2020 BMW X5 Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 15about this part
- Share
- 13%of 113 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 48,000miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 15 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2020 BMW X5, 13% of the 113 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 48,000 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The contact owns a 2020 BMW X5. The contact stated while driving at approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that START/STOP warning light was illuminated. The contact attempted to restart the vehicle but was unable. The contact had the vehicle towed to a dealer who diagnosed that the starter motor had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. …”
NHTSA complaint #11648268, filed 2025-03, 31,000 miles“The contact owns a 2020 BMW X5. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the check engine warning illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the active air flap controller. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 45,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11556127, filed 2023-11, 45,000 miles“The contact owns a 2020 BMW X5. The contact stated that upon entering the vehicle, the message that the engine had overheated, and the vehicle was disabled was displayed. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the starter motor. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V576000 (Electrical System, Engine and Engine Cooling), but the VIN was not included. …”
NHTSA complaint #11663370, filed 2025-05, 80,000 miles“The contact owns a 2020 BMW X5. The contact stated while driving approximately 25 MPH, the message Low Oil Pressure - Stop Vehicle Immediately was displayed, and the oil warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was pulled over to the side of the road and turned off. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the oil pump was inoperable and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 81,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11704232, filed 2025-12, 81,000 miles“The contact owns a 2020 BMW X5. The contact stated that after refueling the vehicle, the contact attempted to restart the vehicle; however, the vehicle failed to restart. The contact made several attempts, and after approximately an hour, the vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle failed to start and was towed to a local dealer. The contact stated that there were no warning lights illuminated. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the starter motor had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. …”
NHTSA complaint #11667694, filed 2025-06, 30,000 milesRelated recalls
- 24V576000Aug 1, 2024BMW of North America, LLC is recalling certain 2019-2020 X5, X7, 2020 3 Series Sedan, X6, 2020-2021 7 Series Sedan, 2020 8 Series Convertible, 8 Series Coupe…Covers: BMW X5 2019–2020, X7 2019–2020, 740I 2020–2021 +4 more
Related service bulletins
- 10252038Mar 4, 2024Check Control message (CCM) indicates: (ID 213): Stop, exercising due care. Voltage supply The Service Engine Soon light is on with the following DME Fault Code: 21B209 - Starter…
- 10249425Jan 29, 2024The Check Control message below appears even though the coolant level is not below minimum when theengine is cold. Check Control message (ID 166): Top up coolant.
- 10247567Dec 20, 2023Engine will crank but not start. There is no communication with the integrated fuel module (TFE) whendiagnosing with ISTA. The following two fault codes will be stored in the…
- 10245367Nov 9, 2023Check Control message (CCM) indicates: (ID 213): Stop, exercising due care. Voltage supply The Service Engine Soon light is on with the following DME Fault Code: 21B209 - Starter…
- 10242688Aug 1, 2023?A software error may cause an unwanted pressure pulsation in the transmission during a "Remote Engine Start."
- 10238073May 1, 2023DSCi units which potentially have a faulty hydraulic valve were installed in the vehicles. The affected units may activate a sporadic red-colored Check Control Message.
- 10235179Mar 1, 2023There is a howling or whistling noise from under the vehicle at 30 -37 mph (50 -60 km/h) when driving after a cold start, when the outside temperature is 32 F (0 C) or lower.
- 10233157Feb 1, 2023There is a howling or whistling noise from under the vehicle at 30 -37 mph (50 -60 km/h) when driving after a cold start, when the outside temperature is 32 F (0 C) or lower. The…
- 10230726Dec 1, 2022There is a howling or whistling noise from under the vehicle at 30 -37 mph (50 -60 km/h) when driving after a cold start, when the outside temperature is 32F (0C) or lower.
- 10230724Dec 1, 2022Coolant leaking from the engine compartment. Traces of coolant leaking from the expansion tank of the low temperature cooling system.
Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1 | 2% |
| 2022 | 3 | 4% |
| 2021 | 7 | 6% |
| 2020 | 15 | 13% |
| 2019 | 12 | 6% |
| 2018 | 9 | 12% |
| 2017 | 4 | 5% |
| 2016 | 7 | 9% |
| 2015 | 9 | 6% |
| 2014 | 5 | 5% |
| 2013 | 6 | 4% |
| 2012 | 12 | 4% |
| 2011 | 10 | 4% |
| 2010 | 13 | 10% |
| 2009 | 6 | 4% |
| 2008 | 16 | 7% |
| 2007 | 3 | 4% |
| 2006 | 7 | 4% |
| 2005 | 5 | 6% |
| 2004 | 2 | 3% |
| 2003 | 24 | 24% |
| 2002 | 21 | 21% |
| 2001 | 31 | 19% |
Other parts of the 2020 BMW X5
39 complaintsEngine
33 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
17 complaintsOther or unknown
16 complaintsAir bags
6 complaintsBrakes
6 complaintsExterior lighting
5 complaintsBody and structure
4 complaintsSeat belts
3 complaintsSteering
3 complaintsSuspension
3 complaintsBack-over prevention (rear camera)
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2020 BMW X5
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 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