Last updated: 2026-10-10
2023 BMW iX Reliability Report
The 2023 BMW IX has a mixed reliability record, well below other 2023 SUVs, and a driver airbag repair that owners say is held up by parts shortages.
Recalls
12
Complaints
35
Complaint Rate
20.2per 10,000 sold
Est. Repair Cost
N/A
EV Range
274–324 mi
Detailed Score Breakdown
Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume
Independent repair cost ratings
Recall count weighted by severity
Breadth of reported problem categories
The Verdict
Carries 12 recalls, the most of the three years, including an airbag parts shortage and both do-not-drive and park-outside warnings.
Top Issues to Watch
- AIR BAGS (10)
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (5)
- VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (3)
Generation & Refresh (US)
2023 is year 2 of the First generation (I20).
- Redesigned for the 2022 model year.
- A refresh arrives in 2026.
- 1st generation iX (US).
What this means for buyers
Year 2 is typically a safer pick than the first model year — early issues are more likely to be identified, but the platform is still new.
If you're comparing prices, check 2022 (redesign year) vs 2023+ pricing and recalls.
2022: First generation (I20) Launch
Generation start — new platform.
2023: This Model Year
2023 is year 2 of the First generation (I20).
2026: Mid-Cycle Refresh
Updated features and styling tweaks.
Should You Buy the 2023 BMW iX?
Buy this one with caution. Its reliability standing is mixed, and it ranks well below average among 2023 SUVs. Within the three scored IX years it lands in the middle. The 2022 rates worse, while the 2024 rates better and has 4 recalls against 12 here.
Air bags are the biggest concern. The main report is a driver airbag that may not deploy, and owners describe waits of weeks to months for replacement parts. Lessees say they cannot return, buy out, or sell the car while that repair is open. In one crash at about 2,000 miles, the air bags did not deploy. Other owners report the car suddenly losing power while driving, including on the freeway, and surging forward while parking and hitting buildings or other vehicles. Federal recall records include one do-not-drive recall and one park-outside recall for fire risk.
Ask for the full recall history and confirm every repair is finished before you sign. If you want a better-rated year, look at the 2024.
Compared to the 2024 BMW iX, which scored 4 points higher. See also the 2022 BMW iX for an earlier comparison.
Pros
- +Not a first-year model
- +Only 35 complaints reported
Cons
- −Below-average reliability score
- −Above-average recall count
- −Above-average complaint rate for SUV
- −AIR BAGS: Driver airbag that may not deploy dominates these reports, and most describe a... (10 complaints)
- −Safety recall: park-it advisory issued
- −Safety recall: park-outside advisory issued
Compare 2023 BMW iX With
2023 Audi e-tron
Reliability: 46/100
2023 Cadillac Lyriq
Reliability: 67/100
2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE
Reliability: 70/100
2023 Audi Q8
Reliability: 67/100
2023 Porsche Cayenne
Reliability: 61/100
Common Problem Categories
Safety
LOW RISK- 12 manufacturer recalls issued
Other
HIGH RISK- AIR BAGS (10)
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER (8)
Recall Overview
12
recalls on record
The 2023 BMW iX has 12 recalls on record, which is above average. A high count can flag multiple component concerns, though it also shows the manufacturer is actively addressing known issues.
NHTSA.gov →Complaint Breakdown
20.2
per 10,000 soldSegment avg: 11.3
Safety Incidents
12
Crashes
0
Fires
6
Injuries
0
Deaths
Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.
2023 BMW iX Recall Details
12 recalls have been issued for the 2023 BMW iX. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2022-2023 iX xDrive40, iX xDrive50, iX M60, i4 eDrive35, i4 eDrive40, i4 M50, and 2023 i7 xDrive60 vehicles. The high voltage battery electronic control unit (ECU) software may cause an interruption of electrical power.
Consequence
An interruption of electrical power may result in a sudden loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will update the high voltage battery ECU software, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed February 10, 2023. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling one 2023 iX M60 hybrid electric vehicle. The transmission final drive gear in the electric drive unit may have an improperly manufactured weld seam.
Consequence
The gear weld seam could break, resulting in a vehicle rollaway if the parking brake is not applied, and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
A dealer will replace the electric drive unit, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed on November 30, 2022. The owner notification letter is expected to be mailed November 28, 2022. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2022-2023 iX xDrive50, iX M60, 2022 i4 eDrive40, and i4 M50 vehicles. The high voltage battery may have internal damage, resulting in an electrical short-circuit.
Consequence
A short-circuit in a high voltage battery increases the risk of a fire.
Remedy
Owners are advised not to drive or charge their vehicles, and to park outside and away from structures until the remedy is complete. Dealers will replace the high voltage battery, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters, informing owners of the safety risk, were mailed September 23, 2022. A second letter will be mailed when remedy parts become available. Owner notification letters were mailed December 23, 2022. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. Owners will also be contacted by phone.
