2020 BMW X5 problems

STEERING

My 2020 BMW X5 sDrive40i has experienced recurring and serious electrical, shutdown, and drivability problems that have not been resolved despite BMW service and a recall-related repair. The vehicle has unexpectedly restarted after being turned off and has also failed to shut down properly. On September 6, 2026, after being parked at Costco for approximately 40–60 minutes, I returned to find the vehicle off but not secured. The brake lights were on, the windows were down even though I had left them up, and the interior systems were operating. The radio was playing an unfamiliar station, although I do not listen to the radio. I documented this on video. Later that same day at Whole Foods, after parking, turning the vehicle off, and getting out to retrieve my dogs, the vehicle appeared to still be running. Video captured the engine running for approximately one second. I shut it off and locked it, but the vehicle then unlocked itself, also captured on video. These were two separate incidents within nine days, occurring after BMW performed a recall-related repair intended to address unexpected vehicle reactivation. In addition, the vehicle has twice shut off unexpectedly while accelerating on the freeway. These incidents, combined with the unexpected restarting, failure to shut down, windows opening, and vehicle unlocking itself, create serious safety concerns. I purchased this vehicle specifically to transport my dogs. If the vehicle can unlock itself or lower the windows while I am away, my dogs could escape or be exposed to being taken. I no longer have confidence that the vehicle will remain safely shut down and secured when I leave it. The recurring nature of these failures and the fact that they have continued after BMW’s attempted repair require a thorough investigation and permanent resolution. I am requesting that BMW review the complete history and consider repurchase or replacement if the defect cannot be permanently corrected.

NHTSA complaint #11764210 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

My 2020 BMW X5 sDrive40i has experienced recurring and serious electrical, shutdown, and drivability problems that have not been resolved despite BMW service and a recall-related repair. The vehicle has unexpectedly restarted after being turned off and has also failed to shut down properly. On September 6, 2026, after being parked at Costco for approximately 40–60 minutes, I returned to find the vehicle off but not secured. The brake lights were on, the windows were down even though I had left them up, and the interior systems were operating. The radio was playing an unfamiliar station, although I do not listen to the radio. I documented this on video. Later that same day at Whole Foods, after parking, turning the vehicle off, and getting out to retrieve my dogs, the vehicle appeared to still be running. Video captured the engine running for approximately one second. I shut it off and locked it, but the vehicle then unlocked itself, also captured on video. These were two separate incidents within nine days, occurring after BMW performed a recall-related repair intended to address unexpected vehicle reactivation. In addition, the vehicle has twice shut off unexpectedly while accelerating on the freeway. These incidents, combined with the unexpected restarting, failure to shut down, windows opening, and vehicle unlocking itself, create serious safety concerns. I purchased this vehicle specifically to transport my dogs. If the vehicle can unlock itself or lower the windows while I am away, my dogs could escape or be exposed to being taken. I no longer have confidence that the vehicle will remain safely shut down and secured when I leave it. The recurring nature of these failures and the fact that they have continued after BMW’s attempted repair require a thorough investigation and permanent resolution. I am requesting that BMW review the complete history and consider repurchase or replacement if the defect cannot be permanently corrected.

NHTSA complaint #11764210 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

My 2020 BMW X5 sDrive40i has experienced recurring and serious electrical, shutdown, and drivability problems that have not been resolved despite BMW service and a recall-related repair. The vehicle has unexpectedly restarted after being turned off and has also failed to shut down properly. On September 6, 2026, after being parked at Costco for approximately 40–60 minutes, I returned to find the vehicle off but not secured. The brake lights were on, the windows were down even though I had left them up, and the interior systems were operating. The radio was playing an unfamiliar station, although I do not listen to the radio. I documented this on video. Later that same day at Whole Foods, after parking, turning the vehicle off, and getting out to retrieve my dogs, the vehicle appeared to still be running. Video captured the engine running for approximately one second. I shut it off and locked it, but the vehicle then unlocked itself, also captured on video. These were two separate incidents within nine days, occurring after BMW performed a recall-related repair intended to address unexpected vehicle reactivation. In addition, the vehicle has twice shut off unexpectedly while accelerating on the freeway. These incidents, combined with the unexpected restarting, failure to shut down, windows opening, and vehicle unlocking itself, create serious safety concerns. I purchased this vehicle specifically to transport my dogs. If the vehicle can unlock itself or lower the windows while I am away, my dogs could escape or be exposed to being taken. I no longer have confidence that the vehicle will remain safely shut down and secured when I leave it. The recurring nature of these failures and the fact that they have continued after BMW’s attempted repair require a thorough investigation and permanent resolution. I am requesting that BMW review the complete history and consider repurchase or replacement if the defect cannot be permanently corrected.

