repaired · 2026 Q1
Air bags: critical fasteners
NewRisk. An air bag that does not deploy properly can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
2026 BMW X5Problems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 31 owner complaints about the 2026 BMW X5, most often about the electrical system. It is covered by 2 safety recalls, and for recall 25V-556 the manufacturer reports only 99% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through November 7, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: Calreyn88, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2026 BMW X5 has problems
31 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
11Electrical system2 crash/fire/injury
5Back over prevention3 crash/fire/injury
4Vehicle speed control2 crash/fire/injury
4Power train1 crash/fire/injury
4Structure
3Engine1 crash/fire/injury
2Forward collision avoidance
2Service brakes
2Fuel/propulsion system
43 other systems
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical system | 11 | 2 |
| Back over prevention | 5 | 3 |
| Vehicle speed control | 4 | 2 |
| Power train | 4 | 1 |
| Structure | 4 | 0 |
| Engine | 3 | 1 |
| Forward collision avoidance | 2 | 1 |
| Service brakes | 2 | 1 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 2 | 0 |
| 3 other systems | 4 | 0 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
2 recalls
2026 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 Q3
Windshield: critical fasteners
Risk. Water inside electrical components can lead to electronic function failures, such as a loss of headlights, 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
2026 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
2026 BMW X5 safety ratings
2026 BMW X5 SUV N/A 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 electrical system complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
VEHICLE SAFETY MALFUNCTION & SYSTEM FAULT REPORT CRITICAL SAFETY ALERT: UNCOMMANDED STEERING MALFUNCTION This document constitutes a formal notification of a severe, life-threatening safety defect involving spontaneous, unprompted steering torque commands that forced the vehicle off the road and…
Vehicle: 2026 BMW X5 xDrive50e (VIN: [your VIN], mileage at delivery: [X]) Shortly after taking delivery on [date] from Ferman BMW in Tampa, FL, I experienced an issue with the hybrid/EV operation: [describe exactly what happens — e.g., hybrid system warning light, loss of electric drive,…
I was driving at 70 mph on the highway when the car suddenly and without warning went into neutral, lost all functionality, and displayed the warning "Drivetrain Malfunction--Stop Driving Immediately--Call Roadside Assistance." I had to drift (barely) to side of a busy highway and exit the vehicle…
Own a 2026 X5?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.