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2020 Bmw X5: Recalls, Complaints & Safety Ratings

11Safety recalls
96Owner complaints
NHTSA overall
Quick answer

The 2020 Bmw X5 has 11 open NHTSA safety recalls and 96 owner complaints on file. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer. Check a specific VIN to confirm whether the work was done and to verify mileage and title.

Safety record reviewed June 2026 · sourced from NHTSA

The 2020 Bmw X5 has 11 open safety recalls and 96 owner complaints on file with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Below is the public safety record. To see whether a specific X5 had its recalls repaired and how its mileage and title check out, run that car's VIN.

Safety recalls

1

STEERING:RACK AND PINION:RACK

Campaign 19V631000 · 28/08/2019

BMW 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 teeth may break under load, resulting in a loss of steering control.

RiskA loss of steering control increases risk of a crash.
RemedyBMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering rack, free of charge. The recall began August 21, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
2

BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA

Campaign 21V096000 · 19/02/2021

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019-2021 X3 sDrive30i, X3 xDrive30i, X3 M40i, X3M, X4 xDrive30i, X4 M40i, M550i, X4M, X5 sDrive40i, X5 xDrive40i, X5 xDrive50i, X5M, X5 M50i, X7 xDrive40i, X7 xDrive50i, X7 M50i, Alpina XB7, 330i, 330i xDrive, M340i, M340i xDrive, and 8 Series Coupe, Convertible and Grand Coupe, 840i, 840i xDrive, M850i xDrive, M8, 2020-2021 530e, 530e xDrive, 330e, 330e xDrive, 745Le, 745Le xDrive, X5 xDrive45e, X3 xDrive30e, X6 sDrive40i, X6 xDrive40i, X6 xDrive50i, X6 M50i, X6M, 530i, 530i xDrive, 540i, 540i xDrive, M550i xDrive, M5, 740i, 740Li, 740Li xDrive, M760i Drive, M760Li xDrive, 750Li xDrive Alpina, Alpina B7 xDrive, and 2021 4 Series Coupe 430i, 430i xDrive, M440i xDrive vehicles. When shifting into Reverse, a small portion of the rearview image may be obscured, or the screen may not illuminate. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."

RiskIf the driver relies on only the rearview camera image, the missing or reduced rearview image view can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
RemedyBMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rearview camera software and update it if necessary, free of charge. The recall began April 16, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
3

BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA

Campaign 19V684000 · 27/09/2019

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018 540d, 2018-2020 530i, 530i xDrive, 540i, 540i xDrive, M550i xDrive, M5, 530e, 530e xDrive, X3 sDrive, X3 xDrive, X3 M40i, X3 M, and 2019-2020 X4 xDrive, X4 M40i, X4 M, X7 xDrive, X7 M50i, 740Li, 740Li xDrive, 750Li, 750Li xDrive, 8 Series Convertible and Coupe 840i, 840i xDrive, M850i xDrive, X5 sDrive, X5 xDrive, X5 M50i, X6 xDrive, X6 M50i, 330i, 330i xDrive, M340i, M340i xDrive, Z4 sDrive, Z4 M40i, 740Le xDrive and 745Le xDrive, 2018-2019 640i xDrive Gran Turismo and Rolls-Royce Phantom, 2019 M850i xDrive Gran Coupe and Rolls-Royce Cullinan and 2020 Toyota Supra vehicles. The back-up camera and display settings can be adjusted such that the rear view image is no longer visible and the system will retain that setting the next time the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rearview Mirrors."

RiskThe lack of an image in the back-up camera display increases the risk of a crash.
RemedyBMW will notify owners, and dealers will update the back-up camera software, free of charge. The recall began November 8, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 or Rolls-Royce at 1-877-877-3735. Toyota owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371.
4

STEERING

Campaign 20V434000 · 28/07/2020

BMW 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 shaft bearing plate may not have been properly attached to the vehicle, allowing it to loosen.

RiskA loose bearing plate can affect the vehicle's handling and control, increasing the risk of a crash.
RemedyBMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the steering column shaft bearing plate and properly attach or replace it, as necessary, free of charge. BMW telephoned owners and all of the vehicles have been remedied. No owner notification letter is necessary. Please contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
5

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

Campaign 20V528000 · 01/09/2020

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020-2021 X5 sDrive40i, xDrive40i, xDrive50i, X5 M50i, X5M, X6 sDrive40i, xDrive40i, X6 M50i, X6M, X7 M50i and 2021 X5 xDrive45e vehicles. The headlamps may allow a blue light to illuminate. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."

