Last updated: 2026-03-04

BMW X5

1 BMW X5 Years to Avoid

Years that score significantly below the BMW X5 average of 60/100

The BMW X5 years to avoid are 2019 based on reliability scores, NHTSA recalls, and owner complaints. The worst year is 2019 with a reliability score of 52/100. The best BMW X5 year to buy is 2022 67/100.

Verdict

The 2019 BMW X5 scores significantly below the model average of 60/100. The weakest year is 2019 with a score of 52/100 due to electrical system (45) issues. The best year to buy instead is 2022 67/100.

See years to avoid ↓See best year ↓See all years ranked ↓

BMW X5 Years to Avoid

These model years score significantly below the BMW X5 average of 60/100.

#YearScoreRatingRecallsComplaintsTop Issue
1201952/100Mixed13157Electrical System (45)

Why These Years Should Be Avoided

52
MixedReliability score: 52 out of 100, rated Mixed

2019 BMW X5

The 2019 BMW X5 has mixed reliability. There are 13 recalls and 157 owner complaints on file for the 2019 BMW X5. Severity signals include 4 crash-related complaints and 1 fire-related complaint. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Electrical System (45), Engine (19), Unknown Or Other (19).

13 recalls157 complaintsEst. repair:

Top issues: Electrical System (45), Engine (19), Unknown Or Other (19), Steering (18), Power Train (14), Engine And Engine Cooling (11)

View full 2019 reliability report →

What Are Common BMW X5 Problems?

Top reported issues across all BMW X5 model years, based on NHTSA owner complaints.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

122 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

SERVICE BRAKES

109 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

POWER TRAIN

94 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

60 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

42 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

ENGINE

34 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

Best BMW X5 Year to Buy Instead

67
GoodReliability score: 67 out of 100, rated Good

2022 BMW X5

The 2022 BMW X5 has good reliability. There are 1 recall and 51 owner complaints on file for the 2022 BMW X5. Severity signals include 8 crash-related complaints and 1 fire-related complaint. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Power Train (14), Electrical System (7), Unknown Or Other (6).

Score: 67/100 (Good)1 recalls51 complaints
View full 2022 reliability report →

All BMW X5 Years by Generation

All model years ranked by reliability score, grouped by generation.

BMW X5 Reliability Scores by Year

Excellent Good Mixed Risky

Our data covers 2018–2025 model years.

Frequently Asked Questions

What BMW X5 years should you avoid?
Based on our data, you should avoid the following BMW X5 years: 2019 (score: 52/100). These model years score significantly below the BMW X5 average of 60/100.
What is the best year for the BMW X5?
The best year for the BMW X5 is 2022, with a reliability score of 67/100 ("Good"). It has 1 recalls and 51 owner complaints.
How many recalls does the BMW X5 have?
Across all years in our database, the BMW X5 has a total of 63 recalls. Recall counts vary by year — check individual model year reports for details.
Is a used BMW X5 worth buying?
Yes, especially the 2022 model year, which scores 67/100. Stick to years at or above the model average of 60/100 for the best ownership experience.
What are common BMW X5 problems?
The most common BMW X5 problems are electrical system (122 complaints), service brakes (109 complaints), power train (94 complaints). These issues are reported across multiple model years based on NHTSA owner complaint data.
Is the BMW X5 reliable long-term?
The BMW X5 has an average reliability score of 60/100 across all model years in our database, rated "good". Overall, it is a reliable vehicle, though some model years perform better than others.
Which BMW X5 generation is most reliable?
The most reliable BMW X5 generation is the Third generation (F15/F85) with an average score of 59/100. Compare generations in our all-years-by-generation section above.
How much does it cost to maintain a BMW X5?
The estimated annual maintenance cost for the BMW X5 is $1,166 based on independent repair cost databases. This may vary depending on the model year and driving conditions.
Is the 2022 BMW X5 a good used buy?
Yes, the 2022 BMW X5 is the highest-scoring model year with a reliability score of 67/100 ("Good"). It has 1 recalls and 51 owner complaints, making it a solid used buy.

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.

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