Equipment Problems of BMW X5 - part 1

Starter can malfunction and start fire. Unable to park in garage due to potential fire risk. BMW is aware of the problem. Care was serviced at BMW dealer and said that they have no remedy. This recall is over 15 months old.

See all problems of the 2020 BMW X5 🔎.

My sunroof spontaneously exploded yesterday, which sounded like a loud shotgun blast going off. Fortunately my vehicle was stopped at the time, but no rocks or debris had hit it to cause this then or previously, and nothing had fallen on it. No warning or other symptoms prior to this happening, the car was in mint condition and always garaged, 34,750 miles. Could have been much worse had I been driving at highway speeds and not stopped at a traffic light.

See all problems of the 2023 BMW X5 🔎.

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.

See all problems of the 2013 BMW X5 🔎.

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.

I was driving 75mph on the highway and my sunroof exploded while driving. It sounded like a gunshot above my head and shattered while going 75mph. This vehicle and other Bmws that share the same sunroof glass are not fit to drive on the road until investigated further. There has been recalls and lawsuits for this. This a supplier or install issue when the car was manufactured. It’s not safe while driving and the glass spontaneously combusts into a million pieces. I have contacted BMW na and they stated there is nothing they can do about it. The service was paid for because I need a vehicle. I would like this investigated as a warranty claim so I can claim back the fees I have paid.

See all problems of the 2021 BMW X5 🔎.

Gas pedal broke while driving on the interstate causing driver to briefly lose control of car at the same time signal was lost from pedal to engine resulting in surge in the coolant system via ecm computer that blew radiator hose a moment after pedal broke. Pulled over and had car towed.

See all problems of the 2019 BMW X5 🔎.

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.

See all problems of the 2022 BMW X5 🔎.

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? the engine/transmission mounts were diagnosed by sterling BMW (newport beach, CA) as “sagging” and in need of replacement at only 38,437 miles. The components remain on the vehicle and are available for inspection. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? if engine mounts are in fact deteriorating prematurely, the drivetrain may shift during operation, affecting vehicle stability, steering alignment, and braking response. This could cause a sudden loss of control and create a hazard to occupants and other drivers. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? yes. Sterling BMW performed the inspection on October 2, 2025, and documented the issue in their inspection report, listing “motor mounts are sagging” under “needs immediate attention,” with an estimated repair cost of $2,301. 12. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? BMW of north America was contacted on October 15, 2025. They verbally denied warranty coverage, refused to provide a written response, and did not investigate further. The issue has not been independently inspected by police or insurance representatives. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? no dashboard warning lights or messages appeared. The issue was only reported by the dealer during the October 2, 2025 service visit. I have not experienced noticeable vibration, noise, or performance changes that would typically indicate failed mounts. This raises concern that the diagnosis may either indicate a premature defect or an unnecessary upsell.

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.

The car suddenly dead in the intersection when driving the car, then can’t start the car, can’t shift the gear, stay in neutral position all the time. A message came out staying “brake problem “! after around 20 minutes, system messaged us “problem solved, ok to drive “, so we were able to start the engine and start driving as normal. I called service center let them know the scenario but got no answer. After 4 days same problem reoccurring again, this time car dead during left turn, fortunately no car hit our car (we were having 2 babies in the car). A lot of messages showed up, still mentioned “brake problems “, and after 15-20 minutes, message us again - “problem solved, ok to drive “. We have aaa tow the car to BMW service center later since we didn’t feel the message was reliable. The service center identified the problem and replaced the mechatronics control unit and returned the car to us after 7 days. I am concerned about the car’s system message, it’s mentioned “problem solved, ok to drive “, the message could misleading and have been fatal if we continued driving the vehicle to freeway. After we got vehicle back we were still very cautious about the car. I sent my concern to new central BMW alhambra CA about one month ago -to the service manager and requested a written explanation of why this faulty message occurred and how BMW engineer plans to prevent this from happening again. But there was no answer so far. There were a “brake problem recall” and a “emission recall “for this vehicle and we went through the procedure already before these 2 brake problems.

See all problems of the 2024 BMW X5 🔎.

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.

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 🔎.

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 🔎.

When it rains water comes into the drivers side from the roof (sun visor area), and under the dashboard. Depending on how much rain, it leaves a puddle on the floor mat, and constantly drips on the driver as I drive.

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.

Safety recall has been issued for over a year and my vehicle has still not been repaired.

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.

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.

Vehicle safety complaint report – BMW engine starter failure make: BMW model: X5 xdrive40i year: 2019 mileage at incident: ~40,000 km component/system that malfunctioned the engine starter system failed to function. Despite repeated attempts, the engine would not start. The vehicle showed no prior warnings or dashboard alerts before the failure. The part has not yet been replaced, and the car is unable to start still. Incident description on a recent trip, while lined up at a ferry terminal waiting to board, our BMW X5 unexpectedly failed to start. There was no warning light or error code displayed. The car was completely unresponsive, despite repeated starting attempts. We were in the middle of the boarding line, blocking all vehicles behind us. We had to request assistance from ferry staff, who helped tow the car to a parkade. This incident led to the cancellation of our trip, caused significant stress and public disruption, and exposed us to serious safety and liability risks. We immediately contacted BMW roadside assistance, who were unable to diagnose the issue remotely and only suggested continued restart attempts, which were ineffective. We recently learned of NHTSA recall 24v-576, issued on August 1, 2024, by BMW of north America. The recall involves the engine starter in 2019–2020 BMW X5 models, due to engine no-start issues and potential electrical overloads that can result in a thermal event. While our vehicle matches the make, model, and year, we were informed by BMW that our specific VIN is not currently listed under the recall. However, we are experiencing exactly the same problem described in the recall notice—an engine that suddenly fails to start, with no warning, and with the potential for unsafe repeated ignition attempts. I strongly believe that our vehicle should be included in BMW’s official recall list for 24v-576. The symptoms, risk profile, and component behavior align perfect with the recall description.

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.

Reoccurring drivetrain and high voltage issues with my 2022 BMW X545e.

I have a 2019 BMW X5. My starter failed and I got a notification at the same time through my BMW app that there was a safety recall "recall 24v-576: engine starter – b12 05 24". The recall instructs the dealer that the correction is "dme software update that will prevent the engine starter from being overloaded". This is all fine. It then gives the instruction "note: some vehicles may also be affected by the following technical campaign: 0012240600 check and, if necessary, replace starter motor please ensure that, if possible, both technical actions are processed at the same time. " my issue is that the initial recall is the clear issue causing the starter failure and they have acknowledged this in the technical campaign following. However, my vehicle's VIN is not included in the technical campaign that instructs them to replace the starter even though it was their negligence which caused the failure which they have acknowledged. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? no I paid to have the starter replaced. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? me and my vehicle were left stranded, sometimes in the road due to auto start, multiple times. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? yes, by the dealer. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? yes, inspected by the dealer. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? no there were no warnings.

A few months ago there was a recall on my car (some problem with starter engine) and after few month I started the engine by pressing the brake pedal and pressing the start button. But the engine did not start, I saw smoke from under the hood, then I opened the hood and saw fire near the engine on the right (driver's) side. People in the parking lot helped put out the fire with a fire extinguisher while I called 911 for fire department, they came and recorded it (fire slip -[xxx]), [xxx}. , houston, texas, 77043 (place where it happened). I have pictures and videos this incident. We were afraid that we would die in this car. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

My vehicle is only 7 months old. I was driving the vehicle on I-75 in tampa between bruce b downs and fletcher at a speed of between 55 and 70 miles per hour and all of the sudden I heard a very loud boom and the sound of wind. I stopped in the median and my windows were fine, but I realized that my sun roof exploded. Nothing hit the sun roof to cause it to explode. I have done some research and this has happened to other people on this same model. BMW has refused to recognize that this is a product or manufacturing defect and has refused to cover the cost of the repair. I am concerned about this, but I am more concerned that this is a safety issue. The sun roof was closed and the inside cover was also closed, so the window pieces did not fell on me. I use the car to visit my grandchildren and I am very concerned that if that would have happened with them inside, they could have gotten hurt. BMW is taking advantage of insurance laws and washing their hands, until someone gets hurt.

BMW has failed on several occasions to address this issue or service vehicle. I have made them aware of the situation but continue to receive letters that indicate I could die of the airbag.

See all problems of the 2002 BMW X5 🔎.

