2022 BMW X5 Problems And Complaints

BMW X5 user complaints and problems

Almost every popular German vehicle is lauded for the incredible build quality and the safety they came with right out of the factory. And the luxury further enhanced the experience. However, reliability has not been a forte of a majority of modern German vehicles owing to the overly done electronics and the engineering. The BMW X5 has been a steady seller from the brand but its record of reliability has not been desirable considering its price and the segment. The BMW X5 issues include the powertrain malfunctions that were quite prominent on the 2018 and the 2021 models. Apart from that, the electronics of the X5 have faced quite a number of complaints as well.

Engine problems

• Transmission issues: Both the 2018 and 2021 BMW X5 model years were affected by transmission or drivetrain issues. Most of the complaints stated that while driving, the MID would show a drivetrain malfunction message, asking the driver to safely pull over along with losing motive power. In other cases, after coming to a complete stop during a stoplight or any other purpose, the vehicle would refuse to accelerate with the transmission failing to shift gears as well. Several owners also reported uncomfortable shaking or jerking of the entire vehicle due to the powertrain along with losing power. There were complaints reported stating that the engine of the vehicle would stall at low speeds on instances such as taking a turn or parking.

Safety problems

• Forward collision avoidance system malfunction: The advanced safety techs of both the 2018 and 2021 BMW X5s ran into some problems. Some of the reports stated that the automated emergency braking system failed to stop the vehicle and resulted in a crash where the airbags also failed to deploy. On a single occasion, the forward collision avoidance system got activated randomly despite the absence of any objects or obstructions on the way.

2022 BMW X5 recalls

From the reports recorded by the NHTSA, we can see that the BMW X5 transmission problems stick out like a sore thumb. The BMW X5 electrical problems such as the electronics failures and the advanced safety tech malfunctions were present on a moderate level as well. The brand did issue several recalls with the number reaching eleven for the 2021 model year. It was good to see that most of the recalls were aimed to fix the issues faced by the owners but in most cases, the dealerships responsible to carry out the fixes were clueless about the issues or were not properly equipped to carry out the fixes.

Recall Date	NHTSA Campaign ID	Component Affected	Recall Issue	Explanation
November 17, 2017	17V727000	SUSPENSION	Improperly Torqued Wishbone Suspension Bolts	Loose bolts can affect the performance of the suspension, thereby increasing the risk of a crash.
June 28, 2018	18V439000	SUSPENSION	Lower Control Arm May Break	If the lower control arm breaks, vehicle handling and control can be affected, increasing the risk of a crash.
July 29, 2021	21V586000	FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL	High-Pressure Fuel Pump May Fail	Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
August 14, 2020	20V483000	TIRES	Inner Layer of Tire may Fail	A rapid loss of tire pressure while the vehicle is moving can affect vehicle handling and control, increasing the risk of a crash.
August 18, 2020	20V490000	ELECTRICAL SYSTEM	Hybrid Battery May Short-Circuit	A short-circuited hybrid battery may increase the risk of a fire.
September 1, 2020	20V528000	EXTERIOR LIGHTING	Headlights Contain Non-conforming Lens/FMVSS 108	Oncoming drivers may be confused by the blue light of approaching vehicles, which could potentially increase the risk of a crash.
September 30, 2020	20V601000	ELECTRICAL SYSTEM	Debris in Hybrid Battery may Cause Fire	The debris could result in a short-circuit, increasing the risk of fire or injury.
November 4, 2020	20V678000	SUSPENSION	Front Axle/Right Control Arm Not Welded Properly	If the weld between the front axle support and the right front control arm bearing bracket separates, vehicle handling and control may be affected, increasing the risk of a crash.
December 9, 2020	20V761000	ELECTRICAL SYSTEM	48V Battery Connection Misassembled	Increased electrical resistance can increase the risk of a fire.
January 29, 2021	21V031000	STEERING	Loose Steering Column Shaft	A loose steering column shaft universal joint connection can affect vehicle handling and control, increasing the risk of a crash.
February 10, 2021	21V062000	SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC	Possible Loss of Braking Assistance and ABS	A loss of ABS and a reduction in braking assistance can increase the risk of a crash.
February 18, 2021	21V089000	SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC	Right Front Brake Disc May Loosen	A loose brake disc could affect vehicle handling and control, and increase the risk of a crash.
February 19, 2021	21V096000	BACK OVER PREVENTION	Rearview Camera Image Malfunction/FMVSS 111	If the driver relies on only the rearview camera image, the missing or reduced rearview image view can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
March 10, 2021	21V156000	SEATS	Head Restraints Incorrect	In the event of a crash, the head restraints could detach, and increase the risk of injury.

What model year of the BMW X5 to avoid?

The recalls and the complaints recorded by the NHTSA show that among the model years post the X5’s entry into its fourth-gen model, the recent 2021 model faced as many as 11 recalls along with several problems regarding its powertrain as well. It can be termed as an underlying one that was miraculously absent on both 2019 and 2020 models but made a comeback on the 2021 model year. As per the simple assessments, avoiding the 2018 and 2021 BMW X5s from the used car lot would be the best option.

Should you buy a used BMW X5?

The BMW X5 is one of the best options in its segment even today by virtue of its immense practicality and versatility by the luxury vehicle standards. The X5s wide range of models ensures that right from the humble family to the thrill-seeking chap out there, BMW would have just the right vehicle for them. The standard models of the X5 are the most sought-after ones on the used car market but finding an example in a pre-worshipped state can include some in-depth searching and extensive mechanical testing of the used examples before going ahead with one. However, if you’re looking for a used X5 that too in its recent fourth-gen iteration, the 2020 model would be a perfect choice.