NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2026 BMW X5 Safety Ratings
The 2026 BMW X5 scores 81 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 4-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 2 recalls, and 8 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2026 BMW X5 achieves a strong NHTSA Safety Index of 81/100, a significant seven-point improvement over the 2025 model. This higher rating is largely attributable to its robust crash protection. However, the vehicle's avoidance technology sub-score stands out as a notable weakness that prospective buyers should consider.
The 2026 BMW X5 holds a NHTSA Safety Index of 81 out of 100 and an NHTSA overall crash-test rating of 4 out of 5 stars, sourced from NHTSA federal safety data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 143 SUVs from 2026 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2026 BMW X5 ranks 130 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 81 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 4 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 15.9% |
| Recalls on file | 2 |
| Owner complaints | 8 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 130 of 143 SUVs tested for 2026 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2026 BMW X5?
The 2026 BMW X5 earns a Safety Index score of 81/100, placing it in the Strong band, a notable increase from the 2025 model's 74/100. This improvement stems largely from the crash-protection sub-score, which reached 61 out of a possible 70 points. This is anchored by a perfect 5 out of 5 stars in NHTSA's side-crash tests and a No Tip dynamic rollover outcome. However, the vehicle's avoidance-tech sub-score presents a clear vulnerability at just 2 out of 10. NHTSA data indicates the absence of standard forward collision warning and lane departure warning systems, with only electronic stability control listed as standard equipment. This omission prevents the overall Safety Index from reaching the top tier, despite its robust passive-protection figures. The defect record sub-score stands at 18 out of 20, reflecting two active recall campaigns. Both recalls target critical fasteners: one involves airbag components at the instrument panel, and the other addresses windshield sealing. Shoppers should consider these open safety items until a VIN-specific remedy check confirms their completion.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2026 BMW X5 perform in crash tests?
The 2026 BMW X5 achieves a strong 5-star rating for side-impact protection, a key factor in occupant safety. Its overall assessment from NHTSA places it at 4 out of 5 stars. Both frontal crash and rollover tests also yielded 4-star ratings. The X5 demonstrated a 16 percent rollover risk, with the dynamic tip-test concluding in "No Tip."
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 21370
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2026 BMW X5 have any recalls?
Two recall campaigns cover the 2026 BMW X5. The first involves critical fasteners tied to the instrument panel and air bags, affecting X5, X5 Plug-In Hybrid, X6, and X7 vehicles. The second addresses windshield sealing, where improper sealing may compromise visibility and structural integrity. Neither campaign carries a park-outside or do-not-drive designation based on available data.
AIR BAGS:CRITICAL FASTENERS25V837000
Risk: An air bag that does not deploy properly can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the instrument panel trim, free of charge. The vehicles have not been sold from dealer inventory and therefore, no owner letters will be mailed. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on December 4, 2025.
Reported 2025-12-04
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD:CRITICAL FASTENERS25V556000
Risk: Water inside electrical components can lead to electronic function failures, such as a loss of headlights, increasing the risk of a crash. In addition, an electrical short-circuit may occur, increasing the risk of a fire while parked or driving.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the windshield seal. If any leaks are detected, the seal will be repaired and vehicle control units and wiring will be replaced as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 3, 2025. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Reported 2025-08-27
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2026 BMW X5?
Eight owner complaints have been reported to NHTSA for the 2026 BMW X5. The top alleged problem areas are the Electrical System with three reports, Structure with two, and Power Train with two. These are unverified consumer allegations, not established defects, and include no reported crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths.
8 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2026 BMW X5?
Two open recall campaigns affect the 2026 BMW X5, a current-model-year vehicle. One recall addresses an air bag fastener issue, and the other concerns windshield sealing. Prospective buyers should verify that these remedies have been completed by checking the vehicle's VIN at NHTSA.gov before purchase or delivery.
- The 2026 BMW X5 Safety Index rose seven points over the 2025 model year, moving from the Average band to the Strong band, with crash protection scoring 61 out of 70 as the primary driver.
- NHTSA recorded a perfect 5-star side-crash result for this model year, while frontal and rollover ratings each stand at 4 stars with a 16 percent rollover risk and a No Tip dynamic test outcome.
- Two recall campaigns are active for this model year: one for critical fasteners linked to air bag components at the instrument panel, and one for windshield sealing that may be improperly bonded, both requiring VIN-level verification of remedy completion.
- The avoidance-tech sub-score of 2 out of 10 reflects the absence of standard forward collision warning and lane departure warning on this model year, a meaningful gap that buyers focused on active-safety features should factor into their evaluation.
RANKINGSWhere the 2026 BMW X5 places
The 2026 BMW X5 qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2026 BMW X5 safety questions
Was the 2026 BMW X5 crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2026 BMW X5, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 81 out of 100, placing it in the Strong band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2026 BMW X5 crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2026 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 2026 BMW X5 have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 2 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2026 BMW X5. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2026 BMW X5?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 8 owner complaints are on file for the 2026 BMW X5. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other X5 years
Rivals in SUV (2026)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Lexus GX 550 | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Lexus Rz 350e BEV | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Lexus Rz 550e BEV | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander MHEV | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid | 99/100 | not rated | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 21370), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the BMW X5 2026.
- 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 130 of 143 in the SUV class for 2026.
- 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.