2020 BMW X5 Electrical System Problems

34 NHTSA complaints on file

Check any vehicle history by VIN - Free vehicle history report

Electrical System Issues in the 2020 BMW X5

34 electrical system complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2020 BMW X5. Of these, 0 involved a crash, 3 involved a fire, and 0 resulted in injury.

34
Complaints
0
Crashes
3
Fires
0
Injuries
0
Deaths

All Electrical System Complaints

#11717652 |
The contact owns a 2020 BMW X5. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V644000 (Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were not yet available for the recall repair. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.
#11715337 |
The contact owns a 2020 BMW X5. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign: 25V644000 (Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair not available. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were not available. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue; however, no assistance was provided. The contact had not experienced a failure.
#11708879 |
The safety risk arises from inaccurate federal recall records maintained by BMW of North America. My vehicle had a safety recall for starter replacement (Recall 25V-644). This recall repair was already completed by an authorized BMW dealer, and the starter was replaced under warranty. However, BMW continues to list the recall as OPEN with “Remedy Not Available.” This creates a safety risk because inaccurate recall records may lead to improper vehicle safety status, incorrect regulatory reporting, and potential refusal of assistance if a starter-related failure or no-start condition occurs in the future. The problem has been confirmed by an authorized BMW dealer, and I have official service documentation showing that the recall repair was completed. The vehicle was inspected and repaired by BMW of Gwinnett Place. No warning lights were present after the repair. This complaint is not about a new mechanical failure, but about BMW’s failure to accurately update...
#11707751 |
engine hesitates on startup and doesn't turnover. plenty of power, battery is fine. other models have been recalled, but for some reason, this model is not included. please extend this recall to include more models as the problem exists in other 2020 models not on the current recall list.
#11704622 |
I was having intermittent starting issues. After a starter recall was done, things got worse. Idrive will not turn off and car wont start draining battery. Battery was replaced and car still having idrive and start issues. It would not start after being hot. I was told extended warranty is not covered and that the center console was the problem after diagnostic. They want approximately $3000 to repair. The car will not start at all and the idrive will not shut off. They said it will continue until repaired.
#11703069 |
The contact owns a 2020 BMW X5. The contact stated that while stopped at a traffic light, after the light changed, the accelerator pedal was depressed and the vehicle stalled. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. The vehicle was diagnosed, and it was determined that the starter had failed. The mechanic advised the contact that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V644000 (Electrical System). The contact was advised to have the vehicle towed to a dealer for the recall repair. The contact called a local dealer and was informed that the recall remedy was not available. The contact called the manufacturer and was informed that the remedy was not available, and there was no ETA for parts availability. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the...
#11697155 |
The contact owns a 2020 BMW X5. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V644000 (Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to immediately start. There was a timer displayed notifying the contact when to restart the vehicle; however, the vehicle failed to start. The contact's husband inspected the vehicle and noticed that the engine was running hot despite the vehicle not being driven. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The dealer determined that the battery had failed and needed to be replaced. The dealer informed the contact that the belts and motor mounts were damaged and might need to be replaced or repaired. The dealer also informed the contact that the part...
#11689437 |
The contact owns a 2020 BMW X5. The contact stated that while stopped at a red traffic light, the vehicle lost power. The contact attempted to restart the vehicle; however, the vehicle failed to respond as intended. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was towed to dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the starter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V576000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). The vehicle was previously repaired; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The failure mileage was 48,000.
#11687403 |
My 2020 BMW X5 experienced starter failure after completing recall campaign 24V-576 for starter electrical overload risk. The vehicle was subject to this recall which acknowledged a defect causing electrical overload to the starter system. I completed the required software update in late 2024, approximately 4 years after the vehicle was manufactured and exposed to the acknowledged defect. Following the recall repair, the starter system failed on three separate occasions over a six-week period. The most recent failure occurred while traveling with family, creating a safety risk by nearly stranding us in a remote location. The vehicle would not start despite multiple attempts, requiring emergency roadside assistance. The failing starter component has been diagnosed and confirmed by an authorized BMW dealership service center. The dealership provided a repair estimate of approximately $3,000 for starter replacement. The component is available for inspection upon request at the dealership. Prior to complete failure,...
#11683864 |
Car would randomly not start and went dead at red stop lights on occasion. Had to have the car towed to BMW dealership where they diagnosed it as a bad starter. Car only has 35,000 miles and this appears to be a know problem by BMW and BMW owners.
#11667694 |
