Vehicle report
2020 BMW X5
Free recalls, owner complaints, and NHTSA safety ratings for the 2020 BMW X5, plus how to check this specific vehicle before you buy.
The 2020 BMW X5 has 11 NHTSA recalls on record and 15 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Its overall NHTSA crash-test rating is not rated. Below is the full breakdown, plus how to check this specific vehicle by VIN before you buy in Alberta.
11
Open recalls
15
Complaints
Not Rated
Overall safety
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2020 BMW X5 recalls (11)
STEERING:RACK AND PINION:RACK
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.
Remedy: 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.
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
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, 745Le, 745Le xDrive, X5 xDrive45e, X3 xDrive30e, X6 sDrive40i, X6 xDrive40i, X6 xDrive50i, X6 M50i, X6M, 530i, 530i xDrive, 540i, 540i xDrive, M550i xDrive, M5, 740i, 740Li, 740Li xDrive, M760i Drive, M760Li xDrive, 750Li xDrive Alpina, Alpina B7 xDrive, and 2021 4 Series Coupe 430i, 430i xDrive, M440i xDrive vehicles. When shifting into Reverse, a small portion of the rearview image may be obscured, or the screen may not illuminate. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Remedy: 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.
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
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 xDrive, M340i, M340i xDrive, Z4 sDrive, Z4 M40i, 740Le xDrive and 745Le xDrive, 2018-2019 640i xDrive Gran Turismo and Rolls-Royce Phantom, 2019 M850i xDrive Gran Coupe and Rolls-Royce Cullinan and 2020 Toyota Supra vehicles. The back-up camera and display settings can be adjusted such that the rear view image is no longer visible and the system will retain that setting the next time the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rearview Mirrors."
Remedy: 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.
STEERING
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.
Remedy: 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 at 1-800-525-7417.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
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."
Remedy: 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.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
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 Coupe, X5 xDrive45e, 745 Le xDrive. The rotor and shaft within the integrated brake system may not have been welded properly and could separate during a hard braking event, possibly resulting in a loss of the Antilock Brake System (ABS) and braking assistance.
Remedy: 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.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
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.
Remedy: 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 free of charge. The recall began on October 2, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM
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.
Remedy: 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.
VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY
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, allowing the sunroof to close without the key fob present inside the vehicle. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 118, "Power-Operated Window Systems."
Remedy: 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.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:STARTER ASSEMBLY
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.
Remedy: 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.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:STARTER ASSEMBLY
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.
Remedy: 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. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov November 17, 2025.
2020 BMW X5 safety ratings
Not Rated
Overall
4
Front
5
Side
Not Rated
Rollover
Source: NHTSA NCAP ratings.
2020 BMW X5 owner complaints (15)
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2020 BMW X5. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V644000 (Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY
For my 2019 BMW X5 SDRIVE40i, The A/C evaporator core failed and began leaking refrigerant, resulting in complete loss of cold air from the A/C system. The vehicle had approximately 50,000 miles. The repair required full dashboard removal and cost approximately 4,500 including a rental vehicle. This appears to be a widespread issue on 2019–2025 BMW X5/X6/X7 models, suspected to be caused by R-1234yf refrigerant incompatibility with the aluminum evaporator core. The leaking R-1234yf refrigerant is also an environmental concern. R-1234yf is a hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) greenhouse gas with a global warming potential significantly higher than CO2. An uncontrolled leak of this refrigerant directly into the atmosphere — due to a defective factory-installed evaporator core — contributes to environmental harm and violates the spirit of EPA regulations governing refrigerant emissions. Consumers should not bear the financial burden of a known manufacturing defect that also results in the uncontrolled release of a regulated substance. BMW has not issued a recall or extended warranty for this component despite widespread owner reports of the same failure. I am requesting NHTSA investigate this issue and compel BMW to issue a formal recall and provide reimbursement to affected owners.
- POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE
I own a 2019 BMW X5 xDrive40i with the B58 3.0L turbocharged inline-six engine. While driving in Minnesota, the vehicle suddenly displayed an urgent warning stating “oil pressure too low” and instructed me to stop the engine. This occurred while the vehicle was being operated on the road, requiring me to stop driving immediately. The vehicle was later inspected by an authorized BMW dealer. The dealer diagnosed the failure as a defective oil pump and stated that the oil pump must be replaced. The estimated repair cost was approximately $7,500 or more. This is a serious safety concern because a sudden loss of engine oil pressure can lead to engine seizure, loss of motive power, and loss of vehicle control risk depending on traffic conditions. The oil pump is a critical lubrication component and should not fail as a normal wear item. I have found numerous similar owner reports involving BMW B58 oil pump failures, including reports suggesting that cold-weather operation may contribute to or expose the failure. My vehicle is operated in Minnesota, a cold-weather state. The vehicle was inspected by Park Place BMW in Rochester, MN. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate whether this is a safety-related defect affecting 2019 BMW X5 xDrive40i vehicles and other BMW models equipped with the B58 engine.
