The Lemon Index2023 BMW X5.
The 2023 BMW X5 is so far one of the most reliable years by owner complaints: 33 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 35, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about transmission & drivetrain, it has 4 recalls, and it gets 15 to 23 mpg combined. The best BMW X5 year is 2010.
Early read
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 33 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every BMW X5 year. 2023 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.
Recalls 4
- transmission & drivetrain 2023
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.
- seats 2023
The head restraints for the second-row outboard seats may have been improperly manufactured without locking tabs in the guide sleeves.
- seats 2022
One of the four bolts that connects the backrest to the driver's seat frame may not have been correctly installed.
Show all 4 recalls
- visibility 2022
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.
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 160 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- The incorrect Bluetooth module was installed in the headunit
- Symptom 1: There are traces of coolant leaking under the vehicle, or there is significant…
- Coolant is leaking from under the car which is equipped with the S63 engine
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 | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| BMW X5 SUV RWD | not rated | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | not rated |
| BMW X5 Hybrid SUV AWD | not rated | not rated | not rated | not rated |
Fuel cost and engines
About $3450–5300 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 3.0L 6-cyl, 4.4L 8-cyl.
In owners' words
The X5 transfer case has a defect that causes the vehicle to shudder when in reverse and at lower speeds. It can be felt sometimes at highway speeds, but is worse at low speeds. Our X5 has only 54,000 miles.
2023 BMW X5 owner · NHTSA complaint 11767547
More owner reports
Car computer stopped working. Prior to this, computer would not recognize either of two keys.
NHTSA complaint 11504169
Noticed noise. Took to dealer. Dealer confirmed bad front pinion/bearing and need front differential. Will be very dangerous if not fixed! Dealer has had this issue before and online forums state big issues
NHTSA complaint 11736421
Quick answers
Is the 2023 BMW X5 reliable?
It's too early to be sure. So far it has drawn 2.9× fewer complaints than average per car sold, against other 2023 cars after the same time on the road (early Lemon Index 35; 100 is average). The best BMW X5 year by this measure is 2010.
What are the most common 2023 BMW X5 problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are transmission & drivetrain (24%), electrical (24%) and engine (15%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2023 BMW X5 have?
4 safety recalls (latest: transmission & drivetrain). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2023 BMW X5 get?
15 to 23 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2023 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.
Does the 2023 BMW X5 have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 24% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2023 BMW X5 cost in fuel a year?
About $3450 to $5300 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2023 BMW X5 have?
3.0L 6-cyl, 4.4L 8-cyl.
What BMW X5 year is better than the 2023?
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