2017 Bmw X5 Safety Report

2017 BMW X5: Excellent Crash Test Scores Offset by Multiple Recalls and Fuel/Engine System Complaints

73Complaints
6Recalls
★★★★★Safety Rating
65/100Reliability Score
3Crash Reports
4Injuries
1Deaths
Most reported components: Fuel/Propulsion System (8)Engine (5)Fuel System, Diesel (5)Unknown Or Other (4)Engine And Engine Cooling,Electrical System (3)Electrical System (3)Power Train (3)Tires (3)Suspension (3)Electrical System,Engine,Fuel/Propulsion System (2)

AI Safety Analysis for the 2017 Bmw X5

The 2017 BMW X5 presents a mixed safety profile, demonstrating excellent crash test performance but also a notable number of recalls and consumer complaints, particularly concerning fuel and engine systems. NHTSA awarded the vehicle a perfect 5-star overall safety rating, with 5 stars in frontal and side crash tests, and a respectable 4 stars in rollover. This indicates strong occupant protection in collision scenarios. However, the vehicle has been subject to 6 recalls, with several directly addressing critical safety concerns such as fire risk from electrical shorts in the cooling system and melting intake manifolds in diesel variants, and increased crash risk due to fuel pump failure causing engine stalls. The recall for the passenger frontal airbag inflator module also poses a serious risk of injury from rupturing inflators. Consumer complaints, totaling 73, highlight recurring issues that align with some recall themes. The 'FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM' and 'ENGINE' categories are among the most frequently reported, with 8 and 5 complaints respectively. Specific complaints detail engine overheating, fuel system malfunctions leading to stalls, and smoke odors, which resonate with the fire and engine stall risks identified in recalls. There are 3 reported crashes, 4 injuries, and 1 death associated with these complaints, underscoring the real-world impact of these issues. Beyond the major recalls, other common complaint patterns include electrical system failures (3 complaints), power train issues (3 complaints), and suspension problems (3 complaints), with some complaints describing the vehicle entering 'safety mode' or experiencing sudden deceleration. While the crash test ratings are reassuring, the volume and nature of recalls and consumer complaints, especially those related to potential fire and engine stall, suggest that owners should be vigilant and ensure all recall remedies are completed.

Reliability Score

The 2017 Bmw X5 receives a reliability score of 65 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates average reliability — some notable concerns exist that prospective buyers should be aware of.

Known Issues for the 2017 Bmw X5

The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2017 Bmw X5:

IssueSeverityFrequencyTypical Mileage
Fuel System Failure (Diesel)
High-pressure fuel pump failure leading to engine stalls, as detailed in NHTSA recalls 21V586000 and 21V907000. Complaints also describe fuel system lights and vehicle shutdowns.		 High Common 50000-70000 miles
Engine Overheating/Cooling System Issues
Malfunctioning radiator fan assembly, water pump, and thermostat leading to engine overheating and loss of electrical functions. Recall 16V746000 addresses fire risk from cooling system pump.		 High Common 60000-70000 miles
Intake Manifold Melting (Diesel)
Melting intake manifold increasing fire risk, as per NHTSA recalls 21V907000 and 22V104000, specifically affecting diesel models.		 High Occasional N/A miles
Passenger Frontal Airbag Inflator Rupture
Defective passenger frontal airbag inflator module that may rupture upon deployment, causing serious injury (NHTSA recall 17V067000).		 High Rare N/A miles
Drivetrain Malfunction/Loss Of Power
Sudden deceleration, vehicle stalling, and 'Drivetrain Malfunction' messages, sometimes requiring expensive electric drive replacement.		 High Occasional 50000-80000 miles
Suspension Dropping
Rear suspension dropping, leading to bouncy ride and potential loss of control, even after previous repairs.		 Medium Occasional 30000-60000 miles

Common Problems Reported by Owners

Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2017 Bmw X5:

Fuel/Propulsion System 11% of complaints

Frequent complaints about fuel system failures, leaks, and engine stalls, often linked to high-pressure fuel pump issues and recalls.

Engine 7% of complaints

Reports of engine overheating, smoke odors, and general engine malfunctions, sometimes related to cooling system components.

Fuel System, Diesel 7% of complaints

Specific issues for diesel models including melting intake manifolds and fuel pump failures, leading to fire risk and stalls.

Electrical System 4% of complaints

Various electrical issues including battery overheating, loss of electrical functions, and blower motor failures.

Power Train 4% of complaints

Complaints of drivetrain malfunctions, sudden deceleration, and vehicle stalling.

Suspension 4% of complaints

Issues with suspension dropping and related handling concerns.

Air Bags 3% of complaints

Restraint system notifications and concerns about airbag deployment, including a recall for inflator rupture.

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2017 Bmw X5

Is the 2017 BMW X5 safe?

Based on NHTSA data, the 2017 BMW X5 received excellent crash test ratings (5-star overall, frontal, and side, 4-star rollover), indicating strong occupant protection. However, it has 6 recalls addressing serious issues like fire risk from cooling and fuel systems, fuel pump failure leading to stalls, and airbag inflator rupture. There are also 73 consumer complaints, including 3 crashes, 4 injuries, and 1 death, primarily related to fuel and engine systems.

What are common problems with the 2017 BMW X5?

The most reported issues for the 2017 BMW X5 are related to the FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (8 complaints), ENGINE (5 complaints), and FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL (5 complaints). These often involve engine overheating, fuel pump failures causing stalls, and melting intake manifolds in diesel models. Other common problems include electrical system malfunctions, power train issues, and suspension dropping.

Are there any recalls for the 2017 BMW X5?

Yes, the 2017 BMW X5 has 6 recalls. These include recalls for fire risk due to cooling system pump electrical shorts, melting intake manifolds in diesel vehicles, fuel pump failure causing engine stalls, incorrect tire information labels, and a critical recall for passenger frontal airbag inflator rupture.

Does the 2017 BMW X5 have fire risks?

Yes, the 2017 BMW X5 has documented fire risks. NHTSA recalls 16V746000, 21V907000, and 22V104000 specifically address fire hazards stemming from electrical shorts in the cooling system pump and melting intake manifolds in diesel models. Several consumer complaints also mention smoke odors and battery overheating.

What should I check before buying a used 2017 BMW X5?

Before buying a used 2017 BMW X5, ensure all 6 open recalls have been completed. Pay close attention to the service history for any recurring engine, fuel system, or cooling system issues. Have a pre-purchase inspection specifically check the fuel pump, cooling system components, and for any signs of drivetrain malfunctions or suspension problems, as these are common complaint areas.

Buyer Advice

Our recommendation: While offering strong crash protection, potential buyers should prioritize verifying all 6 recalls have been addressed and be prepared for possible fuel, engine, and electrical system issues based on complaint data.

NHTSA Data Summary for 2017 Bmw X5

This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2017 Bmw X5. The data includes 73 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 6 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 3 reported crashes, 4 reported injuries, and 1 fatalities associated with this vehicle.

The NHTSA has assigned the 2017 Bmw X5 an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars, with a frontal crash rating of 5 stars, a side crash rating of 5 stars, and a rollover rating of 4 stars. These ratings are determined through controlled crash testing conducted by the NHTSA.

All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.

Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.