2023 BMW X5: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2023 BMW X5: 4 recalls, 33 owner complaints and up to 23 mpg combined.
Recalls
4 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Visibility (wipers, glass) Vehicle recall #22V820000 · 2022 · 47 vehicles
What's wrong: The windshield May not have been properly bonded to the vehicle which could allow water to enter the vehicle and contact electrical components, possibly resulting in a short-circuit.
Why it matters: An electrical short-circuit increases the risk of a fire.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the windshield seal and as necessary, remove and reinstall the windshield with a new seal, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 30, 2022.
Seats Vehicle recall #22V942000 · 2022 · 4 vehicles
What's wrong: One of the four bolts that connects the backrest to the driver's seat frame May not have been correctly installed.
Why it matters: A loose driver's seat backrest May not properly restrain the occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the driver's seat backrest and if necessary, install an attachment bolt, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed February 17, 2023.
Seats Vehicle recall #23V253000 · 2023 · 235 vehicles
What's wrong: The head restraints for the second-row outboard seats May have been improperly manufactured without locking tabs in the guide sleeves. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 202, "head restraints."
Why it matters: A head restraint without a locking tab May not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the second-row outboard seat head restraint guide sleeves, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 31, 2023.
Transmission & drivetrain Vehicle recall #23V821000 · 2023 · 552 vehicles
What's wrong: The weld seam of the integrated transmission control unit's cover May not have been manufactured properly, which could allow automatic transmission oil to leak into the transmission control unit.
Why it matters: Transmission oil that leaks into the control unit can lead to a seizure of the transmission gears, causing a sudden loss of drive power and increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the transmission mechatronics module and the automatic transmission fluid, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 26, 2024.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 0 mention a fire, 1 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Transmission & drivetrain (8): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (2).
- Electrical (8): the most common themes are electrical failure (2).
- Other / unknown (8): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Engine (5): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (2).
The 2023 BMW X5 has 33 owner complaints, ranking #25 of 28 X5 model years for complaints (well below the 113 average). Complaints peaked in 2026 (10 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 2 years old, at a median of 6,000 miles. Neighboring years: 2022 (70 complaints, 1 recalls), 2024 (145 complaints, 8 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.0 L 6-cyl turbo hybrid | Automatic (S8) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 21 | 26 | 23 | Premium |
| 3.0 L 6-cyl turbo hybrid | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 21 | 25 | 23 | Premium |
| 3.0 L 6-cyl turbo hybrid | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 19 | 22 | 20 | Premium and Electricity |
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 2023 BMW X5.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yrStep-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.
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FAQ
Does the 2023 BMW X5 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 4 vehicle recalls for the 2023 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 2023 BMW X5 problems?
Owners have filed 33 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are transmission & drivetrain (8), electrical (8), other / unknown (8).
What gas mileage does the 2023 BMW X5 get?
EPA ratings run up to 23 mpg combined (3.0 L, Automatic (S8)), across 3 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2023 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.