MyCarTSB

Data sourced from NHTSA public database. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified mechanic.

2011 Bmw X5 — Known Issues & Recalls

14 Recalls306 Owner Complaints14 Categories Affected
306
Total Complaints
14
Open Recalls
6
Crashes
15
Fires
6
Injuries

Complaints from Jan 2014 to Dec 2016

The most reported issue is engine problems (72 complaints). 6 complaints involved crashes. 15 involved fires.

Open Safety Recalls (14)

Safety RecallFREE FIX AT DEALER
Invalid Date

NHTSA Campaign: 19V017000

Component: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2007-2013 X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i and X5 M vehicles, 2008-2014 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6 M vehicles, 2009-2013 X5 xDrive35d vehicles and 2010-2011 X6 ActiveHybrid vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.

Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Fix: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the remedy is performed. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag module, free of charge. The recall began March 14, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Safety RecallFREE FIX AT DEALER
Invalid Date

NHTSA Campaign: 18V248000

Component: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:TURBO/SUPERCHARGER

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2011-2012 BMW 550i, 550i xDrive, 550i Gran Turismo, 550i Gran Turismo xDrive, 750i, 750Li, 750i xDrive, 750Li xDrive, 760Li, X5 xDrive50i, X5 M, X6 xDrive50i, X6 M, ActiveHybrid7, MINI Cooper S Convertible, John Cooper Works (JCW) Convertible, Cooper S Countryman, Cooper S Countryman ALL4, Cooper S, JCW, Cooper S Clubman, JCW Clubman, Cooper S Roadster, JCW Roadster, Cooper S Coupe, JCW Coupe and Rolls-Royce Ghost, 2011 BMW X6 Hybrid and 2012 BMW 650i Coupe, 650i xDrive Coupe, 650i Convertible and 650i xDrive Convertible vehicles. The electric auxiliary water pump may fail and cause the circuit board to overheat.

Risk: If the circuit board were to overheat, it can increase the risk of a fire.

Fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the electric auxiliary water pump, free of charge. Depending on the model, there are currently limited parts available, however not all parts are available at this time. Owners will be notified of the recall beginning June 11, 2018, and will receive a second notification when remedy parts become available. Owners may contact BMW customer service at BMW 1-800-525-7417, MINI at 1-866-825-1525, or Rolls-Royce at 1-877-877-3735. Note: BMW recommends that owners park their vehicle outdoors until the recall remedy has been performed.

Safety RecallFREE FIX AT DEALER
Invalid Date

NHTSA Campaign: 20V016000

Component: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2009-2012 X5 xDrive35d, 2008-2012 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6 M, 2007-2012 X5 30si, X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 48i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i and X5 M and 2010-2011 X6 ActiveHybrid vehicles equipped with non-desiccated, passenger frontal air bag inflators containing phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSPI-2) propellant that were used as interim remedy parts for previous Takata recalls. These inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.

Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Fix: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until this remedy is performed. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger front air bag, free of charge. The recall began March 11, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Safety RecallFREE FIX AT DEALER
Invalid Date

NHTSA Campaign: 20V017000

Component: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2013 128i and 135i Convertibles, 128i, 135i, and M Coupes, 2007-2010 X3 30si and X3 xDrive30i, 2013-2015 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i and X1 xDrive35i, 2007-2013 328i, 328i xDrive, 335i, 335is, 335i xDrive and M3 Coupes, 2006-2011 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 325i, 325xi, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi, 335i xDrive and M3, 2009-2011 335D, 2006-2012 325xi, 328i, 328xi and 328i xDrive, 2010-2011 X6 ActiveHybrid, 2007-2013 328i, 335i, 335is, M3 Coupes, X5 30si, X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 48i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i and X5 M, 2009-2013 X5 xDrive35d and 2008-2014 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6M vehicles equipped with non-desiccated driver frontal air bag inflators containing phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) that were used as interim remedy parts for previous Takata recalls. These inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.

Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver air bag. On X5 and X6 vehicles, only the inflator will be replaced. All repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began March 11, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Safety RecallFREE FIX AT DEALER
Invalid Date

NHTSA Campaign: 18V336000

Component: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2009-2013 X5 xDrive 35d diesel vehicles. The engine idler pulley bolt may loosen over time and break.

