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Other or unknownPart report

2020 BMW X5 Other or unknown Problems

Complaints
16about this part
Share
14%of 113 total for the year
Median mileage
170miles
Trend
RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.

NHTSA recorded 16 complaints about the other or unknown of the 2020 BMW X5, 14% of the 113 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 170 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 4 a fire, according to the filers.

Example complaints

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

“Air conditioning quit working on day 2 of ownership. Dealer says the compressor needs to be replaced and there is a lead time between 2 weeks and 2 months. After purchasing a car that cost about $125,000 and driving it one time, it had to be sent to the shop. Since it is so hot where I live, driving the car is out of the question. Bmw did give me a loaner car, but the value of the loaner is about 45% of the car I purchased.”

NHTSA complaint #11329328, filed 2020-06, 170 miles

“The AC system blowed hot air. There's must be a problem with this model because my friend also have the 2021 BMW X5 and its AC also have problem. We're suffering from this due to Manufacturing defect.”

NHTSA complaint #11748457, filed 2026-07

“I was having intermittent starting issues. After a starter recall was done, things got worse. Idrive will not turn off and car wont start draining battery. Battery was replaced and car still having idrive and start issues. It would not start after being hot. I was told extended warranty is not covered and that the center console was the problem after diagnostic. They want approximately $3000 to repair. The car will not start at all and the idrive will not shut off. They said it will continue until repaired.”

NHTSA complaint #11704622, filed 2025-12

“My 2020 BMW X5 (VIN available upon request) is subject to safety recall 25V-644 due to a fire risk. The recall has been open since November 2025. BMW has confirmed there was no available remedy for an extended period, and a BMW-coordinated service visit on January 15, 2026 could not be completed due to dealership issues. Despite repeated follow-ups with BMW North America, there has been no confirmed repair date and no consistent transportation support while the safety recall remains unresolved. I am concerned about the prolonged delay in addressing this safety issue.”

NHTSA complaint #11717073, filed 2026-02

“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

Related service bulletins

Other or unknown: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
2026621%
202558%
202496%
2023824%
20221724%
20211816%
20201614%
20193116%
20181115%
2017912%
20161419%
20151913%
201499%
20131812%
2012145%
2011208%
20101310%
200997%
2008126%
200746%
200664%
200545%
200435%
200377%
200255%
200143%
200027%

Other parts of the 2020 BMW X5

Electrical system
39 complaints
Engine
33 complaints
Transmission and drivetrain
17 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 29, 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