NHTSA complaint #11576435

Owner complaint summary

I purchased a new BMW x5 50e in September 2023. It currently has 1601 miles. As I was getting onto the freeway onramp on 3/7/24, I felt the SUV losing power and got an error message (actually 2). The first message indicated the "High-voltage system," telling me I could continue driving but should have the system checked. The second message stated a "Drive train malfunction" and indicated roadside assistance was not needed. The error messages provided incorrect guidance as I lost all power to drive the SUV. I could drift the SUV over to the shoulder of the onramp. Fortunately, I had not fully gotten onto the freeway, or I could have been hit when the SUV lost power. The car had no power and would not drive. There was no warning of malfunction prior to the sudden loss of power and the simultaneous appearance of the warning message - one followed by another. I tried restarting the SUV, but it would immediately shift back to Park. It was not drivable, and I had to have it towed by AAA to the dealership. The malfunction has the potential to result in a catastrophic outcome. Upon researching the issue online, I found there are several other BMW owners with the same issue; some have been unable to have the problem fixed. The BMW dealer was not yet able to determine the underlying problems and deny this is a known issue (although it is). They told me they have contacted BMW NA and are waiting to hear back. I was told they did not have a loaner and they had done me a favor by putting my car ahead of others. They will not return my calls (only text messages) and cannot give me information about the problem or timeframe I will go without a car. I read others had similar issues and must have their car repurchased by BMW NA. This seems to be a problem BMW is aware of. I do not know if I can ever feel safe in this SUV - there will always be the concern of the SUV running out of power on the freeway or in isolated areas.