Problems · NHTSA complaints
2022 BMW X5 M problems
Owners filed 72 complaints about the 2022 BMW X5 M with NHTSA between Dec 2021 and Oct 2026. The most-cited component is power train (25).
Complaints
72
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
9
Reported by owners
Fires
1
Reported by owners
Injuries
3
People reported injured
Deaths
0
Reported to NHTSA
Complaints by component
One complaint can cite several components
- Power train25
- Electrical system16
- Engine13
- Forward collision avoidance9
- Vehicle speed control7
- Service brakes6
- Steering5
- Back over prevention4
- Suspension3
- Fuel/propulsion system3
- Lane departure3
- Engine and engine cooling3
- Tires2
- Wheels2
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
1
5
17
11
12
26
View as table
| Model year | Complaints filed per calendar year |
|---|---|
| 2021 | 1 |
| 2022 | 5 |
| 2023 | 17 |
| 2024 | 11 |
| 2025 | 12 |
| 2026 | 26 |
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
Power train
25 reports1 crash
“The bolts by the front differential broke off, the differential broke, leading to damage to the coolant lines to the transmission, leading to catastrophic failure of the differential needing the vehicle to be towed.”
Electrical system
16 reports1 crash
“The contact owns a 2022 BMW X5. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start immediately or hesitated while starting. The messages "Goodbye" and "Pre-ventilation" were displayed. The contact attempted to start the vehicle several times before the vehicle was able to start. The contact related the failure to the starter. The manufacturer was notified of the failure by phone. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000.”
Engine
13 reports1 fire
“On October 15, 2026, at approximately 5:50 PM EDT, my 2022 BMW X5 (VIN: 5UXCR6C06N9L45925, approximately 43,797 miles) caught fire in the engine compartment. I noticed a burning smell while driving in Bound Brook, NJ, pulled over, and saw flames coming from the engine bay. There was no collision. The Bound Brook Fire Department responded and extinguished the fire. The vehicle was purchased new in 2022 and regularly maintained. No injuries occurred.”
Forward collision avoidance
9 reports3 crashes
“I am writing to you as a loyal BMW owner to formally lodge a serious complaint regarding a technical safety failure in my BMW X5 and the subsequent dismissive treatment I received at an authorized service center in New York. The Incident Recently, while reversing, the Driving Assistance and Parking Assistant systems failed without warning. As a result, the vehicle collided with an object, causing damage to the rear bumper. This was not a result of driver negligence, but a direct failure of the safety technology that I trusted to protect my family. Service Center Negligence Upon visiting the service center to address this life-threatening defect, I was met with unacceptable indifference. The service advisor flatly refused to investigate the system failure, stating they would only perform a standard NYC Inspection. I was given a follow-up appointment for May 5th—forcing me to wait weeks to address a critical safety defect. Safety Concerns & Demand for Replacement As a father [XXX], I no longer feel safe operating this vehicle. The integrity of the safety modules has been compromised, and my confidence in this specific car is completely shattered. Repairing a…”
Vehicle speed control
7 reports3 crashes
“xDrive all-wheel-drive has made the car slow down unexpectedly and produce a shudder, especially in slow corners and under gentle acceleration. The vehicle has also rapidly accelerated upon entering or exiting a freeway on ramp.”
Service brakes
6 reports1 crash
“I was driving my 2022 BMW X5 on the highway at approximately 78 mph when the vehicle suddenly and unexpectedly applied the brakes without any obstruction or vehicle in front of me. A warning appeared instructing me to release the brakes while driving. This created a dangerous situation and could have caused a rear-end collision. The vehicle has approximately 34,000 miles. This appears to be a malfunction of the automatic emergency braking system. This happened on 2 seperate occasions.”
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.