Showing 10 of 12 recalls. View all on NHTSA.gov →
Buying a used 2023 BMW iX? Check its history first
Air bags problems lead owner complaints about the 2023 BMW iX, and 12 recalls were issued for it. A VIN check shows whether this car's recall work was done, plus accident, title, and odometer history.
- Accidents
- Open Recalls
- Title History
- Odometer Rollback
2023 BMW iX NHTSA Safety Ratings
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)
Gas Powertrain
Rollover risk: 0.0%
Safety Technologies
BMW iXRepair Costs & Maintenance
Maintenance Rating
2Maintenance rating: 2 out of 5Based on NHTSA complaint patterns, recall severity, and publicly available cost benchmarks.
Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.
2023 BMW iX Example Repair Prices
National average price ranges for common repairs. These are not model-year-specific failure predictions.
| Repair | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Tire Pressure Monitor Lamp Diagnosis | $198 – $291 |
| General Diagnosis | $153 – $224 |
| Noise Diagnosis | $198 – $291 |
| Vibration Diagnosis | $198 – $291 |
| No Start Diagnosis | $198 – $291 |
| Pre-Purchase Car Inspection | $275 – $403 |
| Engine Oil Light Diagnosis | $198 – $291 |
| Check Engine Light Diagnosis & Testing | $198 – $291 |
| AC Diagnosis | $153 – $224 |
| Air Conditioning System Leak Inspection | $153 – $224 |
Estimates based on national average repair costs. Actual costs may vary by location and shop.
MPG & Annual Running Costs
Electric
274–324 mi range
Fuel cost: $900–$1,000/yr
Fuel only
38.991–43.502 kWh/100mi · 12 hrs @ 240V
Based on EPA fuel-cost estimates. Excludes routine maintenance, depreciation, and insurance. Data as of 2023 EPA label cycle.
Electric trims
| Trim | Drive | Trans. | Range | kWh/100mi | Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| iX xDrive50 (20 inch wheels) | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (A1) | 324 mi | 39.0 | $900 |
| iX xDrive50 (21 inch wheels) | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (A1) | 305 mi | 40.7 | $900 |
| iX xDrive50 (22 inch wheels) | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (A1) | 315 mi | 39.3 | $900 |
| iX M60 (22 inch wheels) | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (A1) | 274 mi | 43.0 | $950 |
| iX M60 (21 inch wheels) | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (A1) | 288 mi | 43.5 | $1,000 |
Used Buying Checklist
Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing a 2023 BMW iX.
Check the VIN for open recalls and get dealer paperwork showing any airbag repair is completed.
Start the car several times and confirm no airbag, drivetrain, or Emergency Call System warning appears.
Ask for service records showing any high-voltage battery, Combined Charging Unit, or steering rack work.
In an empty lot, creep at parking speed in D and B mode and confirm the car never surges.
Shift between reverse, neutral, and drive repeatedly and watch for a drivetrain fault message or a stuck gear.
Turn the wheel fully left and right and watch for a steering effort warning.
Sniff the cabin for a chemical burning smell after a drive.
Lock and unlock the car several times and confirm both side mirrors unfold every time.
2023 BMW iX Common Problems by Component
35 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
AIR BAGS
10 complaintsSafety-relatedA driver airbag that may not deploy dominates these reports, and most describe a recall repair stalled by a parts shortage. Dealers and BMW customer service tell owners it will be weeks to months before replacement airbags arrive. Some have waited 3+ months. People leasing the car say they cannot return it, buy it out, or sell it while the repair is still open. One report describes an airbag fault message at startup around 6,000 miles. In one crash at about 2,000 miles, the airbags did not deploy.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
8 complaintsSafety-relatedSudden lurching or acceleration at low speed is the most serious pattern. It happens while stopped in B mode and while braking gently to park. Of 8 complaints, 4 involve crashes, and in one a pedestrian was severely injured. Other reports describe the automated recorded-path parking feature backing into a wall without the sensors stopping the car, and a drivetrain fault that left the car stranded and unable to shift. Owners also report airbags not deploying after a skid on a wet road, side mirrors that fail to unfold, and doors that auto-lock with a child and key inside.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
5 complaintsSafety-relatedThe car suddenly loses motive power while driving. Reports describe shutdowns on the freeway and at about 35 mph. One driver lost power steering and power brakes, and another saw a "Malfunction, Pull Over" message. A dealer blamed one failure at 30 miles on an undetermined high-voltage battery fault. Other complaints describe an Emergency Call System warning plus a chemical burning smell, which a dealer linked to an overheating control module. Another describes a crash from unintended movement, after which BMW said it found no defect.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (3 complaints)
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
3 complaintsSafety-relatedUnintended acceleration while parking appears in all 3 complaints, and every one ended in a crash. Injuries reported include whiplash and neck pain. Drivers say the car surges forward at low speed, about 5 mph in one case. It happens right after shifting into drive or while easing into a space, and the car hits a building or other vehicles. One incident happened in B mode. None of the reports names a confirmed cause, and one owner expects BMW to blame driver error.