Risk: If the idler pulley bolt breaks, the vehicle may unexpectedly lose power-assisted steering, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the idler pulley bolt with an improved part, free of charge. The recall began March 11, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Safety RecallFREE FIX AT DEALER
Sep 2018

NHTSA Campaign: 18V030000

Component: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2007-2013 X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i, X5 M, 2009-2010 X5 xDrive35d vehicles and 2009-2013 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i, and X6 M vehicles ever registered in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands or "Zone A." BMW is also recalling certain 2007-2010 X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i, X5 M, X5 xDrive35d, X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6M vehicles ever registered in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia or "Zone B." BMW is also recalling certain 2007-2009 X5 xDrive30i, X5 xdrive35i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i, X5 M, X5 xDrive35d, X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6M vehicles ever registered in the states of AK, CO, CT, ID, IA, ME, MA, MI, MN, MT, NH, NY, ND, OR, RI, SD, UT, VT, WA, WI, and WY or "Zone C." These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.

Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Fix: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the remedy is performed. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger front air bag module, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin March 2018. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Safety RecallFREE FIX AT DEALER
Feb 2017

NHTSA Campaign: 17V138000

Component: POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT

BMW of North America, LLC, (BMW) is recalling certain 2011-2013 X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive50i, X5 M and X5 xDrive35d vehicles, 2011-2014 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6M vehicles, and 2011 x6 ActiveHybrid Vehicles. Water and debris may enter the front driveshaft's universal joint, causing excessive wear and possibly resulting in the joint's failure.

Risk: If the front universal joint fails, the front wheels would not be driven, affecting vehicle traction. Additionally, continued driving of the vehicle with a broken front universal joint may damage other components. Either condition may increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front driveshaft, free of charge. The recall began on April 18, 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Safety RecallFREE FIX AT DEALER
Invalid Date

NHTSA Campaign: 16V746000

Component: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2007-2011 BMW X5 3.0si, X5 4.8i, X5 M, X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive48i and X5 xDrive50i, 2008-2011 X6 x Drive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6 M, 2010-2011 X6 ActiveHybrid, 535i xDrive Gran Turismo, 535i Gran Turismo, 550i xDrive Gran Turismo and 550i Gran Turismo, 2011-2012 528i, 535i, 535i xDrive, 550i and 550i xDrive and 2012 535i ActiveHybrid, 640i Convertible, 650i Convertible, 650i xDrive Convertible, 650i Coupe and 650i Coupe xDrive vehicles. The affected vehicles have in-tank fuel pumps that may have insufficiently crimped wire contacts.

Risk: The loose wires may cause the connector to melt, resulting in a fuel leak. Additionally, the fuel pump may stop working, possibly causing an engine stall and increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump module, free of charge. The recall began February 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Safety RecallFREE FIX AT DEALER
Invalid Date

NHTSA Campaign: 17V683000

Component: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CRANKCASE (PCV)

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2011 128i and 2007-2011 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 525i, 525xi, 528i, 528xi, 530i, 530xi, X3 3.0si, X3 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive30i, Z4 3.0i, Z4 3.0si and Z4 sDrive30i vehicles. The heater for the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve may short circuit.

Risk: An electrical short can cause the parts within the PCV valve to melt, increasing the risk of a fire, even when the vehicle is not in use.

Fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the PCV valve heater, free of charge. Interim letters were mailed on November 27, 2017. Owners will receive a second notification by the end of October 2018. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Safety RecallFREE FIX AT DEALER
Invalid Date

NHTSA Campaign: 16V311000

Component: POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2011 X5 xDrive 35i, xDrive50i, X5 M, X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i, and X6 M vehicles manufactured April 5, 2010, to November 20, 2010, 2011 X5 xDrive35d diesel vehicles manufactured April 7, 2010, to November 20, 2010, and 2011 X6 Active Hybrid vehicles manufactured April 15, 2010, to November 17, 2010. The affected vehicles have a front driveshaft universal joint that may not seal out water and debris from getting in and damaging the joint, which could lead to its failure.

