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EnginePart report

2020 BMW X5 Engine Problems

Complaints
33about this part
Share
29%of 113 total for the year
Median mileage
62,836miles
Trend
RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.

NHTSA recorded 33 complaints about the engine of the 2020 BMW X5, 29% of the 113 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 62,836 miles. 4 a fire, according to the filers.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“I replaced my starter prior to a recall that was issued. After the recall, I submitted a claim for reimbursement and the check was issued. Bmw of North American has not updated the recall information associated with my vin. I am this unable to list my vehicle on any rental platform as it is showing a status of an open recall for the starter. The repair was done in September, 2025 and I was reimbursed 3 weeks ago.”

NHTSA complaint #11749940, filed 2026-07

“My 2020 BMW X5 experienced starter failure after completing recall campaign 24V-576 for starter electrical overload risk. The vehicle was subject to this recall which acknowledged a defect causing electrical overload to the starter system. I completed the required software update in late 2024, approximately 4 years after the vehicle was manufactured and exposed to the acknowledged defect. Following the recall repair, the starter system failed on three separate occasions over a six-week period. …”

NHTSA complaint #11687403, filed 2025-09

“My 2020 BMW X5 sDrive40i has experienced recurring and serious electrical, shutdown, and drivability problems that have not been resolved despite BMW service and a recall-related repair. The vehicle has unexpectedly restarted after being turned off and has also failed to shut down properly. On September 6, 2026, after being parked at Costco for approximately 40–60 minutes, I returned to find the vehicle off but not secured. The brake lights were on, the windows were down even though I had left them up, and the interior systems were operating. …”

NHTSA complaint #11764210, filed 2026-09

“While driving through west Los Angeles, the vehicle suddenly began emitting white smoke from the engine compartment. There were no prior warning lights, messages, or symptoms indicating a problem. The smoke quickly intensified and turned dark. Thick smoke filled the air, and the cockpit, with the smell of toxic fumes. I safely maneuvered to the shoulder and exited the vehicle with my passenger. Flames erupted from the front of the vehicle. We called 911, which dispatched the fire department. The LAFD responded, cutting open the hood in order to extinguish the fire. …”

NHTSA complaint #11722345, filed 2026-03

“I own a 2020 BMX X5 S40i. Car was parked and turned off. When I tried to turn the car ON, the car refused to start and smoke and fire smell started coming from engine compartment. I opened the hood and could smell a burning smell. Waited for smell to disappear and tried starting the car again. Car would not start and burning smell appeared again. Got a warning on the dashboard that engine compartment was overheated and car would be ready to start after 180 seconds. Called AAA to jump start car and same behaviour was observed and car refused to start. …”

NHTSA complaint #11663702, filed 2025-05

Related service bulletins

Engine: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
2026311%
202535%
2024139%
2023515%
20221318%
20212523%
20203329%
20195227%
20181115%
20171216%
20161419%
20154228%
20141616%
20134530%
20129234%
201111042%
20104032%
20093022%
20086631%
2007913%
200674%
20051215%
2004914%
20031111%
200277%
200174%
200013%

Other parts of the 2020 BMW X5

Electrical system
39 complaints
Transmission and drivetrain
17 complaints
Other or unknown
16 complaints
Engine cooling
15 complaints
Air bags
6 complaints
Brakes
6 complaints
Exterior lighting
5 complaints
Body and structure
4 complaints
Seat belts
3 complaints
Steering
3 complaints
Suspension
3 complaints
Back-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