2023 BMW X5 Problems
Compared with other BMW X5 years
Typical for this model
38/100 0.8× a typical year · 50 = typical
- Complaint rate is 0.8× that of a typical BMW X5 year, weighted for crashes, fires, injuries, recalls and mileage, and allowing for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints.
- 23 of its 34 complaints were filed by the end of 2025.
- Most reported part: Transmission and drivetrain (9 complaints, median 50,900 mi).
- 4 recall campaigns on record. A VIN search at nhtsa.gov/recalls shows open recalls for a specific vehicle.
Nearby years with fewer complaints than typical and no open NHTSA investigation: 2022
Based only on NHTSA complaints, recalls and investigations. Not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold, and not a reliability rating. How this is calculated
- Complaints
- 34filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 6,000miles, 3 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 4campaigns on record
- Trend
- Too newThis model year is less than 4 years old, so a trend is not meaningful yet.
- NHTSA crash rating
- 4 / 5stars overall
- EPA fuel economy
- 15 mpgcombined, 4.4L 8-cyl AWD · 13 city / 18 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2023 BMW X5 (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
NHTSA recorded 34 consumer complaints for the 2023 BMW X5. The part named most often is transmission and drivetrain, with 9 complaints (26% of the total), followed by electrical system (8) and other or unknown (8). 3 of the complaints include a mileage, and 67% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 6,000 miles. Of all complaints, 3 involved a crash, 1 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns and 160 technical service bulletins for this model year. Transmission and drivetrain complaints overlap with 1 recall campaign covering the control module (tcm/pcm/tecm) and 11 technical service bulletins filed under the same part. Electrical system complaints overlap with 52 technical service bulletins filed under the same part. Compared with the other 15 BMW X5 model years that have at least 25 complaints and are old enough to compare, this one scores 38 out of 100, where 50 is a typical year for the model (typical for this model). The comparison allows for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints, but not for how many vehicles were sold.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Electrical system8 24%
- Other or unknown8 24%
- Engine5 15%
- Body and structure4 12%
- Brakes3 8.8%
- Air bags1 2.9%
Also reported: Exterior lighting (1), Fuel system (1), Lane departure (1), Steering (1), Suspension (1), Tires (1).
Example complaints
Transmission and drivetrain: “Two incidents I was driving the vehicle and the notification popped up saying drivetrain error at that moment the Car Detail and I was unable to go over 30 mph while driving in the fast lane on California highways 2/13/2025 3/30/2025”
NHTSA complaint #11653446, filed 2025-04Electrical system: “I bought my 2023 BMW X5 brand new on 1/9/23- was driving through West Pam Beach on the way home from vacation and spilled a little water on my console. I immediately got a message on the dash that there was something wrong with the drive train. It then said not to turn off the car as it may not start again. Luckily I was 1.5 miles away from a BMW dealer and took it there where they said the water most likely seeped into the electrical compartment. …”
NHTSA complaint #11511804, filed 2023-03Other or unknown: “My sunroof spontaneously exploded yesterday, which sounded like a loud shotgun blast going off. Fortunately my vehicle was stopped at the time, but no rocks or debris had hit it to cause this then or previously, and nothing had fallen on it. No warning or other symptoms prior to this happening, the car was in mint condition and always garaged, 34,750 miles. Could have been much worse had I been driving at highway speeds and not stopped at a traffic light.”
NHTSA complaint #11706044, filed 2025-12Engine: “Check Control : Add engine coolant. Risk of scalding. Engine coolant level low. Risk of engine damage. Add engine coolant as soon as possible. sign came up. When take the vehicle to the dealer shop for inspection, leak had occurred and sprayed the coolant to top of the hood as well as surrounding parts. Certain modern BMW models have a 7-year / 70,000-mile extended warranty specifically covering the Heat Management Module, however my car is not included. My current mileage is at 56,000 miles.”
