The BMW The X5 has been available for purchase since 1999, significantly enhancing the German carmaker's lineup during this span of more than two decades. This model's commercial performance is noteworthy; according to BMW North America, nearly all units of the SUV have found buyers. 15,000 units in the first quarter of 2025 . Given that it is larger and pricier than the X3 The X5 sold approximately 1,500 units fewer than its counterpart, positioning itself as the second highest-selling BMW SUV and the second most popular BMW model overall during the initial part of the year.
Although Q1 2025 highlights the BMW X5’s longstanding sales achievements, the model's comprehensive legacy is equally impressive and noteworthy. Having gone through four generations so far, we have ranked these various iterations based on their dependability, starting with the least reliable up to the most dependable version.
This evaluation encompasses every generation of the BMW X5. It's important to note that due to recent releases, we haven’t had sufficient time to reliably gauge the durability of more current models. Please be aware that recall information, consumer complaints, along with related statistics were correct at the time this report was published but may evolve over time.
We've referred to several trustworthy sources such as J.D. Power, NHTSA, and Car Complaints, along with considering the volume and seriousness of customer complaints and recalls. It’s important to highlight that J.D. Power rankings reflect evaluations of early reliability rather than enduring dependability over time.
Second-generation BMW X5 (2007 - 2013)
Following the bang with which the X5 entered the market, it was time for the second-generation SUV to debut. However, this was also the most troublesome X5 The second-generation BMW X5 has experienced numerous recall instances throughout the years, with the most significant being in 2010 when there were as many as 22 recalls. These issues covered various components including the vehicle’s airbags, engine, fuel system, braking mechanism, and hydraulic systems.
In March 2022, the NHTSA observed that the A functional PCV valve might lead to short-circuiting. This leads to a higher chance of fires occurring while driving or shortly after parking the SUV. The regulatory authority reports that over 917,000 BMW vehicles are impacted, which includes models like the 2007-2010 X5 3.0si and X5 xDrive30i.
Common Problems
- Risk of Fire Due to PCV Valve Electrical Short Circuit
- Engine & Gearbox Failure
- Water leaks Into Interior
- Power Loss During Vehicle Operation
- Coolant Pump Failure
A significant recall for this model year BMW X5 involved a problem with the front driveshaft universal joint in vehicles from 2017. This defect could cause the front wheels to seize up, raising the possibility of accidents. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration stated that "BMW has committed to informing customers and replacing the front driveshaft at no cost."
In its final year on the North American market, the second-gen X5 managed to claw its way back up to a decent spot in J.D. Power's quality and reliability rankings. According to the body, common issues owners complained about in the first 90 days of ownership regarding the 2013 BMW X5 are vehicle maneuverability, how the interior materials feel, and a lack of ease of getting in and out of the vehicle. Regardless, occupant comfort in the third row of seats was commended. Still, of all X5 generations, the second-generation is the one that, according to the data, should be treated with kid gloves.
Reliability Overview: Second-Gen X5
- Top J.D. Power Quality and Dependability Score 82/100 (2013 model)
- Highest No. of Recalls: 22 (2010 model)
- Highest NHTSA Complaints: 329 (2008 model)
First-generation BMW X5 (2000 - 2006)
Upon its release, BMW labeled its X5 as a Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV). However, over time, this term faded away as people began referring to it simply as an SUV. The X5 marked BMW's initial entry into the burgeoning SUV sector, giving them an early lead just before this particular market segment took off internationally. first-generation BMW X5 had its share of reliability issues, however.
Common Issues
- Air Suspension Failure
- Oil Leaks
- Cooling System Issues
- Electrical Fire While Parked
- Faulty Dashboard
- Intermittent Starting Difficulties
- Heated Seats Overheating
The original X5 faced one of its initial recall issues in 2001 due to concerns over the anti-corrosion lining for the brake lines being inadequate. This deficiency could lead to rust formation and depletion of brake fluid. Consequently, this problem increased braking distance significantly, posing potential hazards such as crashes. recall notices for the 2000 X5 models encountered further problems with the braking system emerging, along with transmission issues that affected the SUV’s capability to sustain velocity in traffic and/or to speed up.
The NHTSA outlined the issue as follows:
Over a prolonged duration, debris from wear might accumulate on the electrical connections inside the switch, leading to an interruption of the electric flow through these contacts. Should such an interruption happen when the car is at rest with the gearshift set to neutral or park, the gearbox will activate an emergency protocol. This situation is signaled in the dashboard by both a caution light and a notification reading 'trans. fail-safe prog.' Under these circumstances, driving becomes possible solely using lower gears with restricted engine power.
