Electrical System Problems of BMW X5 - part 1

The contact owns a 2021 BMW X5. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed on the highway, the vehicle shut off. The vehicle was pulled off to the side of the road, but failed to restart after several attempts. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed with starter failure. The dealer referenced NHTSA campaign number: 20v761000 (electrical system); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 30,000.

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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.

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The seal on the sunroof of the car allows water into the car. My car will be available for inspection upon request. This issue allows water into the car around the b pillar airbag and the side window airbag which can damage the airbag and make it deploy without any accidents or make them not deploy in the case of a accident. BMW has an internal document in which acknowledging the issue with the seal but even though they recognize placing a defective part on the vehicle. They will not assume the cost of the repair if outside DE 50k miles warranty. In order for the dealership to take a look at the issue an 200 dollar diagnostic is required but I was informed that if they determined that the issue on hand is due to the defective part. I will still have to pay for the repairs. There weren’t any other signs before the incident.

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The contact owns a 2021 BMW X5. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the push to start button failed to function as intended. After several attempts, the vehicle started. The drivetrain warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the starter had failed and needed to be replaced. The dealer informed the contact to cease driving the vehicle due to safety concerns. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The vehicle remained at the dealer unrepaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 47,600.

The vehicle is exhibiting symptoms that are identical to those described in NHTSA recall 25v556 — water intrusion through the windshield and a-pillar area. The recall documents that improperly sealed windshields can allow water to enter the power distribution box and electronic control unit, leading to a short circuit and, in extreme cases, a thermal event even when the ignition is off.

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 not yet available. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were not yet available for the recall repair. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.

See all problems of the 2020 BMW X5 🔎.

The contact owns a 2020 BMW X5. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign: 25v644000 (electrical system); however, the part to do the recall repair not available. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were not available. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue; however, no assistance was provided. The contact had not experienced a failure.

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 functioning safely.

While driving, the electronic parking brake (epb) system malfunctioned. The vehicle was stopped in drive with auto hold active. When the driver door was opened briefly, the vehicle attempted to transition from auto hold to applying the electronic parking brake as a safety function. At that moment, the epb malfunction warning appeared and the parking brake system faulted. There were no prior mechanical brake issues (no dragging brakes, no unusual noises, no brake wear symptoms). The issue appears to be an electronic/control-related failure of the epb actuator/control unit rather than typical brake wear. A repair facility retrieved multiple diagnostic fault codes related to the electronic parking brake actuator/control unit and recommended replacement of the epb actuator assembly followed by initialization/calibration and clearing of faults. This creates a potential safety risk because the electronic parking brake may apply unexpectedly or may not apply/release as intended during safety logic events (such as opening the driver door while stopped), potentially immobilizing the vehicle or creating a hazard in traffic or parking situations.

See all problems of the 2017 BMW X5 🔎.

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.

I bought the car from the dealership, and they said there were no problems with it, but they cheated me. The car broke down twice. The first time, it was parked in a private lot for several hours, and I paid a large sum for parking. The second time, it broke down on the street, and I waited eight hours for help to tow it back to the dealership. 1-recall message 2- emergency call system.

See all problems of the 2019 BMW X5 🔎.

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 2020 BMW X5. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 25v644000 (electrical system); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start. After several attempts, the vehicle started. The check control master warning light was illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.

The componet that failed is the cars electric system in the rear. Battery gets so hot its melted a 2nd orange box on top of the battery. Burned a hole right through. Attempted to start the vehicle, now it's throwing big sparks in the rear battery compartment. Abs warnings, brake warnings, it leaks. It will not start again! we have no transportation. Noone seems to be very concerned about the matter. Atleast 7 open, very dangerous recalls on this vehicle. How come someone has to die from the companies failure to fix what they know is wrong? this vehicle is paid for, owned by a middle/lower class hard working single mom. I've seen to many cases of people who aren't financially threatening get delt a ball full of crap. All walks of life pay really good money for Bmws cars. How about BMW returns the favor and keeps their word. My car is a death trap according to BMW. What do we do if the company won't cooperate.

