general problems of the 2020 BMW X5

Plastic oil pump cracking problem is apparently known to BMW, but they haven’t recalled these defective oil pumps leading to engine failure.

Safety hazard: oil pump failure leading to sudden engine stall (BMW b58tu engines) description of defect: the oil pump module in the 2020 BMW X5 (g05) contains internal plastic components that are prone to thermal degradation and premature failure. These plastic parts can crack or disintegrate, causing a sudden loss of oil pressure. Safety risk: a failure of the oil pump leads to insufficient lubrication of critical engine components, which can result in a sudden and complete engine seizure while the vehicle is in motion. This causes an immediate loss of propulsion and power steering assist, significantly increasing the risk of a high-speed collision or being stranded in dangerous traffic conditions. Additional note: this is a known mechanical defect where a critical engine component (oil pump) relies on non-durable plastic materials, creating an unreasonable safety risk for drivers and passengers due to potential catastrophic engine failure without prior warning.

Safety hazard: oil pump failure leading to sudden engine stall (BMW g05 X5) description of defect: the oil pump module in the 2020 BMW X5 (g05) contains internal plastic components that are prone to thermal degradation and premature failure. These plastic parts can crack or disintegrate, causing a sudden loss of oil pressure. Safety risk: a failure of the oil pump leads to insufficient lubrication of critical engine components, which can result in a sudden and complete engine seizure while the vehicle is in motion. This causes an immediate loss of propulsion and power steering assist, significantly increasing the risk of a high-speed collision or being stranded in dangerous traffic conditions. Additional note: this is a known mechanical defect where a critical engine component (oil pump) relies on non-durable plastic materials, creating an unreasonable safety risk for drivers and passengers due to potential catastrophic engine failure without prior warning.

Please read file attached.

I am reporting a safety concern involving BMW vehicles equipped with the b58 technical update (b58tu) engine, commonly found in model years 2019–2021. These vehicles utilize a variable-displacement engine oil pump containing an internal thermoplastic adjusting component responsible for regulating oil pressure. Field failures are increasingly being reported in which this internal component fractures, resulting in sudden loss or instability of engine oil pressure. The failure frequently occurs during cold-start operation in low ambient temperatures. When the component fails, oil pressure regulation becomes erratic or is lost entirely. In many cases, drivers receive little or no actionable warning prior to engine damage or vehicle disablement. Reported precursor symptoms include inability to electronically measure engine oil level, abnormal oil pressure behavior, or sudden drivetrain malfunction warnings. Failures may rapidly progress to engine shutdown or severe mechanical damage caused by oil starvation. Loss of lubrication can cause the vehicle to become disabled without warning while driving or shortly after startup. This creates a safety hazard, particularly when vehicles become immobilized in active traffic or during winter conditions the cold is when they fail the most, where occupants may be exposed to freezing temperatures while awaiting assistance. Replacement of the oil pump requires extensive disassembly of the vehicle and repairs commonly exceed $6,000–$8,000 for just the pump, assuming the motor is unharmed. Owners are currently unable to determine whether their vehicles contain the original thermoplastic oil pump design or a later revised version utilizing metal internal components, as VIN-based parts information now identifies updated components in the car even when no replacement has occurred and the old components are actually in the car. Also, BMW has actively removed the plastic part number out of all dealer networks as well. Failures have be.

I'm reporting a safety issue with BMW vehicles equipped with the b58tu engine (primarily 2019–2021 models). These vehicles use an oil pump containing an internal plastic component that regulates oil pressure. This plastic part is fracturing in the field, leading to sudden loss or instability of oil pressure. Failures commonly occur during cold starts in low temperatures. When the component fails, oil pressure becomes erratic or is lost entirely, often with little to no warning before engine damage or vehicle disablement. Warning signs, when present, include inability to measure oil level electronically, abnormal oil pressure behavior, or sudden drivetrain malfunction warnings. These can quickly progress to engine shutdown or severe engine damage due to oil starvation. My vehicle is currently experiencing all of the described oil pump-related symptoms, including inconsistent electronic oil level readings and drivetrain malfunction warnings consistent with oil pressure instability. This condition creates a serious safety risk. The vehicle can become disabled without warning while driving or shortly after startup. Oil starvation can lead to catastrophic engine failure, especially at highway speeds, where sudden engine shutdown or seizure increases the risk of a crash. Failures are particularly dangerous in winter conditions, when vehicles may become immobilized in traffic or freezing temperatures. Replacement of the pump requires major disassembly and typically costs $6,000–$8,000, assuming no engine damage. Owners cannot determine whether their vehicle has the original plastic component or a revised metal version. BMW’s VIN-based parts lookup now shows only updated components even when original plastic parts remain installed, and the original plastic part number has been removed from dealer systems. Because this defect can cause sudden vehicle disablement and potential catastrophic engine failure without adequate warning.

I am submitting this correspondence as a formal notification of a potential safety-related defect affecting BMW vehicles equipped with the b58 technical update (b58tu) engine platform, most commonly model years 2019–2021. The purpose of this communication is to request immediate review under BMW’s vehicle safety defect evaluation process due to an increasing number of oil pump failures capable of causing sudden loss of engine lubrication, unexpected vehicle disablement, and occupant exposure to hazardous conditions. The original b58 engine (b58b30m0, 2015–2017) utilized a conventional mechanically robust gerotor oil pump with predominantly metallic internal construction and demonstrated strong reliability in field operation. This component, constructed from reinforced thermoplastics including pa66-gf materials, operates within a chemically aggressive and thermally cyclic environment involving continuous exposure to engine oil additives, fuel dilution, condensation, and repeated heat cycling. While acceptable under accelerated validation testing, real-world operating conditions increasingly demonstrate premature degradation consistent with polymer embrittlement and fracture. Documented owner and technician reports indicate that under cold-start conditions — particularly in sub-freezing climates — elevated oil viscosity and startup load impose increased mechanical stress on the thermoplastic carrier. Fracture of this internal component allows debris intrusion into the pump mechanism, resulting in unstable oil pressure regulation. Commonly reported precursor symptoms include: • inability to perform electronic oil level measurement via idrive • erratic or oscillating oil pressure behavior • intermittent lubrication warnings or absence of warning prior to failure • rapid progression to bearing damage and engine seizure given the potential for sudden vehicle disablement without adequate warning, I respectfully request BMW of north America initiate a formal inquiry.

Was driving at normal interstate speed when I received a warning on my dashboard to pull over and turn off engine —- low engine pressure, immediately. Call a tow. I immediately pulled over, turned off my car and contacted a tow. My vehicle was towed to the BMW dealership. I received an update that my oil pump failed. It’s almost $6k to replace and then stated not sure if that’ll truly fix the problem and to change the engine $28k. I began to do research and this is a known problem. Many owners have this problem- BMW is aware and began change the plastic part to metal in the subsequent years. I received no warning that it was beginning to fail and it is a safety hazard as I was on the interstate at the time.

While driving through west los angeles, the vehicle suddenly began emitting white smoke from the engine compartment. There were no prior warning lights, messages, or symptoms indicating a problem. The smoke quickly intensified and turned dark. Thick smoke filled the air, and the cockpit, with the smell of toxic fumes. I safely maneuvered to the shoulder and exited the vehicle with my passenger. Flames erupted from the front of the vehicle. We called 911, which dispatched the fire department. The lafd responded, cutting open the hood in order to extinguish the fire. The vehicle was towed to a yard following the incident. The vehicle and its contents were declared a total loss.   bwm north America dispatched a technician to inspect the vehicle. After inspection, the manufacturer indicated that the starter was the source of the fire. At the time of the incident, the vehicle was subject to a safety recall related to the starter with no remedy available. The failure occurred without warning. Both occupants were exposed to heavy smoke.

The safety risk arises from inaccurate federal recall records maintained by BMW of north America. My vehicle had a safety recall for starter replacement (recall 25v-644). This recall repair was already completed by an authorized BMW dealer, and the starter was replaced under warranty. However, BMW continues to list the recall as open with “remedy not available. ” this creates a safety risk because inaccurate recall records may lead to improper vehicle safety status, incorrect regulatory reporting, and potential refusal of assistance if a starter-related failure or no-start condition occurs in the future. The problem has been confirmed by an authorized BMW dealer, and I have official service documentation showing that the recall repair was completed. The vehicle was inspected and repaired by BMW of gwinnett place. No warning lights were present after the repair. This complaint is not about a new mechanical failure, but about BMW’s failure to accurately update and close a completed safety recall, which misrepresents the vehicle’s safety status.

The contact owns a 2020 BMW X5. The contact stated while driving approximately 25 mph, the message "low oil pressure - stop vehicle immediately" was displayed, and the oil warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was pulled over to the side of the road and turned off. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the oil pump was inoperable and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 81,000.

Engine hesitates on startup and doesn't turnover. Plenty of power, battery is fine. Other models have been recalled, but for some reason, this model is not included. Please extend this recall to include more models as the problem exists in other 2020 models not on the current recall list.

My 2020 BMW X5 experienced starter failure after completing recall campaign 24v-576 for starter electrical overload risk. The vehicle was subject to this recall which acknowledged a defect causing electrical overload to the starter system. I completed the required software update in late 2024, approximately 4 years after the vehicle was manufactured and exposed to the acknowledged defect. Following the recall repair, the starter system failed on three separate occasions over a six-week period. The most recent failure occurred while traveling with family, creating a safety risk by nearly stranding us in a remote location. The vehicle would not start despite multiple attempts, requiring emergency roadside assistance. The failing starter component has been diagnosed and confirmed by an authorized BMW dealership service center. The dealership provided a repair estimate of approximately $3,000 for starter replacement. The component is available for inspection upon request at the dealership. Prior to complete failure, there were intermittent starting issues with the engine occasionally requiring multiple start attempts. No warning lamps or dashboard messages appeared before the failures. The vehicle has low mileage for its age, making this a premature component failure. The timeline strongly suggests the starter damage resulted from prolonged exposure to the electrical overload defect acknowledged in the recall, as the failure occurred shortly after the 4-year delayed software remedy was applied. The manufacturer has not inspected the failed component despite the clear connection to their acknowledged safety defect.

Car would randomly not start and went dead at red stop lights on occasion. Had to have the car towed to BMW dealership where they diagnosed it as a bad starter. Car only has 35,000 miles and this appears to be a know problem by BMW and BMW owners.

The contact owns a 2020 BMW X5. The contact stated that after refueling the vehicle, the contact attempted to restart the vehicle; however, the vehicle failed to restart. The contact made several attempts, and after approximately an hour, the vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle failed to start and was towed to a local dealer. The contact stated that there were no warning lights illuminated. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the starter motor had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA campaign number: 24v576000 (electrical system, engine and engine cooling). The contact called the manufacturer and asked about the recall for the starter motor and was informed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 30,000.

The contact owns a 2020 BMW X5. The contact stated that upon entering the vehicle, the message that the engine had overheated, and the vehicle was disabled was displayed. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the starter motor. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA campaign number: 24v576000 (electrical system, engine and engine cooling), but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 80,000.

The contact owns a 2020 BMW X5. The contact stated that while at a complete stop, the start/stop feature failed to operate as designed, and the engine failed to restart while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact stated that a "starting engine possibly shortly: system overheated. Restarting engine possible after cooling" message was displayed on the instrument panel. After the contact allowed the engine to cool down, the vehicle failed to restart with the same messages displayed. Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed to the dealer where it remained. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA campaign number: 24v576000 (electrical system, engine and engine cooling); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The contact also discovered and linked the failure to technical service bulletin: b120424. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 73,000.