NHTSA complaint #11764210 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

I'm reporting a safety issue with BMW vehicles equipped with the B58TU engine, primarily 2019-2021 models. These vehicles have an oil pump with an internal plastic component that regulates oil pressure, and this part is fracturing in the field, causing sudden loss of oil pressure. The failure typically occurs during cold starts in low temperatures. When it 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, or sudden drivetrain malfunction warnings. These can rapidly progress to engine shutdown or severe damage from oil starvation. This creates a dangerous situation because the vehicle can become disabled without warning while driving or after startup. This is especially hazardous when cars become immobilized in traffic or during winter conditions when failures occur most frequently, leaving occupants exposed to freezing temperatures while awaiting assistance. Pump replacement requires extensive disassembly and commonly costs $6,000-$8,000, assuming no engine damage. A critical concern: owners cannot determine if their vehicle has the original plastic pump or the later metal revision. BMW's VIN-based parts lookup now shows updated components even when original plastic parts remain installed, and BMW has removed the original plastic part number from dealer networks entirely. Failures are reported across multiple production years, and the scope of affected vehicles remains unclear. Because this condition causes sudden vehicle disablement without adequate warning, especially in cold weather, I believe this warrants investigation as a potential safety-related defect.

NHTSA complaint #11763718 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

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 engine oil pressure. Failures have been reported in which this internal plastic component fractures, resulting in sudden loss of or instability in engine oil pressure. My own vehicle has experienced this oil pump failure. The failure is particularly concerning because it can occur during cold-start operation and appears to be more prevalent in low ambient temperatures. When the internal component fails, oil pressure regulation can become erratic or be lost entirely. The resulting loss of lubrication can lead to severe engine damage or vehicle disablement. Reported precursor symptoms include an inability to electronically measure the engine oil level, abnormal oil-pressure behavior, drivetrain malfunction warnings, and other warning messages. However, these symptoms may provide little meaningful advance warning before the vehicle becomes disabled or the engine sustains significant damage. The safety concern is not limited to the cost of the repair. A sudden loss of oil pressure can cause the vehicle to become disabled without warning while driving or shortly after startup. This presents a potential safety hazard if the vehicle loses power or becomes immobilized in active traffic. The risk is particularly concerning during cold-weather operation, when these failures appear to occur most frequently. In winter conditions, occupants of a disabled vehicle may also be exposed to freezing temperatures while waiting for roadside assistance. Replacement of the oil pump is a major repair with cost ranging $6000-8000, even when engine has not been damaged. These costs are secondary to the safety concern but demonstrate the seriousness of the defect and the potential severity.

NHTSA complaint #11763291 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

I am reporting a safety concern involving BMW vehicles with the B58TU engine, model years 2019-2021. These engines use a variable-displacement oil pump with an internal thermoplastic adjusting ring that regulates oil pressure. Field failures are being reported in which this component fractures, causing sudden loss or instability of oil pressure. Owners and independent shops report catastrophic engine damage within minutes, with little or no advance warning. A sudden loss of motive power at highway speed, or an engine seizure in traffic, creates a crash risk. I have not experienced a failure. I am reporting because: 1. My vehicle falls within the affected production range. 2. Owners cannot determine whether their vehicle has the original thermoplastic pump or the later metal revision. BMW issued the revised part without changing the part number, and VIN-based parts lookups reportedly return the updated component even when the original is still installed. This deprives owners of any means of assessing their own risk. 3. BMW quietly revised the design to all-metal, indicating the manufacturer identified a durability problem, yet no recall or customer notification has been issued in the United States. 4. Out-of-warranty repair requires removal of the front subframe and eight or more hours of labor. Owners report quotes near $6,000. 5. In South Korea, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport opened a formal investigation into this same defect in XXX. BMW Korea then confirmed it is performing this repair free of charge regardless of warranty status. A foreign regulator has already found this serious enough to investigate. I request that NHTSA investigate the B58TU oil pump, determine the failure rate, and evaluate whether a safety recall is warranted. At minimum, owners should be given a reliable method of identifying which pump revision is installed in their vehicle.

NHTSA complaint #11759850 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

The oil level reading is failing at 16% due to an oil pump malfunction. BMW has addressed this on all 2022+ b58 engine but all prior years have the plastic failing oil pump. The had to upgrade it because it cause catastrophic failure to the engine. It creates oil pressure with plastic parts and was upgraded to all metal in 2022. There should be a recall for this part since it can cause catastrophic engine failure at any point anywhere while driving at any speed, slow, fast, speed limit. Doesn’t matter the part can fail and injure or kill people

NHTSA complaint #11759405 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

I am on my third front differential in first in 2023, one in 2025 and now one in 2026. All M50I have this issue but the X5 M model does not.