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The component that failed appears to be the hybrid propulsion and charging system, including the high-voltage battery management system and/or integrated charging electronics. The vehicle will not accept a charge from any home or public charging source. The high-voltage battery was replaced approximately one year ago; however, the charging failure persists. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. In addition to the charging failure, the vehicle displayed drivetrain malfunction and start/stop malfunction warnings. While driving on the highway at normal speed, the vehicle lost power and stopped, creating a hazardous situation in active traffic. This sudden loss of propulsion placed my safety and the safety of other drivers at risk, as surrounding vehicles were traveling at highway speeds. Prior to the failure, warning messages appeared intermittently, including charging system faults and start/stop malfunction alerts. These warnings began approximately one year ago around the time the charging issue started. The vehicle was previously serviced and the high-voltage battery was replaced; however, the underlying issue was not corrected. The root cause is unknown, but the symptoms suggest a failure within the hybrid control system, charging module, DC-DC converter, or related electrical components. The failure has been persistent and unresolved. I am concerned that defects within the hybrid propulsion system may lead to additional sudden loss of power events.

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The contact owns a 2014 BMW X5. While the contact's daughter was attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the 12-volt battery and the auxiliary battery needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the contact attempted to start the vehicle, but the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who specialized in foreign-made vehicles. The vehicle was diagnosed, and it was determined that the water pump was constantly running and was draining the 12-volt battery. The mechanic determined that the water pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA campaign number: 24v608000 (engine and engine cooling, electrical system); however, the VIN was not associated with the recall. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.

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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.

While on a stretch of two lane highway with no shoulders I got some flashing error messages that were too quick to read, then the car made the shutdown sound like when you turn the car off, and said “goodbye” on the screen. The gas pedal was unresponsive, pulled itself away from my foot. The screen showed what it normally shows when you turn the car off - option to charge immediately or precondition now. Car was just coasting. Eventually I hit the start button and the car turned back on. I think one of the error messages that flashed said driver assistance disabled… the car doesn’t have any advanced drivers assistance packages so not sure what that could mean. I have a vague memory of this happening to me once over a year ago, pulling out of the driveway, and having to hit start to turn it back on.

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 vehicle shut off and would not start while at a stop light. It is new: under one year old and still within warranty. The error was a “restart not possible. Drivetrain fault” as shown in the picture. My safety as well as my passenger’s were put at risk due to being in a congested roadway and unable to move. After attempting to restart the system software, I then observed a “high voltage battery” warning. At that point my passenger and I exited the vehicle. As I was on the phone with emergency roadside assistance while out of the vehicle for about 10 minutes, the vehicle was able to start with the warning now displaying “drivetrain. You can continue driving. Have the problem checked by your local service center. ” I hesitantly drove the vehicle home. While parked, I checked about 15 minutes later and the issue resurfaced (as pictured). The problem has not yet been taken to the dealership. It will be tomorrow. The issue has not yet been inspected by any other representatives. There were no warning signs whatsoever before the issue occurred. The vehicle simply shut off, and upon attempting restart the aforementioned errors were observed.

See all problems of the 2025 BMW X5 🔎.

The vehicle delays to start and will not recognize that key is in the vehicle. The starter button has to be pushed three times until the vehicle recognizes the key is in the vehicle. The vehicle was inspected at a BMW dealership and no codes or errors were found. Battery is still good but possible issues with the starter.

The contact owns a 2020 BMW X5. The contact stated that while stopped at a traffic light, after the light changed, the accelerator pedal was depressed and the vehicle stalled. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. The vehicle was diagnosed, and it was determined that the starter had failed. The mechanic advised the contact that the VIN was included in NHTSA campaign number: 25v644000 (electrical system). The contact was advised to have the vehicle towed to a dealer for the recall repair. The contact called a local dealer and was informed that the recall remedy was not available. The contact called the manufacturer and was informed that the remedy was not available, and there was no eta for parts availability. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.

