NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2020 BMW X5 Safety Ratings
The 2020 BMW X5 scores 66 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Below Average), with a 4-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 11 recalls, and 96 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2020 BMW X5's Safety Index score of 66/100 places it in the Below Average band. This assessment is primarily driven by its deficiency in avoidance technology, which significantly detracts from an otherwise strong showing in federal crash testing. The vehicle's defect record is also a concern, with 11 recall campaigns issued by the manufacturer. These factors present a mixed safety profile for the 2020 X5.
The 2020 BMW X5 earned a NHTSA Safety Index of 66 out of 100 and an NHTSA overall crash-test rating of 4 out of 5 stars, according to NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 107 SUVs from 2020 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2020 BMW X5 ranks 105 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 66 / 100 (Below Average) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 4 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 15.9% |
| Recalls on file | 11 |
| Owner complaints | 96 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 105 of 107 SUVs tested for 2020 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2020 BMW X5?
The 2020 BMW X5 earns a Safety Index of 66 out of 100, placing it in the Below Average band. This represents a one-point decline from the 2019 model year's 67, indicating that the defect record did not improve. The vehicle's crash protection is comparatively strong, scoring 61 out of 70, based on NHTSA star ratings that include a perfect 5-star result for side impact. However, avoidance technology scores only 2 out of 10, as neither forward collision warning nor lane departure warning was standard for this model year. The defect record component contributes just 3 out of 20 to the overall score. This aligns with 11 recall campaigns addressing issues such as starter assemblies, the moonroof, the backup camera, and hydraulic brakes. Furthermore, 96 unverified owner complaints, including alleged fire incidents, suggest potential concerns with the electrical system and powertrain. The divergence between strong crash-test performance and weaker scores in avoidance technology and defect history defines the safety profile of the 2020 BMW X5.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2020 BMW X5 perform in crash tests?
The 2020 BMW X5 earned an overall 4 out of 5 stars from NHTSA. Side protection is a key strength, achieving a perfect 5 stars in crash testing. Both frontal impact and rollover resistance were rated at 4 stars. The measured rollover risk for the X5 is 16 percent, with dynamic testing showing no tip.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 14446
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2020 BMW X5 have any recalls?
Yes, the 2020 BMW X5 carries 11 recall campaigns. Documented issues include two separate electrical system starter assembly campaigns, a sun and moon roof assembly defect, a backup camera sensing system concern, and a hydraulic service brake recall. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive is noted in the provided campaign data, but owners should verify remedy status by VIN.
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
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
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM20V678000
Risk: If the weld between the front axle support and the right front control arm bearing bracket separates, vehicle handling and control may be affected, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front axle support, free of charge. The recall began December 18, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Reported 2020-11-04
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS20V528000
Risk: Oncoming drivers may be confused by the blue light of approaching vehicles, which could potentially increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the headlamps and, if necessary, replace them, free of charge. The recall began October 30, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Reported 2020-09-01
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION20V465000
Risk: An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the starter motor for the extra bolt, removing it if necessary. Dealers will also inspect the starter for damage, and check if the bolt has fallen into the transmission housing, replacing any damaged parts as necessary. All repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on October 2, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800
Reported 2020-08-07
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
STEERING:RACK AND PINION:RACK19V631000
Risk: A loss of steering control increases risk of a crash.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering rack, free of charge. The recall began August 21, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Reported 2019-08-28
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2020 BMW X5?
Owners have filed 96 unverified complaints with NHTSA. Alleged problem areas include the Electrical System (38 reports), Engine (24), Power Train (15), and Engine And Engine Cooling (14). Six reports allege fire and three allege a crash. All are unverified consumer allegations, not established facts.
96 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2020 BMW X5?
Prospective owners of a 2020 BMW X5 must verify all recall remedies have been completed before purchase. The model year has accumulated 11 recall campaigns, a substantial figure that warrants a thorough check of any specific vehicle's VIN through NHTSA's lookup tool. Unaddressed recalls remain the owner's responsibility.
- The 2020 model year carries 11 NHTSA recall campaigns, including two distinct electrical system starter assembly recalls issued in separate years, making VIN-level remedy verification especially important for this specific year.
- Avoidance technology scored only 2 out of 10 in the Safety Index breakdown because forward collision warning and lane departure warning were not standard equipment on the 2020 X5, a notable gap compared to the crash-protection score of 61 out of 70.
- The Safety Index dropped one point from the 2019 model year's 67 to 66, reflecting a defect record score of just 3 out of 20 and marking two consecutive years in the Below Average band.
- Ninety-six unverified owner complaints filed with NHTSA include 6 alleged fire incidents and 38 reports targeting the electrical system, the single most-reported component category for this model year.
RANKINGSWhere the 2020 BMW X5 places
The 2020 BMW X5 qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2020 BMW X5 safety questions
Was the 2020 BMW X5 crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2020 BMW X5, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 66 out of 100, placing it in the Below Average band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2020 BMW X5 crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2020 BMW X5 earned 4 out of 5 stars for overall, 4 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side, and 4 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 15.9%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2020 BMW X5 have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 11 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2020 BMW X5. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2020 BMW X5?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 96 owner complaints are on file for the 2020 BMW X5. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash or a fire.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other X5 years
Rivals in SUV (2020)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Infiniti Qx50 | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 2 |
| 2020 Mazda CX-3 | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
| 2020 Mazda CX-30 | 93/100 | 5 of 5 | 3 |
| 2020 Volvo Xc90 T5 | 93/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2020 Volvo Xc90 T6 | 93/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2020 Volvo Xc90 T8 | 93/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 14446), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the BMW X5 2020.
- SCORE The NHTSA Safety Index (0-100) weights crash protection, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the defect record. Full formula on the methodology page. It ranks 105 of 107 in the SUV class for 2020.
- EDITED Written by the MotorCaliber Safety Desk and reviewed for accuracy and plain-language clarity by Ivanna Verstliar, Editor, against the source figures on this page.
- VERIFIED Data last synced Oct 1, 2026. Recalls change; confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. See our corrections policy and disclosure.