Model year 2026 · Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD, Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
2026 BMW X5: recalls, fuel economy and safety ratings
EPA rates the 2026 BMW X5 at 15–25 mpg combined across 5 versions. NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls and 28 owner complaints for this model year. Its best NHTSA overall crash-test rating is 4 out of 5 stars.
Safety recalls
2
EPA combined mpg
15–25
NHTSA overall rating
4/5
Recall file dated Oct 27, 2026 · EPA file dated Sep 29, 2026 · updated Oct 27, 2026, 7:34 AM EDT
NHTSA lists this vehicle as X5 PLUG-IN HYBRID.
Check your own car: enter your 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls for that exact vehicle, and contact a BMW dealer to schedule the repair — safety recall repairs are free. The list below covers the whole model year, so not every recall applies to every car.
2026 BMW X5 recalls
NHTSA's recall file lists 2 safety recalls for the 2026 BMW X5, newest first.
Air bags: Critical fasteners
NHTSA 25V837000Reported Dec 4, 2025
Filed by
BMW of North America, LLC
Units affected
25 (estimate)
Problem
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.
Risk
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.
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.
Risk
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.
Recall summaries are written by NHTSA from manufacturers' defect reports. Dates are when NHTSA received the report.
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2026 BMW X5 fuel economy by version
EPA city/highway/combined estimates for each engine, transmission and drive combination; electric figures are in MPGe (miles per gallon equivalent). Annual fuel cost is EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year (55% city, 45% highway) at EPA's current fuel-price assumptions; your cost will vary.
Source: FuelEconomy.gov (U.S. DOE and EPA), file dated Sep 29, 2026. Each version links to its FuelEconomy.gov record.
EPA estimates come from standardized lab tests so cars can be compared fairly; real-world mileage depends on speed, weather, load, tires and driving style.
2026 BMW X5 crash-test ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings for the tested versions. More stars mean a lower chance of serious injury in that type of crash. Rollover risk is NHTSA's estimated chance of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
2026 BMW X5 NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
Tested vehicle
Overall
Frontal
Side
Rollover
Rollover risk
Forward collision warning
2026 BMW X5 HYBRID SUV PHEV AWD
Not rated
Not rated
Not rated
Not rated
—
No
2026 BMW X5 M SUV N/A AWD
Not rated
Not rated
Not rated
Not rated
—
No
2026 BMW X5 SUV N/A AWD
4 stars
4 stars
5 stars
4 stars
15.9%
No
2026 BMW X5 SUV N/A RWD
Not rated
4 stars
5 stars
Not rated
—
No
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (New Car Assessment Program), checked Oct 26, 2026.
Star ratings compare vehicles of similar size and weight; a frontal rating for a large pickup is not directly comparable with one for a small car.
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2026 BMW X5 owner complaints
Owners have filed 28 complaints with NHTSA about the 2026 BMW X5, most recently on Oct 21, 2026. 3 mention a crash, 0 a fire, 9 injured people and 0 deaths. These are unverified reports; a complaint is not proof of a defect.
