden low oil pressure warning tells the driver to stop immediately, even at highway speed. The dealer finds a failed oil pump, quoted at almost $6k, and warns the engine may still need replacing. Starter failures shut the engine down in traffic, show an overheating message and block shifting to neutral for towing. Several owners say dealers refused to connect the failure to recall 24V-576 or to reimburse repairs paid before the recall notice. A check engine light caused by the active grill shutter also recurs, once at 61,000 miles.
Transmission101 crash
Shuddering and jerking from the drivetrain is the main pattern. It shows up at low speed, when parking or reversing, and when pulling away on a slope. Owners trace it to the transfer case and a service bulletin. Some cite factory-filled transfer case oil that did not meet spec. Drivers describe the car lurching toward pedestrians or losing power on the freeway. One crash report describes sudden acceleration into a wall even though the driver was pressing the brake. Other complaints cover starter no-starts, fluid leaking from a front differential shaft bearing, and failed power steering.
Airbags61 crash
Air bag warning lights are the main complaint, covering driver, passenger, rear and knee air bags. Dealers point to the sensor under the front cup holders. A spill or condensation can reach it through a hole in the holder, rusting the screw and ruining the sensor. Owners say warranty does not cover the repair. In one crash report, the driver air bag did not deploy in a head-on collision, and 2 people were injured, one with a severe concussion. Owners mention a class action lawsuit.
Exterior lights5No crashes
Moisture inside the headlights is the main complaint. The lenses fog up and water pools inside, and the headlights do not clear on their own, even though dealers say the venting will dry them. Owners worry the headlights could fail. Another recurring issue is auto-dimming of the digital instrument and control displays. They dim in daylight, on cloudy days, and at sunrise and sunset, which makes them hard to read. No crashes are reported.
Body and structure3No crashes
The few reports here describe three different failures. Sunroof glass shatters while driving with no visible debris nearby. Rainwater leaks in on the driver's side near the sun visor and under the dashboard, dripping on the driver and pooling on the floor mat. A soft-close door latch fails without warning, so the front passenger door will not stay shut, and the only alert is a door-open message. Each problem appears in a single report.
Brakes3No crashes
Three separate problems appear. One owner reports a brake failure in highway traffic, with warning messages matching recall 24V-104, which does not cover this model year. Another finds the front pads worn metal to metal with no warning from the pad wear sensor, only brake noise. A third describes automatic braking activating at about 50 mph with nothing ahead, jerking a passenger forward, on more than one occasion. No crashes are reported.
Steering2No crashes
Only two reports appear. In one, the steering column squeaks, grinds and gets hot to the touch. After two visits, the dealer traced it to the steering rack, which had to be ordered and replaced. The other owner reports steering faults matching recall 19V-631 and notes the car was built around the same time as the recalled vehicles. Neither report describes a crash or loss of control.
In owners' own words
Excerpts from complaints X5 owners filed with NHTSA, as written. Listen for the same symptoms on your test drive.
Shark fin antenna - Telematic control module malfunctioning. Seems to have a leak issue causing modules inside/under antenna to get wet from rain or car washes. This is causing an error message "SOS emergency call system malfunctioning", you will not be able to make calls under an emergency. Other issues include GPS, remote start, lane assist, adaptive cruise control etc... not working properly and potentially causing an accident on the road.
Filed with NHTSA, January 2025
engine hesitates on startup and doesn't turnover. plenty of power, battery is fine. other models have been recalled, but for some reason, this model is not included. please extend this recall to include more models as the problem exists in other 2020 models not on the current recall list.
Filed with NHTSA, December 2025
Car would randomly not start and went dead at red stop lights on occasion. Had to have the car towed to BMW dealership where they diagnosed it as a bad starter. Car only has 35,000 miles and this appears to be a know problem by BMW and BMW owners.
Filed with NHTSA, August 2025
Transfer case issue which is well known across different BMW vehicles. While driving, reversing , slow parking maneuvers there is a very evident jerking sensation coming from the drivetrain. As if gears within the transfer case are slipping. Potentially dangerous while driving because the transfer case distributes power to the rear axle Issue has been confirmed by a BMW mechanic No warning lights
Filed with NHTSA, November 2025
Due to a small coffee spill srs light for front and back were triggered, with the potential of having air bags deployed, this is a defect that needs to be addressed. There was a class acton lawsuit that has since been concluded, but how about for new owners of old vehicles. This should be a safety concern.
Filed with NHTSA, October 2024
Rear restraint system malfunction. BMW states it’s a faulty airbag that is not under warranty. Car has never been in an accident and only 4 years old so there should not have been any issues. It is a safety issue for passengers.
Filed with NHTSA, October 2023
How the 2020 compares with other X5 years
Complaints for this year next to the average for the other model years, area by area.
The 2020 ranks fourth for owner complaints among 9 X5 years, close to the average of the others. Newer years have had less time to collect complaints, so compare like with like.
- Electrical2013
- Engine207
- Transmission1011
- Airbags62
- Exterior lights50
- Body and structure30
Where the 2020 fits in the X5's history
Redesigns and mid-cycle updates change what can go wrong.
The 2020 is the third model year of the X5's fourth generation (2018–2023).
Recalls to confirm (11)
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.
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.
20V678000SuspensionNov 2020
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: If the weld between the front axle support and the right front control arm bearing bracket separates, vehicle handling and control may be affected, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
20V528000Exterior lightsSep 2020
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: Oncoming drivers may be confused by the blue light of approaching vehicles, which could potentially increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
20V465000TransmissionAug 2020
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: An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
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.
19V631000SteeringAug 2019
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: A loss of steering control increases risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
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