Electrical System Problems of BMW X5 - part 2

BMW X5 owners have reported 447 problems related to electrical system (under the electrical system category). The most recently reported issues are listed below. Also please check out the statistics and reliability analysis of BMW X5 based on all problems reported for the X5.

36 Electrical System problem of the 2020 BMW X5

Failure Date: 09/18/2025

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.

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37 Electrical System problem of the 2025 BMW X5

Failure Date: 09/18/2025

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.

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38 Electrical System problem of the 2020 BMW X5

Failure Date: 09/10/2025

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.

39 Electrical System problem of the 2020 BMW X5

Failure Date: 09/01/2025

I was having intermittent starting issues. After a starter recall was done, things got worse. Idrive will not turn off and car wont start draining battery. Battery was replaced and car still having idrive and start issues. It would not start after being hot. I was told extended warranty is not covered and that the center console was the problem after diagnostic. They want approximately $3000 to repair. The car will not start at all and the idrive will not shut off. They said it will continue until repaired.

40 Electrical System problem of the 2019 BMW X5

Failure Date: 09/01/2025

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!.

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41 Electrical System problem of the 2019 BMW X5

Failure Date: 08/25/2025

Car randomly wouldn’t start and was getting error starter message on message center.

42 Electrical System problem of the 2019 BMW X5

Failure Date: 08/25/2025

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.

43 Electrical System problem of the 2020 BMW X5

Failure Date: 08/23/2025

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.

44 Electrical System problem of the 2019 BMW X5

Failure Date: 08/20/2025

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.

45 Electrical System problem of the 2021 BMW X5

Failure Date: 08/16/2025

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.

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46 Electrical System problem of the 2019 BMW X5

Failure Date: 08/16/2025

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.

47 Electrical System problem of the 2008 BMW X5

Failure Date: 08/15/2025

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.

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48 Electrical System problem of the 2020 BMW X5

Failure Date: 08/14/2025

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.

49 Electrical System problem of the 2019 BMW X5

Failure Date: 08/07/2025

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...

50 Electrical System problem of the 2024 BMW X5

Failure Date: 08/02/2025

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.

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51 Electrical System problem of the 2021 BMW X5

Failure Date: 07/23/2025

The contact owns a 2021 BMW X5. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle with the push to start button, the vehicle failed to start. There was a clicking sound coming from under the hood. The failure was intermittent. The contact replaced the hybrid battery; however, the failure reoccurred. The contact stated that after several attempts, the vehicle started. The vehicle was taken to a dealer; however, the failure was not duplicated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with a pinned-out emission circuit and starter failure. The contact was informed that the starter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed of an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not associated with the recall. The vehicle was manufactured a month outside the date for the vehicles included in the recall. The contact was advised to contact the manufacturer and make the manufacturer aware of the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.

52 Electrical System problem of the 2021 BMW X5

Failure Date: 07/22/2025

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.

53 Electrical System problem of the 2017 BMW X5

Failure Date: 07/19/2025

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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54 Electrical System problem of the 2011 BMW X5

Failure Date: 07/19/2025

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.

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55 Electrical System problem of the 2022 BMW X5

Failure Date: 07/19/2025

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.

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56 Electrical System problem of the 2021 BMW X5

Failure Date: 07/17/2025

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).

57 Electrical System problem of the 2025 BMW X5

Failure Date: 07/07/2025

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.

58 Electrical System problem of the 2019 BMW X5

Failure Date: 07/06/2025

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.

59 Electrical System problem of the 2012 BMW X5

Failure Date: 07/04/2025

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.

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60 Electrical System problem of the 2025 BMW X5

Failure Date: 06/13/2025

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.

61 Electrical System problem of the 2020 BMW X5

Failure Date: 06/12/2025

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.

62 Electrical System problem of the 2019 BMW X5

Failure Date: 06/02/2025

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.

63 Electrical System problem of the 2017 BMW X5

Failure Date: 05/30/2025

Battery overheated and melted plastic cover.

64 Electrical System problem of the 2020 BMW X5

Failure Date: 05/28/2025

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.

65 Electrical System problem of the 2011 BMW X5

Failure Date: 05/27/2025

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.

66 Electrical System problem of the 2019 BMW X5

Failure Date: 05/24/2025

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

67 Electrical System problem of the 2020 BMW X5

Failure Date: 05/22/2025

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.

68 Electrical System problem of the 2021 BMW X5

Failure Date: 05/16/2025

In the middle of a busy intersection, the car just completely shut down. The car only had ~35,000 miles on the odometer and has been serviced only by BMW. It turned out that the water pump broke, which led to downstream impact on additional surrounding systems. BMW X5’s up to model year 2019 had recalls due to faulty water pumps. From an independent search online, it appears there are many owners of 2021 Bmws who have experienced water pump failures like I did. This could have led to a major safety incident as my husband nearly avoided an accident. If this had occurred suddenly on a highway, for example, that could have resulted in a multi-car accident as the car very suddenly died and came to a stop.

69 Electrical System problem of the 2025 BMW X5

Failure Date: 05/15/2025

The SUV has been in the dealer service center twice. BMW includes a charging cable a dual 110v/220v intended to charge the car as it is a plug in hybrid. Per the dealer the charging cable and the car are working as intended however when plugged in it will loose charge not gain it. The problem with this is the car will not remote start/ pre-condition in the hot arizona sun without the battery having a charge on it. The design is a heat pump which runs on battery not the ice. The charger is not able to keep up with the electrical demand of the charging system while plugged into a 110v outlet even suppling up to 20a. There is no formal literature about the charging cable being unable to charge the battery when the temperature is more than 90 degrees outside. The dealers suggestion is to install a separate paid for 220v charger (-/+ $2,000). The safety issue is the car will not cool sufficiently for a child to be in the car.

70 Electrical System problem of the 2020 BMW X5

Failure Date: 05/14/2025

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.



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