- POWER TRAIN
Front Differential input bearing failure. Sudden jerking that almost causes loss of control. This poses a safety risk. This seems to be a know problem for the 2020 BMW X5 M50i No warning lights and I did not experience hearing any sounds as other have reported.
- ENGINE
Plastic oil pump cracking problem is apparently known to BMW, but they haven’t recalled these defective oil pumps leading to engine failure.
- POWER TRAIN
Failure of front differential
- POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2020 BMW X5. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to a dealer for routine maintenance and it was discovered that there was a coolant leak and that there was a failure with the front differential failure, and that the A/C unit was leaking. The leaking valve was replaced but the differential was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure was a known failure with the vehicle. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 70,000.
- ENGINE
Safety Hazard: Oil Pump Failure Leading to Sudden Engine Stall (BMW B58TU engines) Description of Defect: The oil pump module in the 2020 BMW X5 (G05) contains internal plastic components that are prone to thermal degradation and premature failure. These plastic parts can crack or disintegrate, causing a sudden loss of oil pressure. Safety Risk: A failure of the oil pump leads to insufficient lubrication of critical engine components, which can result in a sudden and complete engine seizure while the vehicle is in motion. This causes an immediate loss of propulsion and power steering assist, significantly increasing the risk of a high-speed collision or being stranded in dangerous traffic conditions. Additional Note: This is a known mechanical defect where a critical engine component (oil pump) relies on non-durable plastic materials, creating an unreasonable safety risk for drivers and passengers due to potential catastrophic engine failure without prior warning.
- ENGINE
Safety Hazard: Oil Pump Failure Leading to Sudden Engine Stall (BMW G05 X5) Description of Defect: The oil pump module in the 2020 BMW X5 (G05) contains internal plastic components that are prone to thermal degradation and premature failure. These plastic parts can crack or disintegrate, causing a sudden loss of oil pressure. Safety Risk: A failure of the oil pump leads to insufficient lubrication of critical engine components, which can result in a sudden and complete engine seizure while the vehicle is in motion. This causes an immediate loss of propulsion and power steering assist, significantly increasing the risk of a high-speed collision or being stranded in dangerous traffic conditions. Additional Note: This is a known mechanical defect where a critical engine component (oil pump) relies on non-durable plastic materials, creating an unreasonable safety risk for drivers and passengers due to potential catastrophic engine failure without prior warning.
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2020 BMW X5. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V644000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start. After several attempts, the vehicle started. The check control master warning light was illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE
While driving through west Los Angeles, the vehicle suddenly began emitting white smoke from the engine compartment. There were no prior warning lights, messages, or symptoms indicating a problem. The smoke quickly intensified and turned dark. Thick smoke filled the air, and the cockpit, with the smell of toxic fumes. I safely maneuvered to the shoulder and exited the vehicle with my passenger. Flames erupted from the front of the vehicle. We called 911, which dispatched the fire department. The LAFD responded, cutting open the hood in order to extinguish the fire. The vehicle was towed to a yard following the incident. The vehicle and its contents were declared a total loss. BWM North America dispatched a technician to inspect the vehicle. After inspection, the manufacturer indicated that the starter was the source of the fire. At the time of the incident, the vehicle was subject to a safety recall related to the starter with no remedy available. The failure occurred without warning. Both occupants were exposed to heavy smoke.
- ENGINE
I am submitting this correspondence as a formal notification of a potential safety-related defect affecting BMW vehicles equipped with the B58 Technical Update (B58TU) engine platform, most commonly model years 2019–2021. The purpose of this communication is to request immediate review under BMW’s vehicle safety defect evaluation process due to an increasing number of oil pump failures capable of causing sudden loss of engine lubrication, unexpected vehicle disablement, and occupant exposure to hazardous conditions. The original B58 engine (B58B30M0, 2015–2017) utilized a conventional mechanically robust gerotor oil pump with predominantly metallic internal construction and demonstrated strong reliability in field operation. This component, constructed from reinforced thermoplastics including PA66-GF materials, operates within a chemically aggressive and thermally cyclic environment involving continuous exposure to engine oil additives, fuel dilution, condensation, and repeated heat cycling. While acceptable under accelerated validation testing, real-world operating conditions increasingly demonstrate premature degradation consistent with polymer embrittlement and fracture. Documented owner and technician reports indicate that under cold-start conditions — particularly in sub-freezing climates — elevated oil viscosity and startup load impose increased mechanical stress on the thermoplastic carrier. Fracture of this internal component allows debris intrusion into the pump mechanism, resulting in unstable oil pressure regulation. Commonly reported precursor symptoms include: • Inability to perform electronic oil level measurement via iDrive • Erratic or oscillating oil pressure behavior • Intermittent lubrication warnings or absence of warning prior to failure • Rapid progression to bearing damage and engine seizure Given the potential for sudden vehicle disablement without adequate warning, I respectfully request BMW of North America initiate a formal inquiry
