Complaints about the 2017 BMW X5 peaked in 2022, with 12 filed
Owner complaints about this model year, by the year they were filed with NHTSA.
SUV, plug-in hybrid, AWD/All-Wheel Drive, built in United States. Owner complaints on file from Jan 16, 2017 to Sep 24, 2026.
Owner complaints about this model year, by the year they were filed with NHTSA.
Owner complaints by component. Hover or focus a bar for the crash, fire, injury or death count.
Check a specific vehicle by VIN on NHTSA's site: a campaign may cover only part of a model year's production.
| Campaign | Filed | Subject | Component | Vehicles | Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 24V-608 | Aug 13, 2024 | Improperly sealed electrical connector on the water pump may be exposed to water and short circuit | Electrical system | 720,796 | Part replacement |
| 21V-907 | Nov 19, 2021 | EGR cooler may leak internally, causing coolant to mix with diesel engine soot, which could result in smoldering particles and a melting intake… | Fuel system | 50,404 | Part replacement |
| 21V-586 | Jul 29, 2021 | High-pressure fuel pump may fail | Fuel system | 11,216 | Part replacement |
| 18V-755 | Oct 25, 2018 | If the EGR cooler leaks internally, the coolant can mix with diesel engine soot | Engine and cooling | 44,368 | Part replacement |
| 17V-327 | May 18, 2017 | Vehicles are equipped with 21-inch tires, however the Tire Information Label states that the vehicles are equipped with 20-inch tires | Equipment | 24 | Label or owner notice |
| 17V-189 | Mar 17, 2017 | These vehicles are equipped with passenger frontal air bag modules using certain air bag inflators that may not vent properly in the event of a… | Airbags | 36 | Part replacement |
The full text of every complaint filed with NHTSA about this model year, newest first. Complaints are filed by owners and are not verified by NHTSA; NHTSA removes personal details before publishing.
74 complaints on file, page 1 of 4.
The component experiencing the malfunction is the transfer case on my BMW X5. The transfer case has already been serviced in an attempt to correct the problem; however, the vehicle continues to experience issues related to the transfer case even after the service was completed. The vehicle and transfer case are available for inspection upon request. This issue is a safety concern because the transfer case is an important part of the vehicle’s drivetrain and all-wheel-drive system. The continuing malfunction affects my confidence in the vehicle’s ability to operate and transfer power properly, particularly during acceleration, turning, or changing road conditions. I am concerned that the problem could worsen or result in an unexpected loss or interruption of power to the wheels while the vehicle is being driven, potentially putting me, my passengers, and other motorists at risk. The problem has continued after the transfer case was serviced, indicating that the original repair or service did not fully resolve the underlying issue. The vehicle has already been evaluated and serviced for the transfer case concern, but I am still experiencing symptoms afterward. I am requesting that the continuing transfer case problem be properly diagnosed and corrected, as the previous service did not resolve the issue.
NHTSA complaint 11766594While driving, the electronic parking brake (EPB) system malfunctioned. The vehicle was stopped in DRIVE with Auto Hold active. When the driver door was opened briefly, the vehicle attempted to transition from Auto Hold to applying the electronic parking brake as a safety function. At that moment, the EPB malfunction warning appeared and the parking brake system faulted. There were no prior mechanical brake issues (no dragging brakes, no unusual noises, no brake wear symptoms). The issue appears to be an electronic/control-related failure of the EPB actuator/control unit rather than typical brake wear. A repair facility retrieved multiple diagnostic fault codes related to the electronic parking brake actuator/control unit and recommended replacement of the EPB actuator assembly followed by initialization/calibration and clearing of faults. This creates a potential safety risk because the electronic parking brake may apply unexpectedly or may not apply/release as intended during safety logic events (such as opening the driver door while stopped), potentially immobilizing the vehicle or creating a hazard in traffic or parking situations.
NHTSA complaint 11712937The contact owns a Nuna car seat, Model Type: Rava, Model Number: CS05103CVR, Manufactured Date: July 14, 2022. The car seat was being used in a 2017 BMW X5. The contact stated that the left side harness on the safety car seat was loose, preventing the child from being securely restrained in the car seat. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The car seat was not repaired or replaced.
NHTSA complaint 11709867The contact owns a 2017 BMW X5. The contact stated that while driving or while the vehicle was parked and occupied, there was an abnormal smoke odor coming from the engine of the vehicle. An independent mechanic was contacted. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed; however, the diagnostic result was unknown. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the issue. The failure mileage was 60,000.
NHTSA complaint 11692092No remedy for recall and no plan
NHTSA complaint 11676851The contact owns a 2017 BMW X5. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine overheated with several unknown warning lights illuminated. In addition, the vehicle lost electrical functions. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with a failed coolant pump. The contact was informed that the coolant pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System); however, the VIN was not associated with the recall. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 78,000.
