2006 BMW X5 recalls and problems

The 2006 BMW X5 has 2 safety recalls and 169 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any BMW dealer.

Recalls
2
Complaints
169
Crashes / fires
5 / 11
Injuries / deaths
12 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2006 BMW X5 vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2006 BMW X5 recalls

Recall 13V-564: Air Bags

Reported Nov 12, 2013 · 76,565 vehicles affected · BMW of North America, LLC

Problem: BMW of North America LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2006 325i, 325xi, 330i, 330xi sedans and 325xi sports wagons, model year 2007 328i, 328xi, 335i, 335xi sedans and 328i and 328xi sports wagons, model year 2006-2007 525i, 525xi, 530i, 530xi, 550i sedans and 530xi sports wagons, model year 2006 760i sedans, model year 2006-2007 750i, 750Li, and 760Li sedans, and model year 2006 X5 sports activity vehicles, equipped with certain seat types. The front passenger seat occupant detection mat that determines if and how the passenger frontal air bag should deploy in a crash may fatigue and develop cracks which could lead to a system failure.

Risk: Should the system fail, in the event of a crash, the front passenger air bag would be deactivated, increasing the risk of personal injury.

Fix: BMW will notify owners with an interim notification letter in January 2014 since parts are not currently available. When parts are available, BMW sent a second letter in August and dealers will repair the occupant detection mat to eliminate the possibility that it may crack, free of charge. Additionally, owners of model year 2006-2007 3 Series with standard seats, 5 Series with comfort seats, and Z4 models, will receive an extended warranty on their front passenger seat occupant detection mat. Owners may contact BMW customer relations at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.

Recall 05V-504: Power Train

Reported Nov 1, 2005 · 240 vehicles affected · BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, LLC

Problem: Certain passenger vehicles may have been built with an incorrectly manufactured automatic transmission parking pawl guide plate.

Risk: This could cause the parking lock system not to engage, after the transmission is placed in the park ("p") position. If the vehicle was parked on an incline, and the parking brake was not engaged, this could result in a vehicle rollaway condition.

Fix: Dealers will repair and replace the automatic transmission guide plate free of charge. The recall began on november 30, 2005. Owners may contact bmw at 1-800-332-4269.

2006 BMW X5 problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Air Bags88
Seats25
Service Brakes21
Electrical System20
Seat Belts8
Power Train7
Engine and Engine Cooling7
Service Brakes, Hydraulic7
Engine7
Structure5
Unknown or Other5
Exterior Lighting4

Most reported parts

  • Air Bags › Frontal — 6
  • Structure › Body — 5
  • Air Bags › Frontal › Sensor/Control Module — 2
  • Visibility › Sun/Moon Roof Assembly — 2
  • Exterior Lighting › Headlights — 1
  • Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 1
  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine — 1
  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › Pads — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 85,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2006 BMW X5 complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Structure · reported Nov 2, 2026
Without any indication the door handle carrier component on both front doors broke upon attempting to open the door, this resulted in being unable to open the front doors to enter or exit the vehicle, which poses a safety risk for those with mobility issues if they're unable to crawl through the back, it is not uncommon for these vehicles to have more than door handle carrier broken at a time. I have witnessed this issue on numerous cars that have come through the shop I work in as well as the one I personally own. It is a commonly known problem on this class of vehicle from BMW, the door…
Electrical System · reported Aug 14, 2026
I put a new battery and I need to unplugged the negative every time I turn it off. If I don’t do this, the next day, the battery would be dead. I checked with the Ancel OBD2 and there’s nothing wrong. It doesn’t detect anything bad.
Seat Belts · reported Mar 16, 2025
Anytime I have a passenger in the car the seatbelt warning light goes off. My passenger is wearing the seatbelt. I put the car in park and tell my passenger to take the seatbelt off then back on. It's off for a bit then the light for the seatbelt comes by on.
Steering · at 193,000 miles · reported Mar 14, 2025
The contact owns a 2006 BMW X5. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, there was an electrical burning odor inside the vehicle. The ABS, brakes, and other unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact pulled over to the side of the road and was able to restart the vehicle and the vehicle was driven to the residence. On another occasion, the contact had to redirect the steering wheel into a different lane while driving. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who changed the oil and replaced the alternator; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed. The vehicle was taken to…
Power Train · at 274,000 miles · reported Oct 17, 2024
The contact owns a 2006 BMW X5. The contact stated that while depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle hesitated to increase in speed. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic who suggested that the failure was possibly related to a power train failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was aware of the failure and confirmed the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 05V504000 (Power Train). The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to file a safety complaint. The failure mileage was 274,000.

Other BMW X5 years

Compare all BMW X5 years · All BMW models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2006 BMW X5 have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2006 BMW X5: 13V-564 (air bags), 05V-504 (power train). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2006 BMW X5?

Owners report air bags problems most often (88 reports), followed by seats (25). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 85,000 miles.

Are BMW recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized BMW dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.