The Lemon Index2019 BMW X5.
The 2019 BMW X5 is better than average by owner complaints: 41 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 74, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about steering, it has 13 recalls, and it gets 19 to 22 mpg combined. The best BMW X5 year is 2010.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 192 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every BMW X5 year. 2019 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 1K to 66K miles on the car (49 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
- electrical complaints mostly came at 43K–79K miles
- steering complaints mostly came at 0K–5K miles
Recalls 13
- electrical 2025
After repeated attempts, the starter motor may overheat from an electrical overload.
- electrical 2024
Please see the recall report for the complete list of models.
- visibility 2022
The roof function control unit may be programmed incorrectly, allowing the sunroof to close without the key fob present inside the vehicle.
Show all 13 recalls
- airbags 2021
An air bag that does not deploy properly can increase the risk of injury in a crash.
- back over prevention 2021
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.
- brakes 2021
A loss of ABS and a reduction in braking assistance can increase the risk of a crash.
- steering 2020
The steering column shaft bearing plate may not have been properly attached to the vehicle, allowing it to loosen.
- back over prevention 2019
The lack of an image in the back-up camera display increases the risk of a crash.
- wheels 2019
The left side wheel bolts may have been insufficiently tightened and may loosen over time.
- fuel system, other 2019
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.
- seats 2019
The attachment bolts for the driver's seat and/or seat belt may not have been properly tightened.
- equipment 2018
The driver and/or passenger sun visor may have an incorrect air bag warning label, or the label may be missing.
- electrical 2018
The capacitors within the Body Domain Controller (BDC) may short circuit and overheat.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems BMW told dealers about
BMW sent dealers 482 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Replace transmission oil cooler and check transmission oil cooler line
- A Delivery Stop has been issued (effective November 16, 2018) on Model Year 2019 BMW 5 Series,…
- N63r and n63m engine - check high temperature coolant system for contamination
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BMW X5 SUV AWD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $3600–4200 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 3.0L 6-cyl, 4.4L 8-cyl.
In owners' words
Bmw auto start/stop will turn off engine before the car comes to a complete stop causing a loss of steering. This can happen up to while the car is still moving as high as 5mph, often occurs between 3-1 mph when coming to a stop.
2019 BMW X5 owner · NHTSA complaint 11323497
More owner reports
Vehicle has aggressive steering corrections/intervention. The vehicle is difficult to keep in the lane due to steering wheel play/wobble.
NHTSA complaint 11231971
My brand new BMW x 5 could not be stopped on the traffics time in am this happened two times BMW doesn't want to help me this car not safe and dangerous to drive makes a lots of mounded from the engine and cannot stop the car
NHTSA complaint 11406855
Quick answers
Is the 2019 BMW X5 reliable?
Yes, better than average by government complaints. It drew 1.4× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 74; 100 is average, lower is better). The best BMW X5 year by this measure is 2010.
What are the most common 2019 BMW X5 problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are steering (34%), brakes (17%) and engine (15%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2019 BMW X5 have?
13 safety recalls (latest: electrical). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2019 BMW X5 get?
19 to 22 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2019 BMW X5 safe?
NHTSA gave it 4 out of 5 stars overall in its best tested version. Ratings differ by body style, and the full table is on the advanced page.
At what mileage do 2019 BMW X5 problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 1,100 and 66,200 miles. The middle report was at 19,500 miles, from 49 complaints.
Does the 2019 BMW X5 have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 10% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2019 BMW X5 cost in fuel a year?
About $3600 to $4200 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2019 BMW X5 have?
3.0L 6-cyl, 4.4L 8-cyl.
What BMW X5 year is better than the 2019?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2010, 2016 and 2015.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works