2023 BMW X5 Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
BestComplaint Index
20/100
#13 most-complained of 16 X5 years
The 2023 BMW X5 ranks 13th out of 16 model years for complaints, with a Complaint Index of 20 and 32 complaints logged with NHTSA — making it one of the Best years for this model. It has 4 recalls and no do-not-drive orders.
- Complaints
- 32
- Recalls
- 4
- Crashes / fires
- 3 / 0
- Injuries / deaths
- 1 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- 4 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 19
- 17.5 city / 22 hwy
Top 2023 BMW X5 problems
NHTSA owner 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%)
What owners report
- Owners report the vehicle rolling away after the driver exited with the transmission in Neutral and the parking brake not applied, since the car does not shift to Park when the door opens.
- Some drivers describe losing braking response at highway speed, with the vehicle becoming unstable and leaving the roadway without warning lamps or alerts.
- A left front air strut broke suddenly with a loud noise shortly after delivery, triggering a chassis warning light.
- Several owners describe the transmission shifting from Drive to Neutral on its own or jolting during acceleration from electric to hybrid mode, sometimes accompanied by drivetrain malfunction warnings.
- Electrical failures are reported including the car computer stopping and failing to recognize the key, a stall with total loss of power and power steering at an intersection, and a drivetrain warning after water was spilled on the console.
- One owner reported the sunroof exploding while driving at highway speed with no warning lights illuminated.
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 ranks 13th out of 16 model years with a Complaint Index of 20, earning a Best verdict relative to other X5 years.
- What are the most common problems with the 2023 BMW X5?
- Electrical System issues make up 28% of complaints (9 of 32), followed by Transmission & Powertrain at 22% (7 complaints) and Engine at 16% (5 complaints).
- Does the 2023 BMW X5 have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2023 X5, covering the transmission mechatronics module, second-row seat head restraints, a driver's seat backrest bolt, and windshield bonding. None are do-not-drive recalls.
- Were there any crashes or injuries reported for the 2023 BMW X5?
- NHTSA data shows 3 crashes and 1 injury linked to complaints for the 2023 X5, with no fires or deaths reported.
- How does the 2023 X5 compare to other X5 model years?
- With a Complaint Index of 20, the 2023 X5 is far below years like 2024 (100) and 2012 (87), which are rated Avoid, making 2023 one of the better X5 years for reported problems.