Last updated: 2026-03-04

64
GoodReliability score: 64 out of 100, rated Good
2025 BMW X5

2025 BMW X5 Reliability Score & Common Problems

The 2025 BMW X5 scores 64/100 ("Good"). With 4 recalls and 49 owner complaints, reliability is acceptable but not class-leading.

Recalls

4

Complaints

49

Complaint Rate

6.4

per 10k sold

Above avg

Est. Annual Cost

$1166

About avg

Major Repair Risk

17%

NHTSA Rating

4/5

Score Breakdown

Complaint Severity35%
70/100 (Good)

Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume

Repair Costs30%
40/100 (Mixed)

Independent repair cost ratings

Recall Impact20%
71/100 (Good)

Recall count weighted by severity

Issue Diversity15%
86/100 (Excellent)

Breadth of reported problem categories

Consider

Acceptable reliability — worth considering with a pre-purchase inspection.

Top Issues

SERVICE BRAKES (23)POWER TRAIN (7)ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (4)

4 recalls on record

Should You Buy the 2025 BMW X5?

The 2025 BMW X5 scores 64/100 ("Good"), placing it in acceptable but not class-leading territory.

Its complaint rate (6.4 per 10k sold) is above the SUV segment average of 4.1. The most common reports involve service brakes, hydraulic (16).

A pre-purchase inspection is recommended for used examples, with particular attention to service brakes, hydraulic (16). An extended warranty may provide additional peace of mind.

Compared to the 2026 BMW X5. See also the 2024 BMW X5 for an earlier comparison.

Pros

  • Acceptable reliability score
  • 4-star NHTSA crash rating
  • Only 49 complaints reported

Cons

  • Frequent unscheduled repairs
  • Moderate recall count
  • Above-average complaint rate for SUV
  • 1 fire incident reported in owner complaints

Compare 2025 BMW X5 With

Common Problem Categories

Safety

  • 4 manufacturer recalls issued

Other

  • SERVICE BRAKES (23)
  • POWER TRAIN (7)
  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (4)
  • VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (3)
  • UNKNOWN OR OTHER (3)
  • STEERING (2)
  • BACK OVER PREVENTION (2)
  • VISIBILITY/WIPER (2)
  • ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) (2)
  • AIR BAGS (1)

See detailed breakdown by component ↓

Recall Overview

4

recalls on record

The 2025 BMW X5 has 4 recalls on record. This is a moderate number. Each recall represents a safety or compliance issue identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships, regardless of warranty status.

NHTSA.gov →

Complaint Breakdown

6.4

per 10k sold

Segment avg: 4.1

LowAvgHigh
Low

Safety Incidents

Crashes

5

Fires

1

Injuries

3

Deaths

0

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

2025 BMW X5 Recall Details

4 recalls have been issued for the 2025 BMW X5. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.

24V6970002024-09-18

ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC), SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

BMW of North America (BMW) is recalling certain 2023-2024 X1, 2024-2025 X5, 2025 X6, 2023-2025 X7, 740i, 760i, 2024 XM, 530i, 540i, i7, 750e, X2, 2024-2025 i5, 2024 Rolls Royce Spectre, 2025 MINI Countryman S ALL4, JCW Countryman ALL4, and 2025 MINI Hardtop 2 Door (Cooper, Cooper S) vehicles. Please refer to the recall report for the complete list of models. The welds in the servomotor of the integrated brake control module may break, causing a loss of power brake assist and rear brake function. In addition, the Antilock Brake System (ABS) and Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) system may not function.

Consequence

A loss of brake power assist or rear brake function can result in extended stopping distance. A loss of ABS or DSC can cause a loss of vehicle handling and control. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the integrated brake system, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 13, 2024. Owners can contact BMW Customer Service at 1-800-525-7417.

24V3450002024-05-15

SEAT BELTS

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2024 XM, 2025 BMW X5 sDrive40i, X5 xDrive40i, X5 M60i, X5 M, X5 xDrive50e, X6 xDrive40i, X6 M60i, X6 M, X7 xDrive40i, X7 M60i, and Alpina XB7 vehicles. The seat belt system may inaccurately detect that passengers are belted, preventing the seat belt warning light from illuminating and possibly causing the supplemental restraint system to not deploy as intended during a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

Consequence

A seat belt warning light that does not alert occupants of an unbelted seat belt or an SRS system that deploys improperly can both increase the risk of injury in a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will inspect and replace the front seat lower seat belts as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 12, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

24V3270002024-05-10

EQUIPMENT

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2024-2025 X5 xDrive40i vehicles. The tire information placard may indicate an incorrect tire size and tire pressure. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."

Consequence

Incorrect tire information can allow an incorrectly sized tire to be installed or result in improperly inflated tires, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the tire information placard, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 9, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

2025 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 (N/A)Meets Side Air Bag Out-of-Position Requirements (Yes)Unattended Child Reminder Direct Sensing System (No)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 X5 Repair 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.

When Buying a Used 2025 BMW X5

Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing, based on the most common reported issues.

  • Inspect for drivetrain malfunction warnings at startup
  • Test brakes for smooth operation and response
  • Check sunroof glass for integrity and signs of stress
  • Verify functionality of rear cross traffic alert system
  • Test hybrid battery charging capability in hot weather
  • Ensure all safety features like airbags and collision avoidance are operational
  • Check for any signs of fluid leaks under the vehicle

Check Any 2025 BMW X5's History Before You Buy

Reliability scores tell you what to expect from the 2025 X5 in general — but every car has its own story. Uncover past accidents, title issues, odometer rollbacks, and service records for a specific BMW X5 with a free VIN lookup.

Powered by VINExposed.com — free vehicle history reports using public title and safety data.

2025 BMW X5 Common Problems by Component

49 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.

23
7
SERVICE BRAKES (23)POWER TRAIN (7)ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (4)VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (3)UNKNOWN OR OTHER (3)STEERING (2)BACK OVER PREVENTION (2)VISIBILITY/WIPER (2)Other (3)

SERVICE BRAKES

23 complaintsSafety-related

Owners of the 2025 BMW X5 frequently report issues with the braking system, particularly related to a recall involving the Electronic Stability Control and Service Brakes, Hydraulic. Many complaints highlight that the parts needed for the recall repair are unavailable, leaving owners without a solution for extended periods, sometimes over a year. Symptoms described include the vehicle failing to brake smoothly and, in some cases, not responding to the brake pedal, leading to three reported crashes and one injury. These issues often occur at low to moderate speeds, with one owner specifically mentioning a failure at approximately 25 MPH. Prospective buyers should be aware of the ongoing recall and the potential for unresolved brake system issues in these vehicles.

23 complaints total3 crashes1 injury

POWER TRAIN

7 complaints

Owners report multiple issues with the 2025 BMW X5's power train, primarily involving drivetrain malfunctions and electrical failures. Complaints frequently mention the vehicle shutting off unexpectedly, often at stop lights, and displaying warnings such as "Drivetrain fault" and "Power Supply Malfunction." These issues typically arise in new vehicles, some with as few as 710 miles. Safety concerns are noted, as vehicles become immobilized in traffic, increasing the risk of accidents. Additionally, some owners describe persistent electronic issues even after repairs, with reports of cracked transmission casings and fluid leaks leading to mechanical failures. These patterns suggest significant reliability issues that potential buyers should consider.

7 complaints total

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

4 complaints

Owners of the 2025 BMW X5 frequently report issues with the vehicle's electrical system. Common symptoms include multiple warning lights illuminating and displaying numerous failure codes, as well as problems with the hybrid battery not charging properly in hot weather. Some owners describe the inability to use climate control features due to battery issues, with one noting the vehicle's failure to maintain a charge when using a 110v outlet. Additionally, there are reports of inoperable safety features, such as blind spot warning lights and collision avoidance systems. These issues are reported at low mileages, around 80 to 3,165 miles, and may affect vehicle safety by impairing essential systems.

4 complaints total
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (3 complaints)

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

3 complaintsSafety-related

Owners of the 2025 BMW X5 report issues related to unintended acceleration, particularly at low speeds or while stationary. Symptoms include the vehicle accelerating without driver input, with one incident leading to a crash and injury. These issues are noted shortly after purchase, around 2,000 miles. Additionally, there is mention of the Forward Collision Braking system being deactivated when cruise control is engaged, which some owners find misleading based on previous model experiences. Safety implications include loss of control and potential collisions, with one report of a vehicle accelerating to 60 MPH unexpectedly.

3 complaints total1 crash1 injury
UNKNOWN OR OTHER (3 complaints)

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

3 complaintsSafety-related

Owners of the 2025 BMW X5 report two primary issues under the unknown or other category. The first and most severe involves a fire incident where a malfunction warning appeared on the infotainment screen, followed by smoke filling the cabin and flames emerging from beneath the vehicle, resulting in a total loss. The second issue involves the panoramic sunroof, with multiple owners describing unexpected explosions of the sunroof glass while driving at highway speeds, without any apparent external impact. These incidents occur within the first year of ownership, highlighting potential safety risks due to the sudden nature of these failures. Buyers considering a used 2025 BMW X5 should be aware of these reports, particularly the fire risk and sunroof integrity concerns.

3 complaints total1 fire
STEERING (2 complaints)

STEERING

2 complaints

Owners report issues with the 2025 BMW X5 related to steering and software functionality. One complaint describes a software failure causing the vehicle to become immobilized, with the engine not starting and the car stuck in parking mode. Another symptom includes the vehicle unexpectedly slowing down and veering to the side while driving, attributed to a software bug that was reportedly fixed but recurred. These issues appear to occur shortly after purchase, as indicated by the timeline of dealer visits within a week. Safety implications include potential loss of control due to the vehicle's sudden deceleration and veering behavior.

2 complaints total
BACK OVER PREVENTION (2 complaints)

BACK OVER PREVENTION

2 complaints

Owners report issues with the rear cross traffic alert system on the 2025 BMW X5, describing it as either non-functional or ineffective. Typical symptoms include a lack of any warning when reversing, or warnings that are too faint to be noticeable. Complaints indicate that these issues persist despite dealer confirmation that the system operates normally. Safety implications are noted, with owners mentioning near-collisions due to the absence of expected alerts. These complaints arise within the first seven months of ownership, suggesting potential early reliability concerns for prospective buyers.

2 complaints total
VISIBILITY/WIPER (2 complaints)

VISIBILITY/WIPER

2 complaints

Owners report visibility issues in the 2025 BMW X5 due to reflections from the vehicle's interior materials. Complaints frequently mention that the high gloss finish of the dashboard and center console, along with the glass prism gear and infotainment controller, create reflections on the driver and passenger window glass, obstructing the view of the side mirrors. These reflections can be particularly blinding when sunlight hits the glossy surfaces at certain angles, potentially impairing the driver's ability to see. No specific mileage range is associated with these complaints, and while safety implications such as crashes or loss of control are not explicitly reported, the described visibility obstruction could pose a risk. This information is useful for potential buyers to consider when evaluating the vehicle's interior design and its impact on driving visibility.

2 complaints total
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) (2 complaints)

ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

2 complaints

Owners of the 2025 BMW X5 report issues related to a recall involving the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and service brakes, specifically noting delays in the availability of parts needed for recall repairs. The complaints indicate that while no failures have been experienced yet, there is frustration over the extended wait time for these critical safety components to be addressed. There are no mentions of specific mileage ranges or additional symptoms in the reports. No safety incidents such as crashes, fires, or loss of control are reported in these complaints. Potential buyers should be aware of the ongoing recall and the current unavailability of parts, which may delay necessary repairs.

2 complaints total
AIR BAGS (1 complaints)

AIR BAGS

1 complaintSafety-related
2025-09-02Crash reported1 injury

On September 2, 2025, my 2025 BMW X5 xDrive50e was involved in a head-on collision with another vehicle. Despite the severity of the impact, the following safety systems failed to deploy: Front airbags Driver seatbelt pretensioner BMW Assist / automatic emergency notification Witnesses reported that my vehicle briefly went airborne before landing with the rear wheels up on a curb. I suffered neck injuries, and my vehicle sustained significant frontal damage. BMW later downloaded the Event Data Recorder (EDR) and confirmed: A frontal non-deployment event Three fault codes in the airbag control module (ACSM) post-crash The crash algorithm activated and reset ΔV reached approx. 12.4 mph longitudinal Forward Collision Mitigation system issued an acute warning 0.5 seconds before impact BMW states the “impulse was not sufficient” to trigger restraint deployment BMW has refused to provide: The deployment thresholds (ΔV criteria) for airbags or pre-tensioners Any engineering explanation for why restraint systems did not activate Any technical rationale for the ACSM fault codes Any escalation beyond Customer Relations All I have been given is an unsigned summary letter and the raw EDR file. BMW Customer Relations stated that engineering is “not customer-facing” and that no additional information will be provided. This leaves serious concerns that: The restraint systems did not function properly in a real-world impact. BMW is refusing to disclose the engineering basis for its conclusions. Consumers may be at risk if this is a repeatable failure mode. I am requesting NHTSA review this incident as a potential defect in the airbag, pretensioner, and/or crash-sensing system in the 2025 BMW X5. I can provide the EDR report, photos, BMW’s letter, and full correspondence upon request. VIN: [XXX] Mileage: ~10,700 Crash Date: 09/02/2025 BMW Case #: XXX INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

When Do 2025 BMW X5 Problems Start?

Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.

700–6,200 milesPower train failures
80–3,165 milesElectrical system failures
2,000–10,700 milesUnintended acceleration

Best & Worst BMW X5 Years

Best BMW X5 Years to Buy

The best BMW X5 year is 2022 with a reliability score of 67/100, rated good. Other strong picks include 2023 (65/100) and 2025 (64/100).

BMW X5 Years to Avoid

The worst BMW X5 year is 2019 with a score of 52/100, primarily due to electrical system (45) issues.

See full BMW X5 years-to-avoid analysis →

BMW X5 Reliability Score Trend

BMW X5 reliability has improved in recent years, with newer models scoring an average of 63/100 compared to 56/100 for older years.

avg 60
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25

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

BMW X5 Reliability Compared to Other Years

Reliability scores compared across model years
YearScorevs Prior YearRatingRecallsComplaints
202662/100 (predicted)Predicted43
2025(selected)64/100+7Good449
202457/100-8Mixed7134
202365/100-2Good424
202267/100+10Good151
202157/100+1Mixed1385
202056/100+4Mixed1181
201952/100-7Mixed13157
201859/100Mixed663

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 2025 BMW X5 reliable?
The 2025 BMW X5 has a "Good" reliability rating with a score of 64/100. It is reasonably reliable with 4 recalls and 49 owner complaints, though some issues have been reported.
What are the most common problems with the 2025 BMW X5?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2025 BMW X5 include: SERVICE BRAKES (23 complaints), POWER TRAIN (7 complaints), ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (4 complaints), VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (3 complaints), UNKNOWN OR OTHER (3 complaints). These issues were identified from owner complaints analyzed by Auto Reliability Index.
How many recalls does the 2025 BMW X5 have?
The 2025 BMW X5 has 4 recalls on record. Recalls are safety or compliance fixes issued by the manufacturer and repaired at no cost at authorized dealerships.
Is the 2025 BMW X5 expensive to maintain?
The 2025 BMW X5 has estimated annual repair costs of $1166/year, which is $39 more than the luxury fullsize SUVs average of $1127. With a reliability score of 64/100, some repairs may be needed, but overall ownership costs are manageable.

How We Calculate Reliability Scores

Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.

Key Ranking Factors

1

Complaint Severity

NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.

2

Repair Costs

Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.

3

Recall Impact

Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.

4

Issue Diversity

Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.

Scores are grouped into four tiers:

  • 80–100: Excellent — Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
  • 60–79: Good — Reliable with some minor concerns
  • 40–59: Mixed — Notable issues, research before buying
  • 0–39: Risky — Significant problems, proceed with caution

Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.

See incorrect data? Report an issue