Owners have filed 190 complaints
about the 2010 BMW X5 with NHTSA between 2010 and 2026.
The largest single group is the engine & cooling.
Across this model's run it ranks 22 of 27 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 — 57
Against the median year of the BMW X5. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 33
6.3% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 28
16% 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.
Under 1,000 miles
54.3%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
32.6%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
65.1%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
2017.1%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
3630.8%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
2017.1%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
2319.7%
150,000+ miles
43.4%
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.
Feb 2010peak 11Aug 2026
NHTSA investigations into the 2010 BMW X5
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.
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 2010 BMW X5
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.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 2024544587,250 units in Canada
Label
Issue: On certain vehicles, the tire and loading information label does not list that there is no spare tire in both official languages. The label reads as "NONE" when it should read as "NONE / AUCUN". Canadian regulations require the information to be listed on the label in both English and French. Safety Risk: This error does not affect vehicle safety. Corrective Actions: This is not a recall. The company has corrected the tire and loading information label for all new vehicles.
Recall 202356821,475 units in Canada
Engine
Issue: On certain vehicles, the variable camshaft timing (VANOS) adjustment unit housing bolts could loosen or break. As a result, the camshaft could become incorrectly adjusted and cause the engine to enter a reduced power mode (limp mode) or to stall while driving. Safety Risk: A sudden loss of engine power could increase the risk of a crash. Corrective Actions: BMW will notify owners by mail and advise you to take your vehicle to a dealership to replace the VANOS bolts.
Recall 202209598,111 units in Canada
Engine
Issue: On certain vehicles equipped with an N52 or N52K 6-cylinder engine, a manufacturing problem could cause the PCV valve heater (blow-by heater) to short circuit and overheat. Note: This replaces Transport Canada recalls 2017-470 and 2019-170. Only vehicles equipped with an N52 or N52K engine require this repair. Safety Risk: An overheated engine PCV valve heater could create the risk of a fire, even while the vehicle is parked and turned off. Corrective Actions: BMW will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your vehicle to a dealer to install a wire harness repair kit. BMW recommends that you should park your vehicle outdoors until the recall repairs have been completed.
Recall 202001011 units in Canada
Airbag
Issue: This recall is for certain vehicles that had an airbag inflator replaced as a part of an earlier recall campaign. This recall provides a final repair. Long-term exposure to high absolute humidity and temperature, combined with high temperature cycling, may eventually degrade the propellant contained in the passenger-front airbag. This could cause the airbag to deploy with more force than normal. If the airbag inflator ruptures, fragments could be propelled toward vehicle occupants or cause damage to the airbag assembly, preventing its proper function. Safety Risk: If the vehicle is involved in a crash requiring an airbag deployment, the airbag inflator could rupture and create a risk of injury. Corrective Actions: Owners will be notified by mail and instructed to take their vehicle to a dealer to inspect the passenger-front airbag module. The passenger-front airbag module will be replaced as necessary. Note: The Canadian climate results in the propellant degrading slowly. This recall is being conducted as a precaution to address future risk. It is expected that all airbag inflators will be replaced before their function would be affected.
Recall 202000847 units in Canada
Airbag
Issue: This recall is for certain vehicles that had an airbag inflator replaced as a part of an earlier recall campaign. This recall provides a final repair. Long-term exposure to high absolute humidity and temperature, combined with high temperature cycling, may eventually degrade the propellant contained in the driver-front airbag. This could cause the airbag to deploy with more force than normal. If the airbag inflator ruptures, fragments could be propelled toward vehicle occupants or cause damage to the airbag assembly, preventing its proper function. Safety Risk: If the vehicle is involved in a crash requiring an airbag deployment, the airbag inflator could rupture and create a risk of injury. Corrective Actions: Owners will be notified by mail and instructed to take their vehicle to a dealer to inspect the driver-front airbag inflator. The driver-front airbag module or inflator will be replaced as necessary. Note: The Canadian climate results in the propellant degrading slowly. This recall is being conducted as a precaution to address future risk. It is expected that all airbag inflators will be replaced before their function would be affected.