POWER TRAIN (2 complaints)
POWER TRAIN
2 complaintsSafety-relatedThe car either drops into neutral with a drivetrain fault message or moves when it should stay put. In one report, the car will not go back into drive even after a restart. In the other, a car the driver believed was in park accelerates over a curb and sidewalk into a storefront while passengers are getting out. The airbags do not deploy and the hazard lights do not come on. Only 2 complaints are on file, but both describe the driver losing control of the car's movement.
STEERING (2 complaints)
STEERING
2 complaintsA "steering effort has changed" warning appears in one report. That owner says many other iX drivers have seen the same warning and had the steering rack replaced by the dealer. A second report describes a full shutdown in the middle of the road that leaves the driver unable to accelerate, brake, or steer to the side. The dealer blamed the Combined Charging Unit, and the car stayed at the dealer for a long time. Only 2 complaints are on file.
SEATS (1 complaints)
SEATS
1 complaintThe plastic seat insert that borders the square hole just below the headrest is painful to shorter passengers. Their head feels it even with minor braking. The BMW “fix” (a foam plug) does not provide enough padding or ergonomic benefit to remedy the problem and is issued for a steep fee at the dealership. The major safety issue is if there is a collision. No person’s head should be thrown against a hard plastic object in an accident! Shouldn’t the materials of a headrest be regulated? Shouldn’t there be firm padding made of a soft and relatively flat material?
STRUCTURE (1 complaints)
STRUCTURE
1 complaintSafety-related2023 BMWiX with sudden acceleration issue upon parking. Vehicle has been subject to recall for unintended activation of cruise control upon parking and a software update was supposedly issued by BMW and yet this occurred to me today causing front end collision and lots of damage to my car. Not hurt nor were others but certainly could have been.
BACK OVER PREVENTION (1 complaints)
BACK OVER PREVENTION
1 complaintSafety-relatedOur BMW iX was in B mode at a complete stop behind another parked car at the car wash. After about five minutes, the car took off at full acceleration and rear ended the car in front of us The BMW iX continued another 15 - 20 feet despite my attempts to repeatedly stepping on the breaks.
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (1 complaints)
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
1 complaintWhen overtaking a car on a freeway that is on my right side, occasionally the car, without warning and with no information displayed, my car will suddenly brake for no reason about 3 to 5 mph. I use the accelerator pedal immediately to return to the original speed. This has happened maybe 8 or 10 times. The car has 14,000 miles on it. My wife will not allow me to use the adaptive cruise control when she is in the car as she gets scared when the car suddenly brakes. She is afraid their may be a car behind that might hit us. I have not reported this to BMW.
Best & Worst BMW iX Years
Best BMW iX Years to Buy
Based on reliability index score2024
2023
(Current Model)
2022
BMW iX Years to Avoid
No BMW iX years are statistical outliers in our data.
Scores stay between 52 and 60 across 3 scored model years.
BMW iX Reliability Score Trend
Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.
| Year | Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 52/100 | Mixed |
| 2023 | 56/100 | Mixed |
| 2024 | 60/100 | Good |
BMW iX Reliability Compared to Other Years
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2023 BMW IX reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2023 BMW IX?
Does the 2023 BMW IX have unintended acceleration problems?
Does the 2023 BMW IX have any serious recalls?
Is the 2024 BMW IX more reliable than the 2023?
Don’t buy a 2023 BMW iX without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.
How we score the 2023 BMW iX
Of the four inputs behind this score, the 2023 BMW iX does best on how many systems draw complaints (81/100) and worst on repair costs (40/100). Scores weight complaint severity at 35%, repair costs at 30%, recall impact at 20%, and the spread of complaints across systems at 15%, with complaint counts adjusted for US sales. Read the full methodology.
Get notified when new recalls or reliability data is added for the BMW iX.
No spam. Only data updates for this model.
Browse More BMW Models
BMW 2 Series
Score: 70/100
BMW 3 Series
Score: 76/100
BMW 4 Series
Score: 64/100
BMW 5 Series
Score: 71/100
BMW X1
Score: 74/100
BMW X3
Score: 65/100
Browse More 2023 Vehicles
2023 Lexus RX
Score: 85/100
2023 Toyota Crown
Score: 84/100
2023 Nissan Altima
Score: 84/100
2023 Lexus IS
Score: 83/100
2023 Toyota 4Runner
Score: 82/100
2023 Acura RDX
Score: 82/100
See incorrect data? Report an issue