2020 BMW X5 Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 17about this part
- Share
- 15%of 113 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 70,000miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 17 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2020 BMW X5, 15% of the 113 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 70,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“My steering was what I felt as an affected problem. I was subsequently stuck while out with my one year old in the cold 10/31/2024. Eventually the car started again but I had what felt like steering issues (i.e. dragging/shuttering) thereafter. I was told that there were no issues aside from the power steering which completely failed and was replaced. Not until 1 year later when I insisted that the issue continued did the dealership give me an idea of what it could be despite them knowing about the SIB the entire time. …”
NHTSA complaint #11715355, filed 2026-02“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“How does a known manufacturing defect ( or the factory-filled transfer case oil does not meet BMW specifications.) Not become a safety concern. The wheels have intermittent power from the transfer case. My car showed the concern at 55k miles and the warranty company made me go through another 12 months of the shuddering issue before replacing. When moving from winter to all season tire it became more noticeable. When setting off from a slope my power loss was even greater causing the front wheels to slip from the shuddering power train. This possess a greater risk on loose paving.”
NHTSA complaint #11590613, filed 2024-05“Transfer case issue which is well known across different BMW vehicles. While driving, reversing , slow parking maneuvers there is a very evident jerking sensation coming from the drivetrain. As if gears within the transfer case are slipping. Potentially dangerous while driving because the transfer case distributes power to the rear axle Issue has been confirmed by a BMW mechanic No warning lights”
NHTSA complaint #11698206, filed 2025-11“The contact owns a 2020 BMW X5. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to a dealer for routine maintenance and it was discovered that there was a coolant leak and that there was a failure with the front differential failure, and that the A/C unit was leaking. The leaking valve was replaced but the differential was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure was a known failure with the vehicle. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 70,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11728100, filed 2026-03, 70,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10242688Aug 1, 2023?A software error may cause an unwanted pressure pulsation in the transmission during a "Remote Engine Start."
- 10239603Jun 1, 2023BMW AG has issued an Emissions Recall (effective March 17, 2023) on a certain Model Year 2021 - 2023 BMW vehicles that were produced between June 16, 2020, and December 13, 2022…
- 10235178Mar 1, 2023BMW AG has issued a Delivery Stop: Due to a software failure, there is the possibility that the transmission does not go into "sleep mode" if the car is turned off.
- 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…
- 10230722Dec 1, 2022After an automatic engine start (MSA start), the transmission intermittently goes into the Park "P" or Neutral "N" position without any customer influence.
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 4 | 14% |
| 2025 | 7 | 11% |
| 2024 | 16 | 11% |
| 2023 | 9 | 26% |
| 2022 | 25 | 35% |
| 2021 | 31 | 28% |
| 2020 | 17 | 15% |
| 2019 | 20 | 10% |
| 2018 | 10 | 14% |
| 2017 | 10 | 13% |
| 2016 | 13 | 18% |
| 2015 | 14 | 9% |
| 2014 | 12 | 12% |
| 2013 | 36 | 24% |
| 2012 | 53 | 20% |
| 2011 | 58 | 22% |
| 2010 | 6 | 5% |
| 2009 | 10 | 7% |
| 2008 | 16 | 7% |
| 2007 | 2 | 3% |
| 2006 | 7 | 4% |
| 2005 | 9 | 11% |
| 2004 | 11 | 17% |
| 2003 | 16 | 16% |
| 2002 | 6 | 6% |
| 2001 | 15 | 9% |
| 2000 | 7 | 24% |
Other parts of the 2020 BMW X5
39 complaintsEngine
33 complaintsOther or unknown
16 complaintsEngine cooling
15 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 30, 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