13 of the
111 complaints about the 2022 BMW X5 are about the
electrical system — 12% of everything
reported for this model year.
Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before
19,500 miles.
The high-voltage battery system (this is a plug-in hybrid) began intermittently displaying a "battery not properly charging" warning approximately 6 months ago; the issue would resolve after plugging in and charging. On July 14, 2026, while driving, the vehicle displayed a "critical battery failure - pull over immediately and drive slowly" warning. The driver pulled over and shut off the vehicle; the warning cleared and the car appeared to drive normally afterward. This warning recurred several times over the following weeks under the same pattern. On August 6, 2026, the same critical battery failure warning appeared while driving; this time steering feel and drivetrain response were abnormal, and the air conditioning and several electronic features stopped working. Our safety, and the safety of other drivers on the road, was put at risk by the sudden loss of full vehicle control while in motion. The vehicle has been at an authorized BMW dealership for inspection since August 7, 2026; a full diagnosis is pending. Dealer service staff independently remarked that two other BMW X-series plug-in hybrids came in that same morning with the identical warning and symptoms, suggesting this may be a widespread component defect rather than an isolated issue.
NHTSA complaint #11755843 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Butte, MT
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Electronic Shifter goes out when exposed to moisture.. We had the vehicle detailed and it will not move after apparently some moisture got into the shift know that is located next to cup holders.. BMW will not warranty the part and acknowledge it is an issue.. Luckily we have an extended warranty that is covering the 2500.00 part
NHTSA complaint #11742257 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hoschton, GA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
While driving, the vehicle displayed a 'Drivetrain malfunction' warning on the dashboard and began jerking. I safely pulled over and turned off the vehicle. Immediately after stopping, there was a distinct, strong electrical burning smell coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle was inspected by an authorized BMW dealership. The dealer diagnosed a catastrophic failure of the starter motor. The vehicle's computer logged fault codes 21611A (excessive counter-torque), 21A511 (Start system: Timeout), and 216119 (Line disconnection). These codes confirm the starter motor suffered a severe electrical overload and thermal event. This premature failure and fire hazard identically matches the safety risks outlined in BMW's recent massive starter motor recalls (such as NHTSA Recalls 25V-636 and 26V-056), but my specific vehicle is currently excluded from those recall campaigns. The starter requires complete replacement due to this overheating damage
NHTSA complaint #11721325 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pineville, LA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
During a trip out of town, I saw a warning light that informed me that the engine coolant level was low and that scalding could occur. The next morning, my husband checked the coolant levels and added coolant to the reservoir. Later that day, I received the same warning message. The vehicle was leaking coolant and could not sustain the appropriate levels. We brought the vehicle to the local BMW dealership and was told that the coolant pump had broken from the inside and would need to be replaced.
NHTSA complaint #11707720 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Portland, OR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Electrical-soy covered wires causes rodents to chew wires causing electrical defaults and faulty control. Windshield - Minor chips causing massive cracks - happened twice in a 2 week time frame. After it was replaced. Cracked again
NHTSA complaint #11706187 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 21,000 milesAvenel, NJ
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2022 BMW X5. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer for routine service. The contact stated that during the inspection of the vehicle, the dealer discovered that the water pump was beginning to leak coolant onto electrical circuits, inside the engine compartment. The dealer recommended the water pump replacement. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System), however, the vehicle model year was not part of the original VIN selection. The failure mileage was approximately 21,000.
NHTSA complaint #11704563 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Oviedo, FL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Sudden loss of power. Vehicle warning after starting stating power supply issue even after a brand new battery from the dealership. 3 similar incidents in a month. During the final incident the vehicle was again towed to the dealership where it’s been there for over a week and power supply issues persist. They are changing the whole high voltage box due to some unfixable errors.
NHTSA complaint #11676845 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Woodbury, MN
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Car has premature failure from the AC system. My system started to fail between 40-50k miles. Both the AC compressor and condenser failed causing metal pieces to be in the system. If not fixed, those metal shavings will cause failure in other electrical systems including the HV battery.
NHTSA complaint #11659962 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Dublin, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
On Dec 9, 2024 I was driving my 2022 BMW X5 45E on (in EV mode) local roads at approximately 30-35mph when all of a sudden I lost power and the steering wheel became tight. My instrument panels all showed a multitude of errors including: "Chassis stabilization", "Power Supply", "Reduced Power", "Transmssion Malfuction", and others I do not recall. I was fortunately able to turn into a parking lot slowly, but the steering was tight to the point I had to use 2 hands to make turn. There was also no throttle response. As soon as the car came to a stop, I powered it off and turned it on. The car's screens were blinking and the car would not turn on. I contacted BMW Roadside and the car was towed to the dealership at East Bay BMW in Pleasanton. As of today I am still waiting for a reply on the condition of the vehicle. Yesterday I was told that they will change out the battery first and see if this solves the problem. My biggest concern is that had this happened to me on the highway that I or someone would have gotten seriously injured or may result in death from an accident. I lost power to the car and the steering became stiff.
NHTSA complaint #11631211 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Philadelphia, PA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
My vehicle has experienced failure of the power control system 4 times. The issue first occurred at 9,905 miles 8 months after my new car purchase. The dealer has attempted repairs under BMW corporate guidance yet the same failure has occurred repeatedly. When the failure occurs a warning message instructs that you stop driving immediately. The failure can cause malfunction of power systems. In the most recent incident on January 9 the power steering began to fail. Given the inability to correct the problem and having to cease driving when the malfunction occurs I believe the vehicle is unsafe to drive. I contacted BMW North America after the most recent repair and they are unwilling to replace car. They offered me $1,500 loyalty credit despite the fact that the car has proven unsafe to drive
NHTSA complaint #11566434 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Apex, NC
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
We have started noticing a burning smell whenever the vehicle is plugged into a charging station. At first we thought it was due to the charger, but the issue continued after we replaced the charging unit. Further, we also tried charging the unit at another station and experienced the same issue. This can be a potential fire risk and we'd like to get the matter resolved at the earliest. We have not seen this same issue with the 2023 version of the X5 hybrid.
NHTSA complaint #11547658 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 18,000 milesPhoenix, AZCrash1 injured
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ADAS:AUTONOMOUS/SELF DRIVING
The contact owned a 2022 BMW X5. The contact stated that while driving at unknown speeds in self-driving mode, it crashed into the rear of a disabled Ford Utility van. The contact sustained a cracked clavicle and medical attention was provided. A police report was filed. All the air bags were deployed. There was no reported fire. The vehicle was towed to an impound yard. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 18,000. The insurance deemed the vehicle a total loss.
NHTSA complaint #11511624 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hinsdale, IL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The car's start and stop feature due to the way it is programed started up the car when it was already turned off in a garage causing carbon monoxide to fill up in the garage. There is no way to turn off the start/stop feature on the car to protect yourself or to make sure it's off. Very confusing and can create a risk of a person being hurt or killed due to the confusion of how the system works. This is a very dangerous situation.
NHTSA complaint #11502080 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.