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2020 Bmw X5 Electrical Problems

22 owner-reported electrical complaints from NHTSA data

22
Complaints
2
Recalls
4
Fires
Jan 2026Dec 2025
Date Range

Data sourced from NHTSA public database. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified mechanic.

Electrical Recalls (2)

RECALLCampaign #24V576000

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:STARTER ASSEMBLY

BMW of North America, LLC is recalling certain 2019-2020 X5, X7, 2020 3 Series Sedan, X6, 2020-2021 7 Series Sedan, 2020 8 Series Convertible, 8 Series Coupe, and 2020 8 Series Gran Coupe vehicles. Please see the recall report for the complete list of models. In the event the starter motor fails, repeated attempts to start the vehicle can cause the starter motor to overheat from an electrical overload.

Fix: 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.

RECALLCampaign #25V644000

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:STARTER ASSEMBLY

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020 340I, X6, 2020-2025 840I, 2020-2022 740LI, 2019-2020 X7, and X5 vehicles. After repeated attempts, the starter motor may overheat from an electrical overload.

Fix: 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 17, 2025.

Owner Complaints (22)

criticalELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE
FireFiled: Mar 2026

Your engine suddenly began smoking without any warning lights or prior symptoms while driving. The smoke quickly intensified, turned dark, and filled the cabin with toxic fumes, followed by flames erupting from the front of the vehicle. The fire department responded and extinguished the fire, and the vehicle was declared a total loss. BMW determined the starter was the cause, and your vehicle was subject to a safety recall for this issue at the time of the fire.

NHTSA #: 11722345
highELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Mar 2026

Your 2020 BMW X5 has a known electrical system issue under recall, but the repair part wasn't available when you needed it. Your car had trouble starting and showed a check control warning light on the dashboard. Because the manufacturer hasn't completed the recall repair within a reasonable timeframe, you may experience similar starting problems or warning lights until the recall is addressed. The fix will require BMW to replace or repair the electrical component identified in the recall once the part becomes available.

NHTSA #: 11726815
highELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
Filed: Dec 2025

Your engine hesitates when starting and has trouble turning over, even though the battery has plenty of power. The owner notes that other BMW models have been recalled for this same issue, but your 2020 X5 isn't included in that recall despite experiencing the same problem.

NHTSA #: 11707751
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Feb 2026

Your 2020 BMW X5 is part of an electrical system recall, but the dealer has confirmed that replacement parts aren't yet available to perform the repair. You haven't experienced any failure yet, but the manufacturer has been notified that the delay in getting parts has exceeded a reasonable timeframe. The repair will likely involve replacing an electrical component once parts become available.

NHTSA #: 11717652
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Feb 2026

Your 2020 BMW X5 is subject to a recall (NHTSA Campaign 25V644000) for an electrical system issue, but the required repair parts are currently unavailable at your dealer. BMW has been notified of the parts shortage but hasn't provided assistance or a timeline for when parts will be in stock. The repair will likely involve replacing or servicing electrical system components once parts become available.

NHTSA #: 11715337
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
Filed: Jan 2026

Your BMW's starter was replaced under a safety recall (25V-644) at an authorized dealer, and the repair was completed successfully with no warning lights afterward. However, BMW's records still show the recall as open with no remedy available, which misrepresents your vehicle's actual safety status. This inaccurate record-keeping could cause problems if you need roadside assistance or if regulators check your vehicle's safety history. The fix will require BMW to update their recall database to accurately reflect that your starter replacement has been completed.

NHTSA #: 11708879
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Dec 2025

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 recall repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.

NHTSA #: 11703069
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Nov 2025

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 was not expected until November 2025. The starter was replaced, and a software update needed to be performed. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 73,285.

NHTSA #: 11697155
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
Filed: Sep 2025

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, there were intermittent starting issues with the engine occasionally requiring multiple start attempts. No warning lamps or dashboard messages appeared before the failures. The vehicle has low mileage for its age, making this a premature component failure. The timeline strongly suggests the starter damage resulted from prolonged exposure to the electrical overload defect acknowledged in the recall, as the failure occurred shortly after the 4-year delayed software remedy was applied. The manufacturer has not inspected the failed component despite the clear connection to their acknowledged safety defect.

NHTSA #: 11687403
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE
FireFiled: May 2025

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 recall database, this issue with fire hazard from starter assembly is documented for my make, model and year but when I enter the VIN number it doesnt apply to ny vehicle VIN number. 4 year old child and me were occupants of the vehicle when burning incident happened originally.

NHTSA #: 11663702
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Mar 2025

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.

NHTSA #: 11651146
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Feb 2025

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 at the dealership have confirmed that the starter motor itself has failed and requires full replacement. However, they claim it is unrelated to the recall, despite the failure occurring directly in line with the recall-related system. This issue is not an isolated incident—multiple BMW owners have reported similar failures following the recall fix, suggesting that the software update did not fully resolve the underlying defect. Given that the failure occurred under normal driving conditions and shortly after the recall repair, this raises serious concerns about the effectiveness of BMW’s recall remedy and the reliability of the Auto Start/Stop system. To date, BMW corporate has not yet provided a resolution, and I am seeking answers regarding whether this failure will be covered under an extended recall or goodwill repair. A premature starter failure caused by a known defect is unacceptable and presents a severe safety risk—had this occurred in a more dangerous situation, such as on a highway or at a railroad crossing, the consequences could have been

NHTSA #: 11643532
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
FireFiled: Feb 2025

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.

NHTSA #: 11641479
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
Filed: Jan 2025

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.

NHTSA #: 11635188
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE
Filed: Nov 2024

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 or fails to meet minimum safety standards." BWM refuses to adhere to this standard and is placing my family at risk by failing to repair without me paying for it. They should be forced to complete this at no cost.

NHTSA #: 11624493
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
Filed: Oct 2024

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.

NHTSA #: 11618878
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE
Filed: May 2024

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)

NHTSA #: 11587909
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Feb 2023

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.

NHTSA #: 11506199
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
FireFiled: Mar 2022

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 out my X5, I began to have anxiety and became traumatized (praying, crying, yelling etc.) at this point, thinking my X5 is going to catch a fire and blow up the bank. I went into the Bank to alert them of the X5 smoking so that they can evacuate if needed. I went back to my X5 to gather as much as I could of my Christmas gifts and other Items quickly. At that time another lady was standing on the side walk and asked if she could help me removed the items from my X5.I was hysterical, and my hand was bleeding from grabbing items out the X5. My safety and others was at risk. The X5 could have been in my garage on firer and my house and family could have died and lost everything; The seat belt could have locked with me in it and I could have died. The bank ATM drive through could have blown up and all the customers could have been injured.BMW of North America insisted that I fill on my insurance because the the engineers did an observation investigation and did not see any fault of manufacture or electrical issue.The vehicle is now under the investigation of my insurance and I have not been notified of the cause at this time.

NHTSA #: 11456527
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM,BACK OVER PREVENTION
Filed: Sep 2021

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.

NHTSA #: 11434061
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Aug 2020

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.

NHTSA #: 11349724
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: May 2020

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

NHTSA #: 11324581

Other 2020 Bmw X5 Issues