2020 BMW X5 Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 5about this part
- Share
- 4%of 113 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 8,100miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 2020 BMW X5, 4% of the 113 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 8,100 miles. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
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.
“Vehicle has excessive condensation in driver headlight. Garage kept only. Problem discovered because of parking vehicle outside on driveway while the garage hosted moving boxes. This was the only time this vehicle has spent the night outside.”
NHTSA complaint #11717301, filed 2026-02“Headlights continually fog up and puddle water in them. It takes a major effort to dry them out. Dealer says they are vented and that they will clear themselves but don't. This is a continual problem and poses a safety issue because of headlight failure.”
NHTSA complaint #11663666, filed 2025-05Related recalls
- 20V528000Sep 1, 2020BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020-2021 X5 sDrive40i, xDrive40i, xDrive50i, X5 M50i, X5M, X6 sDrive40i, xDrive40i, X6 M50i, X6M, X7…Covers: BMW X5 2020–2021, X7 2020–2021, X6 2020–2021
Related service bulletins
- 10252031Mar 14, 2024One or more of the LED daytime running lights are dim or discolored.
- 10239611Jun 1, 2023Headlight check control (CC) message 128 "High beam headlight failure" is displayed. The following fault codes are stored during a vehicle test: 80419A - Left high-beam…
- 10239610Jun 1, 2023Condensation is present on the inner surfaces in one or both taillights (circled).
- 10236228Apr 1, 2023The hazard light (aka emergency flasher) button gets stuck in the ON or OFF position when actuated.
- 10235200Mar 1, 2023One or more of the LED daytime running lights are dim or discolored.
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 2020 BMW X5
39 complaintsEngine
33 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
17 complaintsOther or unknown
16 complaintsEngine cooling
15 complaintsAir bags
6 complaintsBrakes
6 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 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