2006 BMW X5 Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 20about this part
- Share
- 12%of 168 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 92,500miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 20 complaints about the electrical system of the 2006 BMW X5, 12% of the 168 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 92,500 miles. 5 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“My vehicles battery keep draining when not drove for two days. I have replaced the battery and it still wont fire after 2 days. I saw the recall about moisture getting into the vehicles positive crank case ventilation valve heater and thought this might be happening with my vehicle causing my battery to be drained. However, I find that my vehicle is not on the recalled list. It still continues to do this.”
NHTSA complaint #11219764, filed 2019-06, 108,000 miles“After experiencing the same issue for which Bmw issued this recall NHTSA action number: ea08001 I learned that because my 2006 X5 was manufactured after november 30, 2005, Bmw is not covering under warranty the very same defect that vehicles manufactured prior to november 30, 2005 are under warranty for (extended to 10 years with no mileage restrictions). The explanation is that is the recall policy. We manage this via VIN numbers .”
NHTSA complaint #10549432, filed 2013-10, 49,000 miles“My vehicle went on limp mode I'm pretty sure it has to do with the transmission gears. My passenger side door looks like the air bag wants to pop out.”
NHTSA complaint #11289550, filed 2019-12, 11 miles“My heated seat catched on fire. Driver side seat left side rear. I got burned as I was driving on a parking lot. I realized that my pants have a whole as well as of the seat”
NHTSA complaint #10969653, filed 2017-03, 106,000 miles“Started X5 up and turned on driver 's seat warmer. Let car warm up for 5 minutes and commenced to drive away. One minute down the road I smell smoke like an electrical fire. I feel my left hip getting hot at the same time. I stop car and look down and see a dull red glow from the seat. Immediately turn off heater and get out of car. The driver seat warmer had shorted and burned a hole through the leather seat along the left side of the seat. How hot was it! My pants had been burnt and had a small red mark on my skin. …”
NHTSA complaint #10562057, filed 2014-01, 123,469 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10249437Jan 16, 2024The basic conditions for initializing the power windows are not met.
- 10249027Jan 11, 2024The 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…
- 10245422Nov 22, 2023Customers may state that the alarm system (DWA) is not active after locking their unoccupied vehicle. Depending on the vehicleâÂÂs equipment and settings, no acoustic or…
- 10225115Sep 1, 2022Customer is unable to power up or charge accessories through a plug adapter inserted in the front 12-volt power socket plug. Alternatively, it will only operate when constant…
- 10218384Jun 1, 2022Vehicle cannot be opened or closed using comfort access, engine start is not possible, and the vehicle may not start when placing the key against the steering column. Note…
- 10218382Jun 1, 2022A check control message for the restraint system appears. In the Instrument cluster, the red air bag warning light lights up permanently. One of the following fault codes stored…
- 10182619Oct 1, 2020Discharged 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…
- 10149557Oct 1, 2018For the above-referenced vehicles with driver?s side airbag modules, BMW of North America, LLC (?BMW NA?) will provide a Customer Support Program as outlined in the Takata…
- 10136745May 1, 2017ConnectedDrive/BMW Assist System Diagnosis Information
- 10147861Dec 1, 2015SI B12 08 08 Engine Electrical Systems December 2015 Technical Service This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI B12 08 08 dated April 2008. The vehicle's NOx emissions may…
Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 10 | 36% |
| 2025 | 8 | 13% |
| 2024 | 25 | 17% |
| 2023 | 8 | 24% |
| 2022 | 16 | 22% |
| 2021 | 38 | 35% |
| 2020 | 39 | 35% |
| 2019 | 72 | 37% |
| 2018 | 15 | 21% |
| 2017 | 17 | 23% |
| 2016 | 23 | 31% |
| 2015 | 13 | 9% |
| 2014 | 15 | 15% |
| 2013 | 21 | 14% |
| 2012 | 29 | 11% |
| 2011 | 19 | 7% |
| 2010 | 23 | 19% |
| 2009 | 16 | 12% |
| 2008 | 35 | 16% |
| 2007 | 9 | 13% |
| 2006 | 20 | 12% |
| 2005 | 15 | 18% |
| 2004 | 10 | 16% |
| 2003 | 17 | 17% |
| 2002 | 16 | 16% |
| 2001 | 24 | 15% |
| 2000 | 2 | 7% |
Other parts of the 2006 BMW X5
83 complaintsBrakes
29 complaintsSeats
25 complaintsSeat belts
8 complaintsEngine
7 complaintsEngine cooling
7 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
7 complaintsOther or unknown
6 complaintsFuel system
5 complaintsExterior lighting
4 complaintsBody and structure
4 complaintsVehicle speed control
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2006 BMW X5
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology