Owners have filed 38 complaints
about the 2011 BMW X5 SAV with NHTSA between 2013 and 2018.
The largest single group is the engine & cooling.
Across this model's run it ranks 6 of 8 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 52
Against the median year of the BMW X5 SAV. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 0
0% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 10
6% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
1,000 – 9,999 miles
26.1%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
39.1%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
927.3%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
1751.5%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
26.1%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Mar 2013peak 6Oct 2018
NHTSA investigations into the 2011 BMW X5 SAV
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.C...
RQ18001Opened 18 Apr 2018Closed 1 Dec 2018STEERING
Idler Pulley Bolt Failure
In a May 23, 2018 letter, BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) notified the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) of a safety defect that may result in the loss of power steering assist in certain model year (MY) 2009 through 2013 BMW X5 xDrive35d vehicles (Recall 18V-336). The recall, which affects approximately 33,214 vehicles built from March 12, 2008 through June 27, 2013, corrects the remedy and expands the scope of a prior BMW recall (12V-550) which addressed idle pulley bolt failure in approximately 29,800 MY 2009 through 2012 BMW X5 xDrive35d vehicles built from September 1...
Recalls on the 2011 BMW X5 SAV
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
16V071000
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2008-2013 128i and 135i coupes and convertibles and 1 Series M coupes, 2006-2011 325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi, 335i xDrive Sedans, 2009-2011 335d sedans, 2006-2012 325xiT, 328i and 328xi sports wagons, 2007-2013 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 335i, 335xi, 335i xDrive, 335is and M3 Coupes and Convertibles, 2013-2015 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i and X1 xDrive35i SAVs, 2007-2010 X3 xDrive30i SAVs, 2007-2013 X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i and X5 M SAVs, 2009-2013 BMW X5 xDrive35d SAVs, 2008-2014 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i, and X6 M SACs, 2010-2011 BMW X6 xDrive50i SACs and 2008-2011 M3 Sedan vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.
Risk: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
14V176000
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2010-2011 128i Coupe, 128i Convertible, 328i Sedan, 328i xDrive Sedan, 328i Coupe, 328i Convertible, 328i Sports Wagon and Z4 sDrive 30i, 2011-2012 135i Coupe, 135i Convertible, 335i Sedan, X5 xDrive 35i, and X6 xDrive 35i, 2011 335i xDrive Sedan, 335i Coupe, 335i Convertible, 528i Sedan, 535i Sedan, 535i xDrive Sedan, X3 xDrive 28i, and X3 xDrive 35i, 2010 X3 xDrive 30i, and X5 xDrive 30i, 2012 640i Coupe, and 640i Convertible and 2010-2012 535i Gran Turismo vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the bolts that secure the housing for the variable camshaft timing adjustment (VANOS) unit can loosen over time and may possibly break.
Risk: If the bolts loosen or break the engine may have reduced power or stall. An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
12V550000
STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
BMW is recalling certain model year 2009-2012 X5 xDrive 35d SAV diesel vehicles manufactured September 1, 2008, through November 15, 2012. The engine belt idler pulley bolt could loosen and break over time.
Risk: If the engine belt idler pulley bolt breaks, the vehicle may unexpectedly lose power-assisted steering, increasing the risk of a crash.
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 93,000 milesRocky River, OH
ENGINE
ENGINE CLICKS WHEN ACCELERATING OR DECELERATION
NHTSA complaint #11144151 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 82,000 milesRocky River, OH
ENGINE
THE COOLANT LINES NEEDED COMPLETELY REPLACED CAUSING THE ENGINE TO START BARRELING SMOKE AFTER ABOUT 400-500 FT. LOOKED LIKE IT WAS ON FIRE THERE WAS SO MUCH SMOKE. GOT REPAIRED AT BMW OF WESTLAKE IN OHIO. THEY TOLD ME THERE WAS NOTHING I COULD DO TO HAVE PREVENTED IT.
NHTSA complaint #11144153 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 125,000 milesWantage, NJ
ENGINE
I WOULD LIKE TO REPORT A VANOS ISSUE THE CAMSHAFT BOLTS LOOSEN AND BREAK AND IT COULD BE CATASTROPHIC. MY BOLTS LOOSENED AND I CAUGHT IT IN TIME BUT IF I DIDN'T KNOW ANY BETTER I COULD'VE HAD A COMPLETE ENGINE FAILURE. MY CODE ORIGINALLY CAME UP AS CAMSHAFT STICKING. WHEN THE PROBLEM ORIGINATED I WAS TRAVELING ON A MAIN CITY ROAD AND MY CAR WENT INTO REDUCED POWER MODE.
NHTSA complaint #11083702 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 74,500 milesRedmond, WA
POWER TRAIN
DURING HARD ACCELERATION OF THE CAR WHILE GETTING ON THE FREE WAY RAMP, THE CAR WENT INTO LIMP MODE. THE ENGINE PERFORMANCE WAS DEGRADED AND I HAD TO PULL ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD TO RESTART THE CAR. THE CAR WAS TAKEN TO BMW OF BELLEVUE NEXT WEEK AFTER INITIAL DIAGNOSIS OF A DME INTERNAL FAULT BY A SIGNATURE INDEPENDENT KIRKLAND. BMW OF BELLEVUE REPLACED AIR MASS FILTER AND OIL FILLER CAP. A FEW WEEKS LATER THE ISSUE HAPPENING AGAIN DURING REGULAR DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY. BMW OF BELLEVUE DIAGNOSED THIS AS A VACUUM HOSE LEAK. A FEW WEEKS LATER THE CAR WENT INTO LIMP MODE AGAIN WHILE GETTING ON THE FREEWAY, BMW OF BELLEVUE DIAGNOSED THIS AS A HIGH PRESSURE FUEL SENSOR SHORT, BMW OF NORTH AMERICA OPENED A PUMA CASE, BUT DID NOT RECOMMEND REPLACING THE DME YET. RIGHT AFTER PICKING UP THE CAR I HIT THE ISSUE AGAIN WHERE THE CAR WENT INTO LIMP MODE WHILE ACCELERATING ON THE FREEWAY RAMP. BMW OF BELLEVUE WORKED WITH BMW OF NA TO REPLACE THE DME WHICH IS COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. BEFORE HANDING THE CAR BACK THE SERVICE ADVISOR DID A TEST AND WAS ABLE TO STILL REPRODUCE THE CAR GOING INTO LIMP MODE GETTING ON THE FREEWAY, DIAGNOSIS IS STILL NOT KNOWN. IT HAS BEEN 3 MONTHS TODAY SINCE THE ISSUE FIRST HAPPENED AND THE CAR HAS BEEN OUT OF USE FOR MORE THAN A MONTH AND THERE IS STILL NO CONCLUSION ON THE ROOT CAUSE.
NHTSA complaint #11080383 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 74,500 milesRedmond, WA
ENGINE
DURING HARD ACCELERATION OF THE CAR WHILE GETTING ON THE FREE WAY RAMP, THE CAR WENT INTO LIMP MODE. THE ENGINE PERFORMANCE WAS DEGRADED AND I HAD TO PULL ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD TO RESTART THE CAR. THE CAR WAS TAKEN TO BMW OF BELLEVUE NEXT WEEK AFTER INITIAL DIAGNOSIS OF A DME INTERNAL FAULT BY A SIGNATURE INDEPENDENT KIRKLAND. BMW OF BELLEVUE REPLACED AIR MASS FILTER AND OIL FILLER CAP. A FEW WEEKS LATER THE ISSUE HAPPENING AGAIN DURING REGULAR DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY. BMW OF BELLEVUE DIAGNOSED THIS AS A VACUUM HOSE LEAK. A FEW WEEKS LATER THE CAR WENT INTO LIMP MODE AGAIN WHILE GETTING ON THE FREEWAY, BMW OF BELLEVUE DIAGNOSED THIS AS A HIGH PRESSURE FUEL SENSOR SHORT, BMW OF NORTH AMERICA OPENED A PUMA CASE, BUT DID NOT RECOMMEND REPLACING THE DME YET. RIGHT AFTER PICKING UP THE CAR I HIT THE ISSUE AGAIN WHERE THE CAR WENT INTO LIMP MODE WHILE ACCELERATING ON THE FREEWAY RAMP. BMW OF BELLEVUE WORKED WITH BMW OF NA TO REPLACE THE DME WHICH IS COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. BEFORE HANDING THE CAR BACK THE SERVICE ADVISOR DID A TEST AND WAS ABLE TO STILL REPRODUCE THE CAR GOING INTO LIMP MODE GETTING ON THE FREEWAY, DIAGNOSIS IS STILL NOT KNOWN. IT HAS BEEN 3 MONTHS TODAY SINCE THE ISSUE FIRST HAPPENED AND THE CAR HAS BEEN OUT OF USE FOR MORE THAN A MONTH AND THERE IS STILL NO CONCLUSION ON THE ROOT CAUSE.
NHTSA complaint #11080383 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 74,500 milesRedmond, WA
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
DURING HARD ACCELERATION OF THE CAR WHILE GETTING ON THE FREE WAY RAMP, THE CAR WENT INTO LIMP MODE. THE ENGINE PERFORMANCE WAS DEGRADED AND I HAD TO PULL ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD TO RESTART THE CAR. THE CAR WAS TAKEN TO BMW OF BELLEVUE NEXT WEEK AFTER INITIAL DIAGNOSIS OF A DME INTERNAL FAULT BY A SIGNATURE INDEPENDENT KIRKLAND. BMW OF BELLEVUE REPLACED AIR MASS FILTER AND OIL FILLER CAP. A FEW WEEKS LATER THE ISSUE HAPPENING AGAIN DURING REGULAR DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY. BMW OF BELLEVUE DIAGNOSED THIS AS A VACUUM HOSE LEAK. A FEW WEEKS LATER THE CAR WENT INTO LIMP MODE AGAIN WHILE GETTING ON THE FREEWAY, BMW OF BELLEVUE DIAGNOSED THIS AS A HIGH PRESSURE FUEL SENSOR SHORT, BMW OF NORTH AMERICA OPENED A PUMA CASE, BUT DID NOT RECOMMEND REPLACING THE DME YET. RIGHT AFTER PICKING UP THE CAR I HIT THE ISSUE AGAIN WHERE THE CAR WENT INTO LIMP MODE WHILE ACCELERATING ON THE FREEWAY RAMP. BMW OF BELLEVUE WORKED WITH BMW OF NA TO REPLACE THE DME WHICH IS COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. BEFORE HANDING THE CAR BACK THE SERVICE ADVISOR DID A TEST AND WAS ABLE TO STILL REPRODUCE THE CAR GOING INTO LIMP MODE GETTING ON THE FREEWAY, DIAGNOSIS IS STILL NOT KNOWN. IT HAS BEEN 3 MONTHS TODAY SINCE THE ISSUE FIRST HAPPENED AND THE CAR HAS BEEN OUT OF USE FOR MORE THAN A MONTH AND THERE IS STILL NO CONCLUSION ON THE ROOT CAUSE.
NHTSA complaint #11080383 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 44,063 milesShakopee, MN
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
THE SERVICE ADVISER AT THE BMW DEALERSHIP MENTIONED THAT THE DMTL PUMP IN MY VEHICLE HAS FAILED. I FOUND THE BELOW DOCUMENT REGARDING THE DMTL PUMP. HTTPS://STATIC.NHTSA.GOV/ODI/TSBS/2012/SB-10051299-3508.PDF CAN YOU PLEASE CHECK THIS AND LET ME KNOW OF MY OPTIONS? THANKS [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
NHTSA complaint #11066500 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 93,000 milesDefuniak Springs, FL
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
X5 XDRIVE 35I SAV; WHILE DRIVING UNDER NORMAL STREET AND HIGHWAY CONDITIONS, VEHICLE SPEED AND ENGINE RPM HAVE BECOME UNSTABLE. THIS CAUSES THE VEHICLE TO INCREASE AND DECREASE IT'S SPEED INTERMITTENTLY AND WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE IS NOT TRUSTWORTHY AS YOU MAY LOSE POWER, OR UNINTENTIONALLY ACCELERATE WHILE TRYING TO EXECUTE A DRIVING MANEUVER, CAUSING A DANGEROUS CONDITION. CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATES. VEHICLE WAS BROUGHT TO BMW DEALERSHIP (ZT MOTORS) FOR DIAGNOSTICS. SERVICE PERSONNEL STATED THAT THE HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP INDICATED A LOW FUEL PRESSURE AT THE INLET. THIS WOULD TELL ME THAT THE LOW PRESSURE FUEL PUMP IS NOT DELIVERING THE CORRECT FUEL FLOW/PRESSURE TO THE HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP. REF NHTSA CAMPAIGN # 16V746000 ET AL. DIAGNOSTICS ALSO INDICATED THE VALVETRONIC MOTOR SHOWS IT SHORT CIRCUITING. DEALER RECOMMENDED REPLACEMENT OF VALVETRONIC MOTOR, CAM SHAFT AND OIL INJECTORS. THE REPLACEMENT OF THE CAM SHAFT AND OIL INJECTORS ARE UNNECESSARY MAINTENANCE ITEMS, ONLY THE VALVETRONIC MOTOR WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED, AND FUEL SYSTEM REPROGRAMMED. REF NHTSA CAMPAIGN # 14V176000 ET AL. RECOMMEND RECALL REPLACEMENT OF BOTH HIGH PRESSURE AND LOW PRESSURE FUEL PUMPS, VALVETRONIC MOTOR, VANOS CAM SHAFT AND OIL INJECTORS AS WELL AS REPROGRAMMING OF FUEL OPERATING SYSTEM. ALSO REPLACE CAM SHAFT MOUNTING BOLTS.
NHTSA complaint #11030853 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 93,000 milesDefuniak Springs, FL
ENGINE
X5 XDRIVE 35I SAV; WHILE DRIVING UNDER NORMAL STREET AND HIGHWAY CONDITIONS, VEHICLE SPEED AND ENGINE RPM HAVE BECOME UNSTABLE. THIS CAUSES THE VEHICLE TO INCREASE AND DECREASE IT'S SPEED INTERMITTENTLY AND WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE IS NOT TRUSTWORTHY AS YOU MAY LOSE POWER, OR UNINTENTIONALLY ACCELERATE WHILE TRYING TO EXECUTE A DRIVING MANEUVER, CAUSING A DANGEROUS CONDITION. CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATES. VEHICLE WAS BROUGHT TO BMW DEALERSHIP (ZT MOTORS) FOR DIAGNOSTICS. SERVICE PERSONNEL STATED THAT THE HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP INDICATED A LOW FUEL PRESSURE AT THE INLET. THIS WOULD TELL ME THAT THE LOW PRESSURE FUEL PUMP IS NOT DELIVERING THE CORRECT FUEL FLOW/PRESSURE TO THE HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP. REF NHTSA CAMPAIGN # 16V746000 ET AL. DIAGNOSTICS ALSO INDICATED THE VALVETRONIC MOTOR SHOWS IT SHORT CIRCUITING. DEALER RECOMMENDED REPLACEMENT OF VALVETRONIC MOTOR, CAM SHAFT AND OIL INJECTORS. THE REPLACEMENT OF THE CAM SHAFT AND OIL INJECTORS ARE UNNECESSARY MAINTENANCE ITEMS, ONLY THE VALVETRONIC MOTOR WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED, AND FUEL SYSTEM REPROGRAMMED. REF NHTSA CAMPAIGN # 14V176000 ET AL. RECOMMEND RECALL REPLACEMENT OF BOTH HIGH PRESSURE AND LOW PRESSURE FUEL PUMPS, VALVETRONIC MOTOR, VANOS CAM SHAFT AND OIL INJECTORS AS WELL AS REPROGRAMMING OF FUEL OPERATING SYSTEM. ALSO REPLACE CAM SHAFT MOUNTING BOLTS.
NHTSA complaint #11030853 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 93,000 milesDefuniak Springs, FL
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
X5 XDRIVE 35I SAV; WHILE DRIVING UNDER NORMAL STREET AND HIGHWAY CONDITIONS, VEHICLE SPEED AND ENGINE RPM HAVE BECOME UNSTABLE. THIS CAUSES THE VEHICLE TO INCREASE AND DECREASE IT'S SPEED INTERMITTENTLY AND WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE IS NOT TRUSTWORTHY AS YOU MAY LOSE POWER, OR UNINTENTIONALLY ACCELERATE WHILE TRYING TO EXECUTE A DRIVING MANEUVER, CAUSING A DANGEROUS CONDITION. CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATES. VEHICLE WAS BROUGHT TO BMW DEALERSHIP (ZT MOTORS) FOR DIAGNOSTICS. SERVICE PERSONNEL STATED THAT THE HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP INDICATED A LOW FUEL PRESSURE AT THE INLET. THIS WOULD TELL ME THAT THE LOW PRESSURE FUEL PUMP IS NOT DELIVERING THE CORRECT FUEL FLOW/PRESSURE TO THE HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP. REF NHTSA CAMPAIGN # 16V746000 ET AL. DIAGNOSTICS ALSO INDICATED THE VALVETRONIC MOTOR SHOWS IT SHORT CIRCUITING. DEALER RECOMMENDED REPLACEMENT OF VALVETRONIC MOTOR, CAM SHAFT AND OIL INJECTORS. THE REPLACEMENT OF THE CAM SHAFT AND OIL INJECTORS ARE UNNECESSARY MAINTENANCE ITEMS, ONLY THE VALVETRONIC MOTOR WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED, AND FUEL SYSTEM REPROGRAMMED. REF NHTSA CAMPAIGN # 14V176000 ET AL. RECOMMEND RECALL REPLACEMENT OF BOTH HIGH PRESSURE AND LOW PRESSURE FUEL PUMPS, VALVETRONIC MOTOR, VANOS CAM SHAFT AND OIL INJECTORS AS WELL AS REPROGRAMMING OF FUEL OPERATING SYSTEM. ALSO REPLACE CAM SHAFT MOUNTING BOLTS.
NHTSA complaint #11030853 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 74,000 milesLA Mesa, CA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
MY VEHICLE IS HAVING A RECALL REGARDING THE IN-TANK FUEL PUMP SINCE OCTOBER 2016 BMW OF SAN DIEGO HAS FAILED TO PROVIDE A REPLACEMENT PART IN A TIMELY MANNER AND BMW OF EL CAJON HAS JUST PROVIDED THE NECESSARY PART FOR MY PERSONAL VEHICLE I HAVE WAITED ALMOST A YEAR FOR A PART TO BE PROVIDED FOR MY VEHICLE. MOREOVER, THE CAR HAS BEEN EXPERIENCING FAILURES IN IGNITION AND STALLING DUE TO THIS PARTICULAR ISSUE AND POSSIBLY OTHER ISSUES THAT ARE DERIVED FROM THIS SPECIFIC RECALL. OTHER ISSUES REGARDING THE ENGINE COULD BE IN QUESTION DUE TO THE FACT THAT THE ENGINE RARELY SHUTS BY ITSELF WHEN STARTING THE IGNITION, ALSO THERE IS A PROBLEM INVOLVING COLD STARTS IN MOST BMW VEHICLES AND MY CAR IS NOT AN EXCEPTION. THE ENGINE SHUTTING OFF BY ITSELF IS A SPECIAL CONCERN BECAUSE THIS MAY MEAN THERE ARE OTHER FAULTY PARTS LOCATED DEEP WITHIN THE VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #11024054 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Philadelphia, PA
ENGINE
DRIVE THE VEHICLE ON VACATION AND THE ENGINE WOULD STUDDER AND STALL ON THE HIGHWAY AND AN ERROR PROMPTED ON THE VEHICLE DASHBOARD THAT DISPLAYED "ENGINE MALFUNCTION" REDUCED POWER. OCCASIONALLY THE VEHICLE ENGINE WOULD CUT OFF WHILE ON THE ROAD AND NEEDED TO BE TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT IT HAS A HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP MALFUNCTION THAT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AND ALTHOUGH THE VEHICLE IS NOT PART OF THE RECALL IT SHOWED THE SAME SYMPTOMS AS SOME PROBLEMATIC MODELS. THIS OCCURRED WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE ON BOTH LOCAL ROADS AND THE HIGHWAY. IN ONE OCCASION, I NEEDED TO RESTART THE CAR TO GET IT TO A SAFE LOCATION.
NHTSA complaint #11020569 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Philadelphia, PA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
DRIVE THE VEHICLE ON VACATION AND THE ENGINE WOULD STUDDER AND STALL ON THE HIGHWAY AND AN ERROR PROMPTED ON THE VEHICLE DASHBOARD THAT DISPLAYED "ENGINE MALFUNCTION" REDUCED POWER. OCCASIONALLY THE VEHICLE ENGINE WOULD CUT OFF WHILE ON THE ROAD AND NEEDED TO BE TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT IT HAS A HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP MALFUNCTION THAT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AND ALTHOUGH THE VEHICLE IS NOT PART OF THE RECALL IT SHOWED THE SAME SYMPTOMS AS SOME PROBLEMATIC MODELS. THIS OCCURRED WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE ON BOTH LOCAL ROADS AND THE HIGHWAY. IN ONE OCCASION, I NEEDED TO RESTART THE CAR TO GET IT TO A SAFE LOCATION.
NHTSA complaint #11020569 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 95,000 milesDenver, CO
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
WATER PUMP I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY WHEN I GOT THE SIGNAL TO DRIVE SLOW OR MODERATE BECAUSE THE ENGINE IT'S GETTING HOT I PULLED OVER TURN OFF THE CAR GOT OUTSIDE TO SMOKE A CIGARETTE AND I COULD SMELL SOMETHING BURNING MORE LIKE WIRE BURNING
NHTSA complaint #11006391 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 95,000 milesDenver, CO
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
WATER PUMP I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY WHEN I GOT THE SIGNAL TO DRIVE SLOW OR MODERATE BECAUSE THE ENGINE IT'S GETTING HOT I PULLED OVER TURN OFF THE CAR GOT OUTSIDE TO SMOKE A CIGARETTE AND I COULD SMELL SOMETHING BURNING MORE LIKE WIRE BURNING
NHTSA complaint #11006391 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 84,444 milesWashington, DC
POWER TRAIN
ON SATURDAY MAY 6TH 2017. I WAS DRIVING WHEN I HEARD THIS NOISE TO MY UNTRAINED EAR IT SEEMED AS IF THE NOISE WAS COMING FROM MY FRONT TIRES? I PULLED OVER GOT OUT TO CHECK MY FRONT TIRES/WHEEL'S AND THERE WAS NOTHING, I GET BACK INTO MY VEHICLE AND START DRIVING AGAIN AFTER A FEW MINUTES THE SAME NOISE COULD BE HEARD AGAIN SO ONCE AGAIN I PULLED OVER GOT OUT AND CHECKED MY TIRES/WHEELS AND UNDERCARRIAGE. AS I AM LOOKING THERE IS NOTHING HANGING OR LOOSE, I GET BACK INTO THE VEHICLE AND STARTED TO HEAD TOWARDS MY HOUSE I WAS ONLY ABOUT 6 BLOCKS AWAY FROM HOME SO I CALL MY FIANCE AND ASKED HE TO COME OUTSIDE (I WANTED HER TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE JUST A LITTLE SO THAT I COULD SEE IF MY WHEELS WERE DOING ANYTHING STRANGE, THIS WOULD HELP ME TO BETTER EXPLAIN WHAT I THROUGH WAS HAPPING TO MY VEHICLES WHEELS/TIRES) AS SOON AS I HANG THE PHONE UP I SLOWED DOWN TO GO OVER A SPEED HUMP AT THE TIME I DID NOT NOTICE BUT I HAD LOST POWER IN THE VEHICLE AS I TRIED TO USE MY BREAKS THE VEHICLE DID NOTHING AND I DO MEAN NOTHING SO NOW I AM ROLLING STRAIGHT AND GO THROUGH TWO STOP SIGNS HOPING AND PRAYING THAT ONE HITS ME, DUE TO THE VEHICLE HAVING NO POWER. A MESSAGE SHOWS UP ON THE SCREEN SAYING 'TRANSMISSION MALFUNCTION' THE MALFUNCTION MAYBE RESOLVED BY RESTARTING. CONTRACT NEAREST BMW CENTER IF NECESSARY. USE EMERG. RELEASE TO DISENGAGE PARK DETENTION PRIOR TO TOWING OR PUSHING VEHICLE. NOW MINE YOU THIS MESSAGE ONLY SHOWED AFTER THE VEHICLE LOST ALL POWER. AS I AM GOING THROUGH THE SECOND STOP SIGN THERE IS A SLIGHTL/SMALL HILL THAT I WENT UP AND THE VEHICLE LOST ENOUGH SPEED THAT I WAS ABLE TO SMASH THE BRAKES REAL HARD TO STOP THE VEHICLE FROM MOVING. A CAR ALL MOST HIT ME IN THE REST BECAUSE OF THIS ACTION, AND NOW I AM SITTING ON THIS SLIGHT HILL HOLDING MY FOOT ON THE BREAK. ONCE THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A BMW DEALERSHIP I WAS TOLD ABOUT THE DRIVESHAFT RECALL.
