2023 BMW X5 Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Best The 2023 BMW X5 has a Complaint Index of 15 and ranks 18th out of 21 model years, earning a Best verdict. It has 32 complaints, 4 recalls, and no fires or deaths reported to NHTSA.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 15/100
- #18 of 21 X5 years
- Verdict
- Best
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 32
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 4
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 3
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 1
- Top issue
- Electrical System
- NHTSA overall rating
- 4 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 19
- 17.5 city / 22 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 1 / 0
Top 2023 BMW X5 problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Electrical System9 (28%)
- Other8 (25%)
- Transmission & Powertrain7 (22%)
- Engine5 (16%)
- Structure & Body4 (13%)
- Brakes3 (9%)
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras3 (9%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires2 (6%)
- Airbags1 (3%)
- Fuel System1 (3%)
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 transmission shifting unexpectedly from Drive to Neutral or losing power while driving, sometimes requiring a software update.
- Some drivers describe a strong jolt or hesitation when accelerating from electric-only mode as the hybrid system engages.
- Electrical failures include the onboard computer freezing, key recognition problems, and complete power loss with no power steering while at a stop.
- One owner reported the sunroof shattering while driving at highway speed with no warning lights.
- A driver reported losing braking control at highway speed with no warning lamps or alerts before the vehicle left the roadway.
- One complaint described a broken front air strut with a loud noise and a chassis warning light shortly after delivery, at a median mileage of 5,700 for suspension issues.
2023 BMW X5 recalls
4 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 23V821000Dec 6, 2023Transmission & Powertrain552 vehicles
Power train:automatic transmission:control module (TCM/PCM/tecm)
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2023 Toyota GR Supra, 3 Series Sedan (330i xDrive, M340i xDrive, M3), 5 Series Sedan (530i, 530i xDrive, M5), 4 Series Gran Coupe (430i, 430i xDrive), 4 Series Coupe (430i, 430i xDrive, M440i xDrive), 4 Series Convertible (430i, 430i xDrive, M440i xDrive), 8 Series Coupe (840i, M850i xDrive, M8), 8 Series Convertible (840i, M850i xDrive, M8), 8 Series Gran Coupe (850i xDrive, M8), X3 SAV (X3 xDrive30i, X3M), X4 SAV (X4 xDrive30i), X5 SAV (X5 xDrive40i, X5 M50i, X5M), X6 SAV (X6 xDrive40i, X6 M50i, X6M), and Z4 sDrive30i, Z4 M40i vehicles. The weld seam of the integrated transmission control unit's cover may not have been manufactured properly, which could allow automatic transmission oil to leak into the transmission control unit.
Risk: Transmission oil that leaks into the control unit can lead to a seizure of the transmission gears, causing a sudden loss of drive power and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the transmission mechatronics module and the automatic transmission fluid, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 26, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
- NHTSA 23V253000Apr 6, 2023Structure & Body235 vehicles
Seats:mid/rear assembly:head restraint
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2023 X5 sDrive40i, X5 xDrive40i, X5 M50i, X5 M and X5 xDrive45e vehicles. The head restraints for the second-row outboard seats may have been improperly manufactured without locking tabs in the guide sleeves. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 202, "Head Restraints."
Risk: A head restraint without a locking tab may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the second-row outboard seat head restraint guide sleeves, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 31, 2023. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
- NHTSA 22V942000Dec 19, 2022Structure & Body4 vehicles
Seats:critical fasteners
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2023 X5 sDrive40i, X5 M50i and X5 xDrive 45e vehicles. One of the four bolts that connects the backrest to the driver's seat frame may not have been correctly installed.
Risk: A loose driver's seat backrest may not properly restrain the occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the driver's seat backrest and if necessary, install an attachment bolt, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed February 17, 2023. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
2023 BMW X5 fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 17.5 MPG
- Highway
- 22 MPG
- Combined
- 19 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $4,225
- 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.
2023 compared with other X5 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2023 BMW X5 reliable?
- Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2023 X5 has a Complaint Index of 15, the second-lowest among 21 model years, and carries a Best verdict relative to other X5 years.
- What problems does the 2023 BMW X5 have?
- NHTSA complaints point mainly to the Electrical System (28% of complaints) and Transmission & Powertrain (22%), including power loss, computer freezes, and unexpected gear shifts.
- Does the 2023 BMW X5 have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2023 X5, covering transmission mechatronics, second-row head restraint guides, a driver seat backrest bolt, and a windshield seal bonding issue.
- How many complaints does the 2023 BMW X5 have?
- NHTSA has logged 32 complaints for the 2023 X5, including 3 crashes and 1 injury, with no fires or deaths reported.
- How does the 2023 X5 compare to other model years?
- The 2023 X5 ranks 18th worst out of 21 years tracked, with a Complaint Index of 15, well below Avoid years like 2024 (100) and 2012 (90).