repaired · 2026 Q3
Electrical system: starter assembly
Risk. An overheated starter motor can ignite nearby combustible material in the engine compartment, increasing the risk of a fire.
2020 BMW X5Problems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 114 owner complaints about the 2020 BMW X5, most often about the electrical system. It is covered by 11 safety recalls, and for recall 25V-644 the manufacturer reports only 74% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through November 5, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: Mr.choppers, CC BY-SA 3.0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2020 BMW X5 has problems
114 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
39Electrical system4 crash/fire/injury
34Engine5 crash/fire/injury
17Power train1 crash/fire/injury
15Engine and engine cooling1 crash/fire/injury
6Air bags
5Exterior lighting
5Service brakes
4Structure
3Seat belts
2011 other systems2 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical system | 39 | 4 |
| Engine | 34 | 5 |
| Power train | 17 | 1 |
| Engine and engine cooling | 15 | 1 |
| Air bags | 6 | 1 |
| Exterior lighting | 5 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 5 | 1 |
| Structure | 4 | 0 |
| Seat belts | 3 | 1 |
| 11 other systems | 20 | 2 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
11 recalls
2020 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.
repaired · 2026 Q2
Electrical system: starter assembly
Risk. A starter motor that overheats can ignite nearby combustible material in the engine compartment, increasing the risk of a fire.
repaired · 2024 Q1
Visibility: sun/moon roof assembly
Risk. A sunroof that closes without the key fob present inside the vehicle can increase the risk of injury.
repaired · 2023 Q1
Sensing system: camera
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.
Show 7 more recalls
repaired · 2023 Q1
Service brakes, hydraulic
Risk. A loss of ABS and a reduction in braking assistance can increase the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2021 Q3
Front: control arm
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…
repaired · 2021 Q2
Exterior lighting: headlights
Risk. Oncoming drivers may be confused by the blue light of approaching vehicles, which could potentially increase the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2021 Q3
Electrical system: starter assembly
Risk. An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2020 Q3
Steering
Risk. A loose bearing plate can affect the vehicle's handling and control, increasing the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2021 Q1
Sensing system: camera
Risk. The lack of an image in the back-up camera display increases the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2019 Q3
Rack and pinion: rack
Risk. A loss of steering control increases 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
2020 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
2020 BMW X5 safety ratings
2020 BMW X5 SUV RWD in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side barrier★★★★★
Side pole★★★★★
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: No
- Lane departure warning: No
1 investigation
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2020 BMW X5, and the recalls they led to.
- Pedestrian alert soundsLed to recall 22V-063
In owners' words
What X5 owners report
Recent electrical system complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
My 2020 BMW X5 sDrive40i has experienced recurring and serious electrical, shutdown, and drivability problems that have not been resolved despite BMW service and a recall-related repair. The vehicle has unexpectedly restarted after being turned off and has also failed to shut down properly. On…
The contact owns a 2020 BMW X5. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V644000 (Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of…
For my 2019 BMW X5 SDRIVE40i, The A/C evaporator core failed and began leaking refrigerant, resulting in complete loss of cold air from the A/C system. The vehicle had approximately 50,000 miles. The repair required full dashboard removal and cost approximately $4,500 including a rental vehicle.…
Own a 2020 X5?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.