Killeen, TX
Fire
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
A fire started under my hood immediately after starting my car.
NHTSA complaint #11746602 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
2013 BMW X5 other reported problems
18 of the 215 complaints about the 2013 BMW X5 are about the other systems — 8% of everything reported for this model year. Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before 62,000 miles.
18
Complaints
0
Crashes
3
Fires
1
Injuries
Exactly what failed
Unknown OR Other
18
100.0%
Other & Unspecified across every BMW X5 year
What owners said
Filed with NHTSA, in their own words.
Baltimore, MD
Fire
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
My family and I were traveling from Maryland to Florida, with a planned stop in Atlanta. We were driving our 2013 BMW X5 x Drive 35i and were traveling southbound on [XXX] through Greenville, South Carolina when the incident occurred. While driving at highway speed, my husband suddenly noticed multiple error messages appearing on the vehicle’s display screen - air bag malfunction, 4x4 malfunction, stabilization, etc. He immediately began pulling the vehicle over. Within moments, he observed smoke and visible flames coming from the rear driver’s-side area of the vehicle. He urgently shouted for me and our daughter to get out of the car. What followed happened extremely fast, within approximately 15 seconds. I yelled for my daughter to unbuckle and run. In a state of panic, I grabbed our dog, and as we tried to exit the vehicle, the fire spread rapidly and aggressively. Thick, black smoke engulfed the area and we fled on foot, coughing and struggling to breathe from the smoke. By the time we reached a safe distance, the vehicle was fully engulfed in flames. Thankfully, we were able to escape without physical injury, but the incident was terrifying and could very easily have resulted in serious injury or loss of life. The vehicle was completely destroyed, along with all of our personal belongings - cell phones, laptops, clothing, luggage, etc. We have since checked for recalls associated with the vehicle’s VIN and were told none were listed. However, a vehicle should not spontaneously catch fire while being operated normally on a highway. The sudden onset, rapid spread of the fire, and lack of warning raise serious concerns about a potential defect, whether electrical, fuel-related, or otherwise. We believe this incident was preventable and that there may have been a failure in design, manufacturing, or warning. We had the insurance company and BMW inspect the vehicle, but the fire destroyed the car entirely, and a cause "could not be determined." INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION AC
NHTSA complaint #11723213 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Jasper, IN
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The componet that failed is the cars electric system in the rear. Battery gets so hot its melted a 2nd orange box on top of the battery. Burned a hole right through. Attempted to start the vehicle, now it's throwing big sparks in the rear battery compartment. ABS warnings, brake warnings, it leaks. It will not start again! We have no transportation. Noone seems to be very concerned about the matter. Atleast 7 open, very dangerous recalls on this vehicle. How come someone has to die from the companies failure to fix what they know is wrong? This vehicle is paid for, owned by a Middle/lower class hard working single mom. I've seen to many cases of people who aren't financially threatening get delt a ball full of crap. All walks of life pay really good money for bmws cars. How about bmw returns the favor and keeps their word. My car is a death trap according to bmw. What do we do if the company won't cooperate
NHTSA complaint #11705896 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Centreville, VA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I noticed smoke comes from engine compartment while I was driving. It has been going on for a few months and I found out the BMW Water Pump Electrical Connector related recall (No 24V-608) for Year 2012-2018 including X5. 'What could happen' in their recall is exactly what I'm experiencing but my VIN number is not part of their recall even though the year and model matches. I called BMW and they said it goes by specific VIN and didn't provide details of why my car is not included. I don't feel safe driving and would like it to be checked by BMW if it is related with the recall. They couldn't help at this point and refer me to NHTSA.
NHTSA complaint #11625183 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Deer Park, NY
Fire
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
After driving for an hour I noticed smoke coming from under the hood of the car, I opened the hood to and noticed the smoke coming from under the plastic cover which covers the turbo and catalytic converter In That area. After removing the cover I saw a bright flame coming from under the hood.