Going 75mph, 16 degrees fahrenheit out. Car temp was 68 degrees. Loud explosion, panoramic roof glass shattered. From direction of glass looks like it exploded from the inside. Did not hear anything hit car beforehand. Happened out of nowhere.

Starter problem . When starting the start button , we have to do couple times . I saw recalls for starter problems on ur website and internet too.

Driving my Bmwx5 on 11/5/2024 on an open road with my dog, I heard an unusual loud thump. Since there were no warning lights before or after the thump, I continued until it was convenient to stop. While I continued, I heard light noises on top of my roof. I did not go under any overpasses. When I stopped and pulled back the cover of my sun roof, I was aghast to see a large gaping hole and total shatter of my sunroof! had I not had my sunroof cover closed, all the glass would have rained down on my and my dog. Also had it rained down on me, not knowing how I would have reacted, I might have caused an accident, particularly had my driving been impaired. I took pictures of the shattered sun roof. I also took a picture of the odometer. I had 49,075 miles on my vehicle that day. That day I took my vehicle to a BMW collision center, which is right beside the dealership. The total shatter obviously was confirmed. A part has been ordered and the vehicle will be taken in next week for repair. This is at my cost as is the rental car since my insurance deductible is so high. I have called into the general manager of the BMW dealer over the last 2 days with no return call.

See all problems of the 2018 BMW X5 🔎.

The water pump's electrical plug connector has a safety recall without a current available remedy. The issue causes small drops of liquid from the positive crankcase ventilation system to drip down onto the water pump's electrical connector, which could lead to a short circuit and potential thermal event or fire.

I noticed smoke comes from engine compartment while I was driving. It has been going on for a few months and I found out the BMW water pump electrical connector related recall (no 24v-608) for year 2012-2018 including X5. 'what could happen' in their recall is exactly what I'm experiencing but my VIN number is not part of their recall even though the year and model matches. I called BMW and they said it goes by specific VIN and didn't provide details of why my car is not included. I don't feel safe driving and would like it to be checked by BMW if it is related with the recall. They couldn't help at this point and refer me to NHTSA.

Driving the vehicle a short distance, I can smell oil burning after the car is stopped. I have had to put oil in the car twice because the warning light came on suggesting that a quart of oil is needed. The vehicle has less than 122,000 miles. Also, the car idles a lot before I put it in gear. I was told at the last oil change that I need spark plugs. The battery and tires were replaced by a BMW dealership over a year ago.

When I research by your making model, it shows that there are multiple safety recalls for my vehicle. However, when I put in my license plate urban number, it says that there is zero, because I believe that that is some sort of redacted information that’s not true because my vehicle continues to have concerning safety issues and engine issues and the manufacture is refusing to repair. Also, there are suspension issues and under body, rest, and emissions issues that my state ohio does not test I purchase this vehicle from carvana and I believe they shipped the vehicle to a state that does not require a mission passing, because that would have been a flag for my vehicle, and it was very difficult for me to register my vehicle and my state due to a clouded title but it’s very hard for me to get information from dealerships because they don’t want to perform the work at cost as a service customer service, and then the seller, of course is hiding this information I need oversight, or some sort of enforcement how I can take my vehicle somewhere and have it inspected for safety, and then enforce the recalls and enforce the warranties that are on them because as I mentioned, I am not I’m getting out bro blocked and I don’t wanna take accountability and responsibility. I did have a stop at a muffler shop and they said that my underbody is is the scripture is not installed properly, and there are things that are detach to avoid the emissions smoke and those are hidden from the seller I am a nervous buyer. This is my first time having a vehicle such as this and I believe I have a lemonade and sweet lemon. How can I get it? inspected it inspected.

See all problems of the 2015 BMW X5 🔎.

After driving for an hour I noticed smoke coming from under the hood of the car, I opened the hood to and noticed the smoke coming from under the plastic cover which covers the turbo and catalytic converter in that area. After removing the cover I saw a bright flame coming from under the hood.

Water pump failure. There is no damage and coolant system prematurely failed. Car is 3 years old with about 65-70k miles:.

The car safety features should not allow the vehicle to move with an open door. It should also alert driver with warning if passenger door is ajar before and when in motion. The car did not register at any point (sound, dash light or otherwise) while the car door was moving that the rear driver side passenger door was ajar and door hit something. Even after collision, the vehicle still did not send any collision notice, signal driver door was open or stop automatically at any point.