2009 BMW X5 Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 5about this part
- Share
- 4%of 138 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 76,795miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 2009 BMW X5, 4% of the 138 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 76,795 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“My 2009 X5 with 127000 miles recently indicated a burnt out brake light. While replacing the light, I found the rear upper right brake light was burnt out, the taillight itself is melted, and the socket is severely melted and scorched. On further investigation, the opposite side (left/driver's side) was also melted! Checking online, this appears to be a common problem. I am afraid this could be a fire hazard and was surprised to learn there is not an outstanding recall on the taillights for this vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #11090162, filed 2018-04, 127,000 miles“I took my vehicle in to Bmw service department because I was having problems with my vehicle dry starting (didn't want to start as if it was out of gas). Service guy informed me after he ran a diagnostic check that it was my battery. I was flabbergasted, because that didn't sound of a dead battery. I paid 460 (new battery and diagnostic check) and he assured he ran it again with the new battery and no codes was shown again. Before I even got into my vehicle the transport guy notice a light on. Service guy checked it out and finds out rear light needs to be replaced, wait a few. …”
NHTSA complaint #10766528, filed 2015-09, 76,795 miles“The rear tail lights get water leaks and corrosion and won't work. They need to be replaced. This happened on both the passenger and driver side lights.”
NHTSA complaint #10585940, filed 2014-05, 68,000 miles“The headlights on low beam reach out only 3 car lengths. Traveling at 40 MPH or more you have inadequate forward visibility, if there is an object or an animal in the road ahead, due to low distance visibility, you have no response time. The tech knowledge on these headlights for up and down and left to right movement are fine if you are going up hill or turning left or right. They have been to Bmw service in lubbock and dallas texas. I have had several friends and family drive this vehicle and they experience the same poor visibility.”
NHTSA complaint #10436637, filed 2011-11, 100 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10057566Oct 1, 2014Bmw: some vehicles, with 552 option, are experiencing a malfunction of led headlight on one where it flickers on an doff during driving and the control check message is…
- 10147945Jan 1, 2014Delay in Automatic Driving Light Switching On/Off. When driving out of a tunnel or exiting underground parking, the automatic driving light remains switched on for two minutes…
- 10052363May 1, 2013Bmw: due to an error in software calibration, some vehicles are experiencing warning illumination of dsc, abs and brake and a possible warning in control display for chassis…
- 10150123Mar 1, 2013INFORMATION Note: Failures that result from the installation of non-approved accessories and/or non-original parts are not covered. Procedure A with Reprogramming and Encoding…
- 10040177Mar 1, 2013Bmw: the brake light fails and the bulb holder is deformed due to high temperatures and the composition of the holder. *rm updated on 4/25/2013.
Exterior lighting: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2 | 3% |
| 2024 | 1 | 1% |
| 2023 | 1 | 3% |
| 2021 | 1 | 1% |
| 2020 | 5 | 4% |
| 2019 | 5 | 3% |
| 2016 | 1 | 1% |
| 2015 | 3 | 2% |
| 2012 | 3 | 1% |
| 2011 | 6 | 2% |
| 2010 | 2 | 2% |
| 2009 | 5 | 4% |
| 2008 | 11 | 5% |
| 2007 | 2 | 3% |
| 2006 | 4 | 2% |
| 2005 | 5 | 6% |
| 2004 | 5 | 8% |
| 2003 | 6 | 6% |
| 2002 | 8 | 8% |
| 2001 | 9 | 6% |
| 2000 | 2 | 7% |
Other parts of the 2009 BMW X5
42 complaintsAir bags
41 complaintsEngine
30 complaintsElectrical system
16 complaintsBrakes
10 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
10 complaintsOther or unknown
9 complaintsSeats
9 complaintsEngine cooling
6 complaintsSteering
6 complaintsSuspension
3 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2009 BMW X5
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 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