NHTSA complaint #11759094 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

The A/C evaporator coil failed on my 2020 BMX X5 S40i prior to 27,564 miles. It was taken into the local dealer for evaluation at a cost of $811.33 and UV dye was added with refrigerant, which escaped over a 2 week period. The final diagnosis after a further two weeks and at a cost of $301.38, later confirmed that the evaporator coil needed to be replaced. The BMW Dealer quoted $6,686.35 for the replacement. BMW USA refused to comp or co-op the repair. From my research I see that this is a common failure across a large segment of the BMW range and that a conservative minimum of 771,000 BMW vehicles could be affected and that the cost to cure each vehicle ranges between $4,000 & $8,000. I was very surprised to hear that the was no NHTSA recall nor Class Action Law Suit given the potential number of cases and huge expense to cure

NHTSA complaint #11758762 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:CONDENSOR/EVAPORATOR

This vehicle has AC problem it’s blowing hot air. It has evaporator leaking. I called multiple shops and they said this problem is very popular for the X5 2019 to 2023 in my car is 2020. Please recall the Evaporator Core problem. It is too dangerous to drive in the car without AC and is too expensive to Have the Evaporator Core replacement.

NHTSA complaint #11754754 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

My 2019 BMW X5 (G05) equipped with the B58 Technical Update (B58TU) engine has experienced a failure / is showing early signs of failure of the engine oil pump assembly.Beginning with the B58TU engine, BMW utilized a variable-displacement oil pump that contains a thermoplastic/plastic internal adjusting ring. This plastic component degrades under normal operating temperatures, resulting in a sudden mechanical failure of the pump. This failure leads to a sudden drop in engine oil pressure, vehicle disablement without sufficient warning, or an inability for the iDrive infotainment system to complete an electronic oil level measurement.A sudden loss of engine lubrication while driving presents a severe safety hazard, capable of immobilizing the vehicle in active traffic. BMW has updated this exact pump part number to utilize all-metal internal carriers on later production runs, but refuses to cover the cost for early out-of-warranty models. I am requesting that the NHTSA open a safety defect investigation into the early B58TU oil pump assembly to force a mandatory safety recall.

NHTSA complaint #11754552 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

It’s a common issue between 2019-2020 where the oil pump which came from factory has plastic impellers which crack/disintegrate causing catastrophic failure to the engine disabling the vehicle the only warning signs before this happens is you cant read oil level and or the car prompts with a warning low oil messages if untreated the car will have catastrophic engine failure with little to no warning the car was mass produced and this is a common issue therefore should be recalled

NHTSA complaint #11751677 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

It’s a common issue between 2019-2020 where the oil pump which came from factory has plastic impellers which crack/disintegrate causing catastrophic failure to the engine disabling the vehicle the only warning signs before this happens is you cant read oil level and or the car prompts with a warning low oil messages if untreated the car will have catastrophic engine failure with little to no warning the car was mass produced and this is a common issue therefore should be recalled

NHTSA complaint #11751677 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

It’s a common issue between 2019-2020 where the oil pump which came from factory has plastic impellers which crack/disintegrate causing catastrophic failure to the engine disabling the vehicle the only warning signs before this happens is you cant read oil level and or the car prompts with a warning low oil messages if untreated the car will have catastrophic engine failure with little to no warning the car was mass produced and this is a common issue therefore should be recalled

NHTSA complaint #11751677 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

Low oil pressure light came on during interstate drive. Later analysis at dealership revealed this is related to faulty oil pump with plastic parts in B58 engine.

NHTSA complaint #11750271 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

I replaced my starter prior to a recall that was issued. After the recall, I submitted a claim for reimbursement and the check was issued. Bmw of North American has not updated the recall information associated with my vin. I am this unable to list my vehicle on any rental platform as it is showing a status of an open recall for the starter. The repair was done in September, 2025 and I was reimbursed 3 weeks ago.

NHTSA complaint #11749940 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SUSPENSION

Hello, my front differential recently failed on my BMW. based on some research, this appears to be a manufacturing defect that BMW isn't covering affecting many owners of this car.

NHTSA complaint #11749436 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

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.

NHTSA complaint #11743022 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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.

NHTSA complaint #11741425 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:CONDENSOR/EVAPORATOR

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.

NHTSA complaint #11741425 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

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.

NHTSA complaint #11739764 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

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.

NHTSA complaint #11739764 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

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.

NHTSA complaint #11739764 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

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.

NHTSA complaint #11739184 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.