Electrical System Problems of BMW X5 - part 1

Car wouldn't start anymore, starter malfunction. Couldnt go into neutral.

See all problems of the 2019 BMW X5 🔎.

I bought the car 8 months ago from fred anderson Acura in greenville was told the car was inspected and serviced and I’m was in great condition. 8 months later I have 10 thousand worth safety issues wrong with the car that I have to fix .

The contact owns a 2020 BMW X5. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 25v644000 (electrical system); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to immediately start. There was a timer displayed notifying the contact when to restart the vehicle; however, the vehicle failed to start. The contact's husband inspected the vehicle and noticed that the engine was running hot despite the vehicle not being driven. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The dealer determined that the battery had failed and needed to be replaced. The dealer informed the contact that the belts and motor mounts were damaged and might need to be replaced or repaired. The dealer also informed the contact that the part was not expected until November 2025. The starter was replaced, and a software update needed to be performed. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 73,285.

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My shark fin has water damage and can’t drive or be in rain and this is the only car I have to take my young kids back and forth to school and do my grocery shopping or whatever I need.

I noticed one of my daytime running lights on the driver’s side laser headlight had turned yellow, instead of white like the others. I took the vehicle to the dealership and they said that the led module that powers that daytime running light has overheated and caused the light tube to burn and melt. The dealership advised that the passenger side is also slowly starting to do the same thing. The repair the dealership recommended is to replace both headlights, at a cost of almost $18k! I’ve seen numerous Bmws on the roads with this same issue, and this should be addressed by BMW as a design flaw. If these modules are burning plastic pieces inside the housing, they could start a fire if they get hot enough.

My husband and I brought our 2010 X5 (VIN ), mileage: to BMW of el cajon on 09/29/2025 for a recall service. Before the recall repaire, the vehicale was in normal working condition: -no check engine lights or warning indicators -no unusual noises -fully drivable on a daily basis after the recall was completed, the dealership informed me that: -multiple check engine/warning lights appeared -the vehicle developed a very loud/high pitch noise -they do not recommend driving the vehicle in its currently condition. They did not warn us about his initial, they did after informed them we do not feel safe driving the car in this condition. The dealership explained this happened because they had open a valve to perform the recall, which they claim disturbed "sludge". They are now refusing to correct the problem unless we pay out of pocket. The issue did not exist before the recall and occurred only as a direct result of the recall repair. The recall left my car unsafe and undriveable, and I am being told to pay for a problem that only arose due to a federally mandated recall work. The recall resulted in a vehicle that is no longer safe to drive, with multiple warning lights and severe engine noise. The dealers refusal to fix this without charing me undermines the purpose of a recall, which is to ensure safety at no cost to the owner. I ask NHTSA to investigate this matter and ensure BMW and its dealerships perform recall repairs properly, at no cost to consumers, and do not return vehicles in unsafe conditions.

See all problems of the 2010 BMW X5 🔎.

Since purchasing the car new, the check engine light has come on repeatedly (probably about ten times in 2+ years). I believe it’s related to the electric charging components. This seems to be a known and unresolved problem with this model. BMW has refused to replace the vehicle or even acknowledge that this is a known problem, even though I paid almost 90k for the car. They just expect me to take it to the dealership every couple of month. I told them I want to trade in the car and asked how they intend to stand behind their defective product, and I have heard nothing in return. The check engine light is currently on since the most recent software update.

See all problems of the 2024 BMW X5 🔎.

The contact owns a 2020 BMW X5. The contact stated that while stopped at a red traffic light, the vehicle lost power. The contact attempted to restart the vehicle; however, the vehicle failed to respond as intended. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was towed to dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the starter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA campaign number: 24v576000 (electrical system, engine and engine cooling). The vehicle was previously repaired; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The failure mileage was 48,000.

While driving my 2025 BMW X5 xdrive50e, a “power supply malfunction – stop vehicle immediately” warning appeared on the dashboard, advising me to pull over and call roadside assistance. The vehicle had previously been repaired for the same issue at braman BMW in miami, but the malfunction recurred the next day after getting it back. Prior to this, the car was out of service for 103 days following an accident due to BMW’s inability to supply a backordered acceleration sensor. The repair was completed in August 2025. The repeated “power supply malfunction” messages raise concerns about the reliability of the electrical and hybrid power systems and potential loss of power while driving. The issue has been confirmed and documented by braman BMW. The component remains under BMW inspection.

