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BMW X5 — Years to Avoid

Reliability breakdown of every BMW X5 model year. Based on NHTSA owner complaints, federal recalls, and safety investigations.

Model Years
28
Years to Avoid
2019
Best Years
2005, 2004, 2003, 2002, 2000, 1999
2026
45 complaints2 recalls23 TSBs
2025
110 complaints5 recalls79 TSBs
2024
253 complaints8 recalls161 TSBs
2023
51 complaints4 recalls160 TSBs
2022
125 complaints1 recalls1 invest.170 TSBs
2021
175 complaints12 recalls1 invest.288 TSBs
2020
162 complaints11 recalls1 invest.373 TSBs
2019Avoid
285 complaints13 recalls482 TSBs
2018
103 complaints5 recalls3 invest.119 TSBs
2017
113 complaints6 recalls3 invest.300 TSBs
2016
114 complaints5 recalls3 invest.364 TSBs
2015
203 complaints6 recalls2 invest.412 TSBs
2014
131 complaints8 recalls2 invest.396 TSBs
2013
217 complaints6 recalls1 invest.271 TSBs
2012
374 complaints10 recalls1 invest.279 TSBs
2011
395 complaints14 recalls1 invest.321 TSBs
2010
190 complaints14 recalls1 invest.308 TSBs
2009
203 complaints12 recalls1 invest.269 TSBs
2008
319 complaints10 recalls245 TSBs
2007
119 complaints8 recalls171 TSBs
2006
221 complaints2 recalls1 invest.106 TSBs
2005Best Year
109 complaints3 recalls87 TSBs
2004Best Year
93 complaints4 recalls80 TSBs
2003Best Year
134 complaints3 recalls70 TSBs
2002Best Year
136 complaints3 recalls69 TSBs
2001
215 complaints12 recalls71 TSBs
2000Best Year
37 complaints6 recalls78 TSBs
1999Best Year
0 complaints1 recalls35 TSBs

How we calculate this

Each year receives a composite risk score based on NHTSA owner complaints, federal recalls, safety investigations, and technical service bulletins. Years scoring more than 2x the model's average are flagged as “years to avoid.” Years in the lowest risk bracket are marked as “best years.” All data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Which BMW X5 Years Should You Avoid?

Based on federal safety data, the 2019 BMW X5 is the most problematic year, with significantly higher rates of owner complaints, recalls, and safety investigations compared to other model years.

If you're shopping for a used BMW X5, consider the 2005, 2004, 2003, 2002, 2000, 1999 model years — these have the fewest reported issues relative to other years.

28 model years analyzed