NHTSA complaint #11765404, filed 2026-09Mileage when problems were reported
67% of the 3 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 5,700 and 50,900 miles.
Complaints by year filed
This model year is less than 4 years old, so a trend is not meaningful yet.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2023 BMW X5. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| X5 · SUV AWD | ★★★★☆ | 4 / 4 | 5 | 5 | 4 · 15.9% risk |
| X5 · SUV RWD | not rated | 4 / 4 | 5 | 5 | — |
Neighbouring years: 2022: same overall rating; 2024: same overall rating. A redesign between years can change both the car and the test.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2023 BMW X5 version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving); plug-in hybrid figures are for gasoline-only (hybrid mode) driving, so no annual cost is shown.
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| X5 M AWD | 4.4L 8-cyl | 8-speed automatic | 13 | 18 | 15 | $5,500 |
| X5 M Competition AWD | 4.4L 8-cyl | 8-speed automatic | 13 | 18 | 15 | $5,500 |
| X5 M50i AWD | 4.4L 8-cyl | 8-speed automatic | 16 | 22 | 18 | $4,550 |
| X5 sDrive40i RWD | 3.0L 6-cyl · hybrid | 8-speed automatic | 21 | 26 | 23 | $3,550 |
| X5 xDrive40i AWD | 3.0L 6-cyl · hybrid | 8-speed automatic | 21 | 25 | 23 | $3,550 |
| X5 xDrive45e AWD | 3.0L 6-cyl · plug-in hybrid | 8-speed automatic | 19 | 22 | 20 gas only | — |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 23V821000Dec 6, 2023Power train › Automatic transmission › Control module (tcm/pcm/tecm)Covers: BMW X5 2023, Toyota Supra 2023, BMW X3 2023 +5 more
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2023 Toyota GR Supra, 3 Series Sedan (330i xDrive, M340i xDrive, M3), 5 Series Sedan (530i, 530i xDrive, M5), 4 Series Gran Coupe (430i, 430i xDrive), 4 Series Coupe (430i, 430i xDrive, M440i xDrive), 4…
- 23V253000Apr 6, 2023Seats › Mid/rear assembly › Head restraintCovers: BMW X5 2023
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2023 X5 sDrive40i, X5 xDrive40i, X5 M50i, X5 M and X5 xDrive45e vehicles. The head restraints for the second-row outboard seats may have been improperly manufactured without locking tabs in the guide…
- 22V942000Dec 19, 2022Seats › Critical fastenersCovers: BMW X5 2023
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2023 X5 sDrive40i, X5 M50i and X5 xDrive 45e vehicles. One of the four bolts that connects the backrest to the driver's seat frame may not have been correctly installed.
- 22V820000Nov 2, 2022Visibility › WindshieldCovers: BMW X5 2023, X7 2023
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2023 X5 sDrive40i, xDrive40i, xDrive45e, and X7 xDrive40i vehicles. The windshield may not have been properly bonded to the vehicle which could allow water to enter the vehicle and contact electrical…
Recall details for the 2023 BMW X5 → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 160 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11036377Aug 26, 2026Engine. The return springs on the exhaust camshaft followers (switchable rocker arm) may break.
- 11035400Jul 10, 2026Body and structure. In the affected vehicles, an incorrect screwlocking device (circled) may have been usedfor the mounting bolts of the door latch locks.
- 11035396Jul 10, 2026Engine. Due to an implementation error in various OBD diagnostics in the vehicle's control units, in very rare cases itmay happen that stored fault memory codes (DTCs) and the MIL (warning light) are not…
- 11035497Jun 29, 2026Engine. The EVAP systems purge (vent) valve limited warranty for defects in materials and / or workmanship has been extended to 15 years / 150,000 miles as determined from the original first in-service /…
- 11034450Jun 11, 2026Electrical system. In these vehicles with an S68 engine, an incorrect diagnosis of the Valvetronic (VVT) may occur. Undercertain operating conditions, the software may detect a short-circuit in the valve control…
- 11033033May 19, 2026Air bags. A check control message (CCM) for the restraint system (Air bag) appears. In the instrument cluster, the redair bag warning light lights up permanently. One of the following fault codes is stored in…
- 11033035May 11, 2026Engine. Delivery stop: variable valve timing
- 11032731May 6, 2026Engine. The EVAP systems purge (vent) valve limited warranty for defects in materials or workmanship has been extended to 15 years / 150,000 miles as determined from the original in-service date.