The contact owns a 2020 BMW X5. The contact stated that after refueling the vehicle, the contact attempted to restart the vehicle; however, the vehicle failed to restart. The contact made several attempts, and after approximately an hour, the vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle failed to start and was towed to a local dealer. The contact stated that there were no warning lights illuminated. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the starter motor had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V576000 (Electrical System, Engine and Engine Cooling). The contact called the manufacturer and asked about the recall for the starter motor and was informed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 30,000.
#11663702 | Fire
I own a 2020 BMX X5 S40i. Car was parked and turned off. When I tried to turn the car ON, the car refused to start and smoke and fire smell started coming from engine compartment. I opened the hood and could smell a burning smell. Waited for smell to disappear and tried starting the car again. Car would not start and burning smell appeared again. Got a warning on the dashboard that engine compartment was overheated and car would be ready to start after 180 seconds. Called AAA to jump start car and same behaviour was observed and car refused to start. Technician also stated that battery was completely dead. Took car to dealer and replaced main and start/ stop battery. Car still would not start. On inspection dealer observed started mechanism was shorted and needed to be replaced. After replacement, car starts fine without burning smell. Going through...
#11663370 |
The contact owns a 2020 BMW X5. The contact stated that upon entering the vehicle, the message that the engine had overheated, and the vehicle was disabled was displayed. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the starter motor. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V576000 (Electrical System, Engine and Engine Cooling), but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 80,000.
#11662777 |
The contact owns a 2020 BMW X5. The contact stated that while at a complete stop, the START/STOP feature failed to operate as designed, and the engine failed to restart while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact stated that a "Starting Engine Possibly Shortly: System Overheated. Restarting Engine Possible After Cooling" message was displayed on the instrument panel. After the contact allowed the engine to cool down, the vehicle failed to restart with the same messages displayed. Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed to the dealer where it remained. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V576000 (Electrical System, Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The contact also discovered and linked the failure to Technical Service Bulletin: B120424. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 73,000.
#11652589 |
The contact owns a 2020 BMW X5. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start. The contact stated that the message that the vehicle was overheating was displayed. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V576000 (Electrical System, Engine, and Engine Cooling). The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the failure was due to the starter. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 35,000.
#11651146 |
A code for check engine came on and the code is say active grille shutter. I also see there is a safety issue for the same issue on other models of bmw. I'm not seeing one for X5 which needs to be added to the list.
#11648268 |
The contact owns a 2020 BMW X5. The contact stated while driving at approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that START/STOP warning light was illuminated. The contact attempted to restart the vehicle but was unable. The contact had the vehicle towed to a dealer who diagnosed that the starter motor had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V576000 (Electrical System, Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the VIN was not included. The failure mileage was approximately 31,000.
#11646803 |
The contact owns a 2020 BMW X5. The contact stated that on several occasions the vehicle failed to immediately start. Additionally, while the vehicle was idling the vehicle shut off and had to be restarted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the starter was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The local dealer and manufacturer were informed of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V576000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 60,000.
#11644067 |
See attached document for complaint.
#11643532 |
On February 14, 2025, my 2020 BMW X5 unexpectedly failed to restart after engaging the Auto Start/Stop function while waiting at a traffic light. Despite multiple attempts, the vehicle would not turn back on, leaving me stranded in active traffic and creating a significant safety hazard. This failure occurred only three months after BMW applied a recall fix (software update) to address a known issue with the starter system. BMW initially issued a nationwide recall in July 2024 related to the starter function, with official letters sent to owners in September 2024. I purchased this vehicle in October 2024 and, upon learning of the recall, took it to an authorized BMW dealership in November 2024, where the recall remedy was applied (software patch). Despite this fix, the vehicle has now suffered a complete starter failure at just 50,250 miles, which is extremely premature for a modern luxury vehicle. BMW technicians...
#11643536 |
The contact owns a 2020 BMW X5. The contact stated while at a stop light, the gear shifter independently shifted into neutral. The contact stated after several attempts, the gear shifter was shifted into park. The contact stated that the gear shifter had seized in park(P). The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with internal starter motor shortage. The contact was informed that the starter motor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V576000 (Electrical System, Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. Additionally, the contact stated that the failure had occurred at night, while the four minor children were inside the vehicle. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was unknown.
#11641479 | Fire
The car caught on fire spontaneously when it was parked and locked. The fire started approximately 5 minutes after it was driven for 20 minutes. The fire started under the hood. There was light smoke to begin with which got worse after around 13 minutes and then flames started spewing out at the opening between the hood and the windshield. The car was fully engulfed in flames 5 minutes later with flames going as high as 2 floors. It was finally extinguished by the fire department. The car is currently with my insurance company in their tow yard.