RiskOncoming drivers may be confused by the blue light of approaching vehicles, which could potentially increase the risk of a crash.
RemedyBMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the headlamps and, if necessary, replace them, free of charge. The recall began October 30, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
6

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

Campaign 21V062000 · 10/02/2021

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020-2021 8 Series Coupe, Grand Coupe and convertible 840i, 840i xDrive, M850i xDrive, M8 and 740 Li, 740 Li xDrive, 750 Li xDrive, M760 Li xDrive, X6 sDrive40i, X6 xDrive40i, X6 xdrive50i, X6 M50i, X6M, and 2019-2021 X5 sDrive40i, X5 xDrive40i, X5 xDrive50i, X5 M50i, X5M, X7 xDrive40i, X7 xDrive50i, X7 M50i, and 2021 M3, M3 Competition, M4 Coupe, M4 Competition Coupe, X5 xDrive45e, 745 Le xDrive. The rotor and shaft within the integrated brake system may not have been welded properly and could separate during a hard braking event, possibly resulting in a loss of the Antilock Brake System (ABS) and braking assistance.

RiskA loss of ABS and a reduction in braking assistance can increase the risk of a crash.
RemedyBMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the integrated brake system, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 25, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
7

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

Campaign 20V465000 · 07/08/2020

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020 X5 sDrive 40i, X5 xDrive 40i and one X7 xDrive 40i vehicle. The starter motor may have an extra bolt that could potentially fall into the transmission housing and cause an engine stall.

RiskAn engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
RemedyBMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the starter motor for the extra bolt, removing it if necessary. Dealers will also inspect the starter for damage, and check if the bolt has fallen into the transmission housing, replacing any damaged parts as necessary. All repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on October 2, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
8

SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM

Campaign 20V678000 · 04/11/2020

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020 X5 sDrive40i, xDrive40i, X5 M50i, X5M, X7 xDrive40i, X7 M50i, X6 xDrive40i, X6 M50i and X6M vehicles and 2021 X5 xDrive45e vehicles. The weld between the front axle support and the right front control arm bearing bracket may separate.

RiskIf the weld between the front axle support and the right front control arm bearing bracket separates, vehicle handling and control may be affected, increasing the risk of a crash.
RemedyBMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front axle support, free of charge. The recall began December 18, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
9

VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY

Campaign 22V267000 · 20/04/2022

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2022 4 Series Gran Coupe (430i, 430i xDrive, M440i xDrive); 2019-2022 X5 sDrive40i, X5 xDrive40i, X5 xDrive50i, X5 M50i, X5M; 2021-2022 X5 xdrive45e; 2020-2022 X6 sDrive40i, X6 xDrive40i, X6 xDrive50i, X6M and 2019-2023 X7 xDrive40i, X7 xDrive50i, X7 M50i, X7 xDrive60i, X7 M60i, X7M, Alpina XB7 vehicles. The roof function control unit may be programmed incorrectly, allowing the sunroof to close without the key fob present inside the vehicle. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 118, "Power-Operated Window Systems."

RiskA sunroof that closes without the key fob present inside the vehicle can increase the risk of injury.
RemedyDealers will reprogram the roof function control unit, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 20, 2022. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
10

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:STARTER ASSEMBLY

Campaign 24V576000 · 01/08/2024

BMW of North America, LLC is recalling certain 2019-2020 X5, X7, 2020 3 Series Sedan, X6, 2020-2021 7 Series Sedan, 2020 8 Series Convertible, 8 Series Coupe, and 2020 8 Series Gran Coupe vehicles. Please see the recall report for the complete list of models. In the event the starter motor fails, repeated attempts to start the vehicle can cause the starter motor to overheat from an electrical overload.

RiskA starter motor that overheats can ignite nearby combustible material in the engine compartment, increasing the risk of a fire.
RemedyDealers will update the vehicle software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 27, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
11

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:STARTER ASSEMBLY

Campaign 25V644000 · 25/09/2025

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020 340I, X6, 2020-2025 840I, 2020-2022 740LI, 2019-2020 X7, and X5 vehicles. After repeated attempts, the starter motor may overheat from an electrical overload.

RiskAn overheated starter motor can ignite nearby combustible material in the engine compartment, increasing the risk of a fire.
RemedyDealers will replace the engine starter, free of charge. This recall includes vehicles repaired under recall 24V576 and those owners will need to have their vehicle repaired again. Owner notification letters were mailed February 9, 2026. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov November 17, 2025.

What owners complain about

The systems 2020 Bmw X5 owners report most often to federal regulators:

Electrical System38
Engine24
Power Train15
Engine And Engine Cooling14
Unknown Or Other12
Air Bags6

NHTSA crash-test ratings

Frontal crash★★★★
Side crash★★★★★

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2020 Bmw X5 have any recalls?

Yes. The 2020 Bmw X5 has 11 NHTSA recall campaigns. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer. Check your specific VIN to see whether the work was completed.

What problems do 2020 Bmw X5 owners report?

Owners have filed 96 complaints with the NHTSA for the 2020 Bmw X5, most often about the electrical system, engine, power train.

How do I check a specific X5's history?

Enter the 17-character VIN into Carchieve. You get the recalls, owner complaints and crash ratings shown here for that exact vehicle, plus full decoded specifications and a guided title and odometer check.

Check a specific 2020 Bmw X5

This page covers the model. For one exact car, run its 17-character VIN to confirm its recalls, mileage and title.

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