2023 BMW X5

▲ Better than typical
2023 BMW X5
RENDERED 2026-11-01T12:40:56.128Z

This year had at least 30% fewer 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
34
Recalls
4

Campaigns on file for 2023

Investigations
0

None on file

Top problem
Power train

26% of complaints

Complaints per year

2000: 29 complaints 2000 2001: 160 complaints 2002: 102 complaints 2003: 99 complaints 2004: 64 complaints 2004 2005: 82 complaints 2006: 168 complaints 2007: 71 complaints 2008: 215 complaints 2008 2009: 138 complaints 2010: 124 complaints 2011: 263 complaints 2012: 271 complaints 2012 2013: 149 complaints 2014: 99 complaints 2015: 152 complaints 2016: 74 complaints 2016 2017: 75 complaints 2018: 73 complaints 2019: 192 complaints 2020: 112 complaints 2021: 109 complaints 2022: 70 complaints 2023: 34 complaints 2023 34 2024: 145 complaints 2025: 62 complaints 2026: 28 complaints
2000: 29 complaints 2000 2001: 160 complaints 2002: 102 complaints 2002 2003: 99 complaints 2004: 64 complaints 2004 2005: 82 complaints 2006: 168 complaints 2006 2007: 71 complaints 2008: 215 complaints 2008 2009: 138 complaints 2010: 124 complaints 2010 2011: 263 complaints 2012: 271 complaints 2012 2013: 149 complaints 2014: 99 complaints 2014 2015: 152 complaints 2016: 74 complaints 2016 2017: 75 complaints 2018: 73 complaints 2018 2019: 192 complaints 2020: 112 complaints 2020 2021: 109 complaints 2022: 70 complaints 2023: 34 complaints 2023 34 2024: 145 complaints 2025: 62 complaints 2026: 28 complaints 2026
2000: 29 complaints 2000 2001: 160 complaints 2002: 102 complaints 2002 2003: 99 complaints 2004: 64 complaints 2004 2005: 82 complaints 2006: 168 complaints 2006 2007: 71 complaints 2008: 215 complaints 2008 2009: 138 complaints 2010: 124 complaints 2010 2011: 263 complaints 2012: 271 complaints 2012 2013: 149 complaints 2014: 99 complaints 2014 2015: 152 complaints 2016: 74 complaints 2016 2017: 75 complaints 2018: 73 complaints 2018 2019: 192 complaints 2020: 112 complaints 2020 2021: 109 complaints 2022: 70 complaints 2022 2023: 34 complaints 2023 34 2024: 145 complaints 2024 2025: 62 complaints 2026: 28 complaints 2026

2023: 34 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
19990
200029
2001160
2002102
200399
200464
200582
2006168
200771
2008215
2009138
2010124
2011263
2012271
2013149
201499
2015152
201674
201775
201873
2019192
2020112
2021109
202270
202334
2024145
202562
202628

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Power train

26% · 9 reports
Show complaint excerpts

The vehicle suffered a sudden, catastrophic structural drivetrain failure while operating at low speed (under 10 mph) on a flat, paved surface while exiting a youth soccer complex parking lot.

NHTSA ODI report, 2026-10-26

The X5 transfer case has a defect that causes the vehicle to shudder when in reverse and at lower speeds. It can be felt sometimes at highway speeds, but is worse at low speeds. Our X5 has only 54,000 miles.

NHTSA ODI report, 2026-09-28

Electrical system

24% · 8 reports
CRASH
Show complaint excerpts

The vehicle rolled away after the driver exited the vehicle with the transmission in Neutral and the parking brake was not applied.

NHTSA ODI report, 2023-04-03

Also filed under Service brakes

A manufacturer defect caused connector pin corrosion and thus the head unit dash stopped working completely and needs to be replaced. The head unit is what the back up camera comes through causing safety concern.

NHTSA ODI report, 2026-07-29

Engine

15% · 5 reports
Show complaint excerpts

Check Control : Add engine coolant. Risk of scalding. Engine coolant level low. Risk of engine damage. Add engine coolant as soon as possible. sign came up.

NHTSA ODI report, 2026-09-18

2023 BMW X5 had a defective water pump replaced under warranty at 27,585 miles on 9/12/2024. Today 8/10/2026 at 52,907 miles the water pump again needs to be replaced.

NHTSA ODI report, 2026-08-10

Structure

12% · 4 reports

Most commonly citing body.

Service brakes

9% · 3 reports
CRASHINJURY

Safety timeline

4 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. R
    2022-12-23Seats22V942000 BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2023 X5 sDrive40i, X5 M50i and X5 xDrive 45e vehicles. One of the four bolts that connects the backrest to the driver's seat frame may not have been correctly installed.

    Remedy: Dealers will inspect the driver's seat backrest and if necessary, install an attachment bolt, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed February 17, 2023. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

  2. R
    2022-12-30Visibility22V820000 BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2023 X5 sDrive40i, xDrive40i, xDrive45e, and X7 xDrive40i vehicles.

    Remedy: Dealers will inspect the windshield seal and as necessary, remove and reinstall the windshield with a new seal, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 30, 2022. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

  3. R
    2023-05-31Seats23V253000 BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2023 X5 sDrive40i, X5 xDrive40i, X5 M50i, X5 M and X5 xDrive45e vehicles.

    Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the second-row outboard seat head restraint guide sleeves, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 31, 2023. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

  4. R
    2024-01-26Power train23V821000 BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2023 Toyota GR Supra, 3 Series Sedan (330i xDrive, M340i xDrive, M3), 5 Series Sedan (530i, 530i xDrive, M5), 4 Series Gran Coupe (430i, 430i xDrive), 4 Series Coupe (430i, 430i xDrive, M440i...

    Remedy: Dealers will replace the transmission mechatronics module and the automatic transmission fluid, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 26, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Buy-smart checklist

2023 BMW X5 — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Power train: 9 reports on file for this year.
  • Electrical system: 8 reports on file for this year.
  • Engine: 5 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 22V942000 · Seats
  • Recall 22V820000 · Visibility
  • Recall 23V253000 · Seats
  • Recall 23V821000 · Power train

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 2023 BMW X5 reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2023 BMW X5 is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2023 BMW X5?
The most-reported component is power train, accounting for 26% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2023 BMW X5 have?
4 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.