Three weeks ago the instrument cluster indicated a failure of the front collision avoidance system and said to have the vehicle examined by the dealer. I dropped it off two weeks ago and have been informed that they're having trouble updating the instrument panel and other component software. Other times the instrument panel would go dark for several seconds while driving. There is an open recall on X5 models produced from 01/24. Mine is not included as it was produced 11/23. Recall is 24v-138.

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A concern regarding my BMW X5 it’s a 2019 X50i it’s my only vehicle that I have to get to and from work and drive my family around. I have been having starting issues at random times I can go a week no issues than randomly. My vehicle doesn’t want to start. Also, I have engine codes that are the same ones that apply to other recalls my starter is my main concern because it is an unsafe situation in certain circumstances because it’s happened at a light due to the auto stop switch I have to turn it off so that problem wouldn’t occur anymore because it also happened on the freeway during traffic that was a scary scenario when I had my family with me luckily it did turn on as I was steering out the way of traffic, I love the car unfortunately it is giving me safety concerns ,I seen there is a recall on NHTSA campaign number: 24v-576 subject : starter motor may fail and overheat according to this my vehicle meets all these criteria’s I need help with further assistance please if you can and thank you for your time.

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

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.

The shark fin is leaking and can’t be in rain or drive in rain bc it can cause wires to catch fire or shorten out. I have two babies that are at risk every time I drive this car. It’s my only way to go and BMW won’t fix it and I can’t afford to fix it bc it’s over 3 thousand dollars.

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.

Electrical-soy covered wires causes rodents to chew wires causing electrical defaults and faulty control. Windshield - minor chips causing massive cracks - happened twice in a 2 week time frame. After it was replaced. Cracked again.

Vehicle: 2018 BMW X5 xdrive40e recall: NHTSA safety recall 24v-608 complaint description: my 2018 BMW X5 xdrive40e experienced a sudden electric motor electronics (eme) failure that rendered the vehicle inoperable. This occurred before the recall remedy for NHTSA safety recall 24v-608 was completed. It is available for inspection upon request. Recall 24v-608 addresses fluid intrusion into the electric coolant water pump electrical connector, which can cause electrical shorts, overcurrent conditions, and power instability. The eme is directly dependent on stable electrical conditions. After the vehicle failed, the recall repair was performed; however, completion of the recall does not reverse electrical damage that may have occurred prior to the repair. Prior to the eme failure, I made multiple attempts to have the recall addressed by contact BMW authorized dealers, but the recall condition remained unresolved. Following the failure, BMW of north America denied responsibility in writing, closed my case, and did not identify any alternative root cause or provide technical findings explaining the eme failure. The vehicle is not drivable and requires approximately $12,000 in repairs. I also incurred rental vehicle expenses as a result of BMW’s refusal to repair. This appears to be recall-related electrical damage affecting a critical control module, creating a safety concern due to sudden loss of vehicle function putting safety of myself and others at risk. I am submitting this complaint to document a safety-related electrical failure associated with recall 24v-608 and BMW of north America’s refusal to remedy the resulting damage.

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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.

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Because of this water intrusion, the following safety systems have malfunctioned or failed: • abs and dsc (stability control) warnings • chassis stabilization warning • frontal collision and pedestrian warning malfunction • airbag system warning • loss of audible warning tones • most bus communication failure • electrical modules intermittently shutting down or throwing codes these failures affect braking, stability control, crash avoidance, and driver alerts, creating a significant safety risk while driving. This is not normal wear or maintenance. Many BMW owners have reported the same issue: clogged or poorly designed sunroof drains that route water directly into areas containing critical electronics. Once water reaches these modules, it causes electrical shorts and safety system failures that require expensive repairs. BMW dealerships typically diagnose this as “water damage,” but the location of the drains and the placement of the electronics indicate a design flaw that allows a simple drain issue to disable major safety systems. I am filing this complaint because the water intrusion should not be able to cause total failure of abs, dsc, collision warning, and airbag-related systems. This is a safety-related design defect, not wear and tear. I request NHTSA review and investigate BMW sunroof drain failures and their impact on essential vehicle safety functions.

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.