BMW X5 engine problems

914 of the 4,578 complaints filed about the BMW X5 are about the engine — 100% of everything owners reported. The worst model year for it is 2011.

914

Complaints

100%

Share of all complaints

9

Crashes

65

Fires

Engine & Cooling complaints by model year

2000 X5 1 0.1%

Median failure at 122,000 miles

2001 X5 42 4.6%

Median failure at 94,500 miles

2002 X5 28 3.1%

Median failure at 86,000 miles

2003 X5 36 3.9%

Median failure at 72,100 miles

2004 X5 11 1.2%

Median failure at 102,000 miles

2005 X5 17 1.9%

Median failure at 83,000 miles

2006 X5 14 1.5%

Median failure at 85,000 miles

2007 X5 12 1.3%

Median failure at 105,750 miles

2008 X5 83 9.1%

Median failure at 69,000 miles

2009 X5 36 3.9%

Median failure at 85,500 miles

2010 X5 53 5.8%

Median failure at 91,500 miles

2011 X5 120 13.1%

Median failure at 71,000 miles

2012 X5 104 11.4%

Median failure at 73,000 miles

2013 X5 50 5.5%

Median failure at 65,000 miles

2014 X5 21 2.3%

Median failure at 101,078 miles

2015 X5 51 5.6%

Median failure at 99,000 miles

2016 X5 21 2.3%

Median failure at 114,865 miles

2017 X5 16 1.8%

Median failure at 60,000 miles

2018 X5 20 2.2%

Median failure at 73,000 miles

2019 X5 61 6.7%

Median failure at 65,397 miles

2020 X5 48 5.3%

Median failure at 60,000 miles

2021 X5 31 3.4%

Median failure at 44,000 miles

2022 X5 15 1.6%

Median failure at 53,000 miles

2023 X5 4 0.4%
2024 X5 13 1.4%

Median failure at 4,023 miles

2025 X5 4 0.4%

Median failure at 3,165 miles

2026 X5 2 0.2%

What owners said

2020 BMW X5 Corona Del Mar, CA

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.

2020 BMW X5 Bakersfield, CA

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.

2016 BMW X5 Crestview, FL

ENGINE

I am reporting a suspected high-pressure fuel pump safety defect involving my 2016 BMW X5 xDrive35d, VIN [XXX], with approximately 103,186 miles. The check engine light illuminated and BMW Fort Walton diagnosed failed fuel injectors and recommended injector replacement. I subsequently had the vehicle inspected by Techmaster in Fort Walton, Florida, where metallic shavings and debris were discovered within the high-pressure fuel system. After notifying BMW Fort Walton of these findings, I was advised that my VIN is not included in NHTSA Recall 21V-586: High Pressure Fuel Pump. I am concerned because the metallic contamination found in my vehicle appears similar or identical to the high-pressure fuel pump failure conditions addressed by Recall 21V-586. The contamination may also have caused consequential damage to the fuel injectors and other associated fuel-system components. I respectfully request that NHTSA review whether my vehicle, and potentially other BMW X5 xDrive35d vehicles currently excluded from Recall 21V-586, may be experiencing the same or substantially similar high-pressure fuel pump defect. Replacing only the failed injectors without identifying and correcting the source of metallic contamination could leave debris in the fuel system and potentially result in additional fuel-system failure. BMW Fort Walton has advised me that my VIN is outside the current recall population. I am requesting that this case be reviewed as a potential safety defect and possible issue with the scope of the existing recall. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11763414 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2020 BMW X5 Newton, MA

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.

2022 BMW X5 Laguna Woods, CA

ENGINE

xDrive all-wheel-drive has made the car slow down unexpectedly and produce a shudder, especially in slow corners and under gentle acceleration. The vehicle has also rapidly accelerated upon entering or exiting a freeway on ramp.

NHTSA complaint #11763265 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2015 BMW X5 at 160,000 miles Aurora, CO Fire

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

The contact owned a 2015 BMW X5. The contact stated that while driving 60 MPH, the contact became aware of sparks outside the driver's and passenger's side of the vehicle. The contact became aware that there were flames coming from under the hood. The contact stated that the fire had started in the engine compartment. The message "Add Coolant" was displayed, and there was an abnormal odor while the vehicle was on fire. The contact immediately exited the vehicle. The Fire Department responded to the scene and extinguished the fire. A fire report was filed. The vehicle was completely burned and was towed to a tow yard, where it was deemed a total loss by the insurance company. The vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V907000 (Fuel System, Diesel). Additionally, the EGR cooler and the diesel particulate sensor were replaced under warranty; however, the repairs failed to fix the vehicle. The manufacturer, BMW, was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.

NHTSA complaint #11763108 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2019 BMW X5 Pittsburgh, PA

ENGINE

The BMW B58 Technical Update (B58TU) engine utilizes a variable-displacement oil pump incorporating internal components manufactured from thermoplastic rather than traditional metal. These plastic internal parts are prone to severe thermal degradation and brittleness over time. Under normal operating conditions—and particularly during cold-starts in low ambient temperatures—the plastic elements suffer structural fatigue and catastrophically fracture, destroying the pump's ability to maintain oil pressure. A primary indicator of failure is the vehicle's inability to complete an electronic oil level measurement, quickly followed by a critical "Low Oil Pressure: Stop Engine" warning. This defect poses an immediate and severe hazard to motor vehicle safety. A sudden loss of engine oil pressure while traveling at highway speeds results in immediate oil starvation and catastrophic engine seizure. This causes a sudden loss of motive power and can lead to a loss of power-assisted steering and braking. Operating a vehicle that suddenly stalls or seizes in fast-moving traffic creates an extreme risk of high-speed rear-end collisions and leaves occupants stranded in highly hazardous highway conditions. Because BMW quietly transitioned back to a ruggedized metal oil pump design in later production runs without issuing a safety recall or notice for earlier models, thousands of vehicles remain on the road with an inherently defective, safety-critical engine component. I request that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) open a formal safety defect investigation into this component to mandate a safety recall and protect the public.

NHTSA complaint #11762587 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2020 BMW X5 Fullerton, CA

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.

2020 BMW X5 Uniondale, NY

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.

2021 BMW X5 at 49,000 miles Stuart, FL

ENGINE

The contact owns a 2021 BMW X5. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to immediately start. The vehicle started later. The engine and a yellow warning light flashed on the instrument panel. Upon research, the contact located the German Federal Motor Transport Authority (Kraftfahrt-Bundesamt), for KBA Reference Number: 16131R, which was associated with the starter motor. The contact stated that the failure was associated with NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V576000 (Electrical System, Engine and Engine Cooling) and 25V644000 (Electrical System). The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who determined that the failure was associated with the starter motor, which was replaced. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and the contact was informed that there was no recall on the VIN associated with the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 49,000.

NHTSA complaint #11759048 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2021 BMW X5 at 49,000 miles Stuart, FL

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

The contact owns a 2021 BMW X5. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to immediately start. The vehicle started later. The engine and a yellow warning light flashed on the instrument panel. Upon research, the contact located the German Federal Motor Transport Authority (Kraftfahrt-Bundesamt), for KBA Reference Number: 16131R, which was associated with the starter motor. The contact stated that the failure was associated with NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V576000 (Electrical System, Engine and Engine Cooling) and 25V644000 (Electrical System). The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who determined that the failure was associated with the starter motor, which was replaced. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and the contact was informed that there was no recall on the VIN associated with the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 49,000.

NHTSA complaint #11759048 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2022 BMW X5 Johns Creek, GA

ENGINE

Description of the Complaint: I own a 2022 BMW X5 (VIN: [XXX], current mileage: approximately 39,500 miles as of 08/24/2026) equipped with the B58TU engine, which uses a plastic oil pump (part number 11418646454) rather than a metal one. I have not yet experienced an actual failure, but I am reporting this as a precautionary safety concern based on the following: 1. On BMW's official parts reference site (RealOEM.com), the oil pump for my specific vehicle is flagged with an "Attention! Observe PuMA measure 65494813" notice, indicating BMW's own internal system has identified a known issue requiring special observation for this part. 2. I have learned that BMW Korea has acknowledged this plastic oil pump issue following a government investigation, and has committed to a full free repair program for affected vehicles in Korea. 3. I am aware of multiple reports and complaints from other B58TU engine owners in the United States regarding this same plastic oil pump issue. 4. Given that the oil pump is a critical component for engine lubrication, a failure of this part while driving — particularly during highway or long-distance travel — could pose a serious safety risk, including sudden loss of engine oil pressure and potential engine seizure at speed. I am filing this report to bring this issue to NHTSA's attention before an actual failure occurs, and to request that this be considered as part of any pattern analysis regarding B58TU engine oil pump defects in the United States. - **Year:** 2022 - **Make:** BMW - **Model:** X5 - **VIN:** [XXX] - **Mileage:** 39,500 - **Component:** Engine and Engine Cooling (or "Engine Oil System" if listed separately) - **Attachments:** RealOEM.com INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11758988 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2010 BMW X5 Northlake, IL

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

See attached document for complaint

NHTSA complaint #11758461 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2026 BMW X5 Arlington, VA

