NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2023 BMW X5 Safety Ratings
The 2023 BMW X5 scores 77 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Average), with a 4-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 4 recalls, and 29 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2023 BMW X5 arrives with a NHTSA Safety Index of 77 out of 100, landing it in the Average safety band. While its crash-protection scores are notably strong, the X5's overall safety assessment is significantly hampered by the near-absence of factory crash-avoidance technology. Furthermore, four recall campaigns introduce an additional layer of scrutiny that potential owners should carefully consider.
The 2023 BMW X5 received a NHTSA Safety Index of 77 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 139 SUVs from 2023 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2023 BMW X5 ranks 116 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 77 / 100 (Average) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 4 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 15.9% |
| Recalls on file | 4 |
| Owner complaints | 29 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 116 of 139 SUVs tested for 2023 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2023 BMW X5?
The 2023 BMW X5 posts a Safety Index of 77 out of 100, a one-point gain over the 2022 model year's 76, both sitting in the Average band. That narrow upward movement reflects stability rather than a meaningful shift in the safety profile. The crash-protection sub-score of 61 out of 70 is the engine driving that index, anchored by a rare 5-star side rating and solid 4-star results across frontal and rollover categories. Where this model year falls short is the avoidance-technology sub-score: just 2 out of a possible 10 points, a consequence of the 2023 X5 shipping without factory forward collision warning or lane departure warning, leaving only electronic stability control as a standard active-safety feature. The defect record sub-score lands at 14.25 out of 20, weighed down by four recall campaigns that touch the transmission control module, head restraints, a seat-fastener integrity issue, and windshield retention. The seat-fastener recall is particularly concrete in its risk framing, as a missing bolt in the seat-mounting assembly represents a structural concern in a crash event. Taken together, the 2023 model year is defined by a credible crash-test showing offset by a thin active-safety footprint and a multi-campaign recall slate that used-market shoppers must resolve before taking ownership.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2023 BMW X5 perform in crash tests?
The 2023 BMW X5 achieved a 5-star rating in NHTSA's side-crash assessment, marking a strong performance in that category. Its overall rating from the agency is 4 out of 5 stars. For frontal impact protection, the X5 also received 4 stars. Rollover protection similarly rated 4 stars, with a measured rollover risk of 16 percent and a No Tip result in the dynamic tip test.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 18364
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2023 BMW X5 have any recalls?
Four recall campaigns cover the 2023 BMW X5. Components involved include the automatic transmission control module, rear head restraints, a critical seat-mounting fastener where one of four connecting bolts may be compromised, and the windshield, which may fail to meet retention standards. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive appears in the data provided, but buyers should verify remedy status by VIN.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)23V821000
Risk: 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.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the transmission mechatronics module and the automatic transmission fluid, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 26, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Reported 2023-12-06
SEATS:MID/REAR ASSEMBLY:HEAD RESTRAINT23V253000
Risk: A head restraint without a locking tab may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the second-row outboard seat head restraint guide sleeves, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 31, 2023. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Reported 2023-04-06
SEATS:CRITICAL FASTENERS22V942000
Risk: A loose driver's seat backrest may not properly restrain the occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the driver's seat backrest and if necessary, install an attachment bolt, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed February 17, 2023. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Reported 2022-12-19
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD22V820000
Risk: An electrical short-circuit increases the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the windshield seal and as necessary, remove and reinstall the windshield with a new seal, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 30, 2022. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Reported 2022-11-02
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2023 BMW X5?
Twenty-nine complaints have been filed with NHTSA against the 2023 BMW X5. These are unverified consumer allegations. The most frequently alleged problem areas are Unknown or Other issues at 8 reports, followed by Power Train and Electrical System at 7 each, with Structure, Service Brakes, and Engine also represented.
29 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2023 BMW X5?
Four recall campaigns have been issued for the 2023 BMW X5, with particular emphasis on the seat-fastener and windshield campaigns. Any prospective buyer should run the specific VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup tool to confirm that all necessary remedies have been completed. An unresolved recall transfers with the vehicle, not the seller.
- The 2023 BMW X5 achieved a 5-star NHTSA side-crash rating, the single strongest result in its crash-test profile for this model year.
- Four separate recall campaigns were issued against the 2023 BMW X5, covering the transmission control module, head restraints, a seat-mounting fastener, and the windshield, making VIN-specific recall verification essential.
- The avoidance-technology sub-score of 2 out of 10 reflects the 2023 X5's lack of factory forward collision warning and lane departure warning, a meaningful gap compared to competitors who score higher in that category.
- Twenty-nine unverified complaints filed with NHTSA for this model year include alleged issues across Power Train and Electrical System, each drawing 7 reports, with 3 alleged crash-related incidents among them.
RANKINGSWhere the 2023 BMW X5 places
The 2023 BMW X5 qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2023 BMW X5 safety questions
Was the 2023 BMW X5 crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2023 BMW X5, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 77 out of 100, placing it in the Average band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2023 BMW X5 crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2023 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 2023 BMW X5 have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 4 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2023 BMW X5. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2023 BMW X5?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 29 owner complaints are on file for the 2023 BMW X5. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other X5 years
Rivals in SUV (2023)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 Tesla Model X Later Release | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2023 Tesla Model Y Later Release | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Tesla Model Y Rwd Early Release | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Tesla Model Y Rwd Later Release | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Buick Envision | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
| 2023 Lexus Rz 450e | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 18364), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the BMW X5 2023.
- 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 116 of 139 in the SUV class for 2023.
- 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.