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 PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1999 | 0 |
| 2000 | 29 |
| 2001 | 160 |
| 2002 | 102 |
| 2003 | 99 |
| 2004 | 64 |
| 2005 | 82 |
| 2006 | 167 |
| 2007 | 71 |
| 2008 | 215 |
| 2009 | 138 |
| 2010 | 122 |
| 2011 | 263 |
| 2012 | 271 |
| 2013 | 148 |
| 2014 | 98 |
| 2015 | 149 |
| 2016 | 70 |
| 2017 | 73 |
| 2018 | 67 |
| 2019 | 177 |
| 2020 | 97 |
| 2021 | 95 |
| 2022 | 56 |
| 2023 | 29 |
| 2024 | 141 |
| 2025 | 56 |
| 2026 | 10 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
46% of complaints: air bags — 77 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow 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, 20071129
14% of complaints: seats — 24 distinct reports on file.
FIRE INJURYShow 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 leg
NHTSA ODI report, 20240311
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, 20201210
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. *TR
NHTSA ODI report, 20130323
13% of complaints: service brakes — 21 distinct reports on file.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
BRAKE BOOSTER FAILED WHILE STOPPED WITHOUT ANY WARNING LIGHTS
NHTSA ODI report, 20171029
11% of complaints: electrical system — 18 distinct reports on file.
FIRE INJURY5% of complaints: seat belts — 8 distinct reports on file.
CRASHSAFETY TIMELINE
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.
Campaign 05V504000 — check if this car was fixed
BMW AIRBAG LIGHT ILLUMINATION
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 w
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 repai
Campaign 13V564000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2006 BMW X5 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (77 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for seats issues (24 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (21 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 05V504000 (power train) has been completed.
- Verify recall 13V564000 (air bags) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
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 46% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2006 BMW X5 have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.