Recall 201901820,532 units in Canada
Airbag
Issue: On certain vehicles, long-term exposure to high absolute humidity and temperature, combined with high temperature cycling, may eventually degrade the propellant contained in the passenger-front airbag. This could cause the airbag to deploy with more force than normal. If the airbag inflator ruptures, fragments could be propelled toward vehicle occupants or cause damage to the airbag assembly, preventing its proper function. Safety Risk: If the vehicle is involved in a crash requiring an airbag deployment, the airbag inflator could rupture and create a risk of injury. Corrective Action: Owners will be notified by mail and instructed to take their vehicle to a dealer to have the passenger-front airbag module replaced. Note: The Canadian climate results in the propellant degrading slowly. This recall is being conducted as a precaution to address future risk. It is expected that all airbag inflators will be replaced before their function would be affected.
Recall 20182757,179 units in Canada
Steering
On certain BMW X5 xDrive35d (diesel) vehicles, the engine belt idler pulley bolt could loosen and/or break. This may cause the belt to detach, resulting in a sudden loss of power steering assist. A vehicle experiencing a loss of power steering assist would revert to a manual steering mode which would require greater driver effort, especially at low vehicle speeds. This could ultimately result in a crash causing property damage and/or personal injury. Correction: Dealers will replace the idler pulley bolt. Note: This recall supersedes and expands upon recall 2012-396.
Recall 20181953,739 units in Canada
Electrical
On certain vehicles, the auxiliary water pump (which cools the turbocharger after the engine is turned OFF) can overheat and fail. This could result in a vehicle fire causing injury and/or damage to property. Correction: Dealers will replace the auxiliary water pump. Note: Owners are advised to park the vehicle outdoors until the remedy is applied. Additional note: This is an expansion of recalls 2011-376 and 2012-008.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 148,000 milesBelleville, PAFire
FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL
The contact owns a 2010 BMW X5. The contact stated that the vehicle had been parked and unoccupied for almost twelve hours, upon returning to the vehicle the battery was completely drained. The vehicle was jumpstarted and then driven to the residence. The contact stated that while pulling into the driveway at the residence, he smelled something hot coming from the vehicle. The contact exited the vehicle and saw flames underneath the vehicle. The contact stated that the flames were coming from the fuel filter heater. The contact removed several items from the vehicle before connecting a nearby garden house and extinguished the fire. No injuries were sustained. The Fire Department was not notified of the fire. A Police report was not filed. The contact stated that the vehicle was no longer drivable. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V339000 (FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 148,000.
NHTSA complaint #11628276 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 143,000 milesPort Orchard, WAFire
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I DROVE MY BMW X5 TO WORK WAS THERE FROM 1045 AM TO AROUND 730PM DROVE TO THE STORE ABOUT A MILE AWAY THEN DROVE TO THE GAS STATION PUT GAS IN, THEN DRIVE TO A NEAR BY OUTSIDE MALL. WENT IN FOR ABOUT 15 MINS CAME OUT MY WINDOWS WERE COMPLETELY "FOGGED" OPEN THE DOOR AND SMOKE CAME ROLLING OUT. OPEN ALL THE DOORS TO LOCATE THE FIRE OPEN THE BACK AND FLAMES CAME SHOOTING OUT FROM UNDER THE BACK PANEL. I OPEN IT AND TRIED TO PUT OUT THE FIRE WITH SOME NEAR BY CLOTHES. A BYSTANDER RAN INTO THE STORE TO GET A FIRE EXTINGUISHER AND PUT OUT THE FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED. TOOK PICTURES AND SAID IT WAS THE BATTERY THAT STARTED ON FIRE.