Emergency call system failure!! my 2019 BMW X5 xdrive m50 has the failure from the telematic control module like thousands of other people. This needs to be a recall and shouldn’t have to pay $1500-3000 out of pocket for something that is a manufacture problem. Apparently water gets in the shark fin area and causing the module to fail!.

The contact owns a 2019 BMW X5. The contact stated that while attempting to cold-start the vehicle, the contact needed several attempts to start the vehicle. The contact stated that several times, the contact was unable to restart the vehicle. The contact stated that while making several attempts to start the vehicle, the message "system overheated - restarting engine possible after cooling" was displayed on the instrument cluster, and the contact had to wait 120 seconds before further attempts to restart the vehicle were possible. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the starter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed by the dealer that there was a recall for the failure, NHTSA campaign number: 25v644000 (electrical system), and the VIN was covered under the recall. However, the VIN tool showed no recall related to the VIN. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

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.

Failed components 1. Oil pump $8769. 41 2. Cylinder head assembly- valve cover $4280. 83 3. Center console control panel $3051. 93 4. Transfer case replacement tbd 2019 BMW X5 xdrive40i has multiple major component failures at 70,000 miles. Oil pump failed causing loss of oil-level monitoring. The cylinder head assembly was diagnosed with oil consumption, the transfer case exhibited driveline shuddering, and the center console control panel developed internal electrical faults that affect vital vehicle components. All have been diagnosed by BMW of north haven, CT. The oil pump and transfer case failures have created potential loss of engine lubrication and vehicle control putting my safety at risk. The oil-level test aborts at 16% making it impossible to verify oil quantity or pressure while driving. The shuddering occurs during low-speed turns and acceleration. BMW north America reviewed my case and approved goodwill coverage for transfer-case fluid change all other safety-related repairs have been denied. Supporting BMW service bulletins: •sib 27 02 jerking or shuddering from driveline xdrive transfer case atx13-x (faulty factory oil specification). •sib 11 03 n20/n26 engine timing chain and oil-pump drive chain warranty extension (pattern of oil-pump failures in prior engines). •sib b01 13 front center console cupholder liquid ingress (electrical faults from liquid intrusion in 2019–2022 g05 X5). •sib 65 12 roof-mounted antenna housing seal not adhering (water ingress from shark-fin antenna affecting interior electronics). Note: I paid out of pocket to replace and reprogram thetelematics communication box (tcb) due to faulty seal around shark fin. A class action lawsuit is currently in happening for this exact issue in California. These issues are not normal wear and tear. They represent premature mechanical and electrical failures on a well-maintained vehicle as well as posing a safety risk to me and other drivers.

A drivetrain malfunction warning, chassis warning, auto level suspension was locked, and check engine light was on while driving on the freeway. We made it home safely and parked the BMW X5 45e inside the garage. I plugged in my charger and was not able to charge. Went to start on electric mode/hybrid mode but was not able to turn on. Then I switched to sport mode via gas and engine started but stuttered, and was unable to switch gears from parking to reverse or to forward. Engine continued to shut studded and then engine and electrical completely shut down. I will contact BMW riverside on Monday.

See all problems of the 2021 BMW X5 🔎.

Recently purchased a 2019 BMW X5 xdrive40i with 77k miles, after only owning for 3 weeks after a heavy rain storm. My dash lit up with “emergency call system malfunction”, upon review online it seems to be a common issue with these BMW models and no recall has been issued. The sos malfunction causes the vehicle not to function properly and unable to use the integrated idrive head unit system. It also dials emergency services on its own and won’t let me end call. After taking it to BMW dealership they found the telematics module battery to be low and suggested replacing. Previous owner had similar issue back in January of 2023 and the shark fin antenna by the roof was replaced , resealed and tcb telematics unit replaced. So only after 2 weeks of replacing the tcb battery, same issue appeared again after a heavy rain storm. I took it back to BMW for diagnose and they had to have one of there engineers test it and found out the actual sos button ecu system unit to have a short causing the sos malfunction and it dialing emergency services on its own. Vehicle is not driveable and has been at BMW they are trying to charge me additional $1,547. 58 plus taxes and fees for the repair. I feel as if this is a defect on BMW and should be addressed and issued as an recall for there customers.

Last night my 2008 BMW X5 caught fire while parked in a parking lot - the fire was in the engine compartment and appeared to be an electrical fire - police and fire were at the scene and a report was made.

See all problems of the 2008 BMW X5 🔎.

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.

Starter failed at 48k miles. This is a known issue of starters failing early and a recall should be done for all impacted cars. . Read more...

