Headlight complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2 | 3% | — |
| 2024 | 1 | 1% | — |
| 2023 | 1 | 3% | — |
| 2021 | 1 | 1% | — |
| 2020 | 5 | 4% | 13,000 miles |
| 2019 | 5 | 3% | 100,000 miles |
| 2016 | 1 | 1% | — |
| 2015 | 3 | 2% | 10,000 miles |
| 2012 | 3 | 1% | 130,000 miles |
| 2011 | 7 | 2% | 95,000 miles |
| 2010 | 2 | 1% | 62,000 miles |
| 2009 | 7 | 4% | 81,000 miles |
| 2008 | 12 | 5% | 70,000 miles |
| 2007 | 4 | 3% | 82,000 miles |
| 2006 | 6 | 3% | 100,000 miles |
| 2005 | 5 | 6% | 89,000 miles |
| 2004 | 5 | 8% | 56,000 miles |
| 2003 | 6 | 6% | 53,000 miles |
| 2002 | 8 | 8% | 150,000 miles |
| 2001 | 9 | 6% | 65,000 miles |
| 2000 | 2 | 7% | — |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (headlights, tail lights, turn signals, interior lights).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
The front headlight enclosure repeatedly fogs because moisture gets inside. It has just happened again to us. This has been widely reported by BMW owners and is a significant safety issue that BMW has not addressed. In the interest of public safety BMW should recall and replace whatever defective parts cause the problem.
Headlights continually fog up and puddle water in them. It takes a major effort to dry them out. Dealer says they are vented and that they will clear themselves but don't. This is a continual problem and poses a safety issue because of headlight failure.
The contact owns a 2019 BMW X5. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the horn and turn signals were inoperable. Additionally, the windshield wipers remained on constantly and failed to deactivate. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the steering column needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000. The VIN was unavailable.
I noticed one of my daytime running lights on the driver's side laser headlight had turned yellow, instead of white like the others. I took the vehicle to the dealership and they said that the LED module that powers that daytime running light has overheated and caused the light tube to burn and melt. The dealership advised that the passenger side is also slowly starting to do the same thing. The repair the dealership recommended is to replace both headlights, at a cost of almost $18k! I've seen numerous BMWs on the roads with this same issue, and this should be addressed by BMW as a design flaw. If these modules are burning plastic pieces inside the housing, they could start a fire if they get hot enough.
The contact owns a 2015 BMW X5. The contact stated that after activating the passenger's side indicator, the exterior turn signal operated as designed; however, the instrument panel light failed to illuminate. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed and the contact was informed that the instrument cluster needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 37,000.
Tail lights do not light while auto is in drive on city street or highway and vehicle is in motion. This makes the car difficult to see at night from the rear. Headlights, backup lights, and break lights work correctly. There is no computer notification or other indicator inside the vehicle to indicate that the tail lights have failed.
My battery was weak and the time came to change it. I changed the battery, the car starts beautifully. However I have a light system and restraint system malfunctions. My internal lights do not work, my indicator lights do not work. I have been told that my frm needs to be replaced. After doing some research online I have learned that this is a common problem in the X5 series. The vehicle has less than 50,000 miles on it and I only drive it on the weekends. This is the second major malfunction this year. The water pump needed replacement in February. I purchased this certified pos in 2016 from the mamaroneck dealership with 26000 on the vehicle. Oh I forgot to mention less than 6 months after purchasing the case there was an oil leak in the engine. I can't wait to finish paying for this car so I can go back to the more reliable Mercedes Benz that I was accustomed to.
Right inner brake light assembly on hatchback is prone to water damage which resulted in corrosion of LED contacts resulting in failure of the assembly. Loss of function was evident as this taillight went entirely dark and required replacement
Related recalls (2)
Exterior lighting › Headlights
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020-2021 X5 sDrive40i, xDrive40i, xDrive50i, X5 M50i, X5M, X6 sDrive40i, xDrive40i, X6 M50i, X6M, X7 M50i and 2021 X5 xDrive45e vehicles. The headlamps may allow a blue light to illuminate.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the headlamps and, if necessary, replace them, free of charge. The recall began October 30, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Exterior lighting
BMW is recalling certain model year 2010 x5 m sav vehicles for failing to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment," these vehicle's were equipped with side marker lamps, but not the power supply cables leading to the lamps.
Remedy: BMW will install power supply cables for the front side marker lamps. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin during May 2010. Owners May contact BMW at 800-525-7417.
Frequently asked questions
Which BMW X5 years have headlight problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2008 (12), 2001 (9), 2002 (8), 2009 (7) and 2011 (7) model years. Headlight complaints make up 5% of all complaints for the 2008.
Is there a recall for BMW X5 headlight problems?
Yes — 2 recalls, including 20V-528 (headlights, Sep 1, 2020); 10V-152 (exterior lighting, Apr 15, 2010). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do BMW X5 headlight problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 77,000 miles; 26% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the headlights (8 mentions), followed by the brake lights (4).
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.