NHTSA complaint #11286658 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 143,000 milesPort Orchard, WAFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I DROVE MY BMW X5 TO WORK WAS THERE FROM 1045 AM TO AROUND 730PM DROVE TO THE STORE ABOUT A MILE AWAY THEN DROVE TO THE GAS STATION PUT GAS IN, THEN DRIVE TO A NEAR BY OUTSIDE MALL. WENT IN FOR ABOUT 15 MINS CAME OUT MY WINDOWS WERE COMPLETELY "FOGGED" OPEN THE DOOR AND SMOKE CAME ROLLING OUT. OPEN ALL THE DOORS TO LOCATE THE FIRE OPEN THE BACK AND FLAMES CAME SHOOTING OUT FROM UNDER THE BACK PANEL. I OPEN IT AND TRIED TO PUT OUT THE FIRE WITH SOME NEAR BY CLOTHES. A BYSTANDER RAN INTO THE STORE TO GET A FIRE EXTINGUISHER AND PUT OUT THE FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED. TOOK PICTURES AND SAID IT WAS THE BATTERY THAT STARTED ON FIRE.
NHTSA complaint #11286658 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 47,000 milesWest Islip, NYFire
POWER TRAIN
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2010 BMW X5. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE CONTACT OBSERVED AND SMELLED SMOKE. THE CONTACT PULLED THE VEHICLE INTO A PARKING LOT WHERE IT CAUGHT FIRE. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED PRIOR TO THE FAILURE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V683000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) AND WAS INFORMED PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 47,000. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #11071587 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 47,000 milesWest Islip, NYFire
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2010 BMW X5. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE CONTACT OBSERVED AND SMELLED SMOKE. THE CONTACT PULLED THE VEHICLE INTO A PARKING LOT WHERE IT CAUGHT FIRE. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED PRIOR TO THE FAILURE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V683000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) AND WAS INFORMED PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 47,000. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #11071587 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 53,220 milesDenver, COFire
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 BMW X5. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE ENGINE SHOOK, SMOKE APPEARED, AND THE ENGINE STALLED. THERE WAS NO FIRE. THE ENGINE MALFUNCTION INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO BMW OF DENVER DOWNTOWN (1040 S COLORADO BLVD, DENVER, CO 80246 (303) 954-4856) WHERE IT DIAGNOSED THAT THE SECONDARY FUEL PUMP AND THE FUEL INJECTORS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 53,220.
NHTSA complaint #11029977 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Northlake, IL
POWER TRAIN
See attached document for complaint
NHTSA complaint #11758461 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Northlake, IL
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
See attached document for complaint
NHTSA complaint #11758461 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 135,000 milesLakewood, WA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2010 BMW X5. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled and was pulled over to the side of the road. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to be repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V707000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, after the recall repair was performed, the vehicle failed to start. The contact stated that the recall repair indicated that a diagnostic test was required to determine that an engine failure was a direct result of a fractured VANOS bolt. The contact stated that the dealer declined a diagnostic test or the repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 135,000.
NHTSA complaint #11752151 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
El Cajon, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
My husband and I brought our 2010 X5 (VIN ), mileage: to BMW of El Cajon on 09/29/2025 for a recall service. Before the recall repaire, the vehicale was in normal working condition: -No check engine lights or warning indicators -No unusual noises -Fully drivable on a daily basis After the recall was completed, the dealership informed me that: -multiple check engine/warning lights appeared -The vehicle developed a very loud/high pitch noise -They do not recommend driving the vehicle in its currently condition. They did not warn us about his initial, they did after informed them we do not feel safe driving the car in this condition. The dealership explained this happened because they had open a valve to perform the recall, which they claim disturbed "sludge". They are now refusing to correct the problem unless we pay out of pocket. The issue did not exist before the recall and occurred only as a direct result of the recall repair. The recall left my car unsafe and undriveable, and I am being told to pay for a problem that only arose due to a federally mandated recall work. The recall resulted in a vehicle that is no longer safe to drive, with multiple warning lights and severe engine noise. The dealers refusal to fix this without charing me undermines the purpose of a recall, which is to ensure safety at no cost to the owner. I ask NHTSA to investigate this matter and ensure BMW and its dealerships perform recall repairs properly, at no cost to consumers, and do not return vehicles in unsafe conditions.
NHTSA complaint #11690652 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
El Cajon, CA
ENGINE
My husband and I brought our 2010 X5 (VIN ), mileage: to BMW of El Cajon on 09/29/2025 for a recall service. Before the recall repaire, the vehicale was in normal working condition: -No check engine lights or warning indicators -No unusual noises -Fully drivable on a daily basis After the recall was completed, the dealership informed me that: -multiple check engine/warning lights appeared -The vehicle developed a very loud/high pitch noise -They do not recommend driving the vehicle in its currently condition. They did not warn us about his initial, they did after informed them we do not feel safe driving the car in this condition. The dealership explained this happened because they had open a valve to perform the recall, which they claim disturbed "sludge". They are now refusing to correct the problem unless we pay out of pocket. The issue did not exist before the recall and occurred only as a direct result of the recall repair. The recall left my car unsafe and undriveable, and I am being told to pay for a problem that only arose due to a federally mandated recall work. The recall resulted in a vehicle that is no longer safe to drive, with multiple warning lights and severe engine noise. The dealers refusal to fix this without charing me undermines the purpose of a recall, which is to ensure safety at no cost to the owner. I ask NHTSA to investigate this matter and ensure BMW and its dealerships perform recall repairs properly, at no cost to consumers, and do not return vehicles in unsafe conditions.
NHTSA complaint #11690652 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
El Cajon, CA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
My husband and I brought our 2010 X5 (VIN ), mileage: to BMW of El Cajon on 09/29/2025 for a recall service. Before the recall repaire, the vehicale was in normal working condition: -No check engine lights or warning indicators -No unusual noises -Fully drivable on a daily basis After the recall was completed, the dealership informed me that: -multiple check engine/warning lights appeared -The vehicle developed a very loud/high pitch noise -They do not recommend driving the vehicle in its currently condition. They did not warn us about his initial, they did after informed them we do not feel safe driving the car in this condition. The dealership explained this happened because they had open a valve to perform the recall, which they claim disturbed "sludge". They are now refusing to correct the problem unless we pay out of pocket. The issue did not exist before the recall and occurred only as a direct result of the recall repair. The recall left my car unsafe and undriveable, and I am being told to pay for a problem that only arose due to a federally mandated recall work. The recall resulted in a vehicle that is no longer safe to drive, with multiple warning lights and severe engine noise. The dealers refusal to fix this without charing me undermines the purpose of a recall, which is to ensure safety at no cost to the owner. I ask NHTSA to investigate this matter and ensure BMW and its dealerships perform recall repairs properly, at no cost to consumers, and do not return vehicles in unsafe conditions.
NHTSA complaint #11690652 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Morley, MI
POWER TRAIN
I own a 2010 BMW X5 xDrive30i (VIN: [XXX] ) with two active recalls: the VANOS bolt recall (23V-707) and the PCV valve heater recall (22V-119). Despite these being federally mandated safety repairs, Sharpe BMW in Grand Rapids, MI refused to perform the work without a paid diagnostic and potential full repair payment upfront, stating reimbursement would be decided afterward. I was sent home in an unsafe, recalled vehicle that visibly and audibly shakes at startup and frequently stalls. Other engine components have now failed due to the VANOS issue and the vehicle is now inoperable. BMW NA has acknowledged contact, but has only redirected me back to the same dealer without offering resolution. This has created financial hardship and an ongoing safety concern. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11665881 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Morley, MI
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I own a 2010 BMW X5 xDrive30i (VIN: [XXX] ) with two active recalls: the VANOS bolt recall (23V-707) and the PCV valve heater recall (22V-119). Despite these being federally mandated safety repairs, Sharpe BMW in Grand Rapids, MI refused to perform the work without a paid diagnostic and potential full repair payment upfront, stating reimbursement would be decided afterward. I was sent home in an unsafe, recalled vehicle that visibly and audibly shakes at startup and frequently stalls. Other engine components have now failed due to the VANOS issue and the vehicle is now inoperable. BMW NA has acknowledged contact, but has only redirected me back to the same dealer without offering resolution. This has created financial hardship and an ongoing safety concern. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11665881 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Morley, MI
ENGINE
I own a 2010 BMW X5 xDrive30i (VIN: [XXX] ) with two active recalls: the VANOS bolt recall (23V-707) and the PCV valve heater recall (22V-119). Despite these being federally mandated safety repairs, Sharpe BMW in Grand Rapids, MI refused to perform the work without a paid diagnostic and potential full repair payment upfront, stating reimbursement would be decided afterward. I was sent home in an unsafe, recalled vehicle that visibly and audibly shakes at startup and frequently stalls. Other engine components have now failed due to the VANOS issue and the vehicle is now inoperable. BMW NA has acknowledged contact, but has only redirected me back to the same dealer without offering resolution. This has created financial hardship and an ongoing safety concern. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11665881 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 127,911 milesCitrus Heights, CA
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
The contact owns a 2010 BMW X5. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, after several minutes the vehicle failed to turn off as needed. There was no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that metal shavings were found in the engine, and the oxygen heat sensor had failed. The vehicle was repaired. The contact advised the previous owner was notified of NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V746000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). The contact was not aware of the recall notification. The contact stated that the prior owner had the recall repair performed; however, the failure occurred. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 127,911.
NHTSA complaint #11660377 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 128,000 milesCitrus Heights, CA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2010 BMW X5. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The contact was able to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle failed to restart. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the fuel pump. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V707000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); was included and the vehicle was repaired by the dealer. The contact stated that the vehicle operated normally prior to the repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 128,000.
NHTSA complaint #11654196 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 116,546 milesLongview, TX
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY
The contact owns a 2010 BMW X5. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, her nephew attempted to start the vehicle, and the vehicle failed to start. The contact stated there was an abnormal odor coming from the vehicle. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact replaced the battery; however, the vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to Firestone, where it was diagnosed that the starter and fuel pump had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 116,546.
NHTSA complaint #11649292 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 116,546 milesLongview, TX
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2010 BMW X5. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, her nephew attempted to start the vehicle, and the vehicle failed to start. The contact stated there was an abnormal odor coming from the vehicle. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact replaced the battery; however, the vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to Firestone, where it was diagnosed that the starter and fuel pump had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 116,546.
NHTSA complaint #11649292 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 148,000 milesBelleville, PAFire
FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL
The contact owns a 2010 BMW X5. The contact stated that the vehicle had been parked and unoccupied for almost twelve hours, upon returning to the vehicle the battery was completely drained. The vehicle was jumpstarted and then driven to the residence. The contact stated that while pulling into the driveway at the residence, he smelled something hot coming from the vehicle. The contact exited the vehicle and saw flames underneath the vehicle. The contact stated that the flames were coming from the fuel filter heater. The contact removed several items from the vehicle before connecting a nearby garden house and extinguished the fire. No injuries were sustained. The Fire Department was not notified of the fire. A Police report was not filed. The contact stated that the vehicle was no longer drivable. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V339000 (FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 148,000.
