Verdict
2023 BMW X5: Complaints, Recalls & Known Issues
What the public record actually says about the 2023 BMW X5 — every figure below is a NHTSA or EPA number, not an opinion.
The read
Middle-of-the-pack complaint volume for SUV.
Owners filed 29 NHTSA complaints — fewer complaints than 57% of 2023 SUVs. Power Train leads the reports (24%). 4 safety recall campaigns on record — check the VIN and remedy terms with a dealer.
Based on NHTSA complaint volume against 2023 SUVs, not adjusted for how many were sold. It describes the model year, not the individual car you are looking at.
Complaints filed
29
Reports to NHTSA, 2023
Safety recalls
4
NHTSA campaigns on record
NHTSA crash test
Overall NCAP rating
Combined MPG
19
EPA estimate
Complaint volume vs. segment peers
Fewer complaints than 57% of 2023 SUVs
The bar is this car's percentile among 2023 SUVs by complaint volume — a full bar means the fewest complaints in its class. Not adjusted for sales.
Known issues
Power Train issues lead owner complaints (24% of 29 reports), followed by electrical system (17%).
+ 4 more component categories with fewer reports.
Share of all 29 NHTSA complaints for this model year, grouped by the component owners named. Bars are scaled to the largest category. Examples: ODI 11736421, ODI 11724883, ODI 11724888, ODI 11665727, ODI 11653446.
Recalls(4)
Open a recall to read what NHTSA says is wrong, what can happen, and how it gets fixed. Check the VIN and remedy eligibility with a dealer; federal no-charge requirements have an age limit, though a manufacturer may offer more coverage.
Power TrainJun 2023 · 23V821000Details +Close −
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.
SeatsJun 2023 · 23V253000Details +Close −
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.
VisibilityFeb 2022 · 22V820000Details +Close −
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2023 X5 sDrive40i, xDrive40i, xDrive45e, and X7 xDrive40i vehicles. The windshield may not have been properly bonded to the vehicle which could allow water to enter the vehicle and contact electrical components, possibly resulting in a short-circuit.
Risk: An electrical short-circuit increases the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the windshield seal and as necessary, remove and reinstall the windshield with a new seal, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 30, 2022. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Seats · 22V942000Details +Close −
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.
A campaign can apply to this model year without being incomplete on a specific vehicle. Check the VIN with NHTSA or a dealer to confirm whether a particular car needs repair.
Investigations
0 NHTSA investigations on record
No investigations are on record as of Jul 2026. An empty record is not a clean bill of health.
Crash-test ratings
2023 BMW X5 SUV RWD NHTSA source
- Overall
- Not rated
- Frontal
- Side
- Rollover
- Not rated
2023 BMW X5 SUV AWD NHTSA source
- Overall
- Frontal
- Side
- Rollover
Fuel economy by trim
| Trim | Engine | Drivetrain | Transmission | City | Hwy | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| X5 xDrive40i | 3.0L 6-cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S8) | 21 | 25 | 23 |
| X5 sDrive40i | 3.0L 6-cyl | Rear-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S8) | 21 | 26 | 23 |
| X5 xDrive45e | 3.0L 6-cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S8) | 19 | 22 | 20 |
| X5 M50i | 4.4L 8-cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S8) | 16 | 22 | 18 |
| X5 M Competition | 4.4L 8-cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S8) | 13 | 18 | 15 |
| X5 M | 4.4L 8-cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S8) | 13 | 18 | 15 |
EPA laboratory estimates by trim and engine. Actual mileage varies with driving, weather, load, and maintenance. EPA source.
Before you buy
Useful next checks
Federal records tell you about patterns. These checks can tell you more about the specific car in front of you.
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Compare model years
"Fewest reports" and "most complained" describe raw NHTSA complaint totals, not vehicle reliability. The last few model years are left unlabelled because they have had less road time.
2023 BMW X5: frequently asked
What does the complaint record show for the 2023 BMW X5?
Owners filed 29 NHTSA complaints about the 2023 BMW X5 — fewer complaints than 57% of comparable 2023 SUVs, so it sits toward the stronger end of its class. That's a signal, not a guarantee about any single car.
What are the most common problems on the 2023 BMW X5?
The most-reported problem areas are Power Train (24% of complaints) and electrical system (17%).
How many recalls does the 2023 BMW X5 have?
4 recalls have been issued that affect the 2023 BMW X5, covering components such as power train. Check the VIN with NHTSA and ask a dealer to confirm remedy eligibility; federal no-charge requirements have an age limit, though manufacturers may offer more coverage.
What gas mileage does the 2023 BMW X5 get?
The EPA rates the 2023 BMW X5 between 15 and 23 mpg combined, depending on trim and drivetrain.