Owners have filed 374 complaints
about the 2012 BMW X5 with NHTSA between 2011 and 2026.
The largest single group is the engine & cooling.
Across this model's run it ranks 4 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 — 100
Against the median year of the BMW X5. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 39
7.5% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 30
18% 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
94.1%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
167.2%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
104.5%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
2611.8%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
6127.6%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
5123.1%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
4118.6%
150,000+ miles
73.2%
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.
Oct 2011peak 15Jun 2026
NHTSA investigations into the 2012 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 2012 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 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.
Recall 201711312,100 units in Canada
Powertrain
Certain vehicles may have been manufactured with defective front driveshaft universal joint seals, which could allow water and/or dirt to enter the universal joint, causing accelerated wear and/or corrosion, and resulting in vibration. If the vehicle continues to be operated in this state, the universal joint could eventually break, potentially damaging surrounding components and rendering the vehicle inoperative. This could increase the risk of a crash causing injury and/or damage to property. Correction : Dealers will replace the front drive shaft. Note: This is an expansion of recall 2016-226.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
San Diego, CAFire
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
My car was sitting on the driveway and spontaneously caught on fire. It has not been driven for the last week or two. Nobody was home, when it caught on fire. Our neighbors called 911
NHTSA complaint #11708556 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Ellensburg, WACrash
AIR BAGS
We hit a deer while driving at 55 MPH. We were wearing seatbelts and not injured, it was a major frontal impact, the car is probably totalled. When we stopped we noticed multiple warning messages on the display: * restraint system failure * passenger airbag failure * pre-tensioner failure It appears that the car detected the collision and tried to activate the restraint systems, but nothing activated. No air bags deployed, and we did not feel the pre-tensioners activate.
NHTSA complaint #11557763 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
San Diego, CAFire
STEERING
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Repair shop repaired the pulley because i couldn't steer the vehicle correctly. It would jerk me on the road. Vehicle is available for inspection but is already repaired by local shop. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? I could drive but couldn't steer intermittently. Scary!! i couldn't make a full turns and there was a rough spot in the steering sometimes. Eventually it locked up an couldn't leave parking spot. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes. But i already got it repaired. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? Not that i know of. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? No. I only smelled burning rubber or electrical components. Smoke from engine bay and screeching sounds. Worst part is it was intermittent which gives the driver a false sense of security to drive but almost crashed because down the road couldn't steer.
NHTSA complaint #11504279 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Middlebury, CTFire
ENGINE
2012 BMW X5. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO ILLUMINATED CHECK ENGINE LIGHT. THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED AN ENGINE FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN THE GARAGE, AT THE HOME OF THE CONSUMER. THE HOME WAS DAMAGED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN RECALL 21V907000. THE VEHICLE HAD VARIOUS ENGINE ISSURE PRIOR TO THE FAILURE. THE FAILURES INCLUDED A FLUID, ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED, AND THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED A BURNING SMELL. THE ENFINE FAILURES WERE DUE TO FAULTY NOX SENSORS, OIL FILTER GASKET AND FILTER CAP NEEDED TO BE REPLACED, FAULTY SCR ACTIVE TANK, DEFECTIVE DOOR HANDLE CAUSING LOW VOLTAGE, GLOW PLUG FAILURE, AND FAULTY METERING UNIT.
NHTSA complaint #11463458 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Harrisburg, PAFire
STRUCTURE:BODY
Passenger external front and rear door handle assembly caught on fire and melted the rubber grommet. BMW said it was the comfort sensor fuse that should have blown but it did not. The rubber grommet holding the door handle melted. I had to buy two door handles that cost $250 each to replace the ones that burnt out.
NHTSA complaint #11451903 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Harrisburg, PAFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Passenger external front and rear door handle assembly caught on fire and melted the rubber grommet. BMW said it was the comfort sensor fuse that should have blown but it did not. The rubber grommet holding the door handle melted. I had to buy two door handles that cost $250 each to replace the ones that burnt out.
NHTSA complaint #11451903 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Brooklyn, NY
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I own a 2012 BMW X5 that is experiencing a Footwell Module (FRM) failure. BMW issued an Extended Limited Warranty for the FRM extending coverage to 15 years or 186,000 miles. My vehicle falls within those limits. The FRM failure has rendered the headlights, high beams, turn signals, brake lights, and power windows inoperative. As a result, the vehicle cannot be safely operated on public roads. Other motorists may not be able to see when the vehicle is braking or turning, creating a significant safety concern. BMW of Brooklyn and BMW of North America have informed me that I must pay a $360 diagnostic fee upfront before they will determine whether the repair is covered under BMW's FRM Extended Limited Warranty. BMW's warranty letter states that the FRM warranty is subject to the same eligibility requirements and limitations as the BMW New Vehicle Limited Warranty. In my view, requiring a substantial upfront diagnostic fee to evaluate a known defect covered by an extended warranty creates an unreasonable barrier to obtaining warranty repairs. I understand diagnostic charges may be appropriate if the failure is ultimately determined to be unrelated to the FRM. However, I do not believe owners should be required to pay a significant upfront fee simply to determine whether a known and potentially covered defect qualifies for warranty coverage. I respectfully request that NHTSA review both the safety implications of FRM failures and BMW's administration of this warranty program.
NHTSA complaint #11744308 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Santa Maria, CA
STEERING
Two nights ago I was at Domino’s Pizza. I put my car in reverse and the car died and the steering wheel locked up like the power steering was giving out I was able to start the car again, but still with no power steering assist and drove the car home about a mile away, but every time I slowed down or came to a stop sign or a stoplight, the car would die, and the battery light would flash on the dash and it would say charging malfunction once I got home we took a look at the engine and noticed that none of the belts were working at all and then I started to google what could possibly be the problem and a couple of different recalls came up recall number 12V550000 and that is engine and engine cooling engine diesel what the name of it is and the recall date is 1127 2012 and then the next one is 2012 BMW X5 diesel SUVs from the model year 2012 923 BMW X fives have been recalled because they have defective engine belt, tensioners and cracks that develop along the welds if the belt tensioner fails there could be a sudden loss of power steering assist that is sounds like exactly what happened to my car and then there’s another one recall number B121918 which is from September 2019 and it is called idler pulley bolt and come to find out that actually was a recall on my vehicle, but the previous owner is the one that had it repaired so I’m not sure if BMW is willing to repair it again but there’s not a lot of miles on this cards a 2012 I bought it with 95,000 miles on it and it currently only has 131,000 miles on it. I’m just hoping for some kind of resolution here this is the fifth Bmw that I bought in my lifetime and I for the most part I’ve had pretty good ultimate driving experience and good customer service and some good financing but I can’t see why just recall wouldn’t cover my vehicle. It’s currently in the shop. They’re doing a diagnostic on it and I will be getting that back later on today and I can report that back to you folks, hopefully it could be recalled. M
NHTSA complaint #11735154 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Santa Maria, CA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Two nights ago I was at Domino’s Pizza. I put my car in reverse and the car died and the steering wheel locked up like the power steering was giving out I was able to start the car again, but still with no power steering assist and drove the car home about a mile away, but every time I slowed down or came to a stop sign or a stoplight, the car would die, and the battery light would flash on the dash and it would say charging malfunction once I got home we took a look at the engine and noticed that none of the belts were working at all and then I started to google what could possibly be the problem and a couple of different recalls came up recall number 12V550000 and that is engine and engine cooling engine diesel what the name of it is and the recall date is 1127 2012 and then the next one is 2012 BMW X5 diesel SUVs from the model year 2012 923 BMW X fives have been recalled because they have defective engine belt, tensioners and cracks that develop along the welds if the belt tensioner fails there could be a sudden loss of power steering assist that is sounds like exactly what happened to my car and then there’s another one recall number B121918 which is from September 2019 and it is called idler pulley bolt and come to find out that actually was a recall on my vehicle, but the previous owner is the one that had it repaired so I’m not sure if BMW is willing to repair it again but there’s not a lot of miles on this cards a 2012 I bought it with 95,000 miles on it and it currently only has 131,000 miles on it. I’m just hoping for some kind of resolution here this is the fifth Bmw that I bought in my lifetime and I for the most part I’ve had pretty good ultimate driving experience and good customer service and some good financing but I can’t see why just recall wouldn’t cover my vehicle. It’s currently in the shop. They’re doing a diagnostic on it and I will be getting that back later on today and I can report that back to you folks, hopefully it could be recalled. M
NHTSA complaint #11735154 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Santa Maria, CA
ENGINE
