Last updated: 2026-10-10

2023 BMW X5
RELIABILITY SCORE: 65/100 (GOOD)

2023 BMW X5 Reliability Report

The 2023 BMW X5 has good reliability, but owners report sudden power loss and shutdowns while driving. Four recalls apply.

Recalls

4

Complaints

24

Complaint Rate

3.3per 10,000 sold

Est. Repair Cost

$1166

Annual Fuel Cost

$3,850–$4,600

Detailed Score Breakdown

Complaint Severity76/100

Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume

Repair Costs40/100

Independent repair cost ratings

Recall Impact71/100

Recall count weighted by severity

Issue Diversity82/100

Breadth of reported problem categories

The Verdict

Consider

Final year of the fourth generation, with good reliability and far fewer complaints and recalls than 2024, though power loss while driving is the main complaint.

Top Issues to Watch

  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (5)
  • POWER TRAIN (4)
  • VISIBILITY (2)

Generation & Refresh (US)

Final Year

2023 is the last model year of the Fourth generation (G05/G18/F95).

  • Final-year models are typically the most refined version of a generation.
  • 4th generation X5 (US).

What this means for buyers

Final-year models are usually the most polished version of a generation, but resale value may dip as buyers anticipate the next redesign.

2018: Fourth generation (G05/G18/F95) Launch

Generation start — new platform.

2023: This Model Year

2023 is the last model year of the Fourth generation (G05/G18/F95).

Should You Buy the 2023 BMW X5?

Good reliability is the verdict, though this SUV ranks below average against other 2023 SUVs. Among the nine scored X5 model years, it is among the stronger. Owners filed 24 complaints, or 3.3 per 10,000 sold. The 2022 rates about the same, while the 2024 rates worse, with far more complaints and recalls. Repairs average $1,166 a year against $1,127 for the class.

The complaints that matter involve losing power. Owners describe a drivetrain or four-wheel-drive warning, then a speed cap or the car dropping out of gear. Others report sudden shutdowns while driving, with the car coasting until restarted. The center screen can also flicker and go black, taking the radio, climate controls and cameras with it. One dealer traced a case to corrosion in the head unit at just under 51,000 miles. Federal recall records list four recalls: power train, seats (two) and visibility.

Ask the seller for proof that all four recalls were completed, and for dealer records of any drivetrain warnings or screen faults. The 2022 is a reasonable comparison, with good reliability and one recall.

Compared to the 2024 BMW X5, which scored 8 points lower. See also the 2022 BMW X5 for an earlier comparison.

Pros

  • +Acceptable reliability score
  • +Below-average complaint rate for SUV
  • +Well-established generation
  • +Only 24 complaints reported

Cons

  • −Frequent unscheduled repairs
  • −Moderate recall count
  • −ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: Sudden shutdowns while driving are the most serious pattern (5 complaints)

Compare 2023 BMW X5 With

Common Problem Categories

Safety

LOW RISK
  • 4 manufacturer recalls issued

Other

HIGH RISK
  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (5)
  • UNKNOWN OR OTHER (5)

See detailed breakdown by component ↓

Recall Overview

4

recalls on record

A moderate 4 recalls are on file for the 2023 BMW X5. Each one points to a specific safety or compliance issue identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA — check the list below before buying.

NHTSA.gov →

Complaint Breakdown

3.3

per 10,000 sold

Segment avg: 11.3

LowAvgHigh
Low

Safety Incidents

3

Crashes

0

Fires

1

Injuries

0

Deaths

★★★★★

NHTSA 4/5 Stars

Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.

2023 BMW X5 Recall Details

4 recalls have been issued for the 2023 BMW X5. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.

23V8210002023-12-06

POWER TRAIN

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2023 Toyota GR Supra, 3 Series Sedan (330i xDrive, M340i xDrive, M3), 5 Series Sedan (530i, 530i xDrive, M5), 4 Series Gran Coupe (430i, 430i xDrive), 4 Series Coupe (430i, 430i xDrive, M440i xDrive), 4 Series Convertible (430i, 430i xDrive, M440i xDrive), 8 Series Coupe (840i, M850i xDrive, M8), 8 Series Convertible (840i, M850i xDrive, M8), 8 Series Gran Coupe (850i xDrive, M8), X3 SAV (X3 xDrive30i, X3M), X4 SAV (X4 xDrive30i), X5 SAV (X5 xDrive40i, X5 M50i, X5M), X6 SAV (X6 xDrive40i, X6 M50i, X6M), and Z4 sDrive30i, Z4 M40i vehicles. The weld seam of the integrated transmission control unit's cover may not have been manufactured properly, which could allow automatic transmission oil to leak into the transmission control unit.

