BMW X5 years to avoid and best years
Newer BMW X5 years have more owner complaints per year than the older ones. 2024 has the most complaints per year, at 48 (145 complaints). Among years old enough to compare, the fewest complaints per year are 2018 at 3 (from 72 complaints), 2016 at 4 (from 74 complaints), and 2020 at 5 (from 111 complaints). The BMW X5 2025 and 2026 model years are too early to compare: none has had 3 full years on the road yet. On the 2024 BMW X5, 46 of 145 complaints name Hydraulic brakes, Electronic stability control (ESC).
Data as of .
2018
2016
2020
2025–26
BMW X5 reliability by year
Each year is complaints filed in that year’s first 3 years on the road, divided by however many of those years have passed. A model year younger than 3 years is too early to compare, so it is left out of the years named as having the fewest or the most complaints. Recalls are a separate count. The numbers are for the US-market BMW X5. How we count.
By model year
| Year | Per year on the road | Complaints | Recalls | Most-filed complaint | Avg. combined MPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Too early | 0 | 0 | 2 | — | 21.2 |
| 2025 → Too early | 31 | 61 | 5 | Hydraulic brakes, Electronic stability control (ESC) | 21.2 |
| 2024 → Most | 48 | 145 | 8 | Hydraulic brakes, Electronic stability control (ESC) | 21 |
| 2023 → | 8 | 32 | 4 | Powertrain | 19 |
| 2022 → | 11 | 69 | 1 | Powertrain | 19 |
| 2021 → | 15 | 107 | 12 | Electrical system | 19 |
| 2020 → Fewest | 5 | 111 | 11 | Engine | 18.5 |
| 2019 → | 12 | 188 | 13 | Electrical system | 20.5 |
| 2018 → Fewest | 3 | 72 | 5 | Electrical system | 20.5 |
| 2017 → | 7 | 74 | 6 | Fuel and propulsion system | 20.5 |
| 2016 → Fewest | 4 | 74 | 5 | Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system | 20.5 |
| 2015 → | 0 | 0 | 6 | — | 20.6 |
| 2014 → | 0 | 0 | 8 | — | 21.5 |
| 2013 → | 0 | 0 | 6 | — | 17.8 |
| 2012 → | 0 | 0 | 10 | — | 17.5 |
Years with a → link have a full model-year page.
What owners file about
Generations
- Body styles
- SUV
- Oil
- 5W-30 full synthetic · 8 qt capacity
- Tire size
- 255/55R18 to 285/35R21 (trim-dependent)
Known issues for this generation
Recall 20V017000 covers certain 2007-2013 X5 models (with many other BMW models in the same campaign) for a Takata driver-side frontal air bag inflator that can explode and send sharp metal fragments into the cabin. Dealers replace the driver air bag; on X5 and X6 vehicles the remedy is limited to the driver air bag per NHTSA’s campaign text. Recall 20V016000 separately covers certain 2007-2012 X5 and related models for a passenger frontal inflator with the same explosion risk.
- Body styles
- SUV
- Oil
- 5W-30 full synthetic (gasoline); diesel may differ · 6.5 qt capacity
- Tire size
- 255/55R18 to 285/35R21 (trim-dependent)
Known issues for this generation
Recall 24V608000 covers certain 2016-2018 X5 xDrive40e models (among about 720,796 vehicles across many BMW N20/N26 applications) where an improperly sealed water-pump electrical connector may short circuit and increase fire risk; dealers inspect and replace the pump and connector as needed and install a protective shield. Diesel X5 xDrive35d units in this era are also named in multi-model campaigns such as 21V586000 (high-pressure fuel pump) and 21V907000 (EGR cooler / intake manifold fire risk on diesel models).
- Body styles
- SUV
- Oil
- 0W-20 full synthetic (common US gasoline fills) · 7 qt capacity
- Tire size
- 265/50R19 to 315/35R21 (trim-dependent)
Known issues for this generation
Recall 24V576000 covers certain 2019-2020 X5 models (with X7, 3 Series, X6, 7 Series, and 8 Series in the same ~105,588-unit campaign) where repeated start attempts after a starter failure can overheat the starter and raise engine-compartment fire risk; dealers update software. Recall 25V644000 later covers overlapping X5/X6 and other models (~145,102 units) for the same starter overheat concern and requires starter replacement, including vehicles already repaired under 24V576. Recall 24V739000 covers certain 2023-2024 X5 models (with X1, X6, X7, 530i, and other BMW/MINI/ Rolls-Royce vehicles) for an integrated brake system that may lose power assist or impair ABS/DSC; the campaign notes prior 24V104 repairs must be redone with a new module.
Frequently asked questions
Which BMW X5 years have fewer owner complaints?
Among years old enough to compare, the fewest complaints per year are 2018 at 3 (from 72 complaints), 2016 at 4 (from 74 complaints), and 2020 at 5 (from 111 complaints).
Which BMW X5 year has the most owner complaints?
2024 has the most complaints per year, at 48 (145 complaints). On the 2024 BMW X5, 46 of 145 complaints name Hydraulic brakes, Electronic stability control (ESC).
How do BMW X5 owner complaints compare by year?
Newer BMW X5 years have more owner complaints per year than the older ones.
Which BMW X5 years are too early to compare?
The BMW X5 2025 and 2026 model years are too early to compare: none has had 3 full years on the road yet.
What generation is the 2020 BMW X5?
G05 generation (2019-on).
What oil does a recent BMW X5 take?
G05 US gasoline fills commonly use 0W-20 full synthetic; earlier F15/E70 notes often list 5W-30.
What tire sizes does a BMW X5 use?
Sizes span a wide trim range; G05 examples run about 265/50R19 to 315/35R21.