- 11032744May 5, 2026Electrical system. After replacing the Multifunctional Display (MFD), the Central Information Display (CID) is black. The backlight of the CID is illuminated, and touch function does register an audible sound.
- 11032743May 4, 2026Body and structure. 1. Use of aftermarket accessory hang-on cellular phone holders and/or air fresheners can break the instrument panel air vent slats. Damage and/or issues caused by outside influences are not covered…
Other model years of the BMW X5
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 28 | 3,000 | 2 | 4 | 22 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2025 | 63 | 2,000 | 5 | 4 | 22 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2024 | 145 | 7,500 | 8 | 4 | 25 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2023 | 34 | 6,000 | 4 | 4 | 15 | 38 · Typical | Too new |
| 2022 | 72 | 39,000 | 1 | 4 | 15 | 33 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2021 | 110 | 36,400 | 12 | 4 | 15 | 83 · More | Rising |
| 2020 | 113 | 54,000 | 11 | 4 | 23 | 59 · Typical | Rising |
| 2019 | 194 | 19,500 | 13 | 4 | 22 | 82 · More | Rising |
| 2018 | 73 | 27,050 | 5 | 5 | 21 | 24 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2017 | 75 | 29,000 | 6 | 5 | 21 | 44 · Typical | Stable |
| 2016 | 74 | 52,000 | 5 | 5 | 21 | 20 · Fewer | Stable |
| 2015 | 152 | 68,000 | 6 | 5 | 22 | 45 · Typical | Rising |
| 2014 | 99 | 24,500 | 8 | — | 22 | 58 · Typical | Rising |
| 2013 | 149 | 62,000 | 6 | 4 | 16 | 48 · Typical | Falling |
| 2012 | 271 | 69,500 | 10 | — | 16 | 83 · More | Falling |
| 2011 | 263 | 69,569 | 14 | — | 16 | 84 · More | Falling |
| 2010 | 124 | 68,900 | 14 | — | 16 | 43 · Typical | Falling |
| 2009 | 138 | 82,500 | 12 | — | 18 | 52 · Typical | Falling |
| 2008 | 215 | 74,000 | 10 | — | 18 | 62 · Typical | Falling |
| 2007 | 71 | 112,500 | 8 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2006 | 168 | 85,000 | 2 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2005 | 82 | 88,500 | 2 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2004 | 64 | 88,500 | 4 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2003 | 99 | 74,200 | 3 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2002 | 102 | 87,905 | 3 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2001 | 160 | 80,157 | 12 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2000 | 29 | 70,000 | 6 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
All BMW X5 model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2023 BMW X5 have?
NHTSA recorded 34 consumer complaints for the 2023 BMW X5 as of Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2023 BMW X5 is reported most often?
Transmission and drivetrain is named most often, in 9 complaints (26% of the total), followed by electrical system with 8.
Has the 2023 BMW X5 been recalled?
NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
How did the 2023 BMW X5 do in NHTSA crash tests?
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings give the 2023 BMW X5 4 out of 5 stars overall. Ratings from different model years are only comparable when the vehicle was not redesigned in between.
What gas mileage does the 2023 BMW X5 get?
The EPA rates the 2023 BMW X5 (X5 M, 4.4L 8-cyl) at 15 mpg combined, 13 city and 18 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $5,500 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2023 BMW X5 reported?
Among the 3 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 6,000 miles and the middle half falls between 5,700 and 50,900 miles; 67% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
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. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.