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BMW X5 vs Lexus RX: reliability compared

From 2006 to 2026, owners filed an average of 126 complaints per model year about the BMW X5 and 38 about the Lexus RX.

Side by side

BMW X5Lexus RX
Model years compared2006-20262006-2026
Owner complaints2,645808
Complaints per model year12638
Recalls8110
Years to avoid20112012200720082010202120232024
Best years200720182022201220132014
Most common problemEngineEngine
Crash rating4 2026No data
Fuel economy15-25 mpg combined (2026)24-36 mpg combined (2026)

A car that sells more collects more complaints, so the fairest test is the number of years to avoid, which compares each year with a typical year of the same car.

Complaints per model year

2006 BMW X5: 1692006 Lexus RX: 3220062007 BMW X5: 712007 Lexus RX: 582008 BMW X5: 2152008 Lexus RX: 7020082009 BMW X5: 1382009 Lexus RX: 342010 BMW X5: 1242010 Lexus RX: 7720102011 BMW X5: 2652011 Lexus RX: 292012 BMW X5: 2712012 Lexus RX: 1220122013 BMW X5: 1492013 Lexus RX: 192014 BMW X5: 992014 Lexus RX: 1220142015 BMW X5: 1522015 Lexus RX: 202016 BMW X5: 742016 Lexus RX: 2820162017 BMW X5: 762017 Lexus RX: 482018 BMW X5: 732018 Lexus RX: 2620182019 BMW X5: 1952019 Lexus RX: 342020 BMW X5: 1142020 Lexus RX: 4820202021 BMW X5: 1142021 Lexus RX: 712022 BMW X5: 732022 Lexus RX: 2920222023 BMW X5: 342023 Lexus RX: 622024 BMW X5: 1452024 Lexus RX: 6220242025 BMW X5: 632025 Lexus RX: 232026 BMW X5: 312026 Lexus RX: 142026
BMW X5Lexus RX

Problems compared

X5RX
Engine783148
Airbags526111
Electrical473117
Fuel system38259
Transmission37854
Brakes267117
Driver assistance18871
Body8370

Questions about the BMW X5 vs Lexus RX

Which is more reliable, the BMW X5 or the Lexus RX?

Between 2006 and 2026, the BMW X5 has 2 years to avoid and the Lexus RX 6. The BMW X5 has been more consistent from year to year. By raw volume, the Lexus RX drew fewer complaints per model year (38 vs 126), though sales volume affects that number.

Which has more recalls, the BMW X5 or the Lexus RX?

From 2006 to 2026, the BMW X5 was covered by 81 recalls and the Lexus RX by 10.

What years of the BMW X5 and Lexus RX should you avoid?

BMW X5: 2011 and 2012. Lexus RX: 2007, 2008, 2010, 2021, 2023 and 2024.

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