2006 BMW X5
This year had 30% to 100% more complaints than this model's typical year.
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.
- Complaints
- 168
- Recalls
- 2
- Investigations
- 1
- Top problem
- Air bags
Campaigns on file for 2006
Opened by NHTSA
52% of complaints
Complaints per year
2006: 168 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1999 | 0 |
| 2000 | 29 |
| 2001 | 160 |
| 2002 | 102 |
| 2003 | 99 |
| 2004 | 64 |
| 2005 | 82 |
| 2006 | 168 |
| 2007 | 71 |
| 2008 | 215 |
| 2009 | 138 |
| 2010 | 124 |
| 2011 | 263 |
| 2012 | 271 |
| 2013 | 149 |
| 2014 | 99 |
| 2015 | 152 |
| 2016 | 74 |
| 2017 | 75 |
| 2018 | 73 |
| 2019 | 192 |
| 2020 | 112 |
| 2021 | 109 |
| 2022 | 70 |
| 2023 | 34 |
| 2024 | 145 |
| 2025 | 62 |
| 2026 | 28 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Air bags
52% · 88 reportsMost commonly citing frontal and sensor/control module.
Show complaint excerpts
Tl*the contact owns a 2006 BMW X5. While driving 3 MPH, another vehicle crashed into the front side quarter panel of the contact's vehicle. The other vehicle was driving approximately 20 MPH. The air bags failed to deploy.
NHTSA ODI report, 2007-11-29
Service brakes
18% · 30 reportsMost commonly citing hydraulic and electric.
Show complaint excerpts
Brake booster failed while stopped without any warning lights
NHTSA ODI report, 2017-10-29
Seats
15% · 25 reportsMost commonly citing seat heater/cooler.
Show complaint excerpts
When I switch on my driver seat for the heated seat it became so hot that the coils burned through my seat and make two round burn holes in the seat and burned my…
NHTSA ODI report, 2024-03-11
My heated seat caught on fire and burned me and my coat. I very rarely used it at all. I started using it and it was probably the 10TH time I used it when it occurred.
NHTSA ODI report, 2020-12-10
Driver's side heated seat shorted while driving. It caused a small fire and burned a hole through the leather seat when heated seat was turned on.
NHTSA ODI report, 2013-03-23
Electrical system
12% · 20 reportsMost commonly citing wiring.
Show complaint excerpts
I put a new battery and I need to unplugged the negative every time I turn it off. If I donât do this, the next day, the battery would be dead. I checked with the Ancel OBD2 and thereâs nothing wrong. It doesnât detect anything bad.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-08-14
Seat belts
5% · 8 reportsSafety timeline
2 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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2005-11-30Power train05V504000 Certain passenger vehicles may have been built with an incorrectly manufactured automatic transmission parking pawl guide plate.
Remedy: Dealers will repair and replace the automatic transmission guide plate free of charge. The recall began on November 30, 2005. Owners may contact BMW at 1-800-332-4269.
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2006Complaint volume 168 complaints filed for this model year.
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I
2008-01-04Engineering analysisClosed 2008-12-31 BMW airbag light illumination
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R
2014-08-29Air bags13V564000 BMW of North America LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2006 325i, 325xi, 330i, 330xi sedans and 325xi sports wagons, model year 2007 328i, 328xi, 335i, 335xi sedans and 328i and 328xi sports…
Remedy: BMW will notify owners with an interim notification letter in January 2014 since parts are not currently available. When parts are available, BMW sent a second letter in August and dealers will…
Buy-smart checklist
2006 BMW X5 — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Air bags: 88 reports on file for this year.
- Service brakes: 30 reports on file for this year.
- Seats: 25 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 05V504000 · Power train
- Recall 13V564000 · Air bags
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 2006 BMW X5 reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2006 BMW X5 is rated "worse than typical".
- What are the most common problems with the 2006 BMW X5?
- The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 52% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2006 BMW X5 have?
- 2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.