NHTSA complaint #11612189 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Rockville, MD
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The EGR Cooler went bad when my car's mileage is at 113,254. BMW have an active recall for EGR cooler [XXX] . However, it only covers 2014-2017 BMW X5 xDrive35d. I have a 2013 BMW X5 xDrive35d, which has the same N57T engine as the 2014 BMW X5 xDrive35d model. The engine light was on. I brought it to the BMW of Fairfax dealership to check. They told me that it is unsafe to drive the car if the EGR Cooler is not replaced. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11535169 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Chula Vista, CA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
During the past raining season, car battery compartment flooded creating a fire/electrical hazard during operation and addition total malfunction of instruments, lighting, warning systems in general, airbags, rendering the vehicle useless. The issue is well documented online by various owners, BMW stop assisting owners of vehicles that have the same issue of flooding. Please assist with any possible help to resolve the problem(s) of the vehicle 2013 BMW X5
NHTSA complaint #11509851 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Trumbull, CT
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The doors locked and does not open even from the inside trapping passengers inside the car. Door locks click into place and the doors can't be opened from the inside. Pull the handle and the lock will pop up, but the door won't open. Release the handle and the lock snaps back down into its "locked" state (it drops back down as if it has a spring on it). trapping people inside is extremely dangerous in case of an emergency. The only way is to break the windows and crawl from the window but not everyone can do that depending on their age and weight.
NHTSA complaint #11465723 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Decatur, AL
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Car was purchased in July of 2017. Extended warranty was purchased. Dealership says they do not have that in their records. A letter was sent to our address regarding extended coverage, but had another person's name on it. Regardless, the engine developed excessive oil leaks, and led to complete engine failure. Dealer says it would be several thousand dollars to look at it. Research indicates that this model vehicle had excessive oil leaks, but we were not apprised of this, or any of the recalls when purchased. Also, the seals were not holding oil. Dealer sold the car without disclosing of any of these defects. Further, I believe there may have been a recall on the engine, but BMW tells us that this engine is not in the recall. Additional research conforms that this is a standard practice for BMW. I can be reached any time at [XXX], or [XXX]. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
NHTSA complaint #11452983 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 102,134 miles
Erie, PA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I HAVE TO ADD COOLANT, I HAVE CHECKED WITH DEALER AND SAID PRESSURE TANK IS LEAKING, REPLACE THE TANK , STILL PROBLEM IS THERE, I TOLD THEM WHEN I TURN ON HEAT, MY EYES ARE BURNING TOO, THEY ASK ME TO REPLACE THE TANK, SO I DID, COOLANT STILL LEAK, SO DIAGNOSIS IS NOT WRIGHT. EYES BURNING WAS HAPPENING SINCE LONG TIME, BUT I NOTICE IN DECEMBER, I WAS GOING TO EYE DOCTOR,
NHTSA complaint #11388561 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 68,000 miles
Biloxi, MS
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
MY X-5 STARTED PRODUCING SMOKE FROM UNDER THE HOOD WHILE DRIVING AND WHILE STOPPED AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT. WHEN I REACHED HOME, I DIDN'T SEE THE SMOKE ANYMORE, BUT IT SMELLED LIKE SOMETHING WAS BURNING. A FEW DAYS LATER, THE OIL AT MINIMAL LEVEL WARNING LIGHT CAME ON. I TOOK MY TRUCK INTO THE GALLERIA BMW DEALERSHIP AND WAS TOLD THAT MY VALVE GASKET COVER WAS BROKEN AND THAT OIL WAS LEAKING OUT, CAUSINGTHE BURNING SMELL. MY LAST OIL CHANGE SERVICE WAS LESS THAN 6 MONTHS PRIOR TO HAVING THIS ISSUE, AT THE SAME DEALERSHIP. THE SERVICE REP, STATED THIS HAS BEEN AN ONGOING ISSUE WITH OTHER OLDER MODEL BMWS AND MY TRUCK BEING A 2013 WAS OLD AND ALSO SUSCEPTIBLE TO HAVING THIS SAME PROBLEM. I THINK THIS IS AN EXTREME SAFETY ISSUE WITH BMWS, AND IT NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED ASAP!
