2005 BMW X5 Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
BestComplaint Index
5/100
#20 most-complained of 21 X5 years
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
The 2005 BMW X5 has 82 owner complaints and 2 safety recalls on file with NHTSA. Its Complaint Index is 5 out of 100 — #20 highest of 21 X5 model years (verdict: Best). The most reported problem area is electrical system (17 complaints, 21% of the total). Complaints report 3 crashes, 5 fires, 10 injuries, and 1 death.
- Complaints
- 82
- Recalls
- 2
- Crashes / fires
- 3 / 5
- Injuries / deaths
- 10 / 1
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 16
- 14 city / 20 hwy
Top 2005 BMW X5 problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Electrical System17 (21%)
- Engine17 (21%)
- Airbags16 (20%)
- Brakes15 (18%)
- Structure & Body12 (15%)
- Transmission & Powertrain9 (11%)
- Fuel System8 (10%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires6 (7%)
- Other4 (5%)
- Seat Belts1 (1%)
2005 BMW X5 recalls
2 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 05V504000Nov 1, 2005Transmission & Powertrain240 vehicles
Power train:automatic transmission
Certain passenger vehicles may have been built with an incorrectly manufactured automatic transmission parking pawl guide plate.
Risk: This could cause the parking lock system not to engage, after the transmission is placed in the park ("p") position. If the vehicle was parked on an incline, and the parking brake was not engaged, this could result in a vehicle rollaway condition.
Remedy: Dealers will repair and replace the automatic transmission guide plate free of charge. The recall began on november 30, 2005. Owners may contact bmw at 1-800-332-4269.
- NHTSA 05V367000Aug 26, 2005Brakes165 vehicles
Service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
On certain sport utility vehicles, the attachment of the brake line support bracket within the front left wheel well was not welded according to specifications. It could loosen and over time the brake hose could rub against the wheel well.
Risk: The front left brake hose could become damaged to the point where a loss of brake fluid could occur increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will re-attach the brake line support bracket to the front left wheel well free of charge. The recall began on september 20, 2005. Owners may contact bmw at 1-800-831-1117.
2005 BMW X5 fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 14 MPG
- Highway
- 20 MPG
- Combined
- 16 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $5,000
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Premium
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2005 compared with other X5 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2005 BMW X5 a reliable year?
- Judged by NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2005 BMW X5 ranks #20 of 21 among X5 model years (Complaint Index 5/100, verdict: Best). It has 82 complaints and 2 recalls on file. This reflects reported safety-related problems, not an overall reliability rating.
- What are the most common problems with the 2005 BMW X5?
- The most reported problem areas are electrical system (17 complaints), engine (17 complaints), and airbags (16 complaints). The median mileage at the time of failure in complaints that report it is 88,500 miles.
- Does the 2005 BMW X5 have any recalls?
- Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for the 2005 BMW X5, most recently reported 2005, covering transmission & powertrain and brakes.
- What is the fuel economy of the 2005 BMW X5?
- EPA rates the 2005 BMW X5 at 16 MPG combined (14 city / 20 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $5,000. Where several configurations exist, the median is shown.