Powered byNHTSA|EPA|Community Reports
HomeBmwX5Years to Avoid

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
2026, 2025, 2005, 2004, 2003, 2002, 2000, 1999
2026Best Year
2 complaints2 recalls13 TSBs
2025Best Year
88 complaints4 recalls58 TSBs
2024
238 complaints7 recalls144 TSBs
2023
35 complaints4 recalls148 TSBs
2022
84 complaints1 recalls1 invest.164 TSBs
2021
132 complaints12 recalls1 invest.281 TSBs
2020
120 complaints11 recalls1 invest.361 TSBs
2019Avoid
232 complaints13 recalls473 TSBs
2018
89 complaints5 recalls3 invest.118 TSBs
2017
111 complaints6 recalls3 invest.298 TSBs
2016
100 complaints5 recalls3 invest.363 TSBs
2015
197 complaints6 recalls2 invest.411 TSBs
2014
128 complaints8 recalls2 invest.395 TSBs
2013
210 complaints6 recalls1 invest.269 TSBs
2012
370 complaints10 recalls1 invest.277 TSBs
2011
394 complaints14 recalls1 invest.319 TSBs
2010
187 complaints14 recalls1 invest.305 TSBs
2009
203 complaints12 recalls1 invest.267 TSBs
2008
319 complaints10 recalls243 TSBs
2007
119 complaints8 recalls169 TSBs
2006
220 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
214 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 2026, 2025, 2005, 2004, 2003, 2002, 2000, 1999 model years — these have the fewest reported issues relative to other years.

28 model years analyzed