NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2025 BMW X5 Safety Ratings
The 2025 BMW X5 scores 73 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Average), with a 4-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 5 recalls, and 56 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2025 BMW X5 exhibits an average safety profile, earning a NHTSA Safety Index of 74/100. This assessment is largely underpinned by its robust crash-test performance. However, this positive is tempered by two recall campaigns related to its electronic stability control (ESC) system and a notably weak sub-score in avoidance technology. On balance, the X5 presents a reasonable, though not outstanding, option for safety-conscious buyers.
The 2025 BMW X5 received a NHTSA Safety Index of 74 out of 100 and an NHTSA overall crash-test rating of 4 out of 5 stars, based on federal NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 153 SUVs from 2025 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2025 BMW X5 ranks 148 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 73 / 100 (Average) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 4 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 15.9% |
| Recalls on file | 5 |
| Owner complaints | 56 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 148 of 153 SUVs tested for 2025 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2025 BMW X5?
The 2025 BMW X5 moved the NHTSA Safety Index three points upward from the 2024 model year's 71 to 74, both years remaining in the Average band. The improvement is real but modest, and the sub-score breakdown reveals where tension lives. Crash protection contributed a strong 61 out of 70 points, consistent with the NHTSA star performance, particularly the 5-star side-impact result. However, avoidance technology contributed only 2 out of 10 points, a significant drag, because forward collision warning and lane departure warning are both listed as not present on this vehicle. That gap is meaningful for shoppers who weigh active-safety technology heavily. The defect record sub-score of 11.25 out of 20 reflects the burden of four recall campaigns, two of which target the Electronic Stability Control system. The ESC recalls are especially notable given that 18 of the 56 reported owner complaints also cite ESC, and 17 cite hydraulic systems, suggesting a pattern worth watching. The 2025 model year is therefore defined by solid passive-crash performance offset by an active-safety shortfall and an ESC recall story that runs across multiple campaigns and multiple BMW product lines.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2025 BMW X5 perform in crash tests?
The 2025 BMW X5 achieved a 5 out of 5 stars rating for side-impact protection from NHTSA. Its overall rating stands at 4 out of 5 stars. Both frontal crash protection and rollover resistance were rated at 4 out of 5 stars. The X5 has a 16 percent rollover risk, and it completed the dynamic tip test with no tip.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 20089
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2025 BMW X5 have any recalls?
The 2025 BMW X5 carries four recall campaigns. Two target Electronic Stability Control systems, one addresses front seat belts across multiple X5 variants, and one concerns an incorrect tire-information placard on xDrive40i models. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive appears in the data provided, but open remedy status should be verified by VIN.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:ELECTRIC:CONTROL MODULE26V422000
Risk: A loss of power brake assist can extend the distance required to stop the vehicle. Additionally, malfunctioning ABS and/or DSC systems can cause a loss of vehicle control. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: The Integrated brake system will be inspected and, if necessary, replaced, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed August 21, 2026. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 or Rolls-Royce customer service at 1-877-877-3735. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will become searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning August 21, 2026. Vehic
Reported 2026-07-01
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC):CONTROL MODULE24V697000
Risk: A loss of brake power assist or rear brake function can result in extended stopping distance. A loss of ABS or DSC can cause a loss of vehicle handling and control. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the integrated brake system, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 13, 2024. Owners can contact BMW Customer Service at 1-800-525-7417.
Reported 2024-09-18
SEAT BELTS:FRONT24V345000
Risk: A seat belt warning light that does not alert occupants of an unbelted seat belt or an SRS system that deploys improperly can both increase the risk of injury in a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the front seat lower seat belts as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 12, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Reported 2024-05-15
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS24V327000
Risk: Incorrect tire information can allow an incorrectly sized tire to be installed or result in improperly inflated tires, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the tire information placard, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 9, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Reported 2024-05-10
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)24V104000
Risk: A loss of power brake assist can extend the distance required to stop the vehicle. Additionally, malfunctioning ABS and/or DSC systems can cause a loss of vehicle control. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the integrated brake system, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed between June and December 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 or Rolls Royce customer service at 1-877-877-3735.
Reported 2024-02-12
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2025 BMW X5?
Fifty-six owner complaints have been reported to NHTSA, including alleged 6 crashes and 3 injuries. These are unverified consumer allegations. The most frequently cited components are Service Brakes with 27 reports, Electronic Stability Control with 18, and Hydraulic systems with 17.
56 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2025 BMW X5?
Four recall campaigns have been issued for the 2025 BMW X5, a notable figure for a single model year. Two of these address the electronic stability control system, and a third concerns the seat belts. Given the critical safety implications of these components, verification of completed recall remedies via NHTSA's VIN lookup tool is imperative for any prospective buyer; documentation from the seller should confirm these actions.
- The 2025 model year carries two separate Electronic Stability Control recall campaigns, a combination that also aligns with 18 unverified owner complaints citing ESC, making that system the most recall-and-complaint-concentrated area of this specific year.
- The avoidance-tech sub-score of 2 out of 10 reflects the absence of forward collision warning and lane departure warning on this model year, pulling the overall Safety Index down despite strong passive crash-test results.
- The front seat-belt recall issued in May 2024 covers multiple 2025 X5 variants including the sDrive40i, xDrive40i, M60i, M, and xDrive50e, so buyers should confirm which sub-model they are considering and verify remedy completion by VIN.
- The Safety Index rose from 71 in the 2024 model year to 74 in 2025, a three-point gain that keeps the vehicle in the Average band and signals incremental but not transformative improvement in the overall safety profile.
RANKINGSWhere the 2025 BMW X5 places
The 2025 BMW X5 qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2025 BMW X5 safety questions
Was the 2025 BMW X5 crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2025 BMW X5, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 73 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 2025 BMW X5 crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2025 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 2025 BMW X5 have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 5 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2025 BMW X5. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2025 BMW X5?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 56 owner complaints are on file for the 2025 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 (2025)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 Lexus GX 550 | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2025 Lexus Rz 300e | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2025 Toyota Corolla Cross | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2025 Tesla Model X | 96/100 | not rated | 3 |
| 2025 Acura ADX | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2025 Buick Envision | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 20089), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the BMW X5 2025.
- 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 148 of 153 in the SUV class for 2025.
- 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.