BMW X5 SAV Problems by Year
NHTSA has 203 owner complaints and 9 safety recalls on file for the BMW X5 SAV, across 13 model years (2000–2013). The 2007 model year has the most complaints (59). The most reported problem area overall is air bags.
BMW X5 SAV years to avoid? What the complaint data shows
These model years drew at least twice as many complaints as a typical X5 SAV year: 2007. Look at what owners reported before buying one, and check the VIN for open recalls.
Model years with the most complaints
- 2007 X5 SAV: 59 complaints, 5 recalls
- 2006 X5 SAV: 27 complaints, 0 recalls
- 2011 X5 SAV: 24 complaints, 3 recalls
Model years with the fewest complaints
- 2003 X5 SAV: 1 complaint, 1 recall
- 2013 X5 SAV: 13 complaints, 1 recall
- 2009 X5 SAV: 19 complaints, 4 recalls
Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold or how long each year has been on the road, so newer and less popular years naturally have fewer complaints. Use them to spot problem patterns, not as a safety ranking.
Most common BMW X5 SAV problems (all years)
| Problem area | Complaints | Model years | Crashes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air Bags | 54 | 9 | 4 |
| Engine | 41 | 7 | 0 |
| Electrical System | 28 | 8 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion System | 28 | 7 | 0 |
| Power Train | 28 | 6 | 0 |
| Service Brakes | 26 | 6 | 4 |
| Seats | 13 | 5 | 0 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 10 | 6 | 2 |
| Structure | 8 | 2 | 2 |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 7 | 3 | 0 |
| Exterior Lighting | 7 | 4 | 0 |
| Steering | 6 | 2 | 1 |
| Electronic Stability Control (esc) | 5 | 3 | 0 |
| Seat Belts | 5 | 3 | 0 |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 3 | 2 | 0 |
| Suspension | 3 | 1 | 0 |
| Wheels | 3 | 2 | 1 |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Parking Brake | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| Fuel System, Diesel | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Latches/locks/linkages | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Tires | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Visibility | 1 | 1 | 0 |
All BMW X5 SAV model years
| Model year | Complaints | Recalls | Crash rating | Top problem | Compared with other years |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 X5 SAV | 13 | 1 | — | Air Bags | Fewer complaints than other years |
| 2012 X5 SAV | 21 | 4 | — | Power Train | About as many complaints as other years |
| 2011 X5 SAV | 24 | 3 | — | Engine | About as many complaints as other years |
| 2010 X5 SAV | 19 | 5 | — | Engine | About as many complaints as other years |
| 2009 X5 SAV | 19 | 4 | — | Fuel/propulsion System | About as many complaints as other years |
| 2008 X5 SAV | 20 | 3 | — | Air Bags | About as many complaints as other years |
| 2007 X5 SAV | 59 | 5 | — | Electrical System | Far more complaints than other years |
| 2006 X5 SAV | 27 | 0 | — | Air Bags | More complaints than other years |
| 2004 X5 SAV | 0 | 1 | — | — | |
| 2003 X5 SAV | 1 | 1 | — | Air Bags | |
| 2002 X5 SAV | 0 | 1 | — | — | |
| 2001 X5 SAV | 0 | 1 | — | — | |
| 2000 X5 SAV | 0 | 1 | — | — |
More from BMW: all BMW models · BMW VIN decoder
Frequently asked questions
Which BMW X5 SAV years should you stay away from?
By NHTSA complaints, 2007 (59) drew at least twice as many complaints as a typical X5 SAV year. Counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, and newer years have had less time to collect complaints.
What is the biggest problem with the BMW X5 SAV?
Air Bags, with 54 complaints across 9 model years.
How many recalls does the BMW X5 SAV have?
9 safety recalls across all model years. Each model year page lists its recalls and fixes.