Consequence

Transmission oil that leaks into the control unit can lead to a seizure of the transmission gears, causing a sudden loss of drive power and increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the transmission mechatronics module and the automatic transmission fluid, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 26, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

23V2530002023-04-06

SEATS

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2023 X5 sDrive40i, X5 xDrive40i, X5 M50i, X5 M and X5 xDrive45e vehicles. The head restraints for the second-row outboard seats may have been improperly manufactured without locking tabs in the guide sleeves. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 202, "Head Restraints."

Consequence

A head restraint without a locking tab may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy

Dealers will inspect and replace the second-row outboard seat head restraint guide sleeves, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 31, 2023. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

22V9420002022-12-19

SEATS

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2023 X5 sDrive40i, X5 M50i and X5 xDrive 45e vehicles. One of the four bolts that connects the backrest to the driver's seat frame may not have been correctly installed.

Consequence

A loose driver's seat backrest may not properly restrain the occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy

Dealers will inspect the driver's seat backrest and if necessary, install an attachment bolt, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed February 17, 2023. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

VIN History Report

Buying a used 2023 BMW X5? Check its history first

Electrical system problems lead owner complaints about the 2023 BMW X5, and 4 recalls were issued for it. A VIN check shows whether this car's recall work was done, plus accident, title, and odometer history.

No VIN? Just hit “Check VIN” to look one up.

  • Accidents
  • Open Recalls
  • Title History
  • Odometer Rollback

2023 BMW X5 NHTSA Safety Ratings

Overall Safety Rating

Overall safety rating: 4 out of 5
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)

Gas Powertrain

Driver: 4/5Passenger: 4/5

Rollover risk: 15.9%

Safety Technologies

Dynamic Head Restraints (Driver, Front Passenger)Head Restraint (Driver, Front Passenger, 2nd row)Advanced Belt Feature (Not Available)Seat Belt Pretensioners (Driver, Front Passenger, 2nd row)Seat Belt Load Limiters (Driver, Front Passenger, 2nd row)Adjustable Upper Belt Anchorage (Not Available)Seat Belt Reminder System (Driver, Front Passenger, 2nd row)Frontal Air Bag (Driver, Front Passenger)Head Protection (Driver, Front Passenger, 2nd row)Torso and/or Pelvis Protection (Driver, Front Passenger, 2nd row)Knee (Driver, Front Passenger)Additional Air Bags (Not Available)Meets Side Air Bag Out-of-Position Requirements (Yes)LATCH Locations (2nd row)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) (Standard)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) locations (Not Available)

Gas / HEV Powertrain

Rollover risk: 0.0%

Safety Technologies

Dynamic Head Restraints (Driver, Front Passenger)Head Restraint (Driver, Front Passenger, 2nd row)Advanced Belt Feature (Not Available)Seat Belt Pretensioners (Driver, Front Passenger, 2nd row)Seat Belt Load Limiters (Driver, Front Passenger, 2nd row)Adjustable Upper Belt Anchorage (Not Available)Seat Belt Reminder System (Driver, Front Passenger, 2nd row)Frontal Air Bag (Driver, Front Passenger)Head Protection (Driver, Front Passenger, 2nd row)Torso and/or Pelvis Protection (Driver, Front Passenger, 2nd row)Knee (Driver, Front Passenger)Additional Air Bags (Not Available)Meets Side Air Bag Out-of-Position Requirements (Yes)LATCH Locations (2nd row)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) (Standard)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) locations (Driver, Front Passenger, 2nd row)
View full safety data on NHTSA.gov →

BMW X5Repair Costs & Maintenance

Maintenance Rating

2Maintenance rating: 2 out of 5

Based on NHTSA complaint patterns, recall severity, and publicly available cost benchmarks.

Est. Annual Maintenance

$1166

vs $1127 avg for luxury fullsize SUVs

vs $652 avg for all vehicles

Repair Frequency

0.8

unscheduled repair visits per year

Severe Repair Probability

17%

chance of a major repair

Annual Cost Comparison

X5
$1166
Category Avg
$1127
All Vehicles
$652

Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.

BMW X5 Resale Value

The BMW X5 is estimated to retain about 49.3% of its original value after 5 years, based on observed used-car listings.

This benchmark covers the BMW X5 model overall and is not specific to the 2023 model year.

Value Retained
49.3%

after 5 years

Depreciation
50.7%

over the same period

Listings Analyzed
720

U.S. used-car listings

Listings observed in . Actual resale value varies by trim, mileage, condition, and location.

Explore BMW X5 depreciation and resale value on CarResaleValue.com

MPG & Annual Running Costs

Gas

15–18 MPG

Running cost: $5,000–$5,750/yr

Fuel + repair

13–16 city / 18–22 hwy MPG

Plug-in Hybrid

20–23 MPG

Running cost: $4,150–$4,600/yr

Fuel + repair

19–21 city / 22–26 hwy MPG

Running cost includes EPA fuel-cost estimate and independent repair-cost data (repair cost estimated at model level). Excludes routine maintenance, depreciation, and insurance. Data as of 2023 EPA label cycle.

Gas trims
TrimDriveTrans.CityHwyCombFuel Cost
X5 M50i 4.4L 8-cylAll-Wheel DriveAutomatic (S8)162218$3,850
X5 M 4.4L 8-cylAll-Wheel DriveAutomatic (S8)131815$4,600
X5 M Competition 4.4L 8-cylAll-Wheel DriveAutomatic (S8)131815$4,600
Plug-in Hybrid trims
TrimDriveTrans.CityHwyCombFuel Cost
X5 xDrive45e 3.0L 6-cylAll-Wheel DriveAutomatic (S8)192220$3,450

Used Buying Checklist

Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing a 2023 BMW X5.

  • Inspect the panoramic sunroof glass for cracks or chips, and ask whether the glass was ever replaced.

  • Check the headliner near the B-pillars for water stains or dampness after rain or a car wash.

  • Ask for service records of drivetrain malfunction warnings, drivetrain software updates, or tows.

  • Accelerate from a stop past 40 mph in both electric and hybrid modes, and watch for jolts, speed limits, or drivetrain warnings.

  • Use the center screen, cameras, radio, and climate controls throughout a long test drive, and confirm none of them cut out.

  • Test both keys and confirm the car recognizes each one and starts every time.

  • Look under the car after it has been parked for a while, and check for fluid leaks.

  • With the car in Park, open each door and confirm the dash shows a door-ajar warning.

2023 BMW X5 Common Problems by Component

24 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.

5
5
4
4
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (5)UNKNOWN OR OTHER (5)POWER TRAIN (4)VISIBILITY (2)SERVICE BRAKES (1)STRUCTURE (1)EXTERIOR LIGHTING (1)FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (1)Other (4)

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

5 complaintsSafety-related

Sudden shutdowns while driving are the most serious pattern. The car plays its power-off sound, the accelerator stops responding, and the vehicle coasts until the driver restarts it. Other reports describe a drivetrain warning after a small water spill reached an electrical compartment, a computer failure that followed the car not recognizing its keys, and a sunroof seal that leaks water near the side airbags. One crash involved a rollaway after the driver got out with the car in Neutral and no parking brake set. The owner blames the car for not shifting to Park when the door opens.

5 complaints total1 crash

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

5 complaintsSafety-related

Several reports say the panoramic sunroof glass bursts at highway speed with the roof closed. Owners hear a loud bang and get no warning. The sunshade catches most of the glass, though some shards still get into the cabin. Another report describes the car accelerating on its own to 50 mph, even while braking, and the dealer found no fault. Others mention drivetrain failure warnings with stuttering. One crash happened when a rear door was ajar, the car never flagged it, and the door hit something.

