2005 BMW X5 Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Good The 2005 BMW X5 has a complaint index of 5, ranking 20th worst out of 21 model years, with 82 complaints and 2 recalls. Its verdict is capped at Good rather than Best because complaint records for 2005-2009 are less complete.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 5/100
- #20 of 21 X5 years
- Verdict
- Good
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 82
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 2
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 3
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 5
- Injuries
- 10
- Top issue
- Electrical System
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 16
- 14 city / 20 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 10 / 1
Top 2005 BMW X5 problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA 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%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Owners report the air conditioner smoking and the cabin catching fire while driving on the highway.
- Front airbags reportedly failed to deploy in low and moderate speed crashes, including one where the driver hit a stopped vehicle at around 40 mph.
- Black smoke and sparks were reported coming from interior vents shortly after startup, in one case triggering the curtain airbag and alarm.
- A seat heater reportedly burned a hole through the seat and the owner's pants while the vehicle was parked and stationary.
- Rear brake lights reportedly failed due to a shorted lamp and burned wiring, requiring lamp replacement.
- An engine fire reportedly occurred while the vehicle was parked in a driveway, resulting in a fatality from smoke inhalation.
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 reliable?
- NHTSA data gives the 2005 X5 a complaint index of 5, the second-lowest of all 21 model years tracked, with 82 complaints logged. Its verdict is Good, though capped from a higher rating because 2005-2009 complaint records are less complete.
- What are the most common problems on the 2005 BMW X5?
- NHTSA complaints are led by the Electrical System and Engine, each with 17 complaints (21% share), followed by Airbags with 16 complaints (20%) and Brakes with 15 complaints (18%).
- Does the 2005 BMW X5 have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists two recalls: one for an incorrect automatic transmission parking pawl guide plate, and one for a brake line support bracket that was not welded to specification and could rub against other parts.
- How does the 2005 X5 compare to other model years?
- The 2005 X5 ranks 20th worst out of 21 years, well below later years like 2009, 2011, 2012, and 2024, which all carry an Avoid verdict with complaint indexes of 80 or higher.
- How many fires and injuries were reported for the 2005 X5?
- NHTSA lists 5 fires, 3 crashes, 10 injuries, and 1 death among the 82 complaints filed for the 2005 X5.