NHTSA complaint #10985577 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 84,444 milesWashington, DC
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
ON SATURDAY MAY 6TH 2017. I WAS DRIVING WHEN I HEARD THIS NOISE TO MY UNTRAINED EAR IT SEEMED AS IF THE NOISE WAS COMING FROM MY FRONT TIRES? I PULLED OVER GOT OUT TO CHECK MY FRONT TIRES/WHEEL'S AND THERE WAS NOTHING, I GET BACK INTO MY VEHICLE AND START DRIVING AGAIN AFTER A FEW MINUTES THE SAME NOISE COULD BE HEARD AGAIN SO ONCE AGAIN I PULLED OVER GOT OUT AND CHECKED MY TIRES/WHEELS AND UNDERCARRIAGE. AS I AM LOOKING THERE IS NOTHING HANGING OR LOOSE, I GET BACK INTO THE VEHICLE AND STARTED TO HEAD TOWARDS MY HOUSE I WAS ONLY ABOUT 6 BLOCKS AWAY FROM HOME SO I CALL MY FIANCE AND ASKED HE TO COME OUTSIDE (I WANTED HER TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE JUST A LITTLE SO THAT I COULD SEE IF MY WHEELS WERE DOING ANYTHING STRANGE, THIS WOULD HELP ME TO BETTER EXPLAIN WHAT I THROUGH WAS HAPPING TO MY VEHICLES WHEELS/TIRES) AS SOON AS I HANG THE PHONE UP I SLOWED DOWN TO GO OVER A SPEED HUMP AT THE TIME I DID NOT NOTICE BUT I HAD LOST POWER IN THE VEHICLE AS I TRIED TO USE MY BREAKS THE VEHICLE DID NOTHING AND I DO MEAN NOTHING SO NOW I AM ROLLING STRAIGHT AND GO THROUGH TWO STOP SIGNS HOPING AND PRAYING THAT ONE HITS ME, DUE TO THE VEHICLE HAVING NO POWER. A MESSAGE SHOWS UP ON THE SCREEN SAYING 'TRANSMISSION MALFUNCTION' THE MALFUNCTION MAYBE RESOLVED BY RESTARTING. CONTRACT NEAREST BMW CENTER IF NECESSARY. USE EMERG. RELEASE TO DISENGAGE PARK DETENTION PRIOR TO TOWING OR PUSHING VEHICLE. NOW MINE YOU THIS MESSAGE ONLY SHOWED AFTER THE VEHICLE LOST ALL POWER. AS I AM GOING THROUGH THE SECOND STOP SIGN THERE IS A SLIGHTL/SMALL HILL THAT I WENT UP AND THE VEHICLE LOST ENOUGH SPEED THAT I WAS ABLE TO SMASH THE BRAKES REAL HARD TO STOP THE VEHICLE FROM MOVING. A CAR ALL MOST HIT ME IN THE REST BECAUSE OF THIS ACTION, AND NOW I AM SITTING ON THIS SLIGHT HILL HOLDING MY FOOT ON THE BREAK. ONCE THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A BMW DEALERSHIP I WAS TOLD ABOUT THE DRIVESHAFT RECALL.
NHTSA complaint #10985577 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 84,444 milesWashington, DC
ENGINE
ON SATURDAY MAY 6TH 2017. I WAS DRIVING WHEN I HEARD THIS NOISE TO MY UNTRAINED EAR IT SEEMED AS IF THE NOISE WAS COMING FROM MY FRONT TIRES? I PULLED OVER GOT OUT TO CHECK MY FRONT TIRES/WHEEL'S AND THERE WAS NOTHING, I GET BACK INTO MY VEHICLE AND START DRIVING AGAIN AFTER A FEW MINUTES THE SAME NOISE COULD BE HEARD AGAIN SO ONCE AGAIN I PULLED OVER GOT OUT AND CHECKED MY TIRES/WHEELS AND UNDERCARRIAGE. AS I AM LOOKING THERE IS NOTHING HANGING OR LOOSE, I GET BACK INTO THE VEHICLE AND STARTED TO HEAD TOWARDS MY HOUSE I WAS ONLY ABOUT 6 BLOCKS AWAY FROM HOME SO I CALL MY FIANCE AND ASKED HE TO COME OUTSIDE (I WANTED HER TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE JUST A LITTLE SO THAT I COULD SEE IF MY WHEELS WERE DOING ANYTHING STRANGE, THIS WOULD HELP ME TO BETTER EXPLAIN WHAT I THROUGH WAS HAPPING TO MY VEHICLES WHEELS/TIRES) AS SOON AS I HANG THE PHONE UP I SLOWED DOWN TO GO OVER A SPEED HUMP AT THE TIME I DID NOT NOTICE BUT I HAD LOST POWER IN THE VEHICLE AS I TRIED TO USE MY BREAKS THE VEHICLE DID NOTHING AND I DO MEAN NOTHING SO NOW I AM ROLLING STRAIGHT AND GO THROUGH TWO STOP SIGNS HOPING AND PRAYING THAT ONE HITS ME, DUE TO THE VEHICLE HAVING NO POWER. A MESSAGE SHOWS UP ON THE SCREEN SAYING 'TRANSMISSION MALFUNCTION' THE MALFUNCTION MAYBE RESOLVED BY RESTARTING. CONTRACT NEAREST BMW CENTER IF NECESSARY. USE EMERG. RELEASE TO DISENGAGE PARK DETENTION PRIOR TO TOWING OR PUSHING VEHICLE. NOW MINE YOU THIS MESSAGE ONLY SHOWED AFTER THE VEHICLE LOST ALL POWER. AS I AM GOING THROUGH THE SECOND STOP SIGN THERE IS A SLIGHTL/SMALL HILL THAT I WENT UP AND THE VEHICLE LOST ENOUGH SPEED THAT I WAS ABLE TO SMASH THE BRAKES REAL HARD TO STOP THE VEHICLE FROM MOVING. A CAR ALL MOST HIT ME IN THE REST BECAUSE OF THIS ACTION, AND NOW I AM SITTING ON THIS SLIGHT HILL HOLDING MY FOOT ON THE BREAK. ONCE THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A BMW DEALERSHIP I WAS TOLD ABOUT THE DRIVESHAFT RECALL.
NHTSA complaint #10985577 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 60,000 milesEast Meadow, NY
POWER TRAIN
DRIVESHAFT RECALL- WHEN OPERATING THE VEHICLE LOW AND HIGH SPEED, VIBRATIONS CAN BE FELT THROUGHOUT THE CAR. WHEN TAKEN TO THE MECHANIC, THERE WAS SOME FOREPLAY IN THE DRIVESHAFT AND COULD HAVE GIVEN OUT AT ANY MOMENT. HAD THE DRIVESHAFT GAVE OUT WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION AT HIGHER SPEED, RESULTS COULD HAVE BEEN FATAL. THE ISSUE HAS ALREADY BEEN ADDRESSED BY THE NHTSA FOR THE SAME MODEL OF LATER PRODUCTION DATES. MAIN CONCERN IS WHY ARE THE VEHICLES BEFORE THE COVERED PRODUCTIONS DATES AND MODELS THAT HAVE THE SAME ISSUES NOT BEING COVERED? PARKING BRAKE MALFUNCTION- PARKING BRAKE MOTOR FAILS WHICH CAUSES THE PARKING BRAKES TO BE LOCKED. DRIVER AND PASSENGERS WERE STRANDED. BASED ON INDEPENDENT RESEARCH, THIS IS A COMMON ISSUE WITH BMW VEHICLES. THIS SHOULD BE ADDRESSED.
NHTSA complaint #10985509 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 60,000 milesEast Meadow, NY
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
DRIVESHAFT RECALL- WHEN OPERATING THE VEHICLE LOW AND HIGH SPEED, VIBRATIONS CAN BE FELT THROUGHOUT THE CAR. WHEN TAKEN TO THE MECHANIC, THERE WAS SOME FOREPLAY IN THE DRIVESHAFT AND COULD HAVE GIVEN OUT AT ANY MOMENT. HAD THE DRIVESHAFT GAVE OUT WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION AT HIGHER SPEED, RESULTS COULD HAVE BEEN FATAL. THE ISSUE HAS ALREADY BEEN ADDRESSED BY THE NHTSA FOR THE SAME MODEL OF LATER PRODUCTION DATES. MAIN CONCERN IS WHY ARE THE VEHICLES BEFORE THE COVERED PRODUCTIONS DATES AND MODELS THAT HAVE THE SAME ISSUES NOT BEING COVERED? PARKING BRAKE MALFUNCTION- PARKING BRAKE MOTOR FAILS WHICH CAUSES THE PARKING BRAKES TO BE LOCKED. DRIVER AND PASSENGERS WERE STRANDED. BASED ON INDEPENDENT RESEARCH, THIS IS A COMMON ISSUE WITH BMW VEHICLES. THIS SHOULD BE ADDRESSED.