5 complaints total1 crash

POWER TRAIN

4 complaints

Loss of power while driving is the core complaint. A drivetrain malfunction or four-wheel-drive warning appears, and then the car either limits its speed or drops out of gear. Some owners report a cap of 30 mph in fast highway traffic. Others say the car powers down to the screen it shows when switched off, and restarting can take several presses of the start button. Owners also describe a jolt in electric mode followed by erratic engine revving, which ended in a tow. In at least one case, a dealer software update did not stop the problem.

4 complaints total
VISIBILITY (2 complaints)

VISIBILITY

2 complaints

Without warning, the center screen can flicker and go black while the car is moving. Radio, climate controls, cameras and the safety systems tied to the screen all fail with it. The dealer traced one case to corrosion in the head unit at just under 51,000 miles, even though the car had never been flooded. The other complaint is another sunroof explosion, at about 60 mph and around 6,000 miles, with no warning lights. In that case the dealer neither diagnosed nor repaired the car.

2 complaints total
SERVICE BRAKES (1 complaints)

SERVICE BRAKES

1 complaintSafety-related
2025-12-22Crash reported1 injury

While driving the vehicle at highway speed, the vehicle did not respond as expected during braking. Upon attempting to slow the vehicle, control was lost, the vehicle became unstable, left the roadway, and rolled. As a result of the incident, the driver sustained serious injuries requiring emergency transport and hospitalization. No warning lamps, messages, or brake-related alerts were observed prior to the incident. After the crash, the BMW mobile application displayed a brake system malfunction warning indicating an integrated system brake failure, with a timestamp shortly after the incident. The vehicle has not yet been inspected or diagnosed by a BMW dealer or independent service center. The vehicle remains available for inspection following the crash and has been retained post-incident pending salvage processing.

STRUCTURE (1 complaints)

STRUCTURE

1 complaint
2025-12-18

My sunroof spontaneously exploded yesterday, which sounded like a loud shotgun blast going off. Fortunately my vehicle was stopped at the time, but no rocks or debris had hit it to cause this then or previously, and nothing had fallen on it. No warning or other symptoms prior to this happening, the car was in mint condition and always garaged, 34,750 miles. Could have been much worse had I been driving at highway speeds and not stopped at a traffic light.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING (1 complaints)

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

1 complaint
2025-05-01

On the driver's side the headlight's smaller light stopped working. I brought the car to BMW and they said the LED burned out, which also caused burn marks on the headlight assembly, so the entire headlight assembly needs to be replaced.

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (1 complaints)

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

1 complaint
2024-02-23

The car model I have includes an additional fee for a "drivers" assistance package; this feature doesn't work as designed. BMW likes to call it 'limitations of the system', but will not offer any repair, correction or refund for this "issue". Unfortunately, this issue is such a hazard and pops up so spontaneously, if there were any cars around I would have collided with them. BMW says this is called "greying". The systems doesn't recognize or sense the terrain and attempts to warn the driver, BUT the car will veer on it's own into the second lane or try to cruise into the median. I have this incident on video. It will also not slow to stop when exciting the highway offramp; there have been many times where it has actually dangerously accelerated. I will attach the slip from the dealership, which I have been to 3 times, with no solution. I have communication with the dealership stating that they agree it's a hazard, but don't know how to fix it due to the "limitations of the actual system". Asking for the feature to be removed and get my money back is apparently not something BMW is interested in doing. They would rather keep unsafe and unpredictable vehicles on the road in the name of profit. I am deeply concerned that there are other models like mine on the road that will cause a fatal accident.

TIRES (1 complaints)

TIRES

1 complaint
2023-08-20

The contact owns a 2023 BMW X5 equipped with Continental Tires, Tire Line: Premium Contact 6 SSR, Front Passenger's Side Tire Size: 275/40R/21, DOT Number: A349D74A, Rear Passenger's Side Tire Size: 315/35/R21 YXL, DOT Number: A372D74B. The contact stated while driving 25 MPH, there was an abnormal clunk while the tires were rotating, and a message indicating that the tire pressure was low was displayed. The contact pulled in front of the residence and parked the vehicle. Upon inspecting the tires, the contact noticed that there was a large bulge on the tread of the front passenger's side tire. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where the front passenger's side tire was replaced. The tire was original equipment. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle on another occasion a message indicating that the tire pressure was low, was displayed. Upon inspecting the vehicle, the contact noticed that there was a bulge on the tread of the rear passengers' side tire. The vehicle was taken to another dealer, BMW of Sarasota (5151 Clark Rd, Sarasota, FL 34233), where the tire was replaced. The tire was original equipment. The vehicle manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the tire manufacturer. The tire manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The front passenger's side tire failure mileage was approximately 5,700. The rear passenger's side tire failure mileage was approximately 7,400.

ENGINE (1 complaints)

ENGINE

1 complaint
2023-11-01

On Nov 1, 2023 while accelerating on a freeway entrance ramp so as to merge into traffic on the interstate, vehicle suddenly lost all engine acceleration power and was steered to the side of the ramp so traffic behind could proceed. Vehicle stayed "on" but no engine response from the accelerator pedal being depressed, just idling of the motor. There were no messages or warning lights illuminated prior to, during or after the event. Vehicle was switched off and restarted, function resumed as normal. Dealer has not been able to reproduce the issue and no electronic trace of the incident was recorded by the vehicle on subsequent dealer inspection.

Best & Worst BMW X5 Years

Best BMW X5 Years to Buy

BMW X5 Years to Avoid

BMW X5 Reliability Score Trend

Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.

BMW X5 reliability scores by year
YearScoreRating
201859/100Mixed
201952/100Mixed
202056/100Mixed
202157/100Mixed
202267/100Good
202365/100Good
202457/100Mixed
202564/100Good
202656/100Mixed

BMW X5 Reliability Compared to Other Years

Reliability scores compared across model years
YearScorevs Prior YearRatingRecallsComplaints
202656/100-8Mixed43
202564/100+7Good449
202457/100-8Mixed7134
2023(selected)65/100-2Good424
202267/100+10Good151
202157/100+1Mixed1385
202056/100+4Mixed1181
201952/100-7Mixed13157
201859/100—Mixed663

2023 BMW X5 Reliability by Powertrain

The 2023 BMW X5 is available with 2powertrain options. Here's how they compare on reliability.

Reliability comparison across powertrain options
PowertrainComplaintsRecallsIncidents*Crash Rating
Gas24434 out of 5
Gas / HEV000N/T
Total2443

NHTSA tracks complaints by vehicle configuration when that detail is available. Model-level reports that do not identify a specific powertrain are included in Total but not assigned to a row. A plus sign indicates a confirmed minimum; — means no complaints could be attributed to that specific powertrain. N/T = Not tested by NHTSA.

* Incidents = crash + fire reports. A single complaint can include multiple incident types.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 2023 BMW X5 reliable?
Yes, it has a good reliability standing, and it is among the stronger of the nine scored X5 model years. Against other 2023 SUVs it falls below average. Owners filed 24 complaints, but power loss while driving is the pattern to take seriously.
What are the most common problems with the 2023 BMW X5?
Electrical faults lead with five complaints, followed by power train with four and visibility with two. Owners describe sudden shutdowns, drivetrain warnings that limit speed, and a center screen that goes black while driving. A sunroof seal leak near the side airbags was also reported.
Does the 2023 BMW X5 have power loss problems?
Yes, owners describe it in both the power train and electrical complaints. A drivetrain or four-wheel-drive warning appears, then the car limits speed or drops out of gear. Others say it shut down and coasted until restarted. One owner said a dealer software update did not stop it.
How many recalls does the 2023 BMW X5 have?
Federal recall records list four recalls for this year. They cover the power train, seats (two recalls) and visibility. The 2022 has one recall and the 2024 has seven. Ask the seller for proof that each recall repair was completed.
Is the 2023 BMW X5 better than the 2024?
Based on the data, yes. The 2023 has good reliability, while the 2024 is rated mixed and worse. The 2024 also has 134 complaints and seven recalls, against 24 complaints and four recalls for the 2023. The 2022 rates about the same as the 2023.

Don’t buy a 2023 BMW X5 without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.

Look Up a VIN →

How we score the 2023 BMW X5

Of the four inputs behind this score, the 2023 BMW X5 does best on how many systems draw complaints (82/100) 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.

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