The Lemon Index

All cars · BMW X5

2024 BMW X5.

The 2024 BMW X5 is so far one of the worst years by owner complaints: 145 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 232, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about stability control, it has 8 recalls, and it gets 15 to 25 mpg combined. The best BMW X5 year is 2010.

Early read

232Lemon Index · 100 = average car

Early read: lemon alert. 2.3× the average car's complaints.

Best year 2010 · Worst year 2001

BMW X5
Photo shows a 2022 BMW X5. JamesYoung8167, Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0 · background removed

Before you buy. What matters most for this car.

Owner complaints145first 3 years
Fuel economy15–25 mpgcombined, EPA
Crash test★★★★☆NHTSA overall

How serious. Out of 145 owner complaints, owners reported:

9crashes
3injuries
1fires
6tows
Early read. The 2024 BMW X5 hasn't finished its 3-year window yet. This counts every owner complaint filed so far (through October 2026) and compares it with other 2024 cars, which have had the same time on the road. It can change as more owners file.

What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.

stability control39%
brakes32%
brakes30%
electrical17%
transmission & drivetrain11%

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.

Transmission problems in every BMW X5 year →

When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.

half by 7K
0K50K100K150K200K

Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 4K to 11K miles on the car (14 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.

Recalls 8

  • brakes 2026

    The integrated brake (IB) system may malfunction and result in a loss of power brake assist or cause the Antilock Brake (ABS) and Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) systems to not function properly.

  • stability control 2024

    Please see the recall report for a complete list of models and model years.

  • stability control 2024

    Please refer to the recall report for the complete list of models.

Show all 8 recalls
  • equipment 2024

    The tire information placard may indicate an incorrect tire size and tire pressure.

  • body structure 2024

    The instrument panel may not have been manufactured properly, which can result in improper air bag deployment or the panel separating during air bag deployment.

  • stability control 2024

    Please see the recall report for a complete list of models and model years.

  • airbags 2023

    The front passenger knee air bag may not deploy as intended.

  • airbags 2023

    The knee air bag (driver and/or passenger) may not have been manufactured correctly, which can result in the knee air bag not deploying as intended.

Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.

Check a VIN for open recalls

Problems BMW told dealers about

BMW sent dealers 161 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:

  • Brake groaning noises heard at the rear axle at slow speeds, i.e
  • The check control message(s) for the (brakelights, taillights, side lights, turn…

Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.

Safety

Stability controlStandard
Collision warningNot offered
Lane departure warningNot offered
NHTSA front crash test of the 2024 BMW X5
Front crash test · NHTSA
Crash test details
VersionOverallFrontSideRollover
BMW X5 SUV AWD★★★★☆★★★★☆★★★★★★★★★☆
BMW X5 SUV RWDnot rated★★★★☆★★★★★not rated
BMW X5 Hybrid SUV AWDnot ratednot ratednot ratednot rated
Fuel cost and engines

About $3200–5300 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 3.0L 6-cyl, 4.4L 8-cyl.

Quick answers

Is the 2024 BMW X5 reliable?

It's too early to be sure. So far it has drawn 2.3× the average car's complaints per car sold, against other 2024 cars after the same time on the road (early Lemon Index 232; 100 is average). The best BMW X5 year by this measure is 2010.

What are the most common 2024 BMW X5 problems?

In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are stability control (39%), brakes (32%) and brakes (30%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.

How many recalls does the 2024 BMW X5 have?

8 safety recalls (latest: brakes). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What gas mileage does the 2024 BMW X5 get?

15 to 25 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).

Is the 2024 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 2024 BMW X5 have transmission problems?

Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 11% of its owner complaints.

How much does the 2024 BMW X5 cost in fuel a year?

About $3200 to $5300 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.

What engines does the 2024 BMW X5 have?

3.0L 6-cyl, 4.4L 8-cyl.

What BMW X5 year is better than the 2024?

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

Updated

Free to use with credit: Source: The Lemon Index (lemonindex.com). Get the data