- ENGINE
I am reporting a safety concern involving BMW vehicles equipped with the B58 Technical Update (B58TU) engine, commonly found in model years 2019–2021. These vehicles utilize a variable-displacement engine oil pump containing an internal thermoplastic adjusting component responsible for regulating oil pressure. Field failures are increasingly being reported in which this internal component fractures, resulting in sudden loss or instability of engine oil pressure. The failure frequently occurs during cold-start operation in low ambient temperatures. When the component fails, oil pressure regulation becomes erratic or is lost entirely. In many cases, drivers receive little or no actionable warning prior to engine damage or vehicle disablement. Reported precursor symptoms include inability to electronically measure engine oil level, abnormal oil pressure behavior, or sudden drivetrain malfunction warnings. Failures may rapidly progress to engine shutdown or severe mechanical damage caused by oil starvation. Loss of lubrication can cause the vehicle to become disabled without warning while driving or shortly after startup. This creates a safety hazard, particularly when vehicles become immobilized in active traffic or during winter conditions the cold is when they fail the most, where occupants may be exposed to freezing temperatures while awaiting assistance. Replacement of the oil pump requires extensive disassembly of the vehicle and repairs commonly exceed $6,000–$8,000 for just the pump, assuming the motor is unharmed. Owners are currently unable to determine whether their vehicles contain the original thermoplastic oil pump design or a later revised version utilizing metal internal components, as VIN-based parts information now identifies updated components in the car even when no replacement has occurred and the old components are actually in the car. Also, BMW has actively removed the plastic part number out of all dealer networks as well. Failures have be
- ENGINE
I'm reporting a safety issue with BMW vehicles equipped with the B58TU engine (primarily 2019–2021 models). These vehicles use an oil pump containing an internal plastic component that regulates oil pressure. This plastic part is fracturing in the field, leading to sudden loss or instability of oil pressure. Failures commonly occur during cold starts in low temperatures. When the component fails, oil pressure becomes erratic or is lost entirely, often with little to no warning before engine damage or vehicle disablement. Warning signs, when present, include inability to measure oil level electronically, abnormal oil pressure behavior, or sudden drivetrain malfunction warnings. These can quickly progress to engine shutdown or severe engine damage due to oil starvation. My vehicle is currently experiencing all of the described oil pump-related symptoms, including inconsistent electronic oil level readings and drivetrain malfunction warnings consistent with oil pressure instability. This condition creates a serious safety risk. The vehicle can become disabled without warning while driving or shortly after startup. Oil starvation can lead to catastrophic engine failure, especially at highway speeds, where sudden engine shutdown or seizure increases the risk of a crash. Failures are particularly dangerous in winter conditions, when vehicles may become immobilized in traffic or freezing temperatures. Replacement of the pump requires major disassembly and typically costs $6,000–$8,000, assuming no engine damage. Owners cannot determine whether their vehicle has the original plastic component or a revised metal version. BMW’s VIN-based parts lookup now shows only updated components even when original plastic parts remain installed, and the original plastic part number has been removed from dealer systems. Because this defect can cause sudden vehicle disablement and potential catastrophic engine failure without adequate warning.
- POWER TRAIN,ENGINE
Please read file attached
Checking a used BMW X5 before you buy
The recall, complaint, and safety data above describes the 2020 X5 in general. To know the condition and history of the specific vehicle you're looking at, check it by VIN. A VIN check shows whether this particular X5's recalls are still outstanding, and a full history report adds accident, title, and ownership records the data above can't show.
Before you buy a 2020 BMW X5 in Alberta:
- Run a free VIN check on the exact vehicle for its own recalls and safety data.
- Run an Alberta Personal Property Registry lien search so you don't inherit debt.
- Get an independent pre-purchase inspection.
- If it's a dealer, confirm their AMVIC licence.
See other model years of the BMW X5, or browse more BMW models.
2020 BMW X5 — questions and answers
Does the 2020 BMW X5 have any recalls?+
Our check found 11 NHTSA recalls associated with the 2020 BMW X5. Check the specific vehicle by VIN to see which remain outstanding, since some may already have been repaired. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer.
How many complaints does the 2020 BMW X5 have?+
NHTSA lists 15 owner complaints for the 2020 BMW X5 in our results. Complaints are problems reported by owners and don't always lead to a recall, but a pattern of similar complaints is worth weighing before you buy.
Is the 2020 BMW X5 safe?+
The 2020 BMW X5 has an overall NHTSA crash-test rating of not rated. Review the front-crash, side-crash, and rollover ratings above, and pair safety ratings with a mechanical inspection of the specific vehicle.
How do I check a 2020 BMW X5 VIN?+
Enter the vehicle's 17-character VIN into our free VIN check to see recalls, complaints, and safety ratings for that exact vehicle, then run an Alberta Personal Property Registry (PPR) lien search before you pay.
Are recall repairs on a BMW free?+
Yes. Safety recall repairs are performed at no cost by a franchised BMW dealer, even for a used vehicle and even if you're not the original owner. Confirm the required parts are in stock before relying on the fix.
Get the full vehicle history report
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