The vehicle dossier US · 2020

2020 BMW
X5Problems & recalls

111 distinct owner reports in the NHTSA snapshot. Engine appears in 48 of them. Explore what was reported—and which official actions are on file.

Snapshot Sep 28, 2026Live NHTSA complaint API How this dossier is compiled

From the original manufacturer documents

What did the manufacturer do?

These reviewed documents are associated with this model-year. Check the stated engine, build-date, VIN and coverage conditions before assuming they apply to the car you’re considering.

BMW · B010324

EVAP purge valve

15 years / 150,000 miles

BMW documents limited coverage for defects in the EVAP purge valve; this document does not establish a diagnosis for an individual vehicle.

Read coverage & conditions

01 / Owner-reported evidence

What owners reported.

Categories attached to 111 distinct reports. A report can mention more than one component, so category totals can overlap.

Engine48 reports
Electrical system39 reports
Other components31 reports
Transmission & drivetrain17 reports
Air bags6 reports
Brakes5 reports
Body & structure4 reports
Steering3 reports
Fuel system2 reports
Suspension2 reports
Visibility2 reports
See original component labels
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM39
ENGINE33
POWER TRAIN16
UNKNOWN OR OTHER15
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING15
AIR BAGS6
SERVICE BRAKES5
EXTERIOR LIGHTING4
STRUCTURE:BODY4
SEAT BELTS3
STEERING3
BACK OVER PREVENTION: REARVIEW SYSTEM BRAKING2
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL2
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM2
SUSPENSION2
VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:CONDENSOR/EVAPORATOR2
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING1
LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST1
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH1
FIRERELATED1
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL1
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS1
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DIFFERENTIAL UNIT1

These are reports made to NHTSA, not verified diagnoses. More reports can reflect more vehicles, more time on the road, or greater reporting activity.

The reporting timeline

When reports arrived.

Reports by year filed, not by the year a problem occurred. Showing the latest 7 years with reports.

Year filed (last two digits)Latest report: Sep 16, 2026
Mileage, where supplied

48,000 miles is the median among 25 reports with usable mileage. The middle half spans 31,000–70,000 miles.

This describes the submitted reports. It does not predict when a vehicle will fail.

02 / Official safety campaigns

11 recall campaigns on file.

A campaign can cover only certain production dates or configurations. The count does not tell you whether an individual car has an open recall.

Sep 25, 2025 Safety recallELECTRICAL SYSTEM:STARTER ASSEMBLYCampaign 25V644000

Reported concern

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.

Manufacturer’s stated response

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.

Read campaign 25V644000 at NHTSA
Aug 1, 2024 Safety recallENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:ENGINE CONTROL MODULE (ECU/ECM):SOFTWARECampaign 24V576000

Reported concern

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.

Manufacturer’s stated response

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.

Read campaign 24V576000 at NHTSA
Apr 20, 2022 Safety recallVISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLYCampaign 22V267000

Reported concern

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."

Manufacturer’s stated response

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.

Read campaign 22V267000 at NHTSA
Feb 19, 2021 Safety recallBACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARECampaign 21V096000

Reported concern

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."

Manufacturer’s stated response

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.

Read campaign 21V096000 at NHTSA
Feb 10, 2021 Safety recallSERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:HYDRAULICCampaign 21V062000

Reported concern

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.

Manufacturer’s stated response

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.

Read campaign 21V062000 at NHTSA
Nov 4, 2020 Safety recallSUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARMCampaign 20V678000

Reported concern

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.

Manufacturer’s stated response

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.

Read campaign 20V678000 at NHTSA
Sep 1, 2020 Safety recallEXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTSCampaign 20V528000

Reported concern

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."

Manufacturer’s stated response

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.

Read campaign 20V528000 at NHTSA
Aug 7, 2020 Safety recallELECTRICAL SYSTEM:STARTER ASSEMBLYCampaign 20V465000

Reported concern

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.

Manufacturer’s stated response

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.