NHTSA complaint #11315578 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 96,000 miles
Raleigh, NC
1 injured
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
ON THURSDAY, MAY 2ND, 2019, MY WIFE AND 19-MONTH OLD SON WERE AT THE PARK AND RETURNED TO THE VEHICLE, WHICH WAS PARKED IN THE PARKING LOT. MY WIFE HAD THE KEY FOB IN HER BAG. SHE PLACED HER BAG ON THE FLOOR OF THE CAR, JUST BEHIND THE FRONT PASSENGER'S SEAT. SHE PLACED OUR SON IN HIS CAR SEAT, STRAPPED HIM AND CLOSED THE DOOR. THE VEHICLE THEN PROCEEDED TO LOCK ITSELF, THUS LOCKING MY SON IN AND MY WIFE OUT. SHE HAD TO CALL EMS TO COME AND BREAK OPEN THE CAR IN ORDER TO GAIN ACCESS, THIS TOOK CLOSE TO 15-20 MINUTES TOTAL IN WHICH TIME MY SON WAS TRAPPED IN THE CAR WITH TEMPS IN EXCESS OF 100 DEGREES AS IT WAS ABOUT 90 OUTSIDE AT THE TIME IT OCCURRED. THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE WITH BMW'S COMFORT ACCESS FEATURE. THERE HAS ALREADY BEEN ONE CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT FOR OWNERS TO RECOVER EXPENSES, HOWEVER I FEEL THIS IS A BIGGER ISSUE. IF A PERSON OR PET, WHO ARE UNABLE TO OPERATE DOORS OR LOCKS, GET TRAPPED IN A VEHICLE IT COULD VERY EASILY RESULT IN DEATH UNDER THE RIGHT CIRCUMSTANCES. WHEN THEY PULLED HIM FROM THE CAR HE WAS SOAKEDDD IN SWEAT, GLOSSY EYED AND OUT OF IT. THIS WAS A TERRIBLE EXPERIENCE THAT NO ONE SHOULD EVER HAVE TO GO THROUGH AND I FEEL BMW SHOULD STEP UP AND FIX THESE VEHICLES. I DON'T CARE IF THAT'S REPLACING THE SYSTEM OR TAKING IT OUT, IT'S DANGEROUS. HTTPS://COMFORTACCESSSETTLEMENT.COM/HOME/PORTALID/0 THIS IS LITERALLY THE SAME STORY OF WHAT HAPPENED TO US... HTTPS://WWW.CARCOMPLAINTS.COM/NEWS/2...TTLEMENT.SHTML BMW DESCRIBES THE COMFORT ACCESS SYSTEM AS FOLLOWS: 'THE VEHICLE CAN BE ACCESSED WITHOUT ACTIVATING THE REMOTE CONTROL. ALL YOU NEED TO DO IS TO HAVE THE REMOTE CONTROL WITH YOU, E.G., IN YOUR JACKET POCKET. THE VEHICLE AUTOMATICALLY DETECTS THE REMOTE CONTROL WHEN IT IS NEARBY OR IN THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT. COMFORT ACCESS SUPPORTS THE FOLLOWING FUNCTIONS: UNLOCKING/LOCKING OF THE VEHICLE.'
NHTSA complaint #11205828 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 83,500 miles
Blackwater, MS
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I WAS TRAVELING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AT 76 MPH WHEN A MESSAGE CAME UP TELLING ME "ENGINE HOT DRIVE MODERATELY." I CONTINUED TO DRIVE ANOTHER 3 MILES WHEN THE LIGHT MYSTERIOUSLY SHUT OFF. I TOOK IT TO THE SHOP WHEN I REACHED COLUMBIA. THEY DETERMINED THE WATER PUMP HAS FAILED AND MUST BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE HAS 83,XXX MILES. HAD I NOT TAKEN THE VEHICLE IN TO THE SHOP TODAY AND DROVE IT AFTER THE LIGHT WENT OFF THE ENGINE COULD HAVE BEEN RUINED OR POSSIBLY THE X5 CAUGHT ON FIRE IF THE LIGHT DIDN'T COME BACK ON.
NHTSA complaint #11193171 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 49,000 miles
Denville, NJ
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
SPORADICALLY, THE DOOR LOCK WILL NOT ALLOW THE DOOR TO BE OPENED FROM INSIDE CAR WHEN PULLING ON DOOR HANDLE. THE DOOR CAN BE OPENED WITH ELECTRONIC KEY FOB OR POWER UNLOCK BUTTON IN THE MIDDLE CONSOLE. THE DOOR FAILURE TRAPS THE OCCUPANT IN THE CAR AND IN THE CASE OF AN ACCIDENT WITH POWER LOSS, IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO EXIT THE CAR.
NHTSA complaint #11180177 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
South SAN Francisco, CA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
TAKATA RECALL - I'VE BEEN NOTIFIED BY MAIL ABOUT ONE YEAR AGO THAT THE AIRBAG HAS BEEN RECALLED. I SERVICED MY CAR SEPT 2017 AND THEY STILL SAID THAT THE PART IS NOT AVAILABLE. I BELIEVE THE RECALL TOOK PLACE IN 2016. I'VE HAD SO MANY MECHANICAL PROBLEMS AND YET THEY REFUSED TO BUY THE CAR BACK AS A LEMON
NHTSA complaint #11044396 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 56,000 miles
Temple Hills, MD
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I HEARD THE ENGINE FAN GOING AT MAX SPEED. ABOUT A MILE LATER, WARNING MESSAGES CAME ON TO DRIVE THE CAR MODERATELY AND THEN TO PULL OVER AND TURN IT OFF. SAID THE ENGINE TEMPERATURE WAS TOO HIGH. ELECTRONIC WATER PUMP FAILURE
NHTSA complaint #11000483 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 19,000 miles
Mill Valley, CA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
AFTER STARTING THE CAR, PUTTING THE CAR IN DRIVE, INITIATING A THREE POINT TURN, AFTER THE FIRST PART OF THE TURN WHEN THE ACCELERATOR IS RELEASED THE CAR WILL JERK, ACCELERATE, LUNGE FORWARD. I WAS ABLE TO GET MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE TO PREVENT ADDITIONAL FORWARD MOTION. THE REVS RHYTHMICALLY SURGED UP AND DOWN BETWEEN 2500RPMS AND IDLE. THE WHOLE TIME THE VEHICLE WAS TRYING TO DRIVE FORWARD. THEN AFTER A FEW SECONDS THE VEHICLE STALLED. WE'VE TAKEN THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP THREE TIMES TO GET THIS FIXED BUT THEY CAN FIND NO FAULT WITH THE CAR. THIS HAPPENS BETWEEN ONCE TO FOUR TIMES PER MONTH. THE CAR HAS ALMOST DRIVEN OFF THE ROAD ON ITS OWN AND CAME CLOSE TO HITTING A PARKED CAR. WE'VE BEEN LUCKY TO GET OUR FOOT ON THE BRAKE BEFORE THAT'S HAPPENED. THE DEALERSHIP SAYS WE SHOULD TAKE THE CAR BACK AS IT'S FINE.
NHTSA complaint #10759226 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 17,700 miles
Edison, NJ
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
AFTER A CONCERT, I DROVE MY X5 OUT OFF A PARKING LOT WITH MY WIFE. I COULD FEEL A LITTLE BIT ABOUT SOMETHING UNCOMMON ON THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR, BUT DID NOT PAY MUCH ATTENTION BECAUSE THERE IS NO SIGN ON INDICATOR BOARD SHOWING THE DOORS DID NOT CLOSED. AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT, I TURNED TO RIGHT, AND DIVER DOOR OPENED SUDDENLY. I HAVE TO SLOW DOWN, AND TRIED TO CLOSE THE DOOR WHILE DRIVING, BUT THE DOOR COULD NOT BE CLOSED. THE DOOR LOCK DID NOT WORK. I PARKED THE CAR AT A SHOPPING CENTER PARKING LOT, AND REALIZED THAT I COULD NOT OPEN OR CLOSE THE DOOR LOCK AFTER TRYING DIFFERENT WAYS. I HAD TO DRIVE TO HOME USING ONE HAND HOLDING THE DOOR AND THE OTHER HAND DRIVING. IT WAS VERY DANGEROUS. DO NOT KNOW WHAT HAPPENED, IT IS 2013 MODEL, ONLY ONE AND HALF YEAR SUV.
NHTSA complaint #10721556 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.