VehicleVerdict

2023 BMW X5 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Among the better years

The 2023 BMW X5 is among the quieter years of the X5 on NHTSA's books: 46 complaints (66% below the model's median year), 4 recalls, and no open investigations.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across other (8), electrical system (7), and transmission (7), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect. In government crash testing it earned 4 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

46

NHTSA complaints

4

Recalls

0

Investigations

6

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

1

Injuries

0

Deaths

4

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2023 compare to other X5 years?

See all X5 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2023 BMW X5 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Other817%
Electrical System715%
Transmission715%
Driver Assistance613%
Body & Structure49%
Brakes37%
Engine37%
Visibility & Wipers24%
Steering12%
Lighting12%
Suspension12%
Tires & Wheels12%
Fuel System12%
Airbags12%

Does the 2023 BMW X5 have recalls?

4 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

23V821000TransmissionDecember 6, 2023 · 552 units

Defect

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 Series Convertible (430i, 430i xDrive, M440i xDrive), 8 Series Coupe (840i, M850i xDrive, M8), 8 Series Convertible (840i, M850i xDrive, M8), 8 Series Gran Coupe (850i xDrive, M8), X3 SAV (X3 xDrive30i, X3M), X4 SAV (X4 xDrive30i), X5 SAV (X5 xDrive40i, X5 M50i, X5M), X6 SAV (X6 xDrive40i, X6 M50i, X6M), and Z4 sDrive30i, Z4 M40i vehicles. The weld seam of the integrated transmission control unit's cover may not have been manufactured properly, which could allow automatic transmission oil to leak into the transmission control unit.

Consequence

Transmission oil that leaks into the control unit can lead to a seizure of the transmission gears, causing a sudden loss of drive power and increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the transmission mechatronics module and the automatic transmission fluid, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 26, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

23V253000SeatsApril 6, 2023 · 235 units

Defect

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 sleeves. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 202, "Head Restraints."

Consequence

A head restraint without a locking tab may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy

Dealers will inspect and replace the second-row outboard seat head restraint guide sleeves, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 31, 2023. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

22V942000SeatsDecember 19, 2022 · 4 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

A loose driver's seat backrest may not properly restrain the occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy

Dealers will inspect the driver's seat backrest and if necessary, install an attachment bolt, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed February 17, 2023. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

22V820000Visibility & WipersNovember 2, 2022 · 47 units

Defect

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 components, possibly resulting in a short-circuit.

Consequence

An electrical short-circuit increases the risk of a fire.

Remedy

Dealers will inspect the windshield seal and as necessary, remove and reinstall the windshield with a new seal, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 30, 2022. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

The car safety features should not allow the vehicle to move with an open door. It should also alert driver with warning if passenger door is ajar before and when in motion. The car did not register at any point (sound, dash light or otherwise) while the car door was moving that the rear driver…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · August 3, 2024 · crash

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…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · January 21, 2026

The vehicle rolled away after the driver exited the vehicle with the transmission in Neutral and the parking brake was not applied. This negligent design flaw is because BMW has chosen to not revert the vehicle to Park if the door is opened like other car manufacturers. A simple software update or…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · March 7, 2023 · crash

The car safety features should not allow the vehicle to move with an open door. It should also alert driver with warning if passenger door is ajar before and when in motion. The car did not register at any point (sound, dash light or otherwise) while the car door was moving that the rear driver…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Driver Assistance · August 3, 2024 · crash

Sunroof leaks into cabin and there is no known solution for this model year 2023 BMW X5. It is my understanding that model years 2020-2023 all have this issue and a class action lawsuit is being reviewed. BMW has also issued a TSIB but there is no known recall. They will replace the seals under…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · June 23, 2026

2023 BMW X5 — common questions

Is the 2023 BMW X5 reliable?

Its record is better than the model's norm: 46 NHTSA complaints, below the typical X5 year, with 4 recalls and no open investigations.

What are the most common 2023 X5 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are other (8 complaints), electrical system (7 complaints), transmission (7 complaints).

Does the 2023 BMW X5 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns affecting the 2023 BMW X5. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which BMW X5 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the X5 years to avoid are 2011, 2012, 2008, 2019, 2024, 2006, 2013, 2001, 2009, 2015, 2014, 2017, 2016, 2018. The cleanest record among X5 years belongs to 1999.

How safe is the 2023 BMW X5?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2023 BMW X5 earned an overall rating of 4 out of 5 stars.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.