-The component that is failing is the Transfer case which is shuddering and jerking. Yes, available for inspection. -UNKNOWN because I take the vehicle to the dealership service immediately when the issue presents due to concern, and to avoid further damage to the vehicle or delay and risk issue to the safety of myself and others -Yes, the problem has been reproduced and confirmed by dealerships multiple documented occasions. -Yes, by the manufacturer. This is a documented issue per SIB for BMW North America -Symptoms of the problem has shown prior to the failure each time in the presentation of the Shudder and Jerking. *Will be able to upload/provide service invoice images/documentation once I request and receive from dealership
NHTSA complaint #11757920 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The front driveshaft universal joint failed causing the drive shaft to bust a hole in the engine and crack the transmission. There was no knocking noise prior to failure. It suddenly failed, disengaged and caused damage. I was told by service manager the u-bolt must have been defective to have failed without warning.
NHTSA complaint #11756576 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hello, my front differential recently failed on my BMW. based on some research, this appears to be a manufacturing defect that BMW isn't covering affecting many owners of this car.
NHTSA complaint #11749436 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The attaching nut and bolt holding the left suspension to the rear subframe worked itself lose. The nut had completely fallen off. The corresponding bolt was merely hanging on but was about to fall off too. The vehicle was behaving weirdly and unstable even at slower speeds.
NHTSA complaint #11739474 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I experienced a complete failure of the rear pneumatic (air) suspension system on my vehicle. This system uses rubber air springs (“airbags”) rather than conventional coil springs. When it failed, the rear of the vehicle dropped significantly, causing metal-to-metal contact, an extreme upward pitch of the front end, and pronounced instability. The vehicle became difficult to control, with excessive rear sway creating an unsafe driving condition. Based on my experience and publicly available information, this appears to be a known and recurring issue affecting BMW X5 and X6 models (E70, F15, and G05). The failure is commonly attributed to degradation of the rubber air springs, which can dry out, crack, or leak. When leaks develop, the compressor runs excessively and may fail, resulting in sudden loss of suspension support. While these components may be considered wear items, the frequency and relatively early occurrence of these failures suggest a design or engineering vulnerability rather than typical maintenance. Failures are widely reported between approximately 50,000 and 100,000 miles or within 4–7 years, indicating a pattern of premature degradation. This condition can occur without clear warning, including after the vehicle has been parked, meaning drivers may not recognize the issue until the vehicle is unsafe to operate. Once the system fails, handling is severely compromised, increasing the risk of loss of control. Repair costs often exceed $5,000, which may discourage timely repairs and leave vehicles in unsafe condition. BMW characterized this as a maintenance issue despite the apparent pattern. I am submitting this complaint because this condition poses a serious safety risk. A sudden loss of rear suspension support at speed could result in loss of control, increasing the risk of a crash, injury, or fatality.
NHTSA complaint #11731591 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I own a 2014 BMW X5 diesel, after the 4 yr warranty expired, my car has had 2 times driveshaft/drivetrain/differential replaced. Valve cover leaking. Chassis stabilization error, suspension/air pump problems, at this moment i have an initialization of driving stabilization error message. Please see what is going on with these expensive cars that after 4 yr warranty give all kind of problems. ThanksTeresa
NHTSA complaint #11710927 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Transfer case on 2019 X5,yes available for inspection upon request. At stop position making right turn or left turn the vehicle jutters,also in reverse. Yes - confirmed by the bmw service center who tried to charge for diagnostic fee. Manufacturer knows of issue on 2019 X5 models. Video of these transfer case issues all over online in videos. Issue started about 6 - 9 months ago.
NHTSA complaint #11705716 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
In the middle of driving, multiple warning lights came on in the car and the steering became very stiff, which made it difficult to steer the car. We brought the car to the dealer service station and they identified that the crank pulley system had a failure and the vibration damper needed to be replaced. Apparently, this issue also resulted in the engine not properly charging the car battery, which also resulted in battery failure. This car only has about 38,000 miles on it and has been plagued by safety issues. The difficulty steering the car could have resulted in an accident on the road. This same car also had a water pump failure at approximately 35-36k miles that was separately reported to NHTSA previously.
NHTSA complaint #11704139 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Suspension "clunking noise" when going slowly over bumps. Oct. 14, 2024 32,688 miles. BMW dealer replaced left front Tension Strut due to Balljoint failure/defect @ owner expense. Tire wear indicated excessive "play" in joint for some time. I had complained to BMW dealer since the car was new that it did not track straight. Car was previously aligned several times by BMW dealer but defective ball joint was not identified until i brought "clunking" noise to their attention. Balljoint failure can result in loss of control resulting in a CRASH.
NHTSA complaint #11680730 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
Component Malfunctioned, All dashboard light are on. service check needed immediately. PCV heater not working ,cruise control not working, loose suspensions, knocking noise from the front and rear of the car. Air bags driver and passenger. All other UNKnown problems. I was told my Casey BMW of Newport News Va. That my car had no recalls? I am spending so much money just to try to keep my car updated. I can no longer do it. I am on a fixed income. If you can be of any assistance, please help! Thanks
NHTSA complaint #11638550 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
When I research by your making model, it shows that there are multