BMW X5 Power Train Problems
Owners have filed 437 complaints with NHTSA about power train problems on the BMW X5 across 27 model years. The 2011 model year has the most (58). The words owners use most often: “transfer case” (16% of reports).
- 437power train complaints
- —median miles at failure
- 14mention a crash
- 6mention an injury
- 10related recalls
- $6,800typical repair cost reported by owners
- 37%of reports with a speed happened at 50+ mph
What owners describe
Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.
- Transfer case: mentioned in 68 of 437 complaints (16%)
- Drivetrain malfunction: mentioned in 29 of 437 complaints (7%)
How much does it cost to fix?
Owners who wrote down what they paid or were quoted put the typical power train repair on the BMW X5 at $6,800, and half of them between $3,250 and $9,350.
Based on 24 NHTSA complaints about this problem alone that state a repair bill or quote (2005–2026), converted to 2026 dollars with the U.S. consumer price index. These are owners' own figures, not a quote: they include dealer quotes, and owners who file complaints often faced larger repairs, so they can run higher than typical shop prices. Prices vary by shop, region and warranty coverage. How we calculate this.
At what mileage do power train problems happen?
Based on 209 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 437 complaints, 14 mention a crash, 7 a fire, 6 an injury.
BMW X5 power train complaints by model year
| Model year | Power Train complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 X5 | 4 | 15% | — |
| 2025 X5 | 7 | 11% | — |
| 2024 X5 | 16 | 11% | — |
| 2023 X5 | 8 | 24% | 50,900 |
| 2022 X5 | 25 | 35% | 24,000 |
| 2021 X5 | 30 | 28% | 11,000 |
| 2020 X5 | 17 | 15% | 70,000 |
| 2019 X5 | 19 | 10% | 432 |
| 2018 X5 | 10 | 14% | 11,000 |
| 2017 X5 | 10 | 13% | 13,000 |
| 2016 X5 | 13 | 18% | 92,000 |
| 2015 X5 | 14 | 9% | 66,000 |
| 2014 X5 | 12 | 12% | 65,233 |
| 2013 X5 | 36 | 24% | 67,000 |
| 2012 X5 | 53 | 20% | 69,000 |
| 2011 X5 | 58 | 22% | 69,187 |
| 2010 X5 | 6 | 5% | 38,500 |
| 2009 X5 | 10 | 7% | 93,000 |
| 2008 X5 | 16 | 7% | 30,065 |
| 2007 X5 | 2 | 3% | 111,100 |
| 2006 X5 | 7 | 4% | 74,000 |
| 2005 X5 | 9 | 11% | 56,000 |
| 2004 X5 | 11 | 17% | 56,580 |
| 2003 X5 | 16 | 16% | 103,840 |
| 2002 X5 | 6 | 6% | 85,000 |
| 2001 X5 | 15 | 9% | 95,500 |
| 2000 X5 | 7 | 24% | 67,000 |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (10)
Power train:automatic transmission:control module (tcm/pcm/tecm)
Model years: 2023
Problem: 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.
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
Electrical system:starter assembly; power train:automatic transmission
Model years: 2020
Problem: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020 X5 sDrive 40i, X5 xDrive 40i and one X7 xDrive 40i vehicle. The starter motor may have an extra bolt that could potentially fall into the transmission housing and cause an engine stall.
Risk: An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
Fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the starter motor for the extra bolt, removing it if necessary. Dealers will also inspect the starter for damage, and check if the bolt has fallen into the transmission housing, replacing any damaged parts as necessary. All repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on October 2, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Power train:driveline:driveshaft
Model years: 2011, 2012, 2013
Problem: BMW of North America, LLC, (BMW) is recalling certain 2011-2013 X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive50i, X5 M and X5 xDrive35d vehicles, 2011-2014 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6M vehicles, and 2011 x6 ActiveHybrid Vehicles. Water and debris may enter the front driveshaft's universal joint, causing excessive wear and possibly resulting in the joint's failure.
Risk: If the front universal joint fails, the front wheels would not be driven, affecting vehicle traction. Additionally, continued driving of the vehicle with a broken front universal joint may damage other components. Either condition may increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front driveshaft, free of charge. The recall began on April 18, 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Power train:driveline:driveshaft
Model years: 2011
Problem: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2011 X5 xDrive 35i, xDrive50i, X5 M, X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i, and X6 M vehicles manufactured April 5, 2010, to November 20, 2010, 2011 X5 xDrive35d diesel vehicles manufactured April 7, 2010, to November 20, 2010, and 2011 X6 Active Hybrid vehicles manufactured April 15, 2010, to November 17, 2010. The affected vehicles have a front driveshaft universal joint that may not seal out water and debris from getting in and damaging the joint, which could lead to its failure.
Risk: If the front universal joint fails, the front wheels would not be driven, affecting vehicle traction. Additionally, continued driving of the vehicle with a broken front universal joint may damage other components. Either condition may increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front driveshaft, free of charge. The recall began on July 8, 2016. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Power train:automatic transmission
Model years: 2012
Problem: Bmw is recalling certain model year 2012 x5 xdrive 35i sports activity vehicles, manufactured from december 19, 2011, through december 21, 2011. Due to a manufacturing error, engagement of the transmissionâs parking lock may not occur even if the âpâ position has been selected and is displayed.
Risk: If the driver believes that the transmission is in park and does not use the parking brake, the vehicle could roll away after exiting the vehicle increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
Fix: Bmw will notify owners, and dealers will replace the automatic transmission free of charge. The safety recall began on february 2, 2012. Owners may contact bmw customer relations and services at 1-800-525-7417.
Power train:automatic transmission
Model years: 2005, 2006
Problem: Certain passenger vehicles may have been built with an incorrectly manufactured automatic transmission parking pawl guide plate.
Risk: This could cause the parking lock system not to engage, after the transmission is placed in the park ("p") position. If the vehicle was parked on an incline, and the parking brake was not engaged, this could result in a vehicle rollaway condition.
Fix: Dealers will repair and replace the automatic transmission guide plate free of charge. The recall began on november 30, 2005. Owners may contact bmw at 1-800-332-4269.
Power train:clutch assembly:pedal/hand lever(motorcycle)
Model years: 2004
Problem: On certain passenger vehicles with 3.0 l engines and manual transmissions, if the vehicle is in first gear, and moving slowly, with the accelerator pedal held in a constant position of low engine speed and with the clutch pedal held in a partially depressed position, engine speed may increase.
Risk: The vehicle could accelerate unexpectedly, which could result in a crash.
Fix: Dealers will reprogram the vehicle's digital engine management control unit. The recall began on september 8, 2004. Owners should contact bmw at 1-800-831-1117.
Power train:automatic transmission:control module (tcm/pcm/tecm)
Model years: 2004
Problem: On certain passenger vehicles equipped with 8 and 12 cylinder engines, the digital engine management control (emc) units were not produced according to specifications.
Risk: As a result, engine stalling will occur after a short period of operation. The vehicle may not be able to restart. Also, a loss of power steering and, after repeated actuation of the brake pedal, a loss of brake power assist will occur. These conditions could result in a vehicle crash.
Fix: Dealers will install a new digital engine management control unit. The recall began on july 16, 2004. Owners should contact bmw at 1-800-831-1117.
Power train:driveline:differential unit
Model years: 2004
Problem: On certain sport utility vehicles, the bolts that hold the front differential, the right output shaft housing flange at the engine, and the right-hand engine support may be insufficiently tightened.
Risk: With prolonged driving, these bolts could become loose, cause damage to the engine and transmission housings. The right output shaft could become disconnected, affecting the ability to control the vehicle, which could result in a crash.
Fix: Dealers will inspect and retighten the drivetrain fasteners. Owner notification began november 28, 2003. Owners should contact bmw at 1-800-831-1117.
Power train:automatic transmission:park/neutral start interlock switch
Model years: 2000, 2001
Problem: Vehicle description: 4.4i sport utility vehicles. Over an extended period of time, abrasion particles could deposit on the electrical contacts within the switch, causing a disruption of the electric current through the contacts. If the disruption occurs when the vehicle is stationary with the transmission in the neutral or park positions, the transmission will switch automatically into the emergency program, which is displayed in the instrument cluster via a warning lamp and a message, "trans. Fail-safe prog." in this case, the vehicle can be driven in lower gears only with limited engine output.
Risk: If this problem occurs, the ability to maintain speed in traffic and/or accelerate could be greatly diminished, possibly leading to a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the transmission gear position indicator switch. Owner notification began august 14, 2001. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact bmw at 1-800-831-1117.
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
The bolts by the front differential broke off, the differential broke, leading to damage to the coolant lines to the transmission, leading to catastrophic failure of the differential needing the vehicle to be towed.
Description of Safety Concern: I am writing to formally submit a vehicle safety complaint regarding the xDrive transfer case on my 2021 BMW X5. While driving, the vehicle exhibits noticeable hesitation, shuddering, and jerking during acceleration at lower speeds and when executing tight turns. This…
Problem with starter. They donât start from first time, sometimes from 2-3. As Iâm check it in forums, it can burn another parts and make fire. As i now bmw x5 from 2019 to 2024 have problem with starter and have opened recall for it. But when Iâm visit now service center, they say me that my…
The X5 transfer case has a defect that causes the vehicle to shudder when in reverse and at lower speeds. It can be felt sometimes at highway speeds, but is worse at low speeds. Our X5 has only 54,000 miles.
My transfer case is in bad condition. Initially I was getting really bad jerking in my car when turning. I was recommended by BMW of [XXX] to do a fluid flush. I have spent money to do this flush. Starting of August my mechanic as well as other mechanics that my transfer case is in really bad…
Frequently asked questions
Do all BMW X5s have power train problems?
No. NHTSA has 437 owner complaints about power train for the BMW X5. Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.
Was there a recall on the BMW X5 power train?
Yes: 10 safety recalls list power train. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.
How much does it cost to fix power train problems on the BMW X5?
Owners report a typical cost of $6,800 (half paid between $3,250 and $9,350), from 24 complaints that state a repair bill or quote, in 2026 dollars.
What do owners say about power train problems on the BMW X5?
The most frequent phrase is “transfer case”, in 68 of 437 complaints, followed by “drivetrain malfunction” (29).
Other BMW X5 problems
- Engine problems (687)
- Air Bags problems (599)
- Electrical System problems (555)
- Fuel/propulsion System problems (298)
- Engine and Engine Cooling problems (228)
- Service Brakes problems (198)
- Steering problems (137)
- Structure problems (117)
See all BMW X5 problems.