I own a 2020 bmx X5 s40i. Car was parked and turned off. When I tried to turn the car on, the car refused to start and smoke and fire smell started coming from engine compartment. I opened the hood and could smell a burning smell. Waited for smell to disappear and tried starting the car again. Car would not start and burning smell appeared again. Got a warning on the dashboard that engine compartment was overheated and car would be ready to start after 180 seconds. Called aaa to jump start car and same behaviour was observed and car refused to start. Technician also stated that battery was completely dead. Took car to dealer and replaced main and start/ stop battery. Car still would not start. On inspection dealer observed started mechanism was shorted and needed to be replaced. After replacement, car starts fine without burning smell. Going through recall database, this issue with fire hazard from starter assembly is documented for my make, model and year but when I enter the VIN number it doesnt apply to NY vehicle VIN number. 4 year old child and me were occupants of the vehicle when burning incident happened originally.

The contact owns a 2020 BMW X5. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start. The contact stated that the message that the vehicle was overheating was displayed. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA campaign number: 24v576000 (electrical system, engine, and engine cooling). The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the failure was due to the starter. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 35,000.

The contact owns a 2020 BMW X5. The contact stated while driving at approximately 45 mph, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that start/stop warning light was illuminated. The contact attempted to restart the vehicle but was unable. The contact had the vehicle towed to a dealer who diagnosed that the starter motor had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA campaign number: 24v576000 (electrical system, engine and engine cooling); however, the VIN was not included. The failure mileage was approximately 31,000.

The contact owns a 2020 BMW X5. The contact stated while at a stop light, the gear shifter independently shifted into neutral. The contact stated after several attempts, the gear shifter was shifted into park. The contact stated that the gear shifter had seized in park(p). The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with internal starter motor shortage. The contact was informed that the starter motor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed of NHTSA campaign number: 24v576000 (electrical system, engine and engine cooling); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. Additionally, the contact stated that the failure had occurred at night, while the four minor children were inside the vehicle. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was unknown.

The car caught on fire spontaneously when it was parked and locked. The fire started approximately 5 minutes after it was driven for 20 minutes. The fire started under the hood. There was light smoke to begin with which got worse after around 13 minutes and then flames started spewing out at the opening between the hood and the windshield. The car was fully engulfed in flames 5 minutes later with flames going as high as 2 floors. It was finally extinguished by the fire department. The car is currently with my insurance company in their tow yard.

The contact owns a 2020 BMW X5. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start. The message "system overheating - restarting engine possible after cooling" was displayed. The contact called aaa, who attempted to start the vehicle and to shift to neutral(n), but the vehicle failed to respond as needed. The vehicle was towed to the residence with a special tow truck. The vehicle was able to be jumpstarted by aaa the following day. The vehicle was then driven to the dealer, where it was parked and turned off. The contact stated that the failure recurred at the dealer. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the starter had failed and needed to be replaced. The contact became aware of NHTSA campaign number: 24v576000 (electrical system, engine and engine cooling), which the contact linked to the failure; however, the dealer informed the contact that the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was unknown.

Dear NHTSA, I am writing to report an issue with my vehicle, VIN: [xxx] , which appears to be related to a recall program. My dealer, BMW of sherman oaks #488, refuses to acknowledge the connection between the starter failure and the recall despite clear indications of this connection. I kindly request your assistance in investigating this matter and ensuring that the dealer complies with the recall requirements and provides the necessary corrective action. Thank you for your prompt attention to this issue. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

The contact owns a 2020 BMW X5. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle there was a grinding sound coming from the engine compartment. While driving approximately 45 mph, the message that the engine was overheating was displayed on the instrument panel. The contact pulled over to the side of the road and turned off the vehicle and waited for the engine to cool down. The vehicle failed to restart after the engine cooled down. The vehicle was towed to the dealer who diagnosed that the starter had failed and needed to be replaced. The dealer informed the contact of NHTSA campaign number: 24v576000 (electrical system, engine and engine cooling); however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and filed a case for the failure. The manufacturer confirmed that the VIN was not under recall. The failure mileage was 44,000.

