repaired · 2025 Q4
Automatic transmission: control module (tcm/pcm/tecm)
Risk. Transmission oil that leaks into the control unit can lead to a seizure of the transmission gears, causing a sudden loss of drive power and increasing the risk…
2023 BMW X5Problems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 34 owner complaints about the 2023 BMW X5, most often about the power train. It is covered by 4 safety recalls, and for recall 23V-253 the manufacturer reports only 96% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through October 26, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: Calreyn88, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2023 BMW X5 has problems
34 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
9Power train
8Electrical system1 crash/fire/injury
5Engine
4Structure
3Service brakes2 crash/fire/injury
2Visibility
2Back over prevention
2Forward collision avoidance
1Lane departure
66 other systems
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Power train | 9 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 8 | 1 |
| Engine | 5 | 0 |
| Structure | 4 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 3 | 2 |
| Visibility | 2 | 0 |
| Back over prevention | 2 | 1 |
| Forward collision avoidance | 2 | 1 |
| Lane departure | 1 | 0 |
| 6 other systems | 6 | 0 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
4 recalls
2023 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 · 2025 Q1
Mid/rear assembly: head restraint
Risk. A head restraint without a locking tab may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
repaired · 2023 Q4
Seats: critical fasteners
Risk. A loose driver's seat backrest may not properly restrain the occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
repaired · 2024 Q2
Visibility: windshield
Risk. An electrical short-circuit increases the risk of a fire.
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
2023 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
2023 BMW X5 safety ratings
2023 BMW X5 SUV AWD in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
★★★★★Overall rating
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side barrier★★★★★
Side pole★★★★★
- Rollover: 4 stars (15.9% risk)
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: No
- Lane departure warning: No
In owners' words
What X5 owners report
Recent power train complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
The vehicle suffered a sudden, catastrophic structural drivetrain failure while operating at low speed (under 10 mph) on a flat, paved surface while exiting a youth soccer complex parking lot. There was no outside influence due to the road or contact with any curb or obstacle prior to the incident,…
The X5 transfer case has a defect that causes the vehicle to shudder when in reverse and at lower speeds. It can be felt sometimes at highway speeds, but is worse at low speeds. Our X5 has only 54,000 miles.
Noticed noise. Took to dealer. Dealer confirmed bad front pinion/bearing and need front differential. Will be very dangerous if not fixed! Dealer has had this issue before and online forums state big issues
Own a 2023 X5?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.