2020 BMW X5
Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2020 BMW X5 is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 936 on record.
2020 BMW X5 at a glance
Included: that car's specs and build sheet, model-year recall campaigns and a fair price.
2020 BMW X5 recalls 11
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.
Fix: 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. Ve…
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.
Fix: 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.
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…
Fix: 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.
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019-2021 X3 sDrive30i, X3 xDrive30i, X3 M40i, X3M, X4 xDrive30i, X4 M40i, M550i, X4M, X5 sDrive40i, X5 xDrive40i, X5 xDrive50i, X5M, X5 M50i, X7 xDrive40i, X7 xDrive50i, X7 M50i, Alpina XB7, 330i, 330i xDrive, M340i, M340i xDrive, and 8 Series Coupe, Convertible and Grand Coupe, 840i, 840i xDrive, M850i xDrive, M8, 2020-2021 530e, 530e xDrive, 330e, 330e xDrive, …
Fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rearview camera software and update it if necessary, free of charge. The recall began April 16, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020-2021 8 Series Coupe, Grand Coupe and convertible 840i, 840i xDrive, M850i xDrive, M8 and 740 Li, 740 Li xDrive, 750 Li xDrive, M760 Li xDrive, X6 sDrive40i, X6 xDrive40i, X6 xdrive50i, X6 M50i, X6M, and 2019-2021 X5 sDrive40i, X5 xDrive40i, X5 xDrive50i, X5 M50i, X5M, X7 xDrive40i, X7 xDrive50i, X7 M50i, and 2021 M3, M3 Competition, M4 Coupe, M4 Competition C…
Fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the integrated brake system, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 25, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020 X5 sDrive40i, xDrive40i, X5 M50i, X5M, X7 xDrive40i, X7 M50i, X6 xDrive40i, X6 M50i and X6M vehicles and 2021 X5 xDrive45e vehicles. The weld between the front axle support and the right front control arm bearing bracket may separate.
Fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front axle support, free of charge. The recall began December 18, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020-2021 X5 sDrive40i, xDrive40i, xDrive50i, X5 M50i, X5M, X6 sDrive40i, xDrive40i, X6 M50i, X6M, X7 M50i and 2021 X5 xDrive45e vehicles. The headlamps may allow a blue light to illuminate. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the headlamps and, if necessary, replace them, free of charge. The recall began October 30, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020 X5 sDrive 40i, X5 xDrive 40i and one X7 xDrive 40i vehicle. The starter motor may have an extra bolt that could potentially fall into the transmission housing and cause an engine stall.
Fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the starter motor for the extra bolt, removing it if necessary. Dealers will also inspect the starter for damage, and check if the bolt has fallen into the transmission housing, replacing any damaged parts as necessary. All repairs will be performed …
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019-2020 X5 sDrive40i, X5 xDrive40i and X5 xDrive50i vehicles and 2020 X6M vehicles. The steering column shaft bearing plate may not have been properly attached to the vehicle, allowing it to loosen.
Fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the steering column shaft bearing plate and properly attach or replace it, as necessary, free of charge. BMW telephoned owners and all of the vehicles have been remedied. No owner notification letter is necessary. Please contact BMW customer service …
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018 540d, 2018-2020 530i, 530i xDrive, 540i, 540i xDrive, M550i xDrive, M5, 530e, 530e xDrive, X3 sDrive, X3 xDrive, X3 M40i, X3 M, and 2019-2020 X4 xDrive, X4 M40i, X4 M, X7 xDrive, X7 M50i, 740Li, 740Li xDrive, 750Li, 750Li xDrive, 8 Series Convertible and Coupe 840i, 840i xDrive, M850i xDrive, X5 sDrive, X5 xDrive, X5 M50i, X6 xDrive, X6 M50i, 330i, 330i xDriv…
Fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will update the back-up camera software, free of charge. The recall began November 8, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 or Rolls-Royce at 1-877-877-3735. Toyota owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371.
