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2020 Bmw X5 Engine Problems

25 owner-reported engine complaints from NHTSA data

25
Complaints
Jan 2025Dec 2024
Date Range

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

Owner Complaints (25)

criticalENGINE
Filed: Mar 2026

Your engine's oil pump contains plastic parts that can crack or break down from heat, causing a sudden loss of oil pressure. If this happens while you're driving, your engine can completely seize without warning, leaving you stranded and losing power steering. This creates a serious safety risk, especially at highway speeds. The fix would involve replacing the oil pump module with a more durable version.

NHTSA #: 11727767
criticalENGINE
Filed: Mar 2026

Your engine's oil pump contains plastic parts that can crack or break down from heat, causing it to suddenly fail while you're driving. When this happens, your engine loses oil pressure and can seize completely, leaving you without power steering and engine power at any moment. The engine can fail without warning, which could cause you to lose control or get stranded in traffic. Fixing this typically involves replacing the entire oil pump module with a more durable unit.

NHTSA #: 11726965
criticalENGINE
Filed: Feb 2026

Your 2020 BMW X5 may have an oil pump made of plastic materials that can crack and fail, especially in cold weather or during cold starts. When this happens, oil stops flowing properly to your engine, which can cause it to seize without warning—leaving you stranded. You might notice your oil level won't display on the dashboard, erratic oil pressure readings, or oil warning lights that come and go. Fixing this typically involves replacing the oil pump with a more durable component.

NHTSA #: 11721121
criticalENGINE
Filed: Feb 2026

Your 2020 BMW X5 may have an engine oil pump with an internal plastic component that can crack, especially during cold starts in winter weather. When this happens, your engine may lose oil pressure suddenly with little warning, potentially causing engine damage or your vehicle to shut down while driving. Fixing this issue typically requires replacing the oil pump, which involves significant engine disassembly and can cost $6,000–$8,000 or more.

NHTSA #: 11721149
criticalENGINE
Filed: Feb 2026

Your engine has an oil pump with an internal plastic part that can crack without warning, especially during cold starts in winter. When this happens, your oil pressure drops suddenly or becomes unstable, which can cause your engine to shut down while driving or damage the engine from lack of oil. You may notice warning lights about oil level or drivetrain problems before it fails completely. Fixing this requires replacing the entire oil pump, which involves major engine disassembly.

NHTSA #: 11721220
criticalENGINE
Filed: Feb 2026

While driving at highway speed, your dashboard warning light told you to immediately pull over and turn off the engine due to low oil pressure. The dealership diagnosed a failed oil pump, which costs about $6,000 to replace, though they couldn't guarantee this would fully fix the problem and suggested a complete engine replacement ($28,000) might be necessary. According to your research, this is a known issue affecting multiple BMW owners, and the manufacturer has since switched from plastic to metal parts in later model years. Fixing this will require replacing the oil pump and possibly inspecting or replacing the entire engine.

NHTSA #: 11716904
criticalENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Filed: Dec 2025

While driving at 25 mph, your dashboard displayed a "Low Oil Pressure - Stop Vehicle Immediately" warning and the oil light came on. You pulled over and turned off the engine. A dealer diagnosed the problem as a failed oil pump that needs replacement. This happened at 81,000 miles.

NHTSA #: 11704232
mediumENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Sep 2025

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.

NHTSA #: 11689437
mediumENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Jun 2025

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.

NHTSA #: 11667694
mediumENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: May 2025

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.

NHTSA #: 11663370
mediumENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: May 2025

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.

NHTSA #: 11662777
mediumENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Apr 2025

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.

NHTSA #: 11652589
mediumENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Mar 2025

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.

NHTSA #: 11648268
mediumENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Mar 2025

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.

NHTSA #: 11646803
mediumENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Feb 2025

See attached document for complaint.

NHTSA #: 11644067
mediumENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Feb 2025

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.

NHTSA #: 11643536
mediumENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Jan 2025

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 in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA #: 11639109
mediumENGINE
Filed: Dec 2024

Dear NHTSA, I am writing to report an issue with my vehicle, VIN: [XXX] , which appears to be related to a recall program. My dealer, BMW of Sherman Oaks #488, refuses to acknowledge the connection between the starter failure and the recall despite clear indications of this connection. I kindly request your assistance in investigating this matter and ensuring that the dealer complies with the recall requirements and provides the necessary corrective action. Thank you for your prompt attention to this issue. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA #: 11631623
mediumENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Dec 2024

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 mileage was 44,000.

NHTSA #: 11628527
mediumENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Nov 2024

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.

NHTSA #: 11626137
mediumENGINE
Filed: Oct 2024

[XXX] my engine started stopped working even several times of trying the SUV didn’t star I took it to BMW Braman Miami center to fix the problem I was charged $3,997.18 since it wasn’t a recap of the engine starter yet I called my advisor Nasser Darwich for the recall reimburse after I get the letter from BMW USA & he told me it was no reimbursement INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA #: 11620822
mediumENGINE
Filed: Oct 2024

Starter malfunction caused engine to shut down in the middle . Message on screen indicated that the engine overheated and shut down was to prevent further damage. Drivetrain messages also appeared indicating that vehicle was ok to drive, but unfortunately wouldn't start/drive. Wouldn't shift to Neutral for towing. BMW dealer inspected vehicle, then replaced batteries and faulty starter. Event happened PRIOR to receiving notice re safety recall campaign no. 24V-576 for the engine starter remedy. Event happened without warning and about a mile from home , causing vehicle to stop in moving traffic on a very busy, 6 lane road. Policy were dispatched to help with traffic control and safety. Vehicle was inspected by and serviced by BMW dealer.

NHTSA #: 11617885
mediumENGINE
Filed: May 2024

The contact owns a 2020 BMW X5. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the active grill shutter. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 61,000.

NHTSA #: 11591554
mediumENGINE
Filed: Feb 2024

cHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS ON AND BASED ON THE CODE THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE ACTIVE GRILL SHUTTERS. i DID SOME RESEARCH AND SEEMS THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WHERE THE ACTUATOR MOTOR MAY BE THE PROBLEM

NHTSA #: 11571168
mediumENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Filed: Nov 2023

The contact owns a 2020 BMW X5. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the check engine warning illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the active air flap controller. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 45,000.

NHTSA #: 11556127

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