The Lemon Index2025 BMW X5.
The 2025 BMW X5 is so far worse than average by owner complaints: 63 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 136, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about stability control, it has 5 recalls, and it gets 15 to 25 mpg combined. The best BMW X5 year is 2010.
Early read
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 63 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every BMW X5 year. 2025 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 0K to 8K miles on the car (7 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
Recalls 5
- 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 refer to the recall report for the complete list of models.
- seat belts 2024
The seat belt system may inaccurately detect that passengers are belted, preventing the seat belt warning light from illuminating and possibly causing the supplemental restraint system to not deploy as intended during a …
Show all 5 recalls
- equipment 2024
The tire information placard may indicate an incorrect tire size and tire pressure.
- stability control 2024
Please see the recall report for a complete list of models and model years.
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 79 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Rattling/knocking noise from the front axle at low speeds of less than 15 mph
- The check control message(s) for the (brakelights, taillights, side lights, turn…
- It was determined that your vehicle was fitted with a brake booster that potentially has a…
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 |
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 2025 BMW X5 reliable?
It's too early to be sure. So far it has drawn 1.4× the average car's complaints per car sold, against other 2025 cars after the same time on the road (early Lemon Index 136; 100 is average). The best BMW X5 year by this measure is 2010.
What are the most common 2025 BMW X5 problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are stability control (29%), brakes (27%) and brakes (21%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2025 BMW X5 have?
5 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 2025 BMW X5 get?
15 to 25 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2025 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 2025 BMW X5 have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues aren't among its top 5 complaint areas.
How much does the 2025 BMW X5 cost in fuel a year?
About $3200 to $5300 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2025 BMW X5 have?
3.0L 6-cyl, 4.4L 8-cyl.
What BMW X5 year is better than the 2025?
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