NHTSA complaint #11628276 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 200,000 milesMilwaukee, WI
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2010 BMW X5. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V707000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that when the vehicle wase cold started the vehicle was idling rough and vibrating abnormally. The contact stated that check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle was running rough, with abnormal sounds coming from underneath the floor. The contact stopped the vehicle and towed the vehicle to residence. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or independent mechanic. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was 200,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
NHTSA complaint #11610879 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Naples, FL
ENGINE
There is a recall for the VANOS variable camshaft timing somehow my vehicle although listed has not received a recall and this is the exact problem I am having with my 2010 x5 BMW 4.8
NHTSA complaint #11609620 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fort Worth, TX
ENGINE
See attached document for complaint
NHTSA complaint #11608157 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Oceanside, CA
ENGINE
Hello. I am reporting the remedy that is still not available for my car. It effects the VANOS bolts which you know is a big part of how the car engine works and can end up allowing my car to stall mid trip. This recall began in October, and I have yet to see a remedy. I understand this process takes time, but it is affecting my day to day driving and I feel unsafe. I am hoping to put more pressure to provide us with a remedy soon.
NHTSA complaint #11590548 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Greenacres, FL
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2010 BMW X5. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V707000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
NHTSA complaint #11589073 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 149,000 milesMiddleburg, FL
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2010 BMW X5. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V707000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle idled unusually rough. The check engine warning light was illuminated. Additionally, the vehicle was leaking oil. The vehicle was taken to the dealer twice where it was diagnosed with failed VANOS bolts and valve cover gasket. The contact was informed that the VANOS bolts, and valve cover gaskets needed to be replaced. The dealer was made aware of the failure but confirmed that parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 149,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
NHTSA complaint #11578116 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lawrenceville, GA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Since October 2023, the BMW vehicles of the 2010-2012 1 Series, 3 Series, 5 Series, X3 SAV, X5 SAV, X6 SAC, AND Z4 have an open recall. According to their own acknowledgment, this recall poses a safety risk to the passengers of the vehicle. I am the owner of a BMW X5, and after several emails expressing my fear of using my car, and pointing out that in its current state, the vehicle cannot be sold. Additionally, it has caused me difficulties as I've had to use Uber and rely on my husband for transportation when he's not working. The only response I received was a phone call informing me that they are trying to find a solution. However, they suggested that if I detect a burning smell or experience any unusual symptoms while using the vehicle, I should take it for a diagnostic check. After that, they would order the necessary parts for the repair. In other words, they have a solution, but they seem to be waiting for something bad to happen before implementing the repair.
NHTSA complaint #11574830 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Ashburn, VA
ENGINE
This is the 3rd time in 2 months that the engine just shut off driving on a highway. I have noticed that it happens if I have driving on a highway for 2 hours or more. The car does not show any sign of issues and does not have any code or check engine light. All of a sudden the engine shuts down and it loses all power, power steering does not work, and brake does not work. It makes for very dangerous condition with traffic coming behind me at 70 miles an hour. I pulled over and tried to start it. It would just crank but not start. All 3 times, after waiting for 30 minutes, it would start just fine and won’t have any further issue. I got the code scanned and it came clean. There is no check engine light either. It just happens all of a sudden without any warning and car shops can’t figure out what’s wrong because every time they test drive it , it works fine.
NHTSA complaint #11543969 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Charlotte, NC
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Been having issues with the car for over a month, changed water pump thermostat fuel pump, but it still would crank, got another diagnostic and now I have an engine leak, and FRM ) a serious electrical problem, I feel like some of these things should have been done before the dealer sold the car, I’m asking for help, with getting my car fixed or replaced
NHTSA complaint #11531143 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Charlotte, NC
ENGINE
Been having issues with the car for over a month, changed water pump thermostat fuel pump, but it still would crank, got another diagnostic and now I have an engine leak, and FRM ) a serious electrical problem, I feel like some of these things should have been done before the dealer sold the car, I’m asking for help, with getting my car fixed or replaced
NHTSA complaint #11531143 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Charlotte, NC
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Been having issues with the car for over a month, changed water pump thermostat fuel pump, but it still would crank, got another diagnostic and now I have an engine leak, and FRM ) a serious electrical problem, I feel like some of these things should have been done before the dealer sold the car, I’m asking for help, with getting my car fixed or replaced
NHTSA complaint #11531143 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.