13 of the
190 complaints about the 2010 BMW X5 are about the
other systems — 7% of everything
reported for this model year.
Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before
70,000 miles.
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.
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.
at 99,000 milesHenderson, NV
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
MY VALVE COVER AND CRANKCASE ARE MANUFACTURED BAD THE CRANKCASE IT'S CRACKED AND LICKING, WHICH IT DAMAGE MY VALVE COVERS, MY CAR WAS DRIVING GOOD ALL OF THE SUDDEN IT DOESN'T DRIVE SMOOTH
NHTSA complaint #11352751 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 123,000 milesRaleigh, NC
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
WHEN STARTING VEHICLE THERE IS LOUD KNOCKING/SHIFTING NOISE THAT LASTS A COUPLE SECONDS. THIS HAPPENS 7 OUT OF 10 START-UPS AND OCCURS BEFORE THE VEHICLE IS PUT IN GEAR.
NHTSA complaint #11320943 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Portage, IN
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I GO TO THE DEALER AND THIS DEALER STAY WITH MY WITH MY CAT OVERNIGHT . WHEN I PICKUP MY CAR TGE DEALER NO FUND MY CAR, LATER I SEE ON THE DASH CONTINUE SAY THE SAME WARNING ABOUT RECARD WARNINGS. I CALL NEXT DAY (DEALERSHIP) AND THE DEALERSHIP NO WANT CHECK MY CAR AGAIN ONLY SAY I FIX THE PART STATE SAY NEED FIX. SAY MY CAR NEED MORE PIECE FOR FIX THE PROBLEM ON AIR BAG AND THAT IS NOT TRUE. AND SAY I NEED GO ANOTHER DEALER IAM NOT HAPPY FOR THAT SERVICE. MY CAR , CARFAX, AND HERE (NHTSA) CONTINUE SAY NO REPAIR THE RECALLS ISSUE . I SEND EMAIL THAT DEALER SHIP AND NO RECIEVED ANSWER. BMW OF SCHERERVILLE 1400 US-41, SCHERERVILLE, IN 46375
NHTSA complaint #11320195 — 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 55,000 milesNashua, NH
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
VEHICAL WENT IN FOR ECCENTRIC SHAFT SENSOR REPLACEMENT - UPON PICKING UP CAR WAS ADVISED BY JOHN STEEL AT TULLEY BMW TO GO TO SEE NICOLE TO PAY FOR SERVICES AGREED. I NOTICED THERE WAS A CUSTOMER DECLINED REPAIR FOR A HOOD LATCH. THIS WAS NEVER DISCUSSED WITH ME PRIOR BY JOHN STEEL - HE MENTIONED IT IS CORRODED AND WILL NEED TO BE REPAIRED AT SOME POINT IN TIME. THE TECHNICIAN PLAYED WITH IT A BIT AND IT SEEMS OK " SENSOR IS NOW ON THE CAR AFTER DRIVING UNDER 5 MILES. VEHICLE WAS MOVING FELT A VIBRATION
NHTSA complaint #11186005 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 44,000 milesNashua, NH
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
CAR AT 44K MILES REPORTED STALLING WHILE DRIVING. DEALER DIAGNOSED ECCENTRIC SHAFT SENSOR FAILURE. I HAVE CONTACTED BMW OF NORTH AMERICA AND MY CAR IS PRESENTLY IN THE DEALERHIP FOR A SECOND RECALL OVER 3 MONTHS. THIS IS NOT A MAINTENCE ISSUE. I FEEL IT IS A PRODUCT FAILURE. I HAVE REQUESTED RELIEF FROM THIS MASSIVE EXPENSIVE AND HAVE ASKED TO BE ALLOWED TO PURCHASED AN EXTENDED SERVICE WARRANTY AT A DISCOUNTED PRICE. NO RESPONSE AS OF YET.
NHTSA complaint #11185008 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 60,000 milesMahwah, NJ
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON AND I FEELS A DECREASE IN THE ENGINE POWER. I COULD STILL DRIVE, BUT NOT ACCELERATE AS FAST. ERROR CODE READS P2457. TOOK TO DEALER WHO RECOMMEND TO REPLACE THE EGR COOLER, NOT COVERED BY WARRANTY. I ALSO HAVE BEEN EXPERIENCING FOUL ODOR IN THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT WHEN I TURN ON THE FAN OR HEAT FOR A WHILE PRIOR TO THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT. I THINK THE ODOR AND THE EGR COOLER MALFUNCTION MAY BE RELATED. I HAVE READ ABOUT EGR COOLER FIRE HAZARD IN UK IN LATER MODELS OF BMW X5 35D DIESEL. BUT MY CAR IS BEFORE THOSE AFFECTED MODELS. I THINK BMW NA SHOULD EXTEND WARRANTY OF THE EGR COOLER TO MY MODEL (2010, E70) BECAUSE IT IS A NECESSARY PART OF THE EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM AND ENGINE AIR INTAKE SYSTEM. I HAVE CONTACT BMW NA DIRECTLY BY PHONE, AND THEY HAVE NOT BEEN HELPFUL AT ALL.
NHTSA complaint #11170653 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 70,000 milesEast Brunswick, NJ
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
EMISSION ALWAYS HAD PROBLEM. I HAVE TWO BMW X5 35D HAD SAME PROBLEMS. ACTIVE TANK AND REDUCTANT T ANK LEVEL SENSOR AND TEMPERATURE SENSOR BROKEN AND NEED TO REPLACE WHOLE TANK COST A LOT OF MONEY.
NHTSA complaint #11132422 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 90,000 milesHilton Head Island, SC
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
WHILE AIR CONDITIONING IS RUNNING ON ANY SPEED, HOT AIR IS BLOWING FROM FLOOR AND DASHBOARD.
NHTSA complaint #11062830 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 67,000 milesHilo, HI
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
WHILE THE AIR CONDITIONER IS ON HOT AIR BLOWS OUT THROUGH THE DASH AND FLOOR VENTS. HAPPENS WHILE STATIONARY, IN MOTION, HIGHWAY AND CITY DRIVING. SUSPECT IT IS THE PCV VALVE.
NHTSA complaint #11057797 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Kenner, LA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I'M REPORTING A QUALITY ESCAPED ISSUE ON MOST OF BMW CARS EQUIPPED WITH REAR VIEW CAMERA SYSTEM. I'M MILD TO HOT DAYS, THE CAMERA STARTS TO FLICKER RAPIDLY AND SHORTLY IT BLANKS OFF INTERMITTENTLY. IT'S MORE NOTICEABLE ON HOT DAYS BUT NORMAL DURING COLD DAYS. THIS ISSUE IS ALSO ON MOST OF BMW CARS AND YET TO BE RECOGNIZED NOR RECALLED BY THE MANUFACTURER. IT'S UNFAIR FOR A CONSUMER TO PAY SO MUCH MONEY AND CAN'T CAN'T BE REIMBURSED FOR THE FIX THIS DISCREPANCY. I BELIEVE THE COST OF THIS PROBLEM SHOULD BE COVERED BY A BMW DEALER. I FELL LIKE I'VE BEEN ROBBED OUT OF MY WALLET PAYING SO MUCH FOR ALL THESE ISSUES POPPING UP FROM TIME TO TIME ON SCAR THAT WAS NOT EVEN 75K MILES. THIS IS A SERIOUS DEFECT THAT COULD LEAD TO CRASH DURING REVERSE DRIVING OR DURING PARALLEL PARKING
NHTSA complaint #10874468 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.