2023 BMW X5 Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 9about this part
- Share
- 26%of 34 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 50,900miles
- Trend
- Too newThis model year is less than 4 years old, so a trend is not meaningful yet.
NHTSA recorded 9 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2023 BMW X5, 26% of the 34 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 50,900 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.
“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 2025-04“11/21~11/24: Transmission shift from D to N while driving and the vehicle lost power. system down and change to Charging Mode, which shows when power off. Need to push the start button couple of times to turn X5 on. These things happen 3 times. 11/28~12/2: BMW service tech updated software. I pick it up on 12/3 12/4: There was error message that Four wheel drive limited and engine stops and system changed to Charging Mode. I had to push the start button to turn it on.”
NHTSA complaint #11496221, filed 2022-12“I was accelerating from a green light in ELECTRIC only mode, once nearing 25 mph, felt a single strong jolt that caused acceleration to pause, the Hybrid mode automatically kicked in and acceleration continued under engine power. Received several warnings and alerts on the display- Stop Carefully: Power Supply Drivetrain Malfunction Continued Driving possible: Drivetrain Electric drive limited I was fortunate enough to continue driving the final 1/2 mile to my parking lot at work. …”
NHTSA complaint #11499019, filed 2022-12“Drivetrain malfunction creating error message of critical failure on brake system and chassis. The first of 2 such issues so far in 4 months of ownership. Car is under original mfr warranty. Dealer charged $600 to fix. This is a PHEV and with the electrical system issues it prevents the car from functioning safely”
NHTSA complaint #11724888, filed 2026-03“The contact owns a 2023 BMW X5. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the contact noticed a fluid leak underneath the vehicle. The contact stated that upon driving from a complete stop, the vehicle failed to exceed 5 MPH. The check engine warning light and other unknown warning lights were illuminated. The messages Drivetrain Malfunction and 4-WD Component and other unknown messages were displayed. The contact pulled over to the side of the road, turned off and restarted the vehicle, and the vehicle responded as needed. …”
NHTSA complaint #11665727, filed 2025-06, 50,900 milesRelated recalls
- 23V821000Dec 6, 2023BMW 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…Covers: BMW X5 2023, Toyota Supra 2023, BMW X3 2023 +5 more
Related service bulletins
- 11023120Sep 3, 2025The rear right driven half-shaft (aka output shaft/driven shaft) may not have been manufactured correctly during production and may break. In the event of a failure, there could…
- 11006766Aug 16, 2024There is a jerking or shuddering during either or both of the following: Cornering or accelerating from low speeds Driving with low to medium loads There are no warning lights or…
- 11000508May 10, 2024The inverter or (EGS-EME) Electrical Machine Electronics Transmission Control supply line may be damaged due to improper routing. This can cause Check Control Message (CCM)…
- 10252020Mar 20, 2024The inverter or (EGS-EME) Electrical Machine Electronics Transmission Control supply line may be damaged due to improper routing. This can cause Check Control Message (CCM)…
- 10242967Sep 29, 2023BMW AG has requested the inspection of all dealer stock of the following part number(s) listed below to ensure the spacer is conformed to drawing.
- 10242970Sep 28, 2023BMW AG has issued a Delivery Stop (effective September 28, 2023) on certain Model Year 2023 BMWvehicles that were produced between January 23, 2023, and June 15, 2023.
- 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…
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 2023 BMW X5
8 complaintsOther or unknown
8 complaintsEngine
5 complaintsBody and structure
4 complaintsBrakes
3 complaintsBack-over prevention (rear camera)
2 complaintsForward collision avoidance
2 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
2 complaintsAir bags
1 complaintsExterior lighting
1 complaintsFuel system
1 complaintsLane departure
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2023 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