2020 BMW X5 Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 3about this part
- Share
- 3%of 113 total for the year
- Median mileage
- —not reported
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 3 complaints about the steering of the 2020 BMW X5, 3% of the 113 complaints for this model year. 2 recall campaigns on record are 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.
“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“Recall 19v-631, I am experiencing a faulty steering issue as reported in the recall. My vehicle was in production around the same time as the recall vehicles.”
NHTSA complaint #11706532, filed 2025-12“squeaking and grinding in steering column, overheated steering column to the touch. Took to local BMW and was informed it was an issue with steering rack (after two visits there) and part has to be ordered and replaced.”
NHTSA complaint #11482223, filed 2022-08Related recalls
- 20V434000Jul 28, 2020BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019-2020 X5 sDrive40i, X5 xDrive40i and X5 xDrive50i vehicles and 2020 X6M vehicles. The steering column…Covers: BMW X5 2019–2020, X6 M 2020
- 19V631000Aug 28, 2019BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020 X5 sDrive40i, X5 xDrive40i, X5 M50i, X7 xDrive40i and X7 M50i vehicles. The steering rack pinion…Covers: BMW X5 2020, X7 2020
Related service bulletins
- 10249017Jan 4, 2024SITUATION Unusual noises occur only when operating the steering column in the axial direction. 1. A one-time thump sound at the start of movement Shortly after the steering…
- 10242691Aug 1, 2023?Unusual noises occur only when operating the steering column in the axial direction.
- 10239604Jun 1, 2023A groaning type noise is heard during the height adjustment.
- 10235181Mar 1, 2023A groaning type noise is heard during the height adjustment.
- 10235180Mar 1, 2023When turning the steering wheel while stationary or when driving on uneven roads; cracking, creaking, or knocking noises may be heard.
- 10230732Dec 1, 2022The saved steering column positions, vertical and horizontal, are not stored long term.
- 10227551Oct 1, 2022Due to the semiconductor supply, the Local Interconnect Network module in either of the exterior mirrors was switched to another controller. That one provides an imprecise…
- 10211809Mar 1, 2022The steering intervention for Lane Departure Warning (LDW) is too strong (severe), which can create an uncomfortable feeling for the driver. Background: Steering intervention…
- 10206690Dec 1, 2021Vehicle cannot be opened or closed using comfort access, engine start is not possible, and the vehicle may not start when placing the key against the steering column.
- 10204661Sep 1, 2021Vehicle cannot be opened or closed using comfort access, engine start is not possible, and the vehicle maynot start when placing the key against the steering column.
Steering: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 3 | 5% |
| 2024 | 3 | 2% |
| 2023 | 1 | 3% |
| 2022 | 5 | 7% |
| 2021 | 3 | 3% |
| 2020 | 3 | 3% |
| 2019 | 18 | 9% |
| 2018 | 2 | 3% |
| 2017 | 3 | 4% |
| 2016 | 3 | 4% |
| 2015 | 7 | 5% |
| 2014 | 1 | 1% |
| 2013 | 2 | 1% |
| 2012 | 20 | 7% |
| 2011 | 18 | 7% |
| 2010 | 8 | 6% |
| 2009 | 6 | 4% |
| 2008 | 2 | 1% |
| 2007 | 2 | 3% |
| 2006 | 2 | 1% |
| 2004 | 4 | 6% |
| 2003 | 3 | 3% |
| 2002 | 6 | 6% |
| 2001 | 11 | 7% |
| 2000 | 1 | 3% |
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 complaintsExterior lighting
5 complaintsBody and structure
4 complaintsSeat belts
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 28, 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