Two nights ago I was at Domino’s Pizza. I put my car in reverse and the car died and the steering wheel locked up like the power steering was giving out I was able to start the car again, but still with no power steering assist and drove the car home about a mile away, but every time I slowed down or came to a stop sign or a stoplight, the car would die, and the battery light would flash on the dash and it would say charging malfunction once I got home we took a look at the engine and noticed that none of the belts were working at all and then I started to google what could possibly be the problem and a couple of different recalls came up recall number 12V550000 and that is engine and engine cooling engine diesel what the name of it is and the recall date is 1127 2012 and then the next one is 2012 BMW X5 diesel SUVs from the model year 2012 923 BMW X fives have been recalled because they have defective engine belt, tensioners and cracks that develop along the welds if the belt tensioner fails there could be a sudden loss of power steering assist that is sounds like exactly what happened to my car and then there’s another one recall number B121918 which is from September 2019 and it is called idler pulley bolt and come to find out that actually was a recall on my vehicle, but the previous owner is the one that had it repaired so I’m not sure if BMW is willing to repair it again but there’s not a lot of miles on this cards a 2012 I bought it with 95,000 miles on it and it currently only has 131,000 miles on it. I’m just hoping for some kind of resolution here this is the fifth Bmw that I bought in my lifetime and I for the most part I’ve had pretty good ultimate driving experience and good customer service and some good financing but I can’t see why just recall wouldn’t cover my vehicle. It’s currently in the shop. They’re doing a diagnostic on it and I will be getting that back later on today and I can report that back to you folks, hopefully it could be recalled. M
NHTSA complaint #11735154 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
San Diego, CAFire
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
My car was sitting on the driveway and spontaneously caught on fire. It has not been driven for the last week or two. Nobody was home, when it caught on fire. Our neighbors called 911
NHTSA complaint #11708556 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Milwaukee, WI
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2012 BMW X5. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. In addition, the interior lights flickered on and off. The failure was intermittent. The contact later received an extended warranty notification for the foot well. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a misfire in cylinders #3 and #4. The contact was informed that the failure was not related to the extended warranty program. The contact was informed that ignition coils and plugs in cylinders #3 and #4 needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
NHTSA complaint #11704702 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Porterville, CA
SEATS
Front passenger side occupancy seat sensor is bad and computer detected an air bag malfunction. Timing chain broke without warning.
NHTSA complaint #11680551 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Porterville, CA
AIR BAGS
Front passenger side occupancy seat sensor is bad and computer detected an air bag malfunction. Timing chain broke without warning.
NHTSA complaint #11680551 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Porterville, CA
ENGINE
Front passenger side occupancy seat sensor is bad and computer detected an air bag malfunction. Timing chain broke without warning.
NHTSA complaint #11680551 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
St. Augustine, FL
SEAT BELTS
I received a message of Restraint system malfunction and when I called the local dealer I was told the part is not availabel anywhere in the USA. What am I supposed to do with this. I was told the air bags and seatbelts may malfunction. The vehicle only has 85k miles. its a 2012. At this point who will take the car as a trade? It's not safe and they don't have an answer except to say I'm [XXX] and i guess you need to get a new vehicle!! Can you believe this? I have to get a whole new vehicle because they don't have a part! You can't make this stuff up. I spoke with BMW USA and was told they only honor 4yr and 50k miles and after 10years they are not responsible for parts to be made. The I was told to get it further diagnosed to the tune of 250.00 so they can "MAYBE" have the parts manufactured. What the heck! this company is saying our cars are garbage after 10yrs! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11678691 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
St. Augustine, FL
AIR BAGS
I received a message of Restraint system malfunction and when I called the local dealer I was told the part is not availabel anywhere in the USA. What am I supposed to do with this. I was told the air bags and seatbelts may malfunction. The vehicle only has 85k miles. its a 2012. At this point who will take the car as a trade? It's not safe and they don't have an answer except to say I'm [XXX] and i guess you need to get a new vehicle!! Can you believe this? I have to get a whole new vehicle because they don't have a part! You can't make this stuff up. I spoke with BMW USA and was told they only honor 4yr and 50k miles and after 10years they are not responsible for parts to be made. The I was told to get it further diagnosed to the tune of 250.00 so they can "MAYBE" have the parts manufactured. What the heck! this company is saying our cars are garbage after 10yrs! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11678691 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 98,744 milesBeavercreek, OH
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2012 BMW X5. The contact stated that when the vehicle was parked, the contact noticed coolant leaking on the ground underneath the vehicle. The contact stated that the low coolant warning light was illuminated. The contact refilled the coolant reservoir. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with coolant pump failure. The contact was informed that the coolant pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System); however, the VIN was not associated with the recall. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 98,744.
NHTSA complaint #11671552 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 98,744 milesBeavercreek, OH
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2012 BMW X5. The contact stated that when the vehicle was parked, the contact noticed coolant leaking on the ground underneath the vehicle. The contact stated that the low coolant warning light was illuminated. The contact refilled the coolant reservoir. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with coolant pump failure. The contact was informed that the coolant pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System); however, the VIN was not associated with the recall. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 98,744.
NHTSA complaint #11671552 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Suitland, MD
SUSPENSION
Water entering into the vehicle, causing vehicle to reduce power in traffic, due to traction control issues.. Not able to drive vehicle when it’s raining., along with other issues, pls see first report..
NHTSA complaint #11665571 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Suitland, MD
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Water entering into the vehicle, causing vehicle to reduce power in traffic, due to traction control issues.. Not able to drive vehicle when it’s raining., along with other issues, pls see first report..
NHTSA complaint #11665571 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Suitland, MD
ENGINE
Water entering into the vehicle, causing vehicle to reduce power in traffic, due to traction control issues.. Not able to drive vehicle when it’s raining., along with other issues, pls see first report..
NHTSA complaint #11665571 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Suitland, MD
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Dear Sir/Madam, I am writing to you today to report a potential issue with my 2012 BMW X5 3.5i, VIN [XXX] . My vehicle appears to be experiencing fuel wire problems , along with the smell of gas, consistent with those described in recall number 16V-746000. I would appreciate it if you would investigate this matter further and advise on the appropriate course of action to address this concern. I have spent too much money on having the car towed around town.. Thank you for your time and attention to this matter. Sincerely, [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11665570 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 115,000 milesCharlotte, NC
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2012 BMW X5. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the contact noticed coolant leaking from the lower end of the engine compartment with the check engine warning light illuminated. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for further assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 115,000.
NHTSA complaint #11648196 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Franklin, IN
POWER TRAIN
While driving on highway at 70 MPH, front AWD driveshaft failed and caused massive damage to engine and underside of car is destroyed. The flailing driveshaft punched a hole in engine and oil pan, causing all engine oil to spray on hot exhaust and the tires while driving. Luckily was able to slow car and steer it to shoulder, near miss accident. There is recall 17V-138 on this year of BMW X5 for exact issue that happened to me, but BMW states that my VIN is not affected. Yeah right.
NHTSA complaint #11642851 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Oldsmar, FL
STEERING
It suddenly became very, very difficult and almost impossible to steer.
NHTSA complaint #11614658 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Modesto, CA
POWER TRAIN
A recall on the prop shaft was done in 2017 and today 06/24 while driving on the freeway I heard a loud clunking noise and then a huge pop and I pulled over on the side of the road to find my prop shaft had exploded and messed up everything. Now im stuck with a nonfunctional car because a part that was allegedly replaced for safety ended up exploding while I was driving.
NHTSA complaint #11592244 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 85,000 milesBellingham, MA
AIR BAGS
The contact owns a 2012 BMW X5. The contact stated that the air bag restraint malfunction message was displayed, and the air bag warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic but was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The approximate failure mileage was 85,000.
NHTSA complaint #11576087 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Killeen, TX
ENGINE
To my understanding BMW agreed to honor the N63 Customer Care Package voluntarily regardless of mileage or age of the engine as referred to BMW bulletins SIB[XXX], [XXX], and [XXX]. My local dealer did not know anything about the [XXX] and when I called BMW USA I was told that they not honor the package any more even though the bulletin says they will take care of it regardless of engine mileage or age. To my understanding that should have been a recall but BMW negotiated to call it Customer Care Package as an initiative to police itself instead of having a mandated action by a recall. My local BMW dealer is in Temple Texas. Please advice me on how to proceed to service my engine as promised for free based on these bulletins. Thank you. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11571114 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Roanoke, VA
AIR BAGS
Vehical randomly shuts off, it all safety systems warning lamps come on l, like ABS, Airbag, and traction control. Found wiring harness laying in a pool of water in the rear right cargo compartment. Rain water leaking from sunroof collected in compartment. The harness contains wires for the the vehicles CAN buss systems the water causes corrosion in the harness, which causes all sorts of problems that could happen at any time like the vehicle shutting off or the airbag or abs warning light coming on.
NHTSA complaint #11566753 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Roanoke, VA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Vehical randomly shuts off, it all safety systems warning lamps come on l, like ABS, Airbag, and traction control. Found wiring harness laying in a pool of water in the rear right cargo compartment. Rain water leaking from sunroof collected in compartment. The harness contains wires for the the vehicles CAN buss systems the water causes corrosion in the harness, which causes all sorts of problems that could happen at any time like the vehicle shutting off or the airbag or abs warning light coming on.
NHTSA complaint #11566753 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.