2006 BMW X5 SAV
Only 27 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
Only 27 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 27
- Recalls
- 0
- Investigations
- 1
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
None on file
Opened by NHTSA
Not enough data
Complaints per year
2006: 27 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2000 | 0 |
| 2001 | 0 |
| 2002 | 0 |
| 2003 | 1 |
| 2004 | 0 |
| 2006 | 27 |
| 2007 | 59 |
| 2008 | 20 |
| 2009 | 19 |
| 2010 | 19 |
| 2011 | 24 |
| 2012 | 21 |
| 2013 | 13 |
Known problem areas
Only 27 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Air bags
18 of 27 total reports mention: air bags, most commonly citing occupant classification and front passenger.
Show complaint excerpts
Front passenger air bag mat sensor warning light came on.
NHTSA ODI report, 2018-08-30
I noticed that the airbag light was on, I called BMW and they scheduled me for a appointment the following week. On the day of the appointment the vehicle was diagnosed and showed that the front seat mat was faulty. I paid $1400 to have it fixed.
NHTSA ODI report, 2012-03-10
My 2006 X5 BMW 4.4I has recently experienced a failure in the passenger side airbag sensor which fails to identify a passenger in the front passenger seat and thus does not activate the passenger side airbag.
NHTSA ODI report, 2011-02-24
Service brakes
6 of 27 total reports mention: service brakes.
Show complaint excerpts
The power braking system has stopped work ,brake pedal goes to the floor and will not stop the vehicle ,I see that BMW has a recall on the 2007 X5 made the same year and model with the V8 engine, I am a member on my forms and there are hundreds of...
NHTSA ODI report, 2015-12-09
BMW X5 brake booster failed. I was driving in town and attempted to stop and noticed that the truck needed more brake pedal pressure the longer I applied the brakes.
NHTSA ODI report, 2018-04-15
Seats
6 of 27 total reports mention: seats, most commonly citing seat heater/cooler.
Show complaint excerpts
2006 BMW X5. Seat heater turned on. Smell of burning rubber in cabin. Smoke. Burn to driver back leg.
NHTSA ODI report, 2010-01-11
I've recently (Less than 24 hours ago), purchased a 2006 BMW X5 with heated seats.
NHTSA ODI report, 2009-01-06
Exterior lighting
2 of 27 total reports mention: exterior lighting.
Electrical system
2 of 27 total reports mention: electrical system.
Show complaint excerpts
Tail lights assembly (Sockets) on both sides burns and melts easily causing bulbs to die.
NHTSA ODI report, 2012-07-30
Safety timeline
No recalls on file for this model year.
0 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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I
2008-01-04Engineering analysisClosed 2008-12-31 BMW airbag light illumination
Buy-smart checklist
2006 BMW X5 SAV — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Air bags: 18 reports on file for this year.
- Service brakes: 6 reports on file for this year.
- Seats: 6 reports on file for this year.
FAQ
- Is the 2006 BMW X5 SAV reliable?
- There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
- What are the most common problems with the 2006 BMW X5 SAV?
- The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 67% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2006 BMW X5 SAV have?
- No recalls are on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.