2026 BMW X5
The Verdict
Worst problem area
Electrical
Electrical leads by volume: 9 of 21 complaints (43%) mention it.
Complaints filed fell from 61 in 2025 to 21 in 2026.
Data last changed . Sources: NHTSA complaints and recalls, EPA fuel economy data. Methodology
Cost, Fuel Economy & Complaint History
| Category | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 | 2027 | vs. 2026 Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annual fuel cost ($) | 3,100–5,150 | 3,100–5,150 | 3,100–5,150 | 3,000 | |
| Combined MPG | 15–25 | 15–25 | 15–25 | 26 | |
| City / Highway MPG | 13–23 / 18–27 | 13–23 / 18–27 | 13–23 / 18–27 | 24 / 28 | |
| CO₂ tailpipe (g/mi) | 352–589 | 352–589 | 352–589 | 345 | |
| Complaints filed | 145 | 61 | 21 | 0 | |
| Recalls issued | 8 | 5 | 2 | 0 | |
| Crash-involved complaints | 9 | 8 | 2 | 0 | |
| Fire-involved complaints | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | |
| Injuries reported | 3 | 3 | 9 | 0 | |
| Deaths reported | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Configurations compared | 3 | 4 | 4 | 1 |
Not compared: this database has no vehicle sales or registration figures, so a raw count mostly reflects how many were sold, not how safe the vehicle is.
Common questions
How many recalls does the 2026 BMW X5 have?
2 NHTSA recall campaigns as of Sep 16, 2026. Check your VIN with NHTSA to see whether one applies to your car.
What is the most common complaint about the 2026 BMW X5?
Electrical: 9 of 21 NHTSA complaints (43%) mention it.
What gas mileage does the 2026 BMW X5 get?
EPA rates it 15–25 MPG combined.
How much does it cost to fuel a 2026 BMW X5?
EPA estimates $3,100–$5,150 a year in fuel costs, using EPA's assumptions.
Similar Vehicles
EPA-Rated Configurations (5)
| Configuration | Transmission | Cylinders | Displacement | Drivetrain | Fuel Type | Vehicle Class | City | Highway | Combined | Annual Fuel Cost | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Configuration 1 | Automatic (S8) | 6 | 3.0L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium | Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD | 23 mpg (high) | 27 mpg (high) | 25 mpg (high) | $3,100 (low) | 360 g/mi |
| Configuration 2 | Automatic (S8) | 6 | 3.0L | All-Wheel Drive | Premium | Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD | 23 mpg (high) | 27 mpg (high) | 25 mpg (high) | $3,100 (low) | 352 g/mi (low) |
| Configuration 3 | Automatic (S8) | 8 | 4.4L | All-Wheel Drive | Premium | Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD | 17 mpg | 22 mpg | 19 mpg | $4,100 | 458 g/mi |
| Configuration 4 | Automatic (S8) | 8 | 4.4L | All-Wheel Drive | Premium | Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD | 13 mpg (low) | 18 mpg (low) | 15 mpg (low) | $5,150 (high) | 589 g/mi (high) |
| Configuration 5 | Automatic (S8) | 6 | 3.0L | All-Wheel Drive | Premium and Electricity | Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD | 21 mpg | 23 mpg | 22 mpg | $3,500 | 130 g/mi |
Complaints by Category
| Category | Complaints | Crash-Involved | Fire-Involved | Injuries | Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 2 | 1 | 0 | 8 | 0 |
| Transmission & Drivetrain | 4 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Fuel System | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical | 9 | 1 | 0 | 9 | 0 |
| Brakes | 2 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Steering | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Suspension, Wheels & Tires | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Airbags & Restraints | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Driver Assistance & Speed Control | 6 | 2 | 0 | 8 | 0 |
| Body, Seats & Latches | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Visibility & Lighting | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Other | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
A complaint that names more than one category is counted in each, so the rows can add up to more than the total number of complaints.
Recalls (2)
AIR BAGS:CRITICAL FASTENERS · Campaign 25V837000 · Dec 8, 2025
Defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2026 X6, X7, X5, and X5 Plug-In Hybrid vehicles. The instrument panel may have been manufactured incorrectly and prevent the passenger-side air bag from deploying properly.
Consequence: An air bag that does not deploy properly can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the instrument panel trim, free of charge. The vehicles have not been sold from dealer inventory and therefore, no owner letters will be mailed. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on December 4, 2025.
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD:CRITICAL FASTENERS · Campaign 25V556000 · Aug 27, 2025
Defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2026 X5 Plug-in Hybrid, X5, and X7 vehicles. The windshield may not be sealed properly, which can allow water to enter the power distribution box or electronic control unit.
Consequence: Water inside electrical components can lead to electronic function failures, such as a loss of headlights, increasing the risk of a crash. In addition, an electrical short-circuit may occur, increasing the risk of a fire while parked or driving.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the windshield seal. If any leaks are detected, the seal will be repaired and vehicle control units and wiring will be replaced as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 3, 2025. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.