2019 BMW X5: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2019 BMW X5: 13 recalls, 191 owner complaints and up to 22 mpg combined.
Recalls
13 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Electrical Vehicle recall #18V732000 · 2018 · 172 vehicles
What's wrong: The capacitors within the body domain controller (bdc) May short circuit and overheat.
Why it matters: If the bdc short circuits, other nearby components May also overheat, increasing the risk of a fire.
The fix: All affected vehicles remain on dealer lots, therefore owner letters will not be mailed. Bmw dealers will replace the bdc control unit, free of charge. The recall began on October 17, 2018.
Equipment Vehicle recall #18V918000 · 2018 · 11 vehicles
What's wrong: The driver and/or passenger sun visor May have an incorrect air bag warning label, or the label May be missing. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (fmvss) number 208, "occupant crash protection."
Why it matters: Without a label that shows the proper restraint usage guidelines, the occupants May have an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.
The fix: Bmw notified owners, and dealers will inspect the driver and passenger sun visor, replacing the visors as necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 4, 2019.
Seats, Seat belts Vehicle recall #19V096000 · 2019 · 68 vehicles
What's wrong: The attachment bolts for the driver's seat and/or seat belt May not have been properly tightened.
Why it matters: The improperly tightened bolts can increase the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
The fix: Bmw will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the attachment bolts for the driver's seat and seat belt, and torque them to the correct specifications, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began April 9, 2019.
Engine, Fuel system (other) Vehicle recall #19V513000 · 2019 · 115 vehicles
What's wrong: The high pressure fuel pump May not have been properly attached to the engine, which May cause the fuel pump flange to crack, resulting in a fuel leak.
Why it matters: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
The fix: Bmw will notify owners, and dealers will replace the high pressure fuel pumps, free of charge. The recall began August 27, 2019.
Wheels Vehicle recall #19V541000 · 2019 · 5 vehicles
What's wrong: The left side wheel bolts May have been insufficiently tightened and May loosen over time.
Why it matters: Loose bolts May allow a wheel to detach from the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Bmw will notify owners, and dealers will replace and tighten the left side wheel bolts, free of charge. The recall began July 16, 2019.
Backup camera Vehicle recall #19V684000 · 2019 · 257,473 vehicles
What's wrong: The back-up camera and display settings can be adjusted such that the rear view image is no longer visible and the system will retain that setting the next time the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (fmvss) number 111, "rearview mirrors."
Why it matters: The lack of an image in the back-up camera display increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Bmw will notify owners, and dealers will update the back-up camera software, free of charge. The recall began November 8, 2019.
Steering, Steering Vehicle recall #20V434000 · 2020 · 7 vehicles
What's wrong: The steering column shaft bearing plate May not have been properly attached to the vehicle, allowing it to loosen.
Why it matters: A loose bearing plate can affect the vehicle's handling and control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Bmw will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the steering column shaft bearing plate and properly attach or replace it, as necessary, free of charge. Bmw telephoned owners and all of the vehicles have been remedied. No owner notification letter is necessary. Please contact BMW customer service…
Brakes (hydraulic), Brakes (hydraulic) Vehicle recall #21V062000 · 2021 · 893 vehicles
What's wrong: The rotor and shaft within the integrated brake system May not have been welded properly and could separate during a hard braking event, possibly resulting in a loss of the antilock brake system (ABS) and braking assistance.
Why it matters: A loss of ABS and a reduction in braking assistance can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Bmw will notify owners, and dealers will replace the integrated brake system, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 25, 2021.
Backup camera, Backup camera Vehicle recall #21V096000 · 2021 · 13,858 vehicles
What's wrong: When shifting into reverse, a small portion of the rearview image May be obscured, or the screen May not illuminate. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (fmvss) number 111, "rear visibility."
Why it matters: If the driver relies on only the rearview camera image, the missing or reduced rearview image view can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
The fix: Bmw will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rearview camera software and update it if necessary, free of charge. The recall began April 16, 2021.
Electrical, Airbags Vehicle recall #21V520000 · 2021 · 1 vehicles
What's wrong: The instrument panel May not have been manufactured correctly, which could prevent the passenger side air bag from deploying properly in a crash.
Why it matters: An air bag that does not deploy properly can increase the risk of injury in a crash.
The fix: A dealer will replace the instrument panel, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 26, 2021.
Visibility (wipers, glass) Vehicle recall #22V267000 · 2022 · 61,221 vehicles
What's wrong: The roof function control unit May be programmed incorrectly, allowing the sunroof to close without the key fob present inside the vehicle. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 118, "power-operated window systems."
Why it matters: A sunroof that closes without the key fob present inside the vehicle can increase the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will reprogram the roof function control unit, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 20, 2022.
Engine & cooling, Electrical Vehicle recall #24V576000 · 2024 · 105,588 vehicles
What's wrong: Please see the recall report for the complete list of models. In the event the starter motor fails, repeated attempts to start the vehicle can cause the starter motor to overheat from an electrical overload.
Why it matters: A starter motor that overheats can ignite nearby combustible material in the engine compartment, increasing the risk of a fire.
The fix: Dealers will update the vehicle software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 27, 2024.
Electrical Vehicle recall #25V644000 · 2025 · 145,102 vehicles
What's wrong: After repeated attempts, the starter motor May overheat from an electrical overload.
Why it matters: An overheated starter motor can ignite nearby combustible material in the engine compartment, increasing the risk of a fire.
The fix: Dealers will replace the engine starter, free of charge. This recall includes vehicles repaired under recall 24v576 and those owners will need to have their vehicle repaired again. Owner notification letters were mailed February 9, 2026.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 1 mention a fire, 0 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Electrical (71): the most common themes are electrical failure (35), stalls / loses power (12).
- Engine (51): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (11), overheating (9), fire / smoke (6).
- Other / unknown (29): the most common themes are leaks (7), electrical failure (4), noise or vibration (3).
- Transmission & drivetrain (19): the most common themes are hard / delayed shifting (9), noise or vibration (5).
The 2019 BMW X5 has 191 owner complaints, ranking #4 of 28 X5 model years for complaints (1.7× the average X5 year). Complaints peaked in 2025 (59 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 5 years old, at a median of 19,500 miles. Neighboring years: 2018 (72 complaints, 5 recalls), 2020 (113 complaints, 11 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.0 L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 20 | 26 | 22 | Premium |
| 4.4 L 8-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 17 | 22 | 19 | Premium |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2019 BMW X5.
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Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
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FAQ
Does the 2019 BMW X5 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 13 vehicle recalls for the 2019 BMW X5. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2019 BMW X5 problems?
Owners have filed 191 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are electrical (71), engine (51), other / unknown (29).
What gas mileage does the 2019 BMW X5 get?
EPA ratings run up to 22 mpg combined (3.0 L, Automatic (S8)), across 2 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2019 BMW X5 repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.