Suspension complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 1 | 3% | — |
| 2022 | 3 | 4% | — |
| 2021 | 2 | 2% | — |
| 2020 | 3 | 3% | — |
| 2019 | 2 | 1% | — |
| 2018 | 6 | 8% | — |
| 2017 | 4 | 5% | 53,000 miles |
| 2016 | 4 | 5% | 65,000 miles |
| 2015 | 5 | 3% | 102,000 miles |
| 2014 | 2 | 2% | — |
| 2013 | 2 | 1% | 51,000 miles |
| 2012 | 6 | 2% | 52,000 miles |
| 2011 | 3 | 1% | 95,000 miles |
| 2009 | 3 | 2% | 72,000 miles |
| 2008 | 3 | 1% | 79,000 miles |
| 2007 | 3 | 2% | 85,000 miles |
| 2006 | 1 | 1% | — |
| 2005 | 2 | 2% | 0 miles |
| 2004 | 3 | 5% | 73,000 miles |
| 2003 | 3 | 3% | 120,000 miles |
| 2002 | 2 | 2% | 170,000 miles |
| 2001 | 7 | 4% | 115,000 miles |
| 2000 | 1 | 3% | 150,000 miles |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (struts, shocks, control arms, ball joints, springs).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
-The component that is failing is the Transfer case which is shuddering and jerking. Yes, available for inspection. -UNKNOWN because I take the vehicle to the dealership service immediately when the issue presents due to concern, and to avoid further damage to the vehicle or delay and risk issue to the safety of myself and others -Yes, the problem has been reproduced and confirmed by dealerships multiple documented occasions. -Yes, by the manufacturer. This is a documented issue per SIB for BMW North America -Symptoms of the problem has shown prior to the failure each time in the presentation of the Shudder and Jerking. *Will be able to upload/provide service invoice images/documentation once I request and receive from dealership
My relatively brand new BMW X5 with only 7,500 miles was parked in an enclosed parking garage with valet service. The car only had its warranty service about 7 weeks ago and was in fine condition. There were no issues with the suspension or steering. There was no accident and the car has never gone over a hard bump or pothole. The lower right front control arm snapped cleanly as if from metal fatigue as a valet attempted to retrieve my car. The car was rendered inoperable, and thankfully this accident did not occur on the road. The car was towed to the dealership where they informed me the damage would require $16k - $18k of repairs to the axle, steering column and a host of related systems.
I am reporting a severe structural safety failure on my 2020 BMW X5. While driving, the front suspension assembly suffered an abrupt mechanical failure. A subsequent inspection by an independent service facility revealed that the front control arm brackets had "burst" / fractured. This exact mechanical failure perfectly mirrors NHTSA Campaign Number 20V678000 (issued for 2020-2021 BMW X5 vehicles), which states that the weld connecting the front axle support to the right front control arm bearing bracket can fail and separate, resulting in a loss of steering control. Despite suffering from the identical, dangerous structural defect outlined in the federal recall, my specific VIN was excluded from BMW's active recall campaign. I had to pay out-of-pocket for an independent repair to make the vehicle safe to drive. …
Suspension "clunking noise" when going slowly over bumps. Oct. 14, 2024 32,688 miles. BMW dealer replaced left front Tension Strut due to Balljoint failure/defect @ owner expense. Tire wear indicated excessive "play" in joint for some time. I had complained to BMW dealer since the car was new that it did not track straight. Car was previously aligned several times by BMW dealer but defective ball joint was not identified until i brought "clunking" noise to their attention. Balljoint failure can result in loss of control resulting in a CRASH.
Warning appeared on my vehicle a few months ago stating something was wrong with the restraint system. While driving out of nowhere my vehicle on it's own accord will begin rocking really hard and it has become dangerous for passengers, myself or my animals in my car. Looking further into the issue, this is a common problem with X5's and people are made to believe its a sensor issue with a hefty price. There is a warranty for vehicles that 10 years or less older that is supposed to be provided by BMW but when I call both dealerships here in the area they state that does not exist. I am taking my vehicle to BWM tomorrow morning to try and get this issue fixed. I will know more tomorrow.
