What 98 owners told NHTSA about the 2020 BMW X5

I own a 2019 BMW X5 xDrive40i with the B58 3.0L turbocharged inline-six engine. While driving in Minnesota, the vehicle suddenly displayed an urgent warning stating “oil pressure too low” and instructed me to stop the engine. This occurred while the vehicle was being operated on the road, requiring me to stop driving immediately. The vehicle was later inspected by an authorized BMW dealer. The dealer diagnosed the failure as a defective oil pump and stated that the oil pump must be replaced. The estimated repair cost was approximately $7,500 or more. This is a serious safety concern because a sudden loss of engine oil pressure can lead to engine seizure, loss of motive power, and loss of vehicle control risk depending on traffic conditions. The oil pump is a critical lubrication component and should not fail as a normal wear item. I have found numerous similar owner reports involving BMW B58 oil pump failures, including reports suggesting that cold-weather operation may contribute to or expose the failure. My vehicle is operated in Minnesota, a cold-weather state. The vehicle was inspected by Park Place BMW in Rochester, MN. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate whether this is a safety-related defect affecting 2019 BMW X5 xDrive40i vehicles and other BMW models equipped with the B58 engine.

NHTSA ODI 11739764

Front Differential input bearing failure. Sudden jerking that almost causes loss of control. This poses a safety risk. This seems to be a know problem for the 2020 BMW X5 M50i No warning lights and I did not experience hearing any sounds as other have reported.

NHTSA ODI 11739184

Failure of front differential

NHTSA ODI 11728092

The contact owns a 2020 BMW X5. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to a dealer for routine maintenance and it was discovered that there was a coolant leak and that there was a failure with the front differential failure, and that the A/C unit was leaking. The leaking valve was replaced but the differential was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure was a known failure with the vehicle. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 70,000.

NHTSA ODI 11728100

Please read file attached

NHTSA ODI 11721083

The contact owns a 2020 BMW X5. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, there was fluid and lubricant on the ground underneath the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a detached front differential shaft bearing. In addition, the contact was informed that the front differential shaft bearing caused excessive play in the propeller shaft. The contact was informed that the front differential shaft bearing needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure was a known failure with the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle was serviced by the dealer seven weeks prior to the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ODI 11719027

My steering was what I felt as an affected problem. I was subsequently stuck while out with my one year old in the cold 10/31/2024. Eventually the car started again but I had what felt like steering issues (i.e. dragging/shuttering) thereafter. I was told that there were no issues aside from the power steering which completely failed and was replaced. Not until 1 year later when I insisted that the issue continued did the dealership give me an idea of what it could be despite them knowing about the SIB the entire time. There were warning lamps that came on I'm just not sure if any of those lights were the actual undiagnosed issue pertaiing to my transfer case needing to be completely replaced. Either way the dealersihp sandbaged me and only diagnosed the transfer case replacement after I was 1 month out of warranty 11/2025 quoting me with a $10,552.19. repair cost.

NHTSA ODI 11715355

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.

NHTSA ODI 11704622

Transfer case issue which is well known across different BMW vehicles. While driving, reversing , slow parking maneuvers there is a very evident jerking sensation coming from the drivetrain. As if gears within the transfer case are slipping. Potentially dangerous while driving because the transfer case distributes power to the rear axle Issue has been confirmed by a BMW mechanic No warning lights

NHTSA ODI 11698206

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.

NHTSA ODI 11683864

I purchased a used and well serviced, one owner, BMW 2020 X5 on [XXX] from Acura of West Chester, PA. After driving the vehicle for a week the car began jerking and shuttering forward. I live in Philadelphia where space is limited and pedestrians, children included walk close to cars at stop lights and stop signs. I almost had an accident while just parking the car due of the shuttering and additionally the car unexpectedly jerked towards a pedestrian when I was stopped at a stop sign. I researched and discovered that this is a known issue concerning my year and model due to a manufacturer error when the vehicle was assembled. The incorrect oil was place into the transfer case which ultimately causes damage leading to the unsafe driving condition that I am currently experiencing. There are no warning or check engine lights to make the driver aware of the issue. Below is the direct from BMW's notice on the issue, SIB 27 02 20. To my surprise, there was never a recall to fix this issue for the make and models affected . I am asking for the NHTSA to investigate and issue are recall for repair and replacement of the transfer case that was damaged prior to consumer purchase for the models outlined in the service bulletin. BMW replaces the oil as the first level repair at the cost of the owner which seems to only be temporary. Some owners say the problem goes away and other owners the problem returns requiring replacement as the true option. I would like for BMW to recall and replace to the vehicle safe to drive. SIB 27 02 20 JERKING OR SHUDDERING FROM THE DRIVELINE (XDRIVE TRANSFER CASE ATX13 SITUATION There is a jerking or shuddering during either or both of the following: Cornering or accelerating from low speeds Driving with low to medium loads There are no warning lights or Check Control messages. CAUSE Unevenly worn or incorrect fitment tires are installed on the vehicle, or the factory-filled transfer case oil does not meet BMW specifications. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11674148

Car indicating drivetrain malfunction and BMW has a service bulletin for the described issue which is to replace the transfer case yet the dealer service center has tried to say it was the radiator blinds and it was not, now saying its spark plugs and ignition coils yet there aren’t any fault codes for it. The car has lost power while on the freeway and could be potentially dangerous since it happens while driving. Plenty of other vehicle owners reporting the same issue yet bmw not being held accountable.

