2020 BMW X5 Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
CautionComplaint Index
53/100
#8 most-complained of 16 X5 years
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
The 2020 BMW X5 has a Complaint Index of 53 and ranks 8th worst out of 16 model years, earning a Caution verdict. NHTSA lists 111 complaints, 11 recalls, and 7 fires, with Engine (44%) and Electrical System (40%) as top problem areas.
- Complaints
- 111
- Recalls
- 11
- Crashes / fires
- 3 / 7
- Injuries / deaths
- 5 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- 4 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 18
- 16 city / 22 hwy
Top 2020 BMW X5 problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine49 (44%)
- Electrical System44 (40%)
- Transmission & Powertrain17 (15%)
- Other16 (14%)
- Airbags6 (5%)
- Brakes5 (5%)
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras4 (4%)
- Structure & Body4 (4%)
- Seat Belts3 (3%)
- Steering3 (3%)
What owners report
- Some owners report the engine compartment catching fire spontaneously, both while parked and shortly after driving.
- Owners describe sudden unintended acceleration while parking at low speed, with brakes unable to stop the vehicle in time.
- The digital instrument panel and navigation display reportedly dim or go blank intermittently during driving, including at highway speed.
- Some owners report the automatic braking system activating suddenly with no obstacle present, jerking occupants forward.
- One owner reported the driver's airbag failed to deploy during a head-on collision.
- Owners describe the rear cross-traffic warning and braking feature failing to alert or engage when backing out of a driveway.
2020 BMW X5 recalls
11 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 25V644000Sep 25, 2025Electrical System145,102 vehicles
Electrical system:starter assembly
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020 340I, X6, 2020-2025 840I, 2020-2022 740LI, 2019-2020 X7, and X5 vehicles. After repeated attempts, the starter motor may overheat from an electrical overload.
Risk: An overheated starter motor can ignite nearby combustible material in the engine compartment, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the engine starter, free of charge. This recall includes vehicles repaired under recall 24V576 and those owners will need to have their vehicle repaired again. Owner notification letters were mailed February 9, 2026. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov November 17, 2025.
- NHTSA 24V576000Aug 1, 2024Engine105,588 vehicles
Engine and engine cooling:engine:engine control module (ecu/ECM):software
BMW of North America, LLC is recalling certain 2019-2020 X5, X7, 2020 3 Series Sedan, X6, 2020-2021 7 Series Sedan, 2020 8 Series Convertible, 8 Series Coupe, and 2020 8 Series Gran Coupe vehicles. Please see the recall report for the complete list of models. In the event the starter motor fails, repeated attempts to start the vehicle can cause the starter motor to overheat from an electrical overload.
Risk: A starter motor that overheats can ignite nearby combustible material in the engine compartment, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will update the vehicle software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 27, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
- NHTSA 22V267000Apr 20, 2022Visibility & Wipers61,221 vehicles
Visibility:sun/moon roof assembly
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2022 4 Series Gran Coupe (430i, 430i xDrive, M440i xDrive); 2019-2022 X5 sDrive40i, X5 xDrive40i, X5 xDrive50i, X5 M50i, X5M; 2021-2022 X5 xdrive45e; 2020-2022 X6 sDrive40i, X6 xDrive40i, X6 xDrive50i, X6M and 2019-2023 X7 xDrive40i, X7 xDrive50i, X7 M50i, X7 xDrive60i, X7 M60i, X7M, Alpina XB7 vehicles. The roof function control unit may be programmed incorrectly, allowing the sunroof to close without the key fob present inside the vehicle. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 118, "Power-Operated Window Systems."
Risk: A sunroof that closes without the key fob present inside the vehicle can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will reprogram the roof function control unit, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 20, 2022. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
2020 BMW X5 fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 16 MPG
- Highway
- 22 MPG
- Combined
- 18 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $4,450
- 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.
2020 compared with other X5 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2020 BMW X5 reliable?
- NHTSA data gives the 2020 X5 a Complaint Index of 53, ranking it 8th worst among the 16 model years tracked, with a Caution verdict relative to other X5 years.
- What are the biggest problems with the 2020 BMW X5?
- NHTSA complaints point to the Engine (44% of complaints, median failure mileage 60,000) and Electrical System (40% of complaints, median failure mileage 46,000) as the top problem areas, including 7 reported fires.
- Does the 2020 BMW X5 have any recalls?
- Yes, NHTSA lists 11 recalls for the 2020 X5, covering issues such as starter motor overheating, headlamp electrical faults, front axle support welds, and rearview camera software.
- How does the 2020 X5 compare to other X5 years?
- The 2020 X5's complaint index of 53 is worse than 2016-2018 (index 0-13, rated Best) but better than 2011, 2012, 2024, and 2025, which are rated Avoid with complaint indexes of 80, 87, 100, and 93.
- How many fires and injuries were reported for the 2020 X5?
- NHTSA lists 7 fires, 3 crashes, and 5 injuries for the 2020 BMW X5, with no deaths reported.