Recall 25V556 affects 1,406 2026 BMW X5 Plug-In Hybrid, X5, and X7 SUVs for windshield leaks. Repair is free at franchised BMW dealers.
BMW is recalling 1,406 2026 X5 Plug-In Hybrid, X5, and X7 vehicles because a windshield sealing problem can let water enter the power distribution box or electronic control unit. Water inside those components can cause failures such as loss of headlights, increasing crash risk, and an electrical short can raise fire risk while parked or driving; BMW dealers will complete the free repair.
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What's wrong?
The windshield on the 2026 BMW X5 Plug-In Hybrid, X5, and X7 is bonded to the body with sealing material around the glass. That seal keeps rain and wash water outside the cabin and helps keep electrical modules behind the trim dry.
On affected vehicles, the bonding material changed, but the factory joining process was not adjusted to match it. The result is a windshield seal that is not tight enough at the body. Water can enter near the A-pillar, the upright roof support beside the windshield, then travel inside the vehicle. From there, it can reach the power distribution box, which routes electrical power, or an electronic control unit, which manages vehicle functions.
There is no warning sign before failure. An owner does not get a specific light or message before water reaches those components, so a leak around the windshield or wet interior trim needs dealer attention.
Who's affected?
Covers the X5 Plug-In Hybrid, X5, and X7, all tied to the same windshield fastener issue.
| 2026 BMW X5 Plug-In Hybrid | visibility component |
|---|---|
| 2026 BMW X5 | visibility component |
| 2026 BMW X7 | visibility component |
| Units affected | 1,406 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific SUV is included.
What's the safety risk?
Water inside electrical components can cause electronic failures, including loss of headlights, which increases crash risk. An electrical short-circuit also increases fire risk while parked or driving. If headlights or other electronics fail, stop using the vehicle and call the dealer. Repair is free at any franchised BMW dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2026 BMW X5 Plug-In Hybrid, X5, or X7 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised BMW dealer to schedule the free windshield-seal inspection and leak repair that keeps water out of the power distribution box and electronic control units.
- Bring the recall notice if BMW mailed one. If not, reference recall number 25V556 when you call.
- Ask the dealer how to handle the vehicle if you see water inside, headlight loss, electrical faults, or a burning smell before the appointment.
- Keep the vehicle dry until the inspection is complete.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a BMW technician inspects the windshield seal for leaks. If a leak is found, the technician repairs the seal and replaces affected vehicle control units and wiring as needed. The recall repair is free, with parts and labor covered. Out-of-pocket repairs already paid are handled through the BMW New Vehicle Limited Warranty program, not through a separate reimbursement program, because BMW states this condition would be covered under that warranty. Ask the service desk how warranty coverage applies if you have prior repair paperwork.
| Reimbursement | Warranty coverage applies |
|---|
Timeline
| August 27, 2025 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| August 27, 2025 | Dealer notification began |
| August 27, 2025 | Dealer notification ended |
| October 17, 2025 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| December 3, 2025 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 25V556?
Recall 25V556 covers 1,406 2026 BMW X5 Plug-In Hybrid, X5, and X7 vehicles with windshield seals that were not installed properly. Water can enter the power distribution box or electronic control unit. BMW dealers will inspect the seal and repair leaks for free.
What should I do if my 2026 BMW X5 Plug-In Hybrid, X5, or X7 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific BMW is included in recall 25V556. If it is, contact a franchised BMW dealer to schedule the windshield seal inspection. Reference recall number 25V556 when you call. The inspection and covered repairs are free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair the defect at no cost. BMW dealers will inspect the windshield seal for free, repair any detected leak, and replace affected vehicle control units and wiring as needed at no charge.
What is the safety risk in recall 25V556?
Water inside the affected electrical components can cause electronic function failures, including loss of headlights, increasing crash risk. The same water intrusion can also cause an electrical short-circuit, increasing fire risk while the vehicle is parked or driving.
When were owners notified about recall 25V556?
BMW mailed owner notification letters on December 3, 2025. If you bought the vehicle used or never received a letter, check your VIN to confirm whether your specific X5 Plug-In Hybrid, X5, or X7 is included.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/25V556000 |
|---|---|
| BMW customer service | 1-800-525-7417 |
| NHTSA recall # | 25V556 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 25V556000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 19, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →