2020 BMW X5: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2020 BMW X5: 11 recalls, 113 owner complaints and up to 23 mpg combined.
Recalls
11 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Steering Vehicle recall #19V631000 · 2019 · 12 vehicles
What's wrong: The steering rack pinion teeth May break under load, resulting in a loss of steering control.
Why it matters: A loss of steering control increases risk of a crash.
The fix: Bmw will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering rack, free of charge. The recall began August 21, 2019.
Backup camera Vehicle recall #19V684000 · 2019 · 257,473 vehicles
What's wrong: 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."
Why it matters: The lack of an image in the back-up camera display increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Bmw will notify owners, and dealers will update the back-up camera software, free of charge. The recall began November 8, 2019.
Steering, Steering Vehicle recall #20V434000 · 2020 · 7 vehicles
What's wrong: The steering column shaft bearing plate May not have been properly attached to the vehicle, allowing it to loosen.
Why it matters: A loose bearing plate can affect the vehicle's handling and control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: 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…
Electrical, Transmission & drivetrain Vehicle recall #20V465000 · 2020 · 21 vehicles
What's wrong: The starter motor May have an extra bolt that could potentially fall into the transmission housing and cause an engine stall.
Why it matters: An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: 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…
Exterior lights Vehicle recall #20V528000 · 2020 · 307 vehicles
What's wrong: 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."
Why it matters: Oncoming drivers May be confused by the blue light of approaching vehicles, which could potentially increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Bmw will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the headlamps and, if necessary, replace them, free of charge. The recall began October 30, 2020.
Suspension Vehicle recall #20V678000 · 2020 · 83 vehicles
What's wrong: The weld between the front axle support and the right front control arm bearing bracket May separate.
Why it matters: If the weld between the front axle support and the right front control arm bearing bracket separates, vehicle handling and control May be affected, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Bmw will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front axle support, free of charge. The recall began December 18, 2020.
Brakes (hydraulic), Brakes (hydraulic) Vehicle recall #21V062000 · 2021 · 893 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: A loss of ABS and a reduction in braking assistance can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Bmw will notify owners, and dealers will replace the integrated brake system, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 25, 2021.
Backup camera, Backup camera Vehicle recall #21V096000 · 2021 · 13,858 vehicles
What's wrong: 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."
Why it matters: If the driver relies on only the rearview camera image, the missing or reduced rearview image view can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
The fix: 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.
Visibility (wipers, glass) Vehicle recall #22V267000 · 2022 · 61,221 vehicles
What's wrong: 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."
Why it matters: A sunroof that closes without the key fob present inside the vehicle can increase the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will reprogram the roof function control unit, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 20, 2022.
Engine & cooling, Electrical Vehicle recall #24V576000 · 2024 · 105,588 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: A starter motor that overheats can ignite nearby combustible material in the engine compartment, increasing the risk of a fire.
The fix: Dealers will update the vehicle software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 27, 2024.
Electrical Vehicle recall #25V644000 · 2025 · 145,102 vehicles
What's wrong: After repeated attempts, the starter motor May overheat from an electrical overload.
Why it matters: An overheated starter motor can ignite nearby combustible material in the engine compartment, increasing the risk of a fire.
The fix: 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.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 7 mention a fire, 5 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Electrical (39): the most common themes are electrical failure (24), warning light on (11), stalls / loses power (8).
- Engine (33): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (7), electrical failure (6), warning light on (6).
- Transmission & drivetrain (17): the most common themes are hard / delayed shifting (4), warning light on (4).
- Other / unknown (15): the most common themes are fire / smoke (5), electrical failure (3), won't start (3).
The 2020 BMW X5 has 113 owner complaints, ranking #12 of 28 X5 model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 113). Complaints peaked in 2026 (40 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 5 years old, at a median of 54,000 miles. Neighboring years: 2019 (191 complaints, 13 recalls), 2021 (109 complaints, 12 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.0 L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 21 | 26 | 23 | Premium |
| 3.0 L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 20 | 26 | 22 | Premium |
| 4.4 L 8-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 16 | 22 | 18 | Premium |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2020 BMW X5.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
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FAQ
Does the 2020 BMW X5 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 11 vehicle recalls for the 2020 BMW X5. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2020 BMW X5 problems?
Owners have filed 113 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are electrical (39), engine (33), transmission & drivetrain (17).
What gas mileage does the 2020 BMW X5 get?
EPA ratings run up to 23 mpg combined (3.0 L, Automatic (S8)), across 3 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2020 BMW X5 repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.