Many problems with oil leaks and the cooling system affected this X5, just like numerous other BMWs from that time period.
The extensive utilization of plastic parts is primarily responsible for issues within the cooling systems of both six-cylinder and V8 engines. Key elements such as the expansion tank, water pump impeller, thermostat housing, and multiple connectors are constructed from plastic material, which leads to many of the coolant leaks and overheating concerns found in 2000 through 2006 BMW X5 models.
- Martin Pretorius, solusikaki.com
Reliability Overview: First-Gen X5
- Top J.D. Power Quality and Reliability Score: N/A
- Highest No. of Recalls: 11 (2001, 2004 models)
- Highest NHTSA Complaints: 279 (2006 model)
Fourth-Generation BMW X5 (from 2019 onwards)
Although it might be tempting to think that the newest generation would face fewer challenges, this isn’t always true, which is demonstrated by the fourth-generation BMW X5. Having entered the market about seven years ago, it has proven itself to be a formidable competitor within its class, establishing new standards and asserting its position at the forefront of the segment.
Common Problems
- Steering Sticks/Notchy
- Faulty Sensors
- Exploding Sunroof
- Stuck In Reverse
The 12 recall notices issued for the 2021 model year Include different concerns. For example, the sunroof can close even when the key fob is not inside the car, according to the NHTSA’s statement:
The rooftop functionality control module might have been programmed improperly [...]. Consequently, these vehicles do not meet the criteria set forth by Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 118, 'Power-Operated Window Systems.'
The headrests located at the outboard positions of the rear seating area might be unsuitable types for the X5, as they could potentially come off during an accident, thereby heightening the likelihood of injuries. For the year 2021, this specific vehicle underwent recalls due to issues such as a loosely attached right-front brake rotor, diminished functionality of anti-lock brakes, and decreased power-assisted breaking efficiency. An additional issue highlighted with the 2021 edition concerns a recall regarding the universal joint attachment within the steering column assembly; reportedly, these joints were possibly assembled without adhering to specified torque settings and thus had the potential to loosen over time, as per reports from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
According to the J.D. Power rankings, the fourth-gen X5 remains consistently within the top three in the 'Best Upper Midsize Premium SUV' category of the body’s rankings, suggesting that it is quite a satisfactory SUV to own particularly during its earlier years.
Reliability Overview: Fourth-Gen X5
- Top J.D. Power Quality and Reliability Score 82 out of 100 for the 2020, 2022, and 2023 model years
- Highest No. of Recalls: 12 (2021 model)
- Highest NHTSA Complaints: 104 (2019 model)
Third-generation BMW X5 (2014 - 2018)
The third-generation BMW X5 brought numerous modifications to the model, addressing many problems experienced by its predecessors. Despite sharing the same chassis and wheelbase as the earlier version, this iteration offered a notably better driving experience. However, the vehicle’s electronic systems continued to be somewhat problematic.
Common Problems
- Sudden, Unintended Braking
- Battery Not Keeping Charge
- Failing To Start
- Sunroof Is Making Noise And Causes Water Leakage
- SOS And Navigation Malfunction
In the 2016 model year, one of the least frequent recall and complaint records was observed for this particular generation. Despite these low numbers, the problems identified cannot be dismissed lightly. Specifically, in December 2016, certain vehicles experienced unexpected shifts into Neutral due to a loose grounding cable. The NHTSA noted that "the Digital Motor Electronics (DME) control module might suffer from a disconnected electrical ground wire, potentially leading to an undervoltage situation where the gearbox moves to neutral."
Additional problems involve an incorrectly sealed electrical connection on the water pump and a leakage in the Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) unit, potentially leading to the intake manifold overheating and possibly melting.
Regarding the J.D. Power ratings, all models except for the one from 2014 scored in the eighties for quality and reliability.
Reliability Overview: Third-Gen X5
- Top J.D. Power Quality and Dependability Score 84/100 (2018 model)
- Highest No. of Recalls: 8 (2014 model)
- Highest NHTSA Complaints: 142 (2015 model)
Based on reliability statistics, the 2018 BMW X5 stands out as among the top choices when looking for a reliable BMW SUV. Although this version might not stand out dramatically from others in its lineup, it seems to be quite sturdy and dependable compared to some previous models.
Sources: BMW, J.D. Power , Car Complaints , NHTSA