The drive train failed on the car and left the car without power as the transmission disengaged and was revving in drive mode. This happened when I was making a right turn. Oncoming traffic had to Dodge us making it a very dangerous situation. The shoulder was narrow so half of the car in the number one lane. The car had been back into the dealership many time for similar issue but this time the car actual hard warning signs flash on the screen and loss complete power and maneuverability. A few different lights came on the dash. Prior to the car completely shutting down, the car would down shift really hard and the computer says the car was trying to go in reverse. I’ve loss all confidence in this car and feel unsafe getting back into it.

The contact owns a 2021 BMW X5. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, there was an abnormal sputtering sound coming from the vehicle. After several attempts, the vehicle was able to start. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with starter failure. The contact was provided with the following dtc: 0012240600. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The contact stated that the failure persisted. Upon further investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA campaign number: 24v576000 (electrical system, engine and engine cooling). However, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 55,000.

The contact owns a 2017 BMW X5. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine overheated with several unknown warning lights illuminated. In addition, the vehicle lost electrical functions. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with a failed coolant pump. The contact was informed that the coolant pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact referenced NHTSA campaign number: 24v608000 (engine and engine cooling, electrical system); however, the VIN was not associated with the recall. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 78,000.

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The comfort access door handle, got so hot it started to melt the plastic exterior handle and produce a lot of smoke would have caught fire if I didn't turn off car and disconnect electrical signal to the cas handle.

See all problems of the 2011 BMW X5 🔎.

Sudden loss of power. Vehicle warning after starting stating power supply issue even after a brand new battery from the dealership. 3 similar incidents in a month. During the final incident the vehicle was again towed to the dealership where it’s been there for over a week and power supply issues persist. They are changing the whole high voltage box due to some unfixable errors.

See all problems of the 2022 BMW X5 🔎.

Similar to the incident described in [xxx] , BMW has refused to assist with repairs related to defective vehicle cupholders, causing the headunit wiring to short out and fail. This also causes any number of safety items to become unavailable as well. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

The contact owns a 2025 BMW X5. The contact stated upon starting the vehicle, several unknown warning lights were illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that there were twenty-one failure codes displayed on the infotainment system screen. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle the following day, no warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that a dealer mobile technician arrived to the residence, and the vehicle was driven to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that an improper coding of the electronic modules had caused the digital motor electronics (dme) to not communicate. The contact was informed that the electronic modules needed to be recoded. The dme data was cleared, and the dme was reprogrammed. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 3,165.

I purchased a used BMW from a local dealership, unaware that the vehicle had unresolved safety and mechanical issues. Over time, I began experiencing repeated problems including: •power loss and hesitation while driving •malfunctioning engine and drivetrain components •electrical system glitches including dashboard warnings that would disappear before I could document them the car has been in and out of shops for diagnostics, and no lasting fix has been found. These defects have created safety concerns for me and my children, as I transport them daily. The vehicle feels unsafe to operate. I believe I may have been sold a lemon and am now pursuing legal remedies, including this formal safety complaint to report the issue.

The contact owns a 2012 BMW X5. The contact stated that when the vehicle was parked, the contact noticed coolant leaking on the ground underneath the vehicle. The contact stated that the low coolant warning light was illuminated. The contact refilled the coolant reservoir. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with coolant pump failure. The contact was informed that the coolant pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact referenced NHTSA campaign number: 24v608000 (engine and engine cooling, electrical system); however, the VIN was not associated with the recall. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 98,744.

See all problems of the 2012 BMW X5 🔎.

This 2025 SUV X5 xdrive50e the hybrid battery will over heat in hot weather temperatures therefore the battery will not charge with the issued 110 plug in home charger. BMW was aware of this malfunction and never warned or recalled the information to customers. This vehicle will not allow climate control features to work because there is no charge on the battery as well. The vehicle can overheat and could shut down and this problem was never disclosed to customers. The vehicles were selling in 2024.

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.

My car said it overheated and would not start. After about 4 hours it did start and I took it to the dealer. They are saying that the battery and starter need replacement. I read that there was a recall for this exact reason on some specific vins for my car model and year. Even though mine doesn't fall under that category it seems like the same issue that was recalled for others. Doing some online searches it seems this issue has happened to quite a few people.

Battery overheated and melted plastic cover.

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 2011 BMW X5. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was towed to an unknown dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer informed the contact that the VIN was not under recall. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 132,000.

Car started hesitating to start then messaged popped up on screen saying my system was overheating I had to pay for a new starter.

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.