CarRecallDB

2006 BMW X5 recalls and problems

2 recalls and 168 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2006 BMW X5.

2
recalls
168
owner complaints
5
complaints mentioning a crash
11
mentioning a fire

Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.

2006 BMW X5 recalls

Air bags: sensor, occupant classification

NHTSA campaign 13V564000 · reported November 12, 2013 · BMW of North America, LLC · 76,565 vehicles potentially affected

The 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.
The 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.
The 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 [email protected].

Power train: automatic transmission

NHTSA campaign 05V504000 · reported November 1, 2005 · BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, LLC · 240 vehicles potentially affected

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

Most reported problems

Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.

What owners report

Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.

Aug 14, 2026 · Electrical system

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.

Mar 16, 2025 · Seat belts

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.

Mar 14, 2025 · Steering · 193,000 miles

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…

Oct 17, 2024 · Power train · 274,000 miles

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…

Mar 11, 2024 · Seats · fire reported

When I switch on my driver seat for the heated seat it became so hot that the coils burned through my seat and make two round burn holes in the seat and burned my leg

X5 model years compared

YearRecallsComplaintsCrashesFires
2003 399413
2004 464410
2005 28235
2006 2168511
2007 87112
2008 10215212
2009 1213838

Across all years, the 2012 X5 has the most complaints (271). All BMW X5 years →

Questions

Does the 2006 BMW X5 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2006 BMW X5, the most recent reported on November 12, 2013 (Air bags: sensor, occupant classification). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2006 BMW X5?
Owners have filed 168 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is air bags (83 complaints), followed by seats (25).
How many 2006 BMW X5 complaints mention a crash or fire?
5 of 168 complaints report a crash and 11 a fire; 12 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received August 14, 2026.