#11639109 |
The contact owns a 2020 BMW X5. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start. The message "System Overheating - Restarting Engine Possible After Cooling" was displayed. The contact called AAA, who attempted to start the vehicle and shift to neutral(N), but the vehicle failed to respond as needed. The vehicle was towed to the residence with a special tow truck. The vehicle was able to be jumpstarted by AAA the following day. The vehicle was then driven to the dealer, where it was parked and turned off. The contact stated that the failure recurred at the dealer. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the starter had failed and needed to be replaced. The contact became aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V576000 (Electrical System, Engine and Engine Cooling), which the contact linked to the failure; however, the dealer informed the contact that the VIN was not included...
#11635188 |
Shark fin antenna - Telematic control module malfunctioning. Seems to have a leak issue causing modules inside/under antenna to get wet from rain or car washes. This is causing an error message "SOS emergency call system malfunctioning", you will not be able to make calls under an emergency. Other issues include GPS, remote start, lane assist, adaptive cruise control etc... not working properly and potentially causing an accident on the road.
#11628527 |
The contact owns a 2020 BMW X5. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle there was a grinding sound coming from the engine compartment. While driving approximately 45 MPH, the message that the engine was overheating was displayed on the instrument panel. The contact pulled over to the side of the road and turned off the vehicle and waited for the engine to cool down. The vehicle failed to restart after the engine cooled down. The vehicle was towed to the dealer who diagnosed that the starter had failed and needed to be replaced. The dealer informed the contact of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V576000 (Electrical System, Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and filed a case for the failure. The manufacturer confirmed that the VIN was not under recall. The failure...
#11626137 |
The contact owns a 2020 BMW X5. The contact stated while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to respond. The contact was able to start the vehicle after the sixth attempt. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The engine was not replaced; however, the battery was replaced. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V576000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The failure mileage was 60,500.
#11624493 |
There is a known recall on this car for engine/starter. It is a hazard and should be repaired. On 10/23 we scheduled and took the car to BMW of NW Arkansas. They refused to complete the recall on the starter without us paying $189.00 for a vehicle diagnostic and I am sure that would have resulted in more fees. A recall should be completed free of charge as it directly relates to a safety issue. Another issue on the vehicle that I am not sure if it is a recall items is the GPS antenna allows water to intrude and thereby the GPS/safety location services to fail. It is a complained about issue online from BMW owners. BMW will not replace or repair this faulty item either. "A recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle, equipment, car seat, or tire creates an unreasonable safety risk...
#11618878 |
The contact owns a 2020 BMW X5. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact became aware that the engine was overheating. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the starter had failed and caused the battery to fail. The contact was informed that the starter and battery needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 64,671.
#11587909 |
My 2020 BMW X5 is having the same issues as SIB651222 based on the extensive troubleshooting that I have done with the telematics system. ALL of the exact symptoms can be found in this YouTube video for an X7: [XXX] . INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
#11506199 |
The contact owns a 2020 BMW X5. The contact stated that the PUSH to START button was inoperable. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the control sensor for the start button to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 40,800.
#11456527 | Fire
Grievance/Complaint for 2020 X5 BMW Firer December 9, 2021 (49 days Owner) I was on my way to work, and I stopped at the local Bank of America drive through. While on my way, I received two (2) malfunction message saying the same thing, “ Scam Likely 1-470-781-9727; (Check Control) Vehicle key missing, Close message; Vehicle key not available or malfunctioning. Drive-ready mode cannot be started. See Driver’s Manual for further information.” (This was the message/malfunction.) I took a picture and call my salesperson, Mr. Preston at BMW of Gwinnett Place and informed him that the key was in the cup, so I tried to place it on the dashboard. I did not understand why I received a malfunction message the key missing because the car would not go anywhere without a key, however, he asked me to send the picture to him and I did. As I was getting...
#11434061 |
My 2020 X5 is equipped with Rear Cross Traffic Warning however it does not warn when traffic is crossing. The car will be in reverse, i can be very close to either a car or a person and there are no audible or visual warnings until the object stops moving or is within inches of the vehicle. I have taken it to my dealership several times however they are stating its in full working function even though it does not do what BMW advertises how that system should work. This is both very dangerous and false advertising by BMW! I have videos to prove this claim however the upload section doesn't allow videos.
#11349724 |
MY SAMSUNG GALAXY S9 PHONE SEEMS INCOMPATIBLE WITH MY X5. ABOUT EVERY 30 MINUTES THE NAV DISPLAY AND HALF THE INSTRUMENT PANEL BLACK OUT FOR ABOUT 10 SECONDS THEN RESTARTS. THIS OCCURS ON THE HIGHWAY AND IN THE CITY.
#11324581 |
NAVIGATION DISPLAY AND RIGHT SIDE OF INSTRUMENT PANEL GO BLANK INTERMITTENTLY AND THEN RESET AND COME BACK ON AFTER ABOUT 10 SECONDS. DISPLAY GOES OFF DURING PERIODS OF DRIVING AND OR STATIONARY WITH VEHICLE ENGINE RUNNING. OCCURS DURING TIMES AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS AND CITY DRIVING. *TR
Check any vehicle history by VIN - Free vehicle history report