no report yet
Power train: automatic transmission
Risk. THIS COULD CAUSE THE PARKING LOCK SYSTEM NOT TO ENGAGE, AFTER THE TRANSMISSION IS PLACED IN THE PARK ("P") POSITION.
2005 BMW X5Problems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 82 owner complaints about the 2005 BMW X5, most often about the air bags. It is covered by 2 safety recalls.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through July 16, 2025. Updated daily. Photo: Calreyn88, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2005 BMW X5 has problems
82 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
16Air bags4 crash/fire/injury
15Electrical system3 crash/fire/injury
12Engine1 crash/fire/injury
10Service brakes
9Power train1 crash/fire/injury
7Seats3 crash/fire/injury
5Structure
5Exterior lighting
5Engine and engine cooling
2110 other systems
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Air bags | 16 | 4 |
| Electrical system | 15 | 3 |
| Engine | 12 | 1 |
| Service brakes | 10 | 0 |
| Power train | 9 | 1 |
| Seats | 7 | 3 |
| Structure | 5 | 1 |
| Exterior lighting | 5 | 0 |
| Engine and engine cooling | 5 | 0 |
| 10 other systems | 21 | 0 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
2 recalls
2005 BMW X5 recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
no report yet
Foundation components: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Risk. THE FRONT LEFT BRAKE HOSE COULD BECOME DAMAGED TO THE POINT WHERE A LOSS OF BRAKE FLUID COULD OCCUR INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with BMW.
Best & worst years
2005 vs. every other X5 year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the X5 median. How we score
'99'00'01'02'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19'20'21'22'23'24'25'26
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2005 BMW X5 safety ratings
2005 BMW X5 4-DR. w/SAB in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
Frontal crashNot rated
Side barrierNot rated
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: No
- Lane departure warning: No
In owners' words
What X5 owners report
Recent air bags complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
TAKATA RECALL? DRIVING AT LOW SPEED A VERY LARGE EXPLOSION NOISE (SOUND LIKE SHOTGUN) FROM PASSENGER SIDE. DID NOT COM THROUGH DASH BUT SOUND LIKE IT TORE THROUGH THE HEATER FAN. COULD HEAR PIECES WHEN HEATER ON. EARS STILL RINGING.
TAKATA RECALL I JUST SWITCH MY CAR ON THE AIRBAG LIGHT COMES ON AFTER DOING SOME RESEARCH ONLINE I NOTICE IT SEEMS TO BE A PROBLEM ALSO SAW PEOPLE SAYING THERE WAS A RECALL FOR IT BUT WHEN CHECKING MY VIN IT SAID 0 RECALL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 BMW X5. WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH, ALL THE FRONT AND REAR DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED MINOR INJURIES TO THE ARM, WHICH DID NOT REQUIRE MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO PACIFIC BMW (800 S BRAND BLVD, GLENDALE, CA 91204)…
Own a 2005 X5?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.