Problems · NHTSA complaints
2017 BMW X5 M problems
Owners filed 75 complaints about the 2017 BMW X5 M with NHTSA between Jan 2017 and Oct 2026. The most-cited component is electrical system (17).
Complaints
75
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
3
Reported by owners
Fires
0
Reported by owners
Injuries
4
People reported injured
Deaths
1
Reported to NHTSA
Complaints by component
One complaint can cite several components
- Electrical system17
- Fuel/propulsion system15
- Engine12
- Power train10
- Service brakes6
- Air bags5
- Seat belts5
- Fuel system, diesel5
- Structure5
- Seats4
- Engine and engine cooling4
- Suspension4
- Steering3
- Tires3
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 10, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
When complaints were filed
Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
5
6
10
6
8
12
9
6
9
4
View as table
| Model year | Complaints filed per calendar year |
|---|---|
| 2017 | 5 |
| 2018 | 6 |
| 2019 | 10 |
| 2020 | 6 |
| 2021 | 8 |
| 2022 | 12 |
| 2023 | 9 |
| 2024 | 6 |
| 2025 | 9 |
| 2026 | 4 |
Mileage at failure isn’t a structured field in NHTSA complaint data, so we don’t chart it. Some owners mention it in their reports below.
Top problems in owners’ words
Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
Electrical system
17 reports1 crash
“While driving, the electronic parking brake (EPB) system malfunctioned. The vehicle was stopped in DRIVE with Auto Hold active. When the driver door was opened briefly, the vehicle attempted to transition from Auto Hold to applying the electronic parking brake as a safety function. At that moment, the EPB malfunction warning appeared and the parking brake system faulted. There were no prior mechanical brake issues (no dragging brakes, no unusual noises, no brake wear symptoms). The issue appears to be an electronic/control-related failure of the EPB actuator/control unit rather than typical brake wear. A repair facility retrieved multiple diagnostic fault codes related to the electronic parking brake actuator/control unit and recommended replacement of the EPB actuator assembly followed by initialization/calibration and clearing of faults. This creates a potential safety risk because the electronic parking brake may apply unexpectedly or may not apply/release as intended during safety logic events (such as opening the driver door while stopped), potentially immobilizing the vehicle or creating a hazard in traffic or parking situations.”
Fuel/propulsion system
15 reports
“I am writing to formally document two significant incidents involving the complete failure of the high-pressure fuel system in my BMW vehicle, VIN [XXX] , which have raised concerns about the reliability of this component. On [XXX], while navigating city street traffic, my vehicle, with 57,376 miles, experienced a total loss of power, resulting in the vehicle stalling in the left lane. The vehicle was towed to an authorized BMW dealership, where the entire high-pressure fuel system was diagnosed and replaced under warranty. As the second owner of this vehicle, I acquired it from my neighbor, the original owner. Upon reviewing the complete service records provided by the previous owner, I discovered that a nearly identical issue occurred at 39,066 miles. The service documentation states, "Client reports that while driving, the vehicle lost power and stalled." At that time, the high-pressure fuel system was also fully replaced. Further investigation revealed that BMW issued a safety recall notice between these two incidents, acknowledging potential failures in the high-pressure fuel pumps. However, the recall indicated that no remedy was available at the time.…”
Engine
12 reports1 crash
“The contact owns a 2017 BMW X5. The contact stated that while driving or while the vehicle was parked and occupied, there was an abnormal smoke odor coming from the engine of the vehicle. An independent mechanic was contacted. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed; however, the diagnostic result was unknown. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the issue. The failure mileage was 60,000.”
Power train
10 reports
“The component experiencing the malfunction is the transfer case on my BMW X5. The transfer case has already been serviced in an attempt to correct the problem; however, the vehicle continues to experience issues related to the transfer case even after the service was completed. The vehicle and transfer case are available for inspection upon request. This issue is a safety concern because the transfer case is an important part of the vehicle’s drivetrain and all-wheel-drive system. The continuing malfunction affects my confidence in the vehicle’s ability to operate and transfer power properly, particularly during acceleration, turning, or changing road conditions. I am concerned that the problem could worsen or result in an unexpected loss or interruption of power to the wheels while the vehicle is being driven, potentially putting me, my passengers, and other motorists at risk. The problem has continued after the transfer case was serviced, indicating that the original repair or service did not fully resolve the underlying issue. The vehicle has already been evaluated and serviced for the transfer case concern, but I am still experiencing symptoms afterward. I…”
Service brakes
6 reports1 crash
“Brakes are squeaking and vehicle is shaking when attempting to use brakes. Takes an excessively long time to brake and I fear for the safety of my family when using vehicle with faulty brakes. Vehicle paperwork shows that the vehicle is overdue for new front/rear brakes, yet BMW doesn't want to replace them since they key reader isn't indicating that they need to be replaced.”
Air bags
5 reports1 crash
“Water possibly from moonroof getting into the car and warning messages about passenger airbags. I discussed matter with dealer and they want me to pay for diagnostic. I think they reset computer after service.”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 10, 2026
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.