2018
New 2022
Used 2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000

BMW X5

Unlock Ratings
Comfortable, refined, and high-tech, the X5 feels a little, well, less BMW-like than previous generations. While still competent and enjoyable to drive, BMW dialed back the sharp handling and taut ride of previous models in the X5's 2014 redesign, trading some of their sporty feel for a cushier ride. The cabin is luxurious, solid, and quiet, including offering a third-row seat.
Alerts
There are 4 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.
2018
New 2022
Used 2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000

BMW X5

Reliability

We expect the 2022 X5 will have about average reliability when compared to the average new car. This prediction is based on data from 2019, 2020 and 2021 models. Select the used car model year to see reported issues with those similar past models.

Overall Reliability
Most Common Trouble Spots
Common Trouble Spot
Common Trouble Spot
See all 2018 Potential Trouble Spots
The 2018 BMW X5 has been recalled 4 times by NHTSA. View Recalls
Research Years * Redesign year
Worse Better
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19*
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Overall Reliability Verdict
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
POTENTIAL TROUBLE SPOTS
Engine Major
NA
NA
NA
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NA
Engine Minor
NA
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NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Engine Cooling
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Transmission Major
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Transmission Minor
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Drive System
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Fuel System
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Electric System
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Climate System
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Suspension
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Brakes
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Exhaust
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Paint/Trim
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Body Integrity
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Body Hardware
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Power Equipment
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
In-car Electronics
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Show More Trouble Spots
Show Fewer Trouble Spots
Reliability indicates how models have performed in the past, providing the basis for predicting how the vehicles will hold up in the year ahead. These charts provide the most comprehensive reliability information available to consumers. Based on information received from our latest subscriber survey for over 300,000 vehicles, our reliability history charts give you a rundown on how 2000 through 2021 vehicles are holding up in 17 potential trouble spots, ranging from the engine, transmission, and brakes to power equipment and the electrical system. NA indicates that we did not receive a large enough sample size to provide data for a specific year. An X indicates that the vehicle was not manufactured for a specific year.

Learn more about car Reliability.

Owner Reported Trouble Spots

The Reliability score is based on our latest subscriber survey of 2018 BMW X5 owners. The owner comments describe problems respondents experienced with this vehicle.

In-car Electronics

CD or DVD players, radio, speakers, GPS, communication system (e.g., OnStar), display screen freezes or goes blank, phone pairing (e.g. Bluetooth), voice control commands, steering wheel controls, portable music device interface (e.g., iPod/MP3 player), backup or other camera/sensors.

What Owners Say

Display screen goes blank

"Had to do with the head unit going out and needing to be replaced."

Anonymous, (2018 BMW X5 xDrive35d 3.0-L 6 Cyl diesel)

"This is was part of a recall issue that dealt with loose connection with the powertrain"

Anonymous, (2018 BMW X5 xDrive40e 2.0-L 4 Cyl hybrid)
Hardware replacement

"The navigation system stopped working. The radio stopped working. I took it to the dealer and they replaced the head unit under warranty."

Anonymous, (2018 BMW X5 xDrive35d 3.0-L 6 Cyl diesel)
Phone pairing (e.g., Bluetooth)

"Stinks"

Anonymous, NJ (2018 BMW X5 xDrive35i 4.4-L V8 turbo)
Load more

Drive System

Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, 4WD/AWD components, driveline vibration, traction control, electronic stability control (ESC), electrical failure.

What Owners Say

Driveshaft or axle

"This problem was a recall issue that the dealership resolved"

Anonymous, (2018 BMW X5 xDrive40e 2.0-L 4 Cyl hybrid)
Electrical failure

"Broken wire"

Anonymous, ID (2018 BMW X5 xDrive40e 2.0-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

"It would not push air through the driver side vents and they said they had to replace sone elelectrical part which which dealership did not carry and had to order. Order took three weeks."

Anonymous, CA (2018 BMW X5 xDrive40e 2.0-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

Body Integrity

Squeaks, rattles, wind noises, loose or cracked seals and/or weather-stripping, air and water leaks.

What Owners Say

Squeaks or rattles

"Vibration originating in central dash, specif location unknown."

Timothy C., CA (2018 BMW X5 sDrive35i 3.0-L 6 Cyl turbo)

"an engine baffle was loose"

Anonymous, (2018 BMW X5 xDrive40e 2.0-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

"The back seat was squeaking for over a year loudly. After a few attempts it was fixed. The seat bolts were not secured! Then they came lose again!"

Anonymous, NJ (2018 BMW X5 xDrive50i 4.4-L V8 turbo)

Climate System

Blower (fan) motor, A/C compressor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate control, refrigerant leakage, electrical failure.

What Owners Say

Automatic climate control

"Immediately blows cold air after engine startup. Does not wait for engine to warm before blowing. Takes five to ten minutes longer to warm up engine than my other vehicles. Automatic climate controls are frustrating to use. Automatic climate controls do not remember setting after engine shutdown. Air constantly blows in direction of my face from the non adjustable vent on the dash. Push button controls are infuriating to use. A big knob would be much better when using gloves. Tiny buttons are worthless.I have no control over this climate system. It is garbage."

Anonymous, IA (2018 BMW X5 xDrive35i 3.0-L 6 Cyl turbo)
Condenser

"A valve was replaced the first time and the condenser the second time."

Anonymous, CA (2018 BMW X5 xDrive40e 2.0-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

Paint/Trim

Paint (fading, chalking, cracking, or peeling), loose interior and exterior trim or moldings, rust.

What Owners Say

Paint (fading, chalking, cracking, or peeling)

"Paint swirl on hood determined a factory defect by dealer and factory rep. Repainting offered, desire change-out hood from another new vehicle on lot. New hood supported by dealer but resisted by factory rep. Solution pending."