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020 X5 sDrive40i, X5 xDrive40i, X5 M50i, X7 xDrive40i and X7 M50i vehicles. The steering rack pinion teeth may break under load, resulting in a loss of steering control.
Fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering rack, free of charge. The recall began August 21, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Source: U.S. NHTSA, checked 4 Nov 2026. A campaign covers the model year; to see whether a particular car still needs the repair, check its VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer.
2020 BMW X5 common problems
The most-reported problem areas across all 113 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.
2020 BMW X5 safety ratings
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP), tested as the 2020 BMW X5 SUV RWD. Ratings can differ by body style and drivetrain.
Dimensions & weight
Manufacturer-reported figures for the 2020 BMW X5 — ranges cover the 3 body / drivetrain versions on record. Source: Transport Canada vehicle specifications via NHTSA.
Investigations & service bulletins
NHTSA defect investigations 1
Pedestrian alert sounds Closed
NHTSA received a petition on or about July 18, 2022, requesting that Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 141 be applied to all electric and hybrid vehicles operating in the United States. The petition can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI Number 11486072. FMVSS 141 establishes performance requirements for pedestrian alert sounds for motor vehicles. The standard applies to hybrid and electric vehicles that…
NHTSA #DP22005 · Electrical System · opened Jan 2023 · closed Aug 2023An investigation means NHTSA is examining a possible defect — it is not a recall, and many close without one.
Manufacturer service bulletins 373
Technical notes the manufacturer sent to dealers about known issues and fixes. Useful to mention to a mechanic — they are not recalls and repairs may not be covered. Showing the 10 most recent of 373.
BMW Notice of the Court’s Final Approval for Shark-Fin Antenna Settlement (X3, X4, X5, X6, X7)
Bulletin B010226DCS · Structure · Aug 2026Rear Roof Antenna Shark Fin Cover Sealing Issue
Bulletin B010226 · Structure · Aug 2026The NVLD modules limited warranty for defects in materials and/or workmanship has been extended to 15 years / 150,000 miles as determined from the vehicles original in-service / first delivery date.
Bulletin B011524 · Engine · Jul 2026The manual starting of electronic engine oil level measurement from inside the vehicle, usually afterperforming an engine oil service task, is inoperative or it may lock up at between a 15% to 30% completionrate.
Bulletin B110426 · Electrical System, Engine · Jul 2026Once the Telematics Module (TCB2) enters sleep mode, a BMW Data Services trigger for Remote Services(remote engine start, lock/unlock/climate conditioning) will not be able to reactivate the TCB2. Due to this issue, Remote Services will not function in the veh…
Bulletin B840226 · Electrical System · Jul 2026In the affected vehicles, an incorrect screwlocking device (circled) may have been usedfor the mounting bolts of the door latch locks.
Bulletin B510726 · Structure · Jul 2026The EVAP systems purge (vent) valve limited warranty for defects in materials and / or workmanship has been extended to 15 years / 150,000 miles as determined from the original first in-service / delivery date.
Bulletin B010324 · Engine · Jun 2026SHARK FIN ROOF ANTENNA SEALING SETTLEMENT Extended Warranty
Bulletin B010226 · Structure · May 2026A check control message (CCM) for the restraint system (Air bag) appears. In the instrument cluster, the redair bag warning light lights up permanently. One of the following fault codes is stored in the ACSM (air bag control unit): 930949 - Knee airbag, driver…
Bulletin B652724 · Air Bags · May 2026The EVAP systems purge (vent) valve limited warranty for defects in materials or workmanship has been extended to 15 years / 150,000 miles as determined from the original in-service date.
Bulletin B010324 · Engine · May 2026Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, listed for the X5 AWD. Model-year data, not specific to one car.
Canadian recalls 9
Transport Canada recall campaigns for the 2020 BMW X5. Relevant if the car was first sold in, or imported from, Canada.