NHTSA ODI 11633285

Vehicle Purchase from BMW of Devon Dear BMW Customer Relations Team, I am writing to express my deep disappointment and frustration regarding my recent experience with a Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) vehicle purchased from BMW of Devon. As a loyal BMW customer, I expected a higher standard of quality and service than what I have experienced. I purchased a 2020 BMW X5 (VIN: [XXX] in October 2023 with the confidence that it had undergone a rigorous inspection process, as advertised under your CPO program. However, after driving the vehicle for only 5,000 miles within a single year of ownership, I have been informed that the following costly repairs are required: 1. Brake pads replacement 2. RPLC both LW ctrl ar 3. Rear brake rotars 4. Front thrust arms 5. 4wa integral alignment The estimated total cost for these repairs exceeds $5,000, which is entirely unacceptable given the short duration and low mileage since the purchase. This indicates either a lack of proper inspection and servicing by BMW of Devon or a failure to disclose critical information about the vehicle’s condition at the time of sale. As a consumer, I relied on the assurances provided by the BMW CPO program, which is marketed as delivering “ultimate peace of mind” and a vehicle of premium quality. This experience has instead been stressful and costly, undermining my trust in the BMW brand. I demand that BMW of Devon and BMW of North America take full responsibility for these shortcomings by covering the cost of all necessary repairs immediately and free of charge. Anything less would not only fail to rectify this issue but also tarnish BMW’s reputation for quality and customer satisfaction. I hope this matter can be resolved promptly and amicably. Please respond within 10 days to confirm your commitment to addressing this issue. Should I not receive a satisfactory resolution, I will have no choice but to escalate this matter further, including but not limited to contact INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11629757

How does a known manufacturing defect ( or the factory-filled transfer case oil does not meet BMW specifications.) Not become a safety concern. The wheels have intermittent power from the transfer case. My car showed the concern at 55k miles and the warranty company made me go through another 12 months of the shuddering issue before replacing. When moving from winter to all season tire it became more noticeable. When setting off from a slope my power loss was even greater causing the front wheels to slip from the shuddering power train. This possess a greater risk on loose paving.

NHTSA ODI 11590613

WHILE PARKING THE VEHICLE IN A HEAD-ON PARKING SPOT, THE CAR SUDDENLY ACCELERATED WITHOUT WARNING AND HIT A WALL. THE CAR THEN WENT INTO REVERSE AND SPED UP RAPIDLY UNTIL IT HIT A CONCRETE PATIO ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE PARKING LOT. THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED WITH SUBSTANTIAL FORCE THE ENTIRE TIME THE VEHICLE WAS MOVING BUT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT STOP MOVING. THE BRAKES DID NOT ENGAGE. I DO NOT RECALL HOW THE CAR WENT FROM DRIVE TO REVERSE. FORTUNATELY, THERE WERE NO PEOPLE OR CARS IN THE PARKING LOT AT THE TIME OF THE INCIDENT. THE AUTO BODY SHOP THAT CURRENTLY HAS POSSESSION OF THE VEHICLE COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG WITH THE COMPUTER/ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS IN THE VEHICLE NOR WERE THEY ABLE TO RECREATE THE INCIDENT. I DO NOT KNOW HOW THOROUGH THEY LOOKED FOR PROBLEMS. BMW HAS BEEN NOTIFIED AND HOPEFULLY THEY WILL SEND A CREW TO INVESTIGATE. THE CAR IS CURRENTLY AT THE AUTO BODY SHOP BUT MY INSURANCE GOMPANY, GEICO, WILL HAVE THE CAR TOWED TO ONE OF THEIR FACILITIES IN A COUPLE OF DAYS. THE CAR HAS BEEN DEEMED A TOTAL LOSS DUE TO ALL OF THE DAMAGE. I HAVE BEEN HAVING ELECTRONICS ISSUES WITH THE CAR SINCE PURCHASE IN JUNE 2020, HOWEVER, THEY HAVE BEEN RELATED TO THE ENTERTAINMENT AND COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS. IN HINDSIGHT, I REALIZE THAT I HAD TWO OTHER INSTANCES IN THE PAST WITH SUDDEN ACCELERATION WITH THIS CAR. I THOUGHT NOTHING OF IT AT THE TIME BUT THEY MAY BE RELATED TO THIS LATEST INCIDENT.

NHTSA ODI 11492772