There is a known recall on this car for engine/starter. It is a hazard and should be repaired. On 10/23 we scheduled and took the car to BMW of NW arkansas. They refused to complete the recall on the starter without us paying $189. 00 for a vehicle diagnostic and I am sure that would have resulted in more fees. A recall should be completed free of charge as it directly relates to a safety issue. Another issue on the vehicle that I am not sure if it is a recall items is the gps antenna allows water to intrude and thereby the gps/safety location services to fail. It is a complained about issue online from BMW owners. BMW will not replace or repair this faulty item either. "a recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle, equipment, car seat, or tire creates an unreasonable safety risk or fails to meet minimum safety standards. " bwm refuses to adhere to this standard and is placing my family at risk by failing to repair without me paying for it. They should be forced to complete this at no cost.

The contact owns a 2020 BMW X5. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact became aware that the engine was overheating. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the starter had failed and caused the battery to fail. The contact was informed that the starter and battery needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 64,671.

Starter malfunction caused engine to shut down in the middle . Message on screen indicated that the engine overheated and shut down was to prevent further damage. Drivetrain messages also appeared indicating that vehicle was ok to drive, but unfortunately wouldn't start/drive. Wouldn't shift to neutral for towing. BMW dealer inspected vehicle, then replaced batteries and faulty starter. Event happened prior to receiving notice re safety recall campaign no. 24v-576 for the engine starter remedy. Event happened without warning and about a mile from home , causing vehicle to stop in moving traffic on a very busy, 6 lane road. Policy were dispatched to help with traffic control and safety. Vehicle was inspected by and serviced by BMW dealer.

See attached document for complaint.

The contact owns a 2020 BMW X5. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the active grill shutter. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 61,000.

[xxx] my engine started stopped working even several times of trying the SUV didn’t star I took it to BMW braman miami center to fix the problem I was charged $3,997. 18 since it wasn’t a recap of the engine starter yet I called my advisor nasser darwich for the recall reimburse after I get the letter from BMW USA & he told me it was no reimbursement information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

Check engine light is on and based on the code there is a problem with the active grill shutters. I did some research and seems this is a common problem where the actuator motor may be the problem.

The contact owns a 2020 BMW X5. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the check engine warning illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the active air flap controller. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but referred the contact to the NHTSA hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 45,000.

Grievance/complaint for 2020 X5 BMW firer December 9, 2021 (49 days owner) I was on my way to work, and I stopped at the local bank of America drive through. While on my way, I received two (2) malfunction message saying the same thing, “ scam likely 1-470-781-9727; (check control) vehicle key missing, close message; vehicle key not available or malfunctioning. Drive-ready mode cannot be started. See driver’s manual for further information. ” (this was the message/malfunction. ) I took a picture and call my salesperson, mr. Preston at BMW of gwinnett place and informed him that the key was in the cup, so I tried to place it on the dashboard. I did not understand why I received a malfunction message the key missing because the car would not go anywhere without a key, however, he asked me to send the picture to him and I did. As I was getting out my X5, I began to have anxiety and became traumatized (praying, crying, yelling etc. ) at this point, thinking my X5 is going to catch a fire and blow up the bank. I went into the bank to alert them of the X5 smoking so that they can evacuate if needed. I went back to my X5 to gather as much as I could of my christmas gifts and other items quickly. At that time another lady was standing on the side walk and asked if she could help me removed the items from my X5. I was hysterical, and my hand was bleeding from grabbing items out the X5. My safety and others was at risk. The X5 could have been in my garage on firer and my house and family could have died and lost everything; the seat belt could have locked with me in it and I could have died. The bank atm drive through could have blown up and all the customers could have been injured. BMW of north America insisted that I fill on my insurance because the the engineers did an observation investigation and did not see any fault of manufacture or electrical issue. The vehicle is now under the investigation of my insurance and I have not been notified of the cause at this time.