Lights And Instruments
Issue: Under certain conditions, the windshield wiping system may not meet certain requirements of Canadian regulations. Safety Risk: This small error does not affect safety. Corrective Actions: This is not a recall. BMW has made changes to ensure that all new vehicles meet Canadian regulations.
Transport Canada #2026285 · Jun 2026Engine
Issue: On certain vehicles, the recall repairs completed by a BMW dealer during recall 12 83 24RC (Transport Canada recall no. 2024-444) may not be effective. As a result, certain vehicles require a second repair. On certain vehicles, if you try to start the engine repeatedly, the starter could overheat. If this happens, and nearby components contact the starter, it could cause…
Transport Canada #2025514 · Sep 2025Label
Issue: On certain vehicles, the tire and loading information label does not list that there is no spare tire in both official languages. The label reads as "NONE" when it should read as "NONE / AUCUN". Canadian regulations require the information to be listed on the label in both English and French. Safety Risk: This error does not affect vehicle safety. Corrective Actions: Thi…
Transport Canada #2024544 · Aug 2024Electrical
Issue: On certain vehicles, if you try to start the engine repeatedly, the starter could overheat. If this happens, and nearby components contact the starter, it could cause a fire. Safety Risk: A fire can create the risk of injury. Corrective Actions: BMW will notify owners by mail and advise you to take your vehicle to a dealership to update the vehicle software.
Transport Canada #2024444 · Aug 2024Structure
Issue: On certain vehicles, a software problem could allow you to close the sunroof remotely without the key fob inside the vehicle. Canadian regulations require the key fob to be in or near the vehicle when closing the sunroof. Safety Risk: A sunroof that can be closed without the key fob in or near the vehicle could create a risk of injury. Corrective Actions: BMW will notify…
Transport Canada #2022202 · Apr 2022Visual System
Issue: On certain vehicles, a software problem could cause the rearview camera image not to appear correctly in the central display. Canadian regulations require the rearview image to display when the transmission is shifted into reverse gear. Safety Risk: A rearview camera image that does not display correctly could reduce a driver's ability to see behind the vehicle while bac…
Transport Canada #2021078 · Feb 2021Source: Transport Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Recalls Database.
About the BMW X5
The BMW X5 is a mid-size luxury crossover SUV produced by BMW. The X5 made its debut in 1999 as the E53 model. It was BMW's first SUV. At launch, it featured all-wheel drive and was available with either a manual or automatic gearbox. The second generation was launched in 2006, and was known internally as the E70. The E70 featured the torque-split capable xDrive all-wheel drive system mated to an automatic gearbox. In 2009, the X5 M performance variant was released as a 2010 model.
From Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Describes the model line in general, not this model year specifically.
2020 BMW X5 vehicles on record
2020 BMW X5WBACR610909C55648
2020 BMW X55UXCR6C02L9D41578
2020 BMW X5WBACV010909E05816
2020 BMW X55UXCR6C00L9C59994
2020 BMW X5WBACV610509C48966
2020 BMW X5WBACR610209C25441
2020 BMW X5WBACV610509D63261
2020 BMW X5WBACV610309D37855
2020 BMW X55UXCR6C05L9C31852
2020 BMW X55UXJU2C09L9D06082
2020 BMW X55UXCR6C02L9C45093
2020 BMW X55UXCR6C04L9C68875
2020 BMW X55UXCR6C0XM9F35177
2020 BMW X55UXCR6C09L9C51165
2020 BMW X5WBACV410209D04320
2020 BMW X55UXCR6C03L9C15827
2020 BMW X55UXCR6C02L9C83178
2020 BMW X55UXCR4C09M9F34400
2020 BMW X5WBACV610X09C47151
2020 BMW X55UXCR6C02L9C00266
2020 BMW X5WBACV610609C15524
2020 BMW X55UXCR6C04L9C47007
2020 BMW X5WBACV410609D74340
2020 BMW X55UXCR6C08L9C37774