Risk: If the front universal joint fails, the front wheels would not be driven, affecting vehicle traction. Additionally, continued driving of the vehicle with a broken front universal joint may damage other components. Either condition may increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front driveshaft, free of charge. The recall began on July 8, 2016. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Safety RecallFREE FIX AT DEALER
Invalid Date

NHTSA Campaign: 16V364000

Component: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2007-2011 X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i and X5M vehicles, 2009-2011 X5 xDrive35d vehicles, 2008-2011 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6 M vehicles, and 2010-2011 X6 ActiveHybrid vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" above, BMW is recalling certain model year 2007-2008 X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i and X5M vehicles, and 2008 BMW X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6 M vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, or "Zone B." Vehicles of these model years and models that were not originally sold or ever registered in either Zones A or B are not subject to this safety recall. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity and temperature cycling.

Risk: An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Fix: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until they have been repaired. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator or air bag module, free of charge. The recall began July 28, 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Safety RecallFREE FIX AT DEALER
Invalid Date

NHTSA Campaign: 11V521000

Component: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:OTHER FUEL TYPES:TURBO/SUPERCHARGER

BMW IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 5-SERIES, MODEL YEAR 2010-2011 5-SERIES GRAN TURISMO, MODEL YEAR 2009-2011 7-SERIES, MODEL YEAR 2010-2011 X5 SAV, AND MODEL YEAR 2008-2011 X6 SAV VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 8- OR 12-CYLINDER, TURBOCHARGED, ENGINES BECAUSE THE CIRCUIT BOARD FOR THE ELECTRIC AUXILIARY WATER PUMP CAN OVERHEAT.

Risk: THIS COULD LEAD TO A SMOLDERING OF THE PUMP OR AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT OR VEHICLE FIRE.

Fix: BMW WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE AUXILIARY WATER PUMP FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 19, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW CUSTOMER RELATIONS AND SERVICES AT 1-800-525-7417.

Safety RecallFREE FIX AT DEALER
Feb 2010

NHTSA Campaign: 10V233000

Component: EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

BMW IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 X5 SAV AND X6 SAV PASSENGER VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM APRIL 1 THROUGH MAY 8, 2010. THE TIRE LABEL DOES NOT CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THE VEHICLES ARE EQUIPPED WITH 20-INCH WHEELS, BUT THE LABEL STATES THAT THE VEHICLES WERE EQUIPPED WITH 19-INCH WHEELS AND THE STATED TIRE PRESSURE IS INCORRECT FOR THE EQUIPPED WHEELS.

Risk: IMPROPER TIRE INFLATION CAN RESULT IN PREMATURE TIRE FAILURE OR REDUCED VEHICLE HANDLING PERFORMANCE, EITHER OF WHICH CAN INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Fix: BMW WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND PROVIDE CORRECT LABELS FREE OF CHARGE. THE OWNER WILL HAVE THE OPTION TO AFFIX THE LABEL THEMSELVES OR THEY MAY TAKE THEIR VEHICLE TO A BMW DEALER WHO WILL AFFIX THE LABEL FOR THEM AT NO COST. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 8, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-525-7417.

Safety RecallFREE FIX AT DEALER
Invalid Date

NHTSA Campaign: 23V707000

Component: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2010-2012 1 Series Coupe, 1 Series Convertible, 3 Series Sedan, 3 Series Convertible, 2010-2011 3 Series Sportswagon, 3 Series Coupe, 5 Series Sedan, X3 xDrive 28i, X3 xDrive 30i, X5 xDrive30i, and Z4 sDrive30i vehicles. The aluminum bolts that secure the housing for the variable camshaft timing adjustment (VANOS) unit can loosen over time and possibly break.

Risk: Loose or broken VANOS unit bolts can result in an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will replace the four VANOS bolts, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk are expected to be mailed December 18, 2023. Owner notification letters were mailed June 19, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Owner-Reported Issues (20 of 306)

Engine5 issues
criticalENGINE
Filed: Feb 2025

Your EGR cooler has failed, allowing diesel exhaust fumes to enter your cabin through the air vents. This causes you to breathe harmful gases like carbon monoxide and diesel exhaust, especially when you first start driving in the morning. The dealer confirms the EGR cooler needs to be replaced to fix this issue.

NHTSA #: 11642373
highENGINE
Filed: Jan 2024

After your battery was replaced, a check engine light appeared indicating your SCR Active Tank needs replacement at a cost over $3,000. You discovered this part was under recall with a 10-year/120,000-mile limit, and while your vehicle is under the mileage limit at 101,000 miles, BMW denied the recall repair because your car exceeds the 10-year time limit from the in-service date. You believe the repair should be covered since you haven't reached the mileage threshold and the part was recalled due to a manufacturer defect. This issue may require contacting BMW corporate or NHTSA to dispute the recall denial based on mileage eligibility.

NHTSA #: 11565609
highENGINE
Filed: Oct 2023

Your car unexpectedly shut off while stopped at a stop sign and shifted into neutral on its own, displaying an "Engine Failure - Reduced Power" warning message. A mechanic diagnosed the problem as a faulty variable valve timing system. This issue will require inspection and likely replacement of the variable valve timing components to restore normal engine operation.

NHTSA #: 11550652
highENGINE
Filed: Sep 2023

Your BMW dealership performed a recall-related oil consumption test on your engine and determined it needed replacement due to failed results. After paying $2,500 for a new engine, your car continues to leak both oil and antifreeze, and a persistent engine malfunction warning appears on your dashboard. The replacement engine may need further diagnosis to identify the source of the leaks and resolve the warning light.

NHTSA #: 11545979
highENGINE
Filed: Feb 2022

Your vehicle's auxiliary water pump for the turbocharger is showing signs of failure—it's making noise and smelling hot or burnt. Even though your car had a recall completed for this part in 2011-2012, the same problem appears to be happening again. You believe your vehicle should have been included in a 2018 recall update (B110518) for the electronic auxiliary coolant pump, but it wasn't listed. The fix would likely involve replacing the auxiliary coolant pump and checking the turbocharger cooling system.

NHTSA #: 11451349
Steering2 issues
criticalSTEERING
Filed: Sep 2022

Your front drive shaft broke while you were driving, which caused you to nearly lose control of the vehicle. This is a serious safety issue that requires immediate inspection and replacement of the drive shaft to restore proper steering and vehicle control.

NHTSA #: 11482331
highSTEERING
Filed: Aug 2023

While driving at 60 mph, your steering wheel suddenly became stiff and difficult to turn, with no warning light appearing on your dashboard. You were able to safely pull over to the side of the road. The issue may be related to the power steering system losing assist or a mechanical problem in the steering column.

NHTSA #: 11537873
Power Train,engine,fuel/propulsion System2 issues
criticalPOWER TRAIN,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Filed: Feb 2022

Your SUV's drive belt came loose and got pulled into the engine through the front crankshaft seal, causing belt fragments to end up inside the engine. This led to oil starvation and engine damage, triggering check engine warning codes. You have video documentation of the belt fragments inside the engine.

NHTSA #: 11449821
highPOWER TRAIN,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Filed: Jan 2024

Your 2011 BMW X5 has multiple open recalls listed by NHTSA, but you haven't received recall notifications from BMW and the dealership says no recalls are outstanding for your VIN. Recently, you had a check engine light that the dealership wanted to fix by replacing a SCR DEF active tank for $3,000, but BMW later issued an extended warranty for this part due to widespread failures—however, the dealership refused to cover it under warranty because your car exceeded the 10-year limit, even though you were only slightly over the mileage threshold. The repair will likely involve replacing the DEF tank and possibly addressing other emission system components.

NHTSA #: 11567475
Electrical System,unknown Or Other1 issue
criticalELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Filed: Jul 2025

Your car's comfort access door handle became extremely hot, melting the plastic exterior handle and producing heavy smoke. The handle nearly caught fire before you were able to turn off the car and disconnect the electrical connection to prevent further damage.

NHTSA #: 11675041
Fuel/propulsion System1 issue
criticalFUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Filed: Aug 2024

Your engine suddenly died while you were driving on the highway without any warning, and the vehicle went into neutral and stopped in the middle of traffic. When you tried to restart it multiple times, the engine wouldn't turn over. A diagnostic scan showed fuel pressure codes and revealed the fuel pressure while trying to start was only 2.5-4 bar, when it should be 600-800 bar. The fix will likely involve diagnosing and replacing the fuel pump or fuel pressure regulator to restore proper fuel pressure to the engine.

NHTSA #: 11606925
Exterior Lighting1 issue
criticalEXTERIOR LIGHTING
FireFiled: May 2024

Your headlight wiring insulation can dry rot and deteriorate prematurely inside the headlight assembly, causing the headlights to stop working or short out. This wiring problem may also create a risk of electrical fire in addition to leaving you without working headlights. Fixing this will likely require replacing the headlight assembly or rewiring the headlight circuit.

NHTSA #: 11588833
Steering,power Train,service Brakes1 issue
criticalSTEERING,POWER TRAIN,SERVICE BRAKES
Filed: Nov 2023

Your transfer case actuator may not be engaging properly, which switches your X5 from all-wheel drive to rear-wheel drive without warning. This happened during a U-turn when your car didn't accelerate on time, nearly causing a collision with oncoming traffic. In winter conditions, losing all-wheel drive unexpectedly can be dangerous and difficult to control.

NHTSA #: 11555719
Steering,electrical System,engine1 issue
criticalSTEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
Filed: Sep 2022

While driving on the highway, you suddenly heard a loud noise from the engine, and your engine and battery warning lights started blinking on the dashboard followed by a complete loss of power steering. You were able to safely pull over, but inspection revealed that the idler pulley bolt had completely snapped off. This same bolt has been subject to two previous recalls for the same failure, and the loss of steering control while driving at highway speed posed a serious safety risk.

NHTSA #: 11483747
Engine,fuel/propulsion System1 issue
criticalENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
FireFiled: Jun 2022

Your car caught fire after the oil level became low. After you added oil at a gas station, the car suddenly burst into flames and was completely destroyed. Fortunately, you and your passengers were able to escape safely.

Parts you may need:

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NHTSA #: 11470883
Electrical System,engine1 issue
highELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
Filed: May 2025

Your 2011 BMW X5 failed to start and had to be towed to a dealer. The dealer was unable to diagnose or repair the issue and confirmed your vehicle wasn't part of a recall. This happened at approximately 132,000 miles. The repair will likely involve diagnosing the electrical system and engine components to identify what's preventing the vehicle from starting.

Parts you may need:

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NHTSA #: 11663129
Electrical System,exterior Lighting,air Bags1 issue
highELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,AIR BAGS
Filed: Oct 2023

Your 2011 BMW X5 has a defective footwell module (FRM) that controls your electric windows, turn signals, headlights, emergency flashers, and interior lights. According to the BMW service manager, this module lacks proper electrical protection and is prone to failure due to its mounting location, even with normal use. The owner spent about $1,000 on diagnosis and repair and believes BMW should issue a recall for this defect affecting multiple X5 owners.

NHTSA #: 11550536
Unknown Or Other1 issue
highUNKNOWN OR OTHER
Filed: Jul 2023

Your car's sunroof window suddenly shattered while you were driving on the highway, with no apparent cause. No collision or impact preceded the break. The repair will likely involve replacing the entire sunroof glass panel.

Parts you may need:

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NHTSA #: 11532805
Electrical System1 issue
highELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Dec 2022

After your BMW service center installed a new battery, your windows and turn signals stopped working. This suggests the FRM module (which controls electrical functions) may have been damaged during the battery installation or needs to be reconfigured. The service center should diagnose whether the module needs to be reprogrammed or replaced.

NHTSA #: 11499217
Power Train,vehicle Speed Control,engine1 issue
highPOWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE
Filed: Jun 2022

While slowing down to make a turn, your vehicle unexpectedly shifted into neutral and the engine shut off with no warning lights appearing. After restarting and driving a short distance to safely park, the problem stopped occurring after the engine rested for 30 minutes. A mechanic found no diagnostic error codes and confirmed the battery is healthy, though the cause remains unclear. This issue may require further diagnosis of the transmission control module or engine management system if it happens again.

NHTSA #: 11470015

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