Read campaign 20V465000 at NHTSA
Jul 28, 2020 Safety recallSTEERING:COLUMNCampaign 20V434000

Reported concern

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.

Manufacturer’s stated response

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.

Read campaign 20V434000 at NHTSA
Sep 27, 2019 Safety recallBACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERACampaign 19V684000

Reported concern

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."

Manufacturer’s stated response

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.

Read campaign 19V684000 at NHTSA
Aug 28, 2019 Safety recallSTEERING:RACK AND PINION:RACKCampaign 19V631000

Reported concern

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.

Manufacturer’s stated response

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.

Read campaign 19V631000 at NHTSA
Check this car’s VIN at NHTSA

03 / The manufacturer’s record

Instructions. Updates. Responses.

373 distinct communications list this model-year. Showing the latest 12. A matching model-year does not establish that every engine, trim or reported symptom is covered.

Aug 28, 2026 OtherB010226DCSBMW Notice of the Court’s Final Approval for Shark-Fin Antenna Settlement (X3, X4, X5, X6, X7)NHTSA ID 11036453

BMW Notice of the Court’s Final Approval for Shark-Fin Antenna Settlement (X3, X4, X5, X6, X7)

Components: STRUCTURE:BODY. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11036453 at NHTSA
Aug 25, 2026 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsB010226Rear Roof Antenna Shark Fin Cover Sealing IssueNHTSA ID 11036388

Rear Roof Antenna Shark Fin Cover Sealing Issue

Components: STRUCTURE:BODY. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11036388 at NHTSA
Jul 28, 2026 Warranty Program/ExtensionB011524The NVLD modules limited warranty for defects in materials and/or workmanship has been extended to 15 years / 150,000 miles as determined from the vehicles original in-service / first delivery date.NHTSA ID 11035499

The NVLD modules limited warranty for defects in materials and/or workmanship has been extended to 15 years / 150,000 miles as determined from the vehicles original in-service / first delivery date.

Campaign / software reference: 1613911200

Components: ENGINE. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11035499 at NHTSA
Jul 17, 2026 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsB110426The manual starting of electronic engine oil level measurement from inside the vehicle, usually afterperforming an engine oil service task, is inoperative or it may lock up at between a 15% to 30% completionrate.NHTSA ID 11035500

The manual starting of electronic engine oil level measurement from inside the vehicle, usually afterperforming an engine oil service task, is inoperative or it may lock up at between a 15% to 30% completionrate.

Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM · ENGINE. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11035500 at NHTSA
Jul 10, 2026 Service CampaignB840226Once the Telematics Module (TCB2) enters sleep mode, a BMW Data Services trigger for Remote Services(remote engine start, lock/unlock/climate conditioning) will not be able to reactivate the TCB2. Due to this issue, Remote Serv…NHTSA ID 11035408

Once the Telematics Module (TCB2) enters sleep mode, a BMW Data Services trigger for Remote Services(remote engine start, lock/unlock/climate conditioning) will not be able to reactivate the TCB2. Due to this issue, Remote Services will not function in the vehicle when parked and locked.

Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11035408 at NHTSA
Jul 10, 2026 Service CampaignB510726In the affected vehicles, an incorrect screwlocking device (circled) may have been usedfor the mounting bolts of the door latch locks.NHTSA ID 11035400

In the affected vehicles, an incorrect screwlocking device (circled) may have been usedfor the mounting bolts of the door latch locks.

Campaign / software reference: 0051480600

Components: STRUCTURE:BODY. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11035400 at NHTSA
Jun 29, 2026 Warranty Program/ExtensionB010324The EVAP systems purge (vent) valve limited warranty for defects in materials and / or workmanship has been extended to 15 years / 150,000 miles as determined from the original first in-service / delivery date.NHTSA ID 11035497

The EVAP systems purge (vent) valve limited warranty for defects in materials and / or workmanship has been extended to 15 years / 150,000 miles as determined from the original first in-service / delivery date.

Campaign / software reference: 1390900300

Components: ENGINE. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Original document reviewed: 15 years / 150,000 miles

Read coverage & conditions
Original manufacturer PDF
May 21, 2026 Warranty Program/ExtensionB010226SHARK FIN ROOF ANTENNA SEALING SETTLEMENT Extended WarrantyNHTSA ID 11033030

SHARK FIN ROOF ANTENNA SEALING SETTLEMENT Extended Warranty

Campaign / software reference: 6520900300

Components: STRUCTURE:BODY. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11033030 at NHTSA
May 19, 2026 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsB652724A check control message (CCM) for the restraint system (Air bag) appears. In the instrument cluster, the redair bag warning light lights up permanently. One of the following fault codes is stored in the ACSM (air bag control un…NHTSA ID 11033033

A check control message (CCM) for the restraint system (Air bag) appears. In the instrument cluster, the redair bag warning light lights up permanently. One of the following fault codes is stored in the ACSM (air bag control unit): 930949 - Knee airbag, driver: Short circuit to negative terminal 93094F - Knee airbag, front passenger: Short circuit to negative terminal 93094C - Knee airbag driver's side: Resistance too great 930952 - Knee airbag, front passenger: Resistance too great

Components: AIR BAGS. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11033033 at NHTSA
May 6, 2026 Warranty Program/ExtensionB010324The EVAP systems purge (vent) valve limited warranty for defects in materials or workmanship has been extended to 15 years / 150,000 miles as determined from the original in-service date.NHTSA ID 11032731

The EVAP systems purge (vent) valve limited warranty for defects in materials or workmanship has been extended to 15 years / 150,000 miles as determined from the original in-service date.

Campaign / software reference: 1390900300

Components: ENGINE. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11032731 at NHTSA
May 4, 2026 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsB640320The center console and front cup holder get noticeably too warm to the touch on long journeys with the interior "Heating on".NHTSA ID 11032741

The center console and front cup holder get noticeably too warm to the touch on long journeys with the interior "Heating on".

Components: STRUCTURE:BODY. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11032741 at NHTSA
Mar 6, 2026 Warranty Program/ExtensionB010325The Radiator Grilles Lower Active Air Flap Assembly limited warranty for defects in materials and/or workmanship has been extended to 15 years / 150,000 miles as determined from the original first in-service / delivery date.NHTSA ID 11030060

The Radiator Grilles Lower Active Air Flap Assembly limited warranty for defects in materials and/or workmanship has been extended to 15 years / 150,000 miles as determined from the original first in-service / delivery date.

Campaign / software reference: 5174900200

Components: STRUCTURE:BODY. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11030060 at NHTSA
Browse all manufacturer records by page

Records below contain the NHTSA bulk summary unless a document-reviewed explainer is linked. A service bulletin is not a safety recall or a promise of a free repair. Records may be revised or superseded; verify the current document with the manufacturer.

04 / Agency investigations

Official inquiries.

An investigation is an inquiry into a potential concern. Its presence does not establish a defect, and a closed case does not certify a car’s condition.

Opened Jan 27, 2023 ClosedPedestrian alert soundsDP22005

NHTSA received a petition on or about July 18, 2022, requesting that Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 141 be applied to all electric and hybrid vehicles operating in the United States. The petition can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI Number 11486072. FMVSS 141 establishes performance requirements for pedestrian alert sounds for motor vehicles. The standard applies to hybrid and electric vehicles that have a gross vehicle weight rating of 4,536 KG or less or are defined as low-speed vehicles. The standard became fully applicable to all such vehicles manufactured on or after March 1, 2021.On January 27, 2023, NHTSA opened Defect Petition (DP) 22-005 to evaluate the subject matter described in the petition. On June 24, 2023 and as supplemented on June 25, 2023, the petitioner notified NHTSA he was withdrawing his petition. The petitioner indicated that, based on his review of data, there is no justification for asserting potential benefits that could be derived from actions sought by my petition. Based on the petitioner's withdrawal, DP22-005 is closed. Closure of this DP does not represent a determination by NHTSA regarding the subject matter of the petition.

Recorded closure: Aug 7, 2023

Campaign reference in the source: 22V063000

Find investigation DP22005

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