NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2019 BMW X5
Federal crash-test performance, recalls, and complaints, scored into one NHTSA Safety Index.
The BMW X5 is a midsize luxury SUV that has anchored BMW's crossover lineup since the late 1990s. Covering model years 2019 through 2025, it targets affluent buyers who want a blend of premium cabin quality, capable performance, and genuine utility. It competes directly with the Mercedes-Benz GLE, Audi Q7, and Volvo XC90, and it carries serious expectations in a segment where safety reputation matters.
The 2019 BMW X5 earns an NHTSA Safety Index of 67 out of 100, an below average result driven by its federal crash-test stars and its recall record. It has 13 recalls on record, reflected in the score.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
Reviewers generally praise the X5 for its polished driving dynamics, upscale interior, and strong engine options, positioning it as one of the more driver-focused choices in the midsize luxury SUV segment. Most acknowledge it as a well-rounded machine but note that rivals with stronger safety ratings and fewer recall incidents may be more compelling for safety-first shoppers.
NCAP // CRASH TESTCrash-test breakdown
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 14088
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSRecall record
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:STARTER ASSEMBLY25V644000
Risk: An overheated starter motor can ignite nearby combustible material in the engine compartment, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the engine starter, free of charge. This recall includes vehicles repaired under recall 24V576 and those owners will need to have their vehicle repaired again. Owner notification letters were mailed February 9, 2026. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov November 1
Reported 2025-09-25
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:STARTER ASSEMBLY24V576000
Risk: A starter motor that overheats can ignite nearby combustible material in the engine compartment, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will update the vehicle software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 27, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Reported 2024-08-01
VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY22V267000
Risk: A sunroof that closes without the key fob present inside the vehicle can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will reprogram the roof function control unit, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 20, 2022. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Reported 2022-04-20
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL21V520000
Risk: An air bag that does not deploy properly can increase the risk of injury in a crash.
Remedy: A dealer will replace the instrument panel, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 26, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Reported 2021-07-08
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA21V096000
Risk: 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.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rearview camera software and update it if necessary, free of charge. The recall began April 16, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Reported 2021-02-19
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC21V062000
Risk: A loss of ABS and a reduction in braking assistance can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the integrated brake system, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 25, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Reported 2021-02-10
STEERING20V434000
Risk: A loose bearing plate can affect the vehicle's handling and control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the steering column shaft bearing plate and properly attach or replace it, as necessary, free of charge. BMW telephoned owners and all of the vehicles have been remedied. No owner notification letter is necessary. Please contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Reported 2020-07-28
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA19V684000
Risk: The lack of an image in the back-up camera display increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will update the back-up camera software, free of charge. The recall began November 8, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 or Rolls-Royce at 1-877-877-3735. Toyota owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371.
Reported 2019-09-27
WHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS/STUDS19V541000
Risk: Loose bolts may allow a wheel to detach from the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace and tighten the left side wheel bolts, free of charge. The recall began July 16, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Reported 2019-07-23
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP19V513000
Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the high pressure fuel pumps, free of charge. The recall began August 27, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Reported 2019-07-03
SEATS19V096000
Risk: The improperly tightened bolts can increase the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the attachment bolts for the driver's seat and seat belt, and torque them to the correct specifications, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began April 9, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Reported 2019-02-13
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS18V918000
Risk: Without a label that shows the proper restraint usage guidelines, the occupants may have an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Remedy: BMW notified owners, and dealers will inspect the driver and passenger sun visor, replacing the visors as necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 4, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Reported 2018-12-19
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSOwner complaints
175 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.