My 2018 x5 had the rear driver side air bag suspension give out where makes the ride very bouncy and hard pound on the uneven roads where makes you lose control of the vehicle and possibly have an incident. Came across a few more X5 owners with the same issue and hasn't been a recall for these years 14-18. Suspension air seems to just give out under 60,000 miles on many people I have talk to along with the dealership confirming this has been an issue with the X5 air suspension system, but no recall or fix of the issue. Please fix and change this part.I'm sure BMW is aware, but need to address before they are more accidents due to this.
Second time rear suspension dropped, less that 30K miles since last repair. On December 15th 2022, my car suspension dropped and my ride got bouncy. If this condition had ocurred in a high speed highway it can make the driver to lose control of the vehicle and possibly have an accident. The unit was taken to the Service Center and was diagnosed with exact same parts that were replaced the first time. I reached BMW USA and explain the timeline in which both events happened. First Incident: 02/14/ 2020 Mileage:48661 Second Incident: 12/15/2022 Mileage:78641 They didn't recognize this as a manufacturing defect in parts or system and they offered a 50 % discount in the repair. I think this a defective system and it has been demonstrated by its recurrence. …
Hi, I have bought BMW x5 2017 from certified dealer in Nov 2020. From the beginning, vehicle is giving me problems. I spoke with BMW customer care and they are not helping me much. Below are the problems that vehicle has given me. They are so many other problems but I am noting the major problems. 1. Vibration during acceleration 2. The rear suspension got broke 3. Vehicle stopped on the road while traveling with an infant. Problem they said is fuel is not pumping into engine. They confirmed tank has 3/4th of gas. So that's the problem with the vehicle. - they left us on the road for 4-5 hours until they tow the car. - my family including 3 months old baby has to get shelter inside a gas station for almost 12 hours until I get a rental car because they didn't give loaner vehicle or not provided any help to rescue my family to bring to safe location. 4. …
Related recalls (4)
Suspension › Front › Control arm
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020 X5 sDrive40i, xDrive40i, X5 M50i, X5M, X7 xDrive40i, X7 M50i, X6 xDrive40i, X6 M50i and X6M vehicles and 2021 X5 xDrive45e vehicles. The weld between the front axle support and the right front control arm bearing bracket may separate.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front axle support, free of charge. The recall began December 18, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Suspension › Front › Control arm › Lower arm
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018 BMW X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive50i, X5 xDrive35d, and X6 sDrive35i vehicles. The pivot bolt on the front lower-left control arm may not have been properly hardened, which may cause the control arm to break.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the lower-left control arms and replace if necessary, free of charge. The recall began July 11, 2018. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Suspension
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018 BMW X5 SAV, X5 M SAV, X6 SAV, and X6 M SAV vehicles. Bolts that secure the front suspension may not have been properly tightened.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and tighten the wishbone suspension bolts, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin January 8, 2018. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Suspension › Rear
BMW is recalling 55 my 2008 x5 sport utility vehicles for problems with the rear axle stabilizer (anti-sway bar). These vehicles were equipped with a sports-suspension stabilizer rather than a standard suspension stabilizer on the rear axle.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the rear axle stabilizer. The recall began on May 14, 2008. Owners May contact BMW at 1-800-831-1117 or via e-mail to customerrelations@bmwusa.com.
Frequently asked questions
Which BMW X5 years have suspension problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2001 (7), 2012 (6), 2018 (6) and 2015 (5) model years. Suspension complaints make up 4% of all complaints for the 2001.
Is there a recall for BMW X5 suspension problems?
Yes — 4 recalls, including 20V-678 (control arm, Nov 4, 2020); 18V-439 (lower arm, Jun 28, 2018); 17V-727 (suspension, Nov 17, 2017). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do BMW X5 suspension problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 85,000 miles; 16% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the rear (2 mentions), followed by the front › control arm (2).
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.