Buying a used 2020 BMW X5? Check these 11 recalls first
The 2020 BMW X5 has 11 recalls in this group. Starter overheating and a starter bolt that may cause stalling accompany steering rack, steering column, suspension weld, and ABS-related defects. Camera visibility, sunroof operation, and headlight color also appear. Its 110 NHTSA owner complaints are unverified reports, led by 39 electrical, 33 engine, and 17 power train reports. Reported outcomes include 3 crashes, 6 fires, and 5 injuries, without proving which components caused those events.
Before you buy
- Get the 17-character VIN from the seller and run it at nhtsa.gov/recalls. It shows which recalls are still unrepaired on that exact car.
- Verify both starter overheating recalls and the starter bolt recall were addressed.
- Request steering, suspension weld, and integrated brake system repair records.
- Ask about electrical faults, stalling, or fire damage and inspect repair documentation.
- Open recalls are repaired free at any BMW dealer, whoever owns the car — an open recall is a to-do item, not a bill.
Recalls covering the 2020 BMW X5
| Recall | Area | Severity |
|---|---|---|
| BMW Starter Motor Overheating May Cause Engine Fire | Electrical System | critical |
| BMW X5, X6, X7 Starter May Overheat | Electrical System | critical |
| BMW X5 and X7 Steering Rack Can Break | Steering | high |
| BMW, Toyota Supra backup camera image can vanish | Back Over Prevention | high |
| BMW X5, X6M Loose Steering Column Bearing Plate | Steering | high |
| BMW X5, X7 Starter Bolt May Cause Stall | Power Train | high |
| BMW X5, X6, X7 Front Suspension Weld May Fail | Suspension | high |
| BMW Models: Integrated Brake System May Lose ABS | Service Brakes, Hydraulic | high |
| BMW backup camera may show partial or blank image | Back Over Prevention | medium |
| BMW X5, X6 and X7 sunroof may close unexpectedly | Visibility | medium |
| BMW X5, X6 and X7 headlights may glow blue | Exterior Lighting | low |
What owners have reported to NHTSA
110 complaints filed for this model year, including 3 mentioning a crash, 6 a fire and 5 injuries. Complaints are unverified owner reports, and popular models collect more of them simply because more are on the road.
| Problem area | Complaints | Recall in this area? |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 47 | None found |
| Electrical System | 39 | Yes |
| Power Train | 17 | Yes |
| AIR Bags | 6 | None found |
| Exterior Lighting | 5 | Yes |
| Brakes | 5 | Yes |