ENGINE

I was driving at 70 mph on the highway when the car suddenly and without warning went into neutral, lost all functionality, and displayed the warning "Drivetrain Malfunction--Stop Driving Immediately--Call Roadside Assistance." I had to drift (barely) to side of a busy highway and exit the vehicle to get to safety. The dealer review of fault codes include: High-voltage system: No voltage established; No communication possible with: Accumulator-management electronics; SME: Software action required; Function: Acceleration not possible; Function: It is not possible to establish the drive-ready state; Drive function: Repair measure will soon be necessary. This happened on XXX around noon on XXX in [XXX]. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11757606 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2021 BMW X5 Lafayette, LA

ENGINE

The front driveshaft universal joint failed causing the drive shaft to bust a hole in the engine and crack the transmission. There was no knocking noise prior to failure. It suddenly failed, disengaged and caused damage. I was told by service manager the u-bolt must have been defective to have failed without warning.

NHTSA complaint #11756576 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2018 BMW X5 Oakland, CA

ENGINE

I am reporting a recurring catastrophic high-pressure fuel-pump/fuel-system failure in my 2018 BMW X5 after BMW previously repaired the same type of failure, and subsequently performed the NHTSA HPFP recall on my vehicle. I am a 71 year old driver. This was a repeat catastrophic failure after Recall 21V-586 was performed and the loss of propulsion on the freeway was terrifying, and I almost crashed into other cars! At 42,763 miles, the vehicle experienced a catastrophic failure while being driven. The vehicle shut off while driving and would not restart. Santa Monica BMW documented a “HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP MALFUNCTION” and fault codes. BMW's technician followed the fuel-system test plan and reported that the fuel quality control valve had metal shavings. See Invoice 42,763.pdf BMW subsequently issued NHTSA Recall 21V-586 concerning the HPFP on affected BMW diesel vehicles, including my vehicle. BMW performed the recall repair at Weatherford BMW at approximately 58,292 miles. The repair order identifies the work as “PERFORM RECALL B130121 HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP” and documents replacement of the high-pressure fuel pump. See Invoice 58,292. At 120,945 miles, the vehicle experienced another, similar catastrophic failure while I was again driving on a freeway. Weatherford BMW subsequently diagnosed multiple fuel/rail-pressure faults. The technician removed the fuel quantity control valve to check for swarf and found magnetic metal shavings in the fuel system. See Invoice 120,945 These failures are particularly concerning to my safety. I am submitting this complaint to the NHTSA because I believe the recurrence of a catastrophic system failure, including metal contamination and loss of propulsion, after BMW previously replaced the complete fuel system under warranty and subsequently performed the HPFP recall remedy, warrants investigation to determine whether the recall remedy or the underlying HPFP/fuel-system defect can cause a subsequent failure of this nature.

NHTSA complaint #11756344 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2023 BMW X5 Tyler, TX

ENGINE

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. BMW has had water pump recalls in the past for similar years of x5 SUV, but our VIN is not included in the current recalls. Photographs of the recalled water pumps look exactly like our pictures. I believe the recall should be expanded to include additional BMW models/VIN ranges.

NHTSA complaint #11756061 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2020 BMW X5 Burbank, CA

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.

2026 BMW X5 Charlotte, NC Crash 8 injured

ENGINE

I have a 2026 BMW X5 50E. I experienced the same malfunction twice in the same day. The first occurrence was when I was taking my husband to a doctors appointment. While parking the car and when I was almost at a stop the vehicle lurched forward and was stopped by the concrete curb. My husband asked me what happened and I said I don’t know. The second occurrence was about two hours later after visiting a second doctors office I headed to a lunch spot. I pulled into a parking spot and had come almost to a stop and once again the vehicle lurched forward with an even more powerful sudden acceleration. The vehicle struck a metal railing, bordering, an outdoor dining area. Once the railing was hit It pushed into a large freestanding metal continuous privacy panel. The privacy panel collapsed on people and caused multiple injuries. This incident endangered the safety of myself and the safety of many others. There were multiple injuries. I have not yet had the vehicle inspected by a third-party. I received no warnings on the car or through the app prior to the failure. These incidents occurred on July 31, 2026 between 10 AM and 12 PM. I have read and saved the error codes available on the car. There may be some that are associated with the incident. Also of note the incident occurred several days after a software update on July 26 at 1:30 AM

NHTSA complaint #11754180 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2019 BMW X5 Clarksville, TN

ENGINE

The oil pump failed on my X5. The factory installed oil pump has a plastic housing that cracks and leads to oil pump failure. BMW replaced the part with a newer model that has a metal housing.

NHTSA complaint #11752535 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Other BMW X5 problems