2017 BMW X5 Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Best The 2017 BMW X5 ranks 17th of 21 model years for reported problems, earning a Best verdict with a complaint index of 20. It has 74 complaints and 6 recalls, with Fuel System issues being the top concern.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 20/100
- #17 of 21 X5 years
- Verdict
- Best
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 74
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 6
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 3
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 4
- Top issue
- Fuel System
- NHTSA overall rating
- 5 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 20.5
- 18 city / 24.5 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 4 / 1
Top 2017 BMW X5 problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Fuel System20 (27%)
- Electrical System17 (23%)
- Engine17 (23%)
- Transmission & Powertrain10 (14%)
- Other9 (12%)
- Brakes8 (11%)
- Structure & Body7 (9%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires7 (9%)
- Airbags5 (7%)
- Seat Belts5 (7%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Some drivers reported the brake pedal going to the floor at low speed, causing minor collisions while parking.
- One owner described a sudden loss of power steering and brakes at highway speed shortly after purchase, with warning lights activating at the same time.
- A diesel model reportedly lost power and drivetrain response while attempting to accelerate on the highway, forcing the driver to coast to a stop.
- The driver seat belt buckle was reported to rattle and shake continuously while driving, seated, or parked.
- An owner reported the active driving assistance system failed to detect crash warnings after a routine service visit.
- A vehicle reportedly rolled forward and struck a garage door after being placed in park with the handbrake engaged, which the owner attributed to a transmission or handbrake fault.
2017 BMW X5 recalls
6 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 24V608000Aug 13, 2024Electrical System720,796 vehicles
Electrical system:wiring:connectors/plugs/receptacles
BMW of North America, LLC. (BMW) is recalling certain 2012-2015 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i, 2012-2016 Z4 sDrive28i, 528i, 528i xDrive, 328i, 328xi, 2016-2018 X5 xdrive 40e, 2014-2016 228i, 228xi, 428i, 428i xDrive, 328xi Gran Turismo, 2013-2017 X3 sDrive28i, X3 xDrive28i, 2015-2018 X4 xDrive28i, 2015-2016 428xi vehicles. An improperly sealed electrical connector on the water pump may be exposed to water and short circuit.
Risk: An electrical short increases the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the water pump and plug connector as necessary, and install a protective shield, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 28, 2025. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
- NHTSA 21V907000Nov 19, 2021Fuel System50,404 vehicles
Fuel system, diesel
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2013-2018 328d, 328d xDrive, 2014-2018 328d Sports Wagon, 328d xDrive Sports Wagon, 2014-2016 535d, 535d xDrive, 2015 740Ld xDrive, 2015-2017 X3 xDrive28d SAV, and 2014-2017 X5 xDrive35d SAV diesel vehicles equipped with an Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) module with an integrated cooler. The EGR cooler may leak internally, causing coolant to mix with diesel engine soot, which could result in smoldering particles and a melting intake manifold.
Risk: A melting intake manifold increases the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the EGR cooler and inspect the intake manifold, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. This recall includes all vehicles previously recalled under 18V-755. Vehicles previously recalled under 18V-755 will need to have the new remedy performed for this recall. An interim owner notification letter was mailed on January 18, 2022. The remedy is expected to be available in June 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 6, 2022. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
- NHTSA 21V586000Jul 29, 2021Fuel System11,216 vehicles
Fuel system, diesel:delivery:fuel pump
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2014-2018 328d, 328d xDrive, X5 xDrive35d, 2014-2016 535d, 535d xDrive, 2015 740Ld xDrive, and 2015-2017 X3 xDrive28d vehicles. The high-pressure fuel pump may fail.
Risk: Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the high-pressure fuel pump, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on January 14, 2022. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
2017 BMW X5 fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 18 MPG
- Highway
- 24.5 MPG
- Combined
- 20.5 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $3,900
- 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.
2017 compared with other X5 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2017 BMW X5 reliable?
- Among 21 model years of the X5, 2017 ranks 17th worst, meaning only a few years perform better. It carries a complaint index of 20 and holds a Best verdict relative to other X5 years.
- What problems does the 2017 BMW X5 have?
- NHTSA complaints for the 2017 X5 concentrate on the Fuel System (27% of complaints), Electrical System (23%), and Engine (23%), with a median mileage at failure of 29,000 miles for fuel system issues.
- Does the 2017 BMW X5 have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns for the 2017 X5, covering the airbag modules, fuel pump, water pump, EGR cooler, tire information label, and electrical system, none of which are do-not-drive recalls.
- How does the 2017 X5 compare to other X5 years?
- The 2017 X5 has a complaint index of 20, far lower than years like 2012 (90) or 2024 (100), placing it among the better X5 model years alongside 2016, 2018, and 2023.
- What is the fuel economy of the 2017 BMW X5?
- The 2017 X5 gets an EPA-rated 20.5 mpg combined (18 city / 24.5 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,900.