NHTSA complaint #10985509 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 90,000 milesTampa, FL
POWER TRAIN
I PREVIOUSLY FILED A COMPLAINT WITH YOU, BUT INADVERTENTLY SAID MY CAR WAS MFG IN MARCH 2011, BUT IT WAS ACTUALLY MFG IN MARCH 2010. BMW PREVIOUSLY RECALLED VEHICLES MFG FROM APRIL 4 TO NOV 30 2010. DUE TO CONTINUING COMPLAINTS, BMW RECALLED THE ENTIRE MODEL YEAR, BUT ONLY ADDED THE NEW RECALL TO THE PREVIOUS RECALL, SO IT GOES FROM APRIL 2010 TO 2013. MINE WAS ONE OF THE FIRST MFG IN 2010 AND HAS THE SAME ISSUE BUT WAS NOT RECALLED. CAN YOU PLEASE EXTEND THE RECALL BACK ONE MONTH TO GET THE FIRST CARS PRODUCED THAT YEAR? MINE IS ABOUT THE ONLY ONE LEFT OUT OF THE RECALL AND HAS ALREADY FAILED AND IS IN THE SHOP BUT BMW DENIES THE CLAIM.
NHTSA complaint #10983527 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 103,000 milesWest Hartford, CT
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
CRYSTALLIZED DIESEL EXHAUST FLUID (DEF) CLOGGING SELECTIVE CATALYST REDUCTION (SCR) METERING VALVE. VALVE FAILURE. ADDITIONAL SUBSEQUENT DAMAGE TO DEF METERING LINE, NOX SENSOR, WIRING, CONNECTORS, ETC. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON. MULTIPLE CODES SET IN COMPUTER. SAME ISSUE WITH SAME SCR METERING UNIT PART # 18 30 7 807 206 (BOSCH OEM) AS ACKNOWLEDGED IN BMW TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN SI B 18 04 12 WHICH COVERS REPLACEMENT OF SELECTIVE CATALYST REDUCTION (SCR) METERING UNIT IN E90 SERIES VEHICLES WITH SAME M57Y DIESEL ENGINE AS MY VEHICLE. BMW HAS EXTENDED WARRANTY COVERAGE FOR MY VEHICLE TO 10 YEARS/120,000 MILES FOR OTHER RELATED DIESEL EXHAUST FLUID (DEF) ISSUES, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO ACTIVE DEF TANK/SENSOR, FOOTWELL MODULE, EGR/NOX SENSORS, ETC.
NHTSA complaint #10972406 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 78,240 milesDillsburg, PA
SEATS
WARNING MESSAGE APPEARED: RESTRAINT SYSTEM MALFUNCTION! FAULT IN PASSENGER RESTRAINT SYSTEM AFFECTING AIRBAG, BELT TENSIONER OR BELT-FORCE LIMITER. ALSO DRIVER'S ELECTRIC SEAT CONTROL NOT WORKING.
NHTSA complaint #10960363 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 78,240 milesDillsburg, PA
AIR BAGS
WARNING MESSAGE APPEARED: RESTRAINT SYSTEM MALFUNCTION! FAULT IN PASSENGER RESTRAINT SYSTEM AFFECTING AIRBAG, BELT TENSIONER OR BELT-FORCE LIMITER. ALSO DRIVER'S ELECTRIC SEAT CONTROL NOT WORKING.
NHTSA complaint #10960363 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Marysville, CA
AIR BAGS
I RECEIVED THE ORIGINAL RECALL NOTICE IN MARCH 2016 FOR MY DRIVERS FRONT AIR BAG, RECEIVED ANOTHER ONE JULY 2016 FOR PASSENGER FRONT AIR BAG. WONDERING HOW MANY OTHER ONE'S I WILL RECEIVE. NOTHING HAS BEEN REPAIRED. ALL I HEAR IS BY SUMMER, THEN BY MID SUMMER NOW, THEY DON'T KNOW. BUT THEY SUGGEST I WARN ANYONE DRIVING MY CAR THEY COULD GET KILLED IF IN AN ACCIDENT. I CONSIDER THAT I AM DRIVING A $85000 DEATH TRAP. SINCE THERE IS SUCH DANGER SHOULD NOT SOMEONE HAVE TO PROVIDE ME WITH A LOANER CAR OR RENTAL AT THEIR EXPENSE!. BECAUSE I AM TELLING YOU IF I OR SOMEONE SHOULD BECOME INJURED OR DEAD THE LAWSUIT WILL BE BIG. ISN'T THERE SOME TIMEFRAME THAT BMW HAS TO COMPLY IN.?? I WAS INFORMED TODAY BY BMW THAT THEY DO NOT HAVE ANY TIMEFRAME "MAYBE" BY END OF MONTH, HAHA BEEN HEARING THAT SINCE MARCH "MAYBE" "MAYBE" "MAYBE".
NHTSA complaint #10893483 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.