Ed H., AZ (2018 BMW X5 sDrive35i 3.0-L 6 Cyl turbo)

Suspension

Shocks or struts, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, alignment, steering linkage (includes rack and pinion), power steering (pumps and hoses, leaks), wheel balance, springs or torsion bars, bushings, electronic or air suspension.

What Owners Say

Steering linkage (includes rack and pinion)

"In the first two months of ownership the vehicle was in for repairs more than half of the time (more than one month). The entire steering system was replaced. The car would drift into other lanes while driving with both hands on the steering wheel. Now the lane assist feature disables itself. I would never purchase this vehicle again. It is a true lemon."

Anonymous, TX (2018 BMW X5 xDrive40e 2.0-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

Electric System

Alternator, starter, hybrid battery and related systems, regular battery, battery cables, engine harness, coil, ignition switch, electronic ignition, distributor or rotor failure, spark plugs and wires failure.

What Owners Say

Keyless entry

"It doesn't work all of the time, and luggage door can only be shut manually at the door. You cannot shut the luggage door using the key. Completely lousy feature."

Anonymous, (2018 BMW X5 sDrive35i Unsure)

Fuel System

Check engine light, sensors (includes O2 or oxygen sensor), emission control devices (includes EGR), engine computer, engine computer, fuel cap, fuel gauge/sender, fuel injection system, fuel pump, fuel leaks, stalling or hesitation.

What Owners Say

Emission control devices (includes EGR)

"Check Engine light started to come on and off periodicaly. Called my dealer, who is 600 km away. said if it is intermittent it could be repaired on next service appointment. Keep driving it in mean time as long as light stays orange. not red. Went on a trip to U.S. and stopped at a BMW dealer to have it looked at. After 3, 4 days of ordering parts, egr valve, intake manifold and other smaller related parts and doing the repair, we were on our way. I have put on about 7000 km since repair and the Check Engine light has not come on. All seems to be well. It was covered on warranty."

Anonymous, ON (2018 BMW X5 xDrive35d 3.0-L 6 Cyl diesel)

Engine Minor

Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, oil leaks.

What Owners Say

Engine knock or ping

"Upon acceleration the engine has a distinctive knock"

Anonymous, NJ (2018 BMW X5 xDrive50i 4.4-L V8 turbo)

Exhaust

Muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, leaks.

What Owners Say

Other/unsure

"yguhgbjnjkn"

Julio R., NY (2018 BMW X5 sDrive35i 2.0-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

Body Hardware

Power or manual windows, locks and latches, tailgate, hatch or trunk, doors or sliding doors, mirrors, seat controls, safety belts, sunroof, convertible top.

What Owners Say

Tailgate, hatch or trunk

"Tailgate did not unlock correctly. When pushing the open button, gate only opened 3 inches."

Anonymous, CA (2018 BMW X5 xDrive40e 2.0-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

Brakes

Antilock system (ABS), parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, rotors, pulsation or vibration, squeaking, brake failure or wear.

Engine Major

Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbo or supercharger, timing chain or timing belt.

Engine Cooling

Radiator, cooling fan, antifreeze leaks, water pump, thermostat, overheating.

Power Equipment

Cruise control, clock, warning lights, body control module, keyless entry, wiper motor or washer, tire pressure monitor, interior or exterior lights, horn, gauges, 12V power plug, remote engine start, alarm or security system

Transmission Minor

Gear selector or linkage, leaks, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission.

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This score shows whether the model had more or fewer problems overall than the average model of that year, calculated from the total number of problems reported by subscribers in all 17 trouble spots.
Recalls
PROVIDED BY
FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL
Jul 29, 2021
Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Read Recall Details
Summary:
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2014-2018 328d, 328d xDrive, X5 xDrive35d, 2014-2016 535d, 535d xDrive, 2015 740Ld xDrive, and 2015-2017 X3 xDrive28d vehicles. The high-pressure fuel pump may fail.
What should you do:
Dealers will replace the high-pressure fuel pump, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters were mailed on September 27, 2021. Owner notification letters were mailed on January 14, 2022. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 21V586000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 11216
Hide Recall Details
EQUIPMENT
Sep 20, 2018
An electrical shock or a fire can increase the risk of injury or death.
Read Recall Details
Summary:
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018 BMW 330e iPerformance, i3 Rex, i3 Sport Rex, X5 xDrive40e, i3 BEV, i3 Sport BEV and 2019 i8 and i8 Roadster vehicles and 2018-2019 530e iPerformance, 530e xDrive iPerformance and 740Le xDrive iPerformance vehicles. Capacitors within the TurboCord Portable Chargers may fail, possibly resulting in a shock hazard or a fire.
What should you do:
BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the charging cable, and replace it if necessary, free of charge. The recall began February 22, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 18V652000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 3501
Hide Recall Details
SUSPENSION
Jun 28, 2018
If the lower control arm breaks, vehicle handling and control can be affected, increasing the risk of a crash.
Read Recall Details
Summary:
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018 BMW X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive50i, X5 xDrive35d, and X6 sDrive35i vehicles. The pivot bolt on the front lower-left control arm may not have been properly hardened, which may cause the control arm to break.
What should you do:
BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the lower-left control arms and replace if necessary, free of charge. The recall began July 11, 2018. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 18V439000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 43
Hide Recall Details
SUSPENSION
Nov 17, 2017
Loose bolts can affect the performance of the suspension, thereby increasing the risk of a crash.
Read Recall Details
Summary:
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018 BMW X5 SAV, X5 M SAV, X6 SAV, and X6 M SAV vehicles. Bolts that secure the front suspension may not have been properly tightened.
What should you do:
BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and tighten the wishbone suspension bolts, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin January 8, 2018. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 17V727000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 33
Hide Recall Details
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