2006 BMW X5 SAV Problems
- Complaints
- 27filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 96,000miles, 21 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 0campaigns on record
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2006 BMW X5 SAV (complaints, recalls, investigations). Report an error
NHTSA recorded 27 consumer complaints for the 2006 BMW X5 SAV. The part named most often is air bags, with 15 complaints (56% of the total), followed by brakes (6) and seats (6). 21 of the complaints include a mileage, and 10% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 96,000 miles. Of all complaints, 1 involved a crash, 1 a fire, 1 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 0 recall campaigns and 10 technical service bulletins for this model year.
Not compared (before 2008). Model years 2008–2023 of the same vehicle that have at least 25 complaints are compared, and a model needs at least 3 of them.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Air bags15 56%
- Brakes6 22%
- Seats6 22%
- Electrical system2 7.4%
- Exterior lighting2 7.4%
- Fuel system1 3.7%
- Seat belts1 3.7%
Example complaints
Air bags: “I noticed that the airbag light was on, I called Bmw and they scheduled me for a appointment the following week. On the day of the appointment the vehicle was diagnosed and showed that the front seat mat was faulty. I paid $1400 to have it fixed. Five months since the vehicle was serviced by the dealer, the airbag light was on again which means the airbag won't deploy when it's needed.”
NHTSA complaint #10451073, filed 2012-03, 68,166 milesBrakes: “I purchased a 2006 x5 4.4i (n62b44 engine)used with 138,000 miles. Went to leave driveway, car was in reverse, presses brakes to adjust mirrors, let off to keep backing out, had to press again for another adjustment, I looked up and I was driving through the bushes in my front yard. Brakes were pushed but not engaging. I thought that to be odd, so I wanted to run to a certified Bmw repair facility. I was in traffic going about 40 and had to utilize the breaks again, the car stopped. …”
NHTSA complaint #11190652, filed 2019-03, 138,000 milesSeats: “The airbag indicator on dash came on initially and then after about a month the overhead console passenger air bag off light came on. Both lights came on ever since and 2 attempts were made to clear code by professional and seems to be the problem with the passenger sensor mat being faulty. My vehicle was equipped with a sport seats from manufacturer and estimated cost was from $800-$1200 for that sensor. I have received a letter for this recall showing my VIN as an affected vehicle in 12/2013, however, it's now 6/2014 and still no feedback from NHTSA or Bmw na.”
NHTSA complaint #10596935, filed 2014-06, 85,000 milesElectrical system: “Fire hazard, potential engine shutting of unexpectedly: battery cable at charge point under hood melted and charred . Discovery preceded by noticeable burning smell idling in traffic. Plastic terminal mounting base melted and charred, terminal disconnected from base, plastic insulation around cable terminal crimp charred and missing. Parts affected: 12 42 7 531 720 main power cable charge point to alternator; 12 52 1 439 674 base b+; 61 13 8 371 016 cover base b+. …”
NHTSA complaint #10871663, filed 2016-05, 103,910 milesMileage when problems were reported
10% of the 21 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 63,200 and 107,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: stable. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
Recalls and investigations
NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2006 BMW X5 SAV in the data used here. A recall can apply to some vehicles of a model year and not others, so check a specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 10 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 10249437Jan 16, 2024Electrical system, Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors). The basic conditions for initializing the power windows are not met.
- 10249027Jan 11, 2024Electrical system. The electrical system of BMW vehicles has been subject to an ongoing development process over the last few years. This has led to increased demands being placed on the battery. This document covers…
- 10182619Oct 1, 2020Equipment, Electrical system. Discharged Battery Energy Diagnosis Must Be Performed: The electrical system of BMW vehicles has been subject to an ongoing development process over the last few years. This has led to increased…
- 10037027Aug 1, 2010Electrical system, Body and structure. Bmw: model e70 equipped with an automatic tailgate. The rear tailgate may not operate in either direction due to wiring damage.
- 10037026Aug 1, 2010Electrical system, Equipment. Bmw: elctronically disconnecting the junction box without disconnecting the battery will cause damage to the rear power distribution box.
- 10037025Aug 1, 2010Exterior lighting. Bmw: procedure for determining and replacing incandescent and halogen light bulbs under warranty.
- 10036979Jun 1, 2010Steering. Bmw: a new technical process has been created for bmw to identify causes of steering complaints with a wide range of models.
- 10033130Dec 1, 2009Fuel system. Bmw vehicles: fuel level sensor repairs. Where it is necessary to replace the right or the left side fuel level sensor due to a failure, the entire pump and housing or delivery unit (suction jet…
- 10025775Jan 1, 2008Suspension. Bmw: dynamic drive (ars) front sway bar repairs. E70 (x5) with sport package option code zsp.
- 10032845Nov 1, 2007Equipment, Electrical system. Bmw vehicle: electronic malfunction cc message caused by shorted wiring. The electronic malfunction check control message may be displayed; the sounds system emits a static noise from the speakers…
Other model years of the BMW X5 SAV
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 13 | 45,000 | 1 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 2012 | 21 | 54,250 | 4 | — | — | — | Stable |
| 2011 | 24 | 78,620 | 3 | — | — | — | Stable |
| 2010 | 19 | 64,000 | 5 | — | — | — | Stable |
| 2009 | 19 | 80,000 | 4 | — | — | — | Rising |
| 2008 | 20 | 70,049 | 3 | — | — | — | Stable |
| 2007 | 59 | 67,000 | 5 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2006 | 27 | 96,000 | 0 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
Frequently asked questions
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2006 BMW X5 SAV have?
NHTSA recorded 27 consumer complaints for the 2006 BMW X5 SAV as of Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2006 BMW X5 SAV is reported most often?
Air bags is named most often, in 15 complaints (56% of the total), followed by brakes with 6.
Has the 2006 BMW X5 SAV been recalled?
NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for this model year in the data used here. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
At what mileage are problems with the 2006 BMW X5 SAV reported?
Among the 21 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 96,000 miles and the middle half falls between 63,200 and 107,000 miles; 10% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.