Table 1 shows one common engine and engine cooling related problems of the 2022 BMW X5.
| Problem Category | Number of Problems |
|---|---|
| Engine And Engine Cooling problems |
While driving, the vehicle displayed a 'drivetrain malfunction' warning on the dashboard and began jerking. I safely pulled over and turned off the vehicle. Immediately after stopping, there was a distinct, strong electrical burning smell coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle was inspected by an authorized BMW dealership. The dealer diagnosed a catastrophic failure of the starter motor. The vehicle's computer logged fault codes 21611a (excessive counter-torque), 21a511 (start system: timeout), and 216119 (line disconnection). These codes confirm the starter motor suffered a severe electrical overload and thermal event. This premature failure and fire hazard identically matches the safety risks outlined in BMW's recent massive starter motor recalls (such as NHTSA recalls 25v-636 and 26v-056), but my specific vehicle is currently excluded from those recall campaigns. The starter requires complete replacement due to this overheating damage.
I am writing to formally express my concern regarding serious and repeated safety-related failures with my 2022 BMW X5 xdrive45e, VIN [xxx] . I purchased this vehicle in 2022 through a custom build, at a purchase price exceeding $80,000, with the expectation of reliability, safety, and premium quality consistent with the BMW brand. In October 2025, while my wife was driving with my son in the vehicle, the hybrid component safety box failed without warning, causing the vehicle to stall on the roadway. This created a dangerous situation for my family. The vehicle was towed to the dealership, repaired, and returned to me on November 4, 2025. Unfortunately, on February 3, 2026, a second serious incident occurred. After my wife picked up my son from school, the vehicle began jerking violently while driving, and a strong sulphur-like odor entered the cabin. Fearing for their safety, she immediately stopped driving. The vehicle was again towed to BMW of jackson. I was informed today by the service advisor that the failure is due to another hybrid-related component, specifically the eme hybrid inverter, and that BMW north America is declining to cover this repair under warranty. These repeated hybrid system failures are deeply concerning, particularly given that both incidents involved my wife and children and posed clear safety risks. As a result, both of my children are now fearful of riding in the vehicle, and this situation has caused significant emotional distress to my family. Given the nature of these failures, the vehicle’s purchase price, and BMW’s emphasis on safety and engineering excellence, I find it unacceptable that a critical hybrid component failure would not be covered under warranty—especially following a prior hybrid system failure less than four months earlier. I am requesting that BMW north America review this matter promptly and provide a reasonable resolution, including warranty coverage for the eme hybrid inverter repair. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia.
During a trip out of town, I saw a warning light that informed me that the engine coolant level was low and that scalding could occur. The next morning, my husband checked the coolant levels and added coolant to the reservoir. Later that day, I received the same warning message. The vehicle was leaking coolant and could not sustain the appropriate levels. We brought the vehicle to the local BMW dealership and was told that the coolant pump had broken from the inside and would need to be replaced.
The contact owns a 2022 BMW X5. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer for routine service. The contact stated that during the inspection of the vehicle, the dealer discovered that the water pump was beginning to leak coolant onto electrical circuits, inside the engine compartment. The dealer recommended the water pump replacement. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The contact related the failure to NHTSA campaign number: 24v608000 (engine and engine cooling, electrical system), however, the vehicle model year was not part of the original VIN selection. The failure mileage was approximately 21,000.
Car has premature failure from the ac system. My system started to fail between 40-50k miles. Both the ac compressor and condenser failed causing metal pieces to be in the system. If not fixed, those metal shavings will cause failure in other electrical systems including the hv battery.
On Dec 9, 2024 I was driving my 2022 BMW X5 45e on (in ev mode) local roads at approximately 30-35mph when all of a sudden I lost power and the steering wheel became tight. My instrument panels all showed a multitude of errors including: "chassis stabilization", "power supply", "reduced power", "transmssion malfuction", and others I do not recall. I was fortunately able to turn into a parking lot slowly, but the steering was tight to the point I had to use 2 hands to make turn. There was also no throttle response. As soon as the car came to a stop, I powered it off and turned it on. The car's screens were blinking and the car would not turn on. I contacted BMW roadside and the car was towed to the dealership at east bay BMW in pleasanton. As of today I am still waiting for a reply on the condition of the vehicle. Yesterday I was told that they will change out the battery first and see if this solves the problem. My biggest concern is that had this happened to me on the highway that I or someone would have gotten seriously injured or may result in death from an accident. I lost power to the car and the steering became stiff.
The contact owns a 2022 BMW X5. The contact stated that while the vehicle was at the dealer for a scheduled service appointment, the contact was informed that the coolant pump was failing. The contact was informed that the coolant pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. In addition, the contact was informed that the repair was not covered under recall. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 53,000.
The car accelerated itself when stopping at a red light. The brake was not working and accept the car forward instead.
The contact owns a 2022 BMW X5. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the low coolant warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed water pump. The contact was informed that the water pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 70,381.
We have started noticing a burning smell whenever the vehicle is plugged into a charging station. At first we thought it was due to the charger, but the issue continued after we replaced the charging unit. Further, we also tried charging the unit at another station and experienced the same issue. This can be a potential fire risk and we'd like to get the matter resolved at the earliest. We have not seen this same issue with the 2023 version of the X5 hybrid.
While driving I smelled a burning smell and within minutes noticed smoke coming from under the hood. Pulled over and popped the hood and there was a fire behind the battery into the firewall area. Was out out with fire extinguisher by tow truck driver.
The car came to a complete stop due to the drivetrain malfunction. The surprising part was that I noticed the error after 45 mins of buying the car.