NHTSA complaint 11676273Battery overheated and melted plastic cover
NHTSA complaint 11664779The contact owns a 2017 BMW X5. The contact stated that the oil drain plug and the oil pan do not have adequate space after being stripped. The metal in the oil pan was very thin. There was oil located on the engine and the ground. The contact was losing a quart of oil every 600 miles driven. The contact added oil to the vehicle as needed. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that the oil pan needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified about the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 30,000.
NHTSA complaint 11659218I am writing to formally document two significant incidents involving the complete failure of the high-pressure fuel system in my BMW vehicle, VIN [XXX] , which have raised concerns about the reliability of this component. On [XXX], while navigating city street traffic, my vehicle, with 57,376 miles, experienced a total loss of power, resulting in the vehicle stalling in the left lane. The vehicle was towed to an authorized BMW dealership, where the entire high-pressure fuel system was diagnosed and replaced under warranty. As the second owner of this vehicle, I acquired it from my neighbor, the original owner. Upon reviewing the complete service records provided by the previous owner, I discovered that a nearly identical issue occurred at 39,066 miles. The service documentation states, "Client reports that while driving, the vehicle lost power and stalled." At that time, the high-pressure fuel system was also fully replaced. Further investigation revealed that BMW issued a safety recall notice between these two incidents, acknowledging potential failures in the high-pressure fuel pumps. However, the recall indicated that no remedy was available at the time. I've attached all the service records for both incidents and BMW North America's letter. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint 11655567I am writing to express my concern regarding the recent recall identified under NHTSA Campaign ID: 24V608000 related to BMW vehicles. I own a 2017 BMW X5 with the VIN number [XXX]. Although my vehicle is currently not listed under this recall, it is exhibiting the exact symptoms described, including engine overheating with coolant pump failure warnings. Given the similarities, I am concerned about the safety of my vehicle and would like to know what steps I should take next. I respectfully request that my case be reviewed, and I would appreciate any guidance or assistance you can offer to help ensure my vehicle’s safety. Thank you for your attention to this matter. I look forward to your response. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint 11655379The contact owns a 2017 BMW X5. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was heavily depressed for the brakes to engage. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer to be diagnosed; however, the cause for the failure was not yet determined. The dealer informed the contact that there was air in the brake lines and that the air needed to be bled from the brake lines to repair the vehicle. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The contact researched and was made aware of an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.
NHTSA complaint 11650892The contact owns a 2017 BMW X5. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost automotive power and stalled. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the residence, and then to a dealer and was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The vehicle was towed to the residence and has not been driven since. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.
NHTSA complaint 11639684Radiator fan assembly malfunctioning causing engine to overheat. Upon replacing fan assembly vehicle is still overheating. Water pump and thermostat needs to be replaced as well as connectors. Mileage appr 67,000 Vehicle went into safety mode while traveling on highway
NHTSA complaint 11622638Radiator Fan assembly connection corroded and water pump failing due to connector exposed to liquid
NHTSA complaint 11621639The contact owns a 2017 BMW X5. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine overheated message was displayed, and the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact pulled over and restarted the vehicle; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate above 20 MPH. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was determined that the water pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 62,000.
NHTSA complaint 11615165The contact owns a 2017 BMW X5. The contact stated while driving the vehicle, the vehicle suddenly decelerated and failed to exceed 35 MPH. During the failure, a message that the engine had overheated was displayed. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the water pump had failed and needed to be replaced. The water pump was replaced, and the vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 55,000.
NHTSA complaint 11609769A red light came on in my vehicle that read restraint system. Does that mean the airbags are faulty or is it with the seatbelts.
NHTSA complaint 11576438The contact owns a 2017 BMW X5. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the sunroof shattered without impact. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the sunroof was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 56,000.
NHTSA complaint 11565842I was driving approximately 30 mph. As I continued to accelerate the fuel system light came on and the car shut off in the road. I had to have it towed to the dealership as it would not start. Gas fumes could also be smelled coming from the car. Once looked at by BMW service center I was told “ EKPS and the fuel pump are intermittently failing. I was able to able to verify the concern briefly. Vehicle may lose fuel pressure randomly. Upon removing rear seats and inspecting harness, I found the wires going into the EKPS to be burnt. The wires from the EKPS to the low pressure fuel pump will also need to be replaced.” I did research and saw that this was recall on other years of this model. Also the middle back seatbelt does not work. Also even after multiple alignments my car still pulls aggressively to the right causing near collisions and off roaring.
NHTSA complaint 11559361Water possibly from moonroof getting into the car and warning messages about passenger airbags. I discussed matter with dealer and they want me to pay for diagnostic. I think they reset computer after service.
NHTSA complaint 11558307Technical service bulletins and other notices the manufacturer sent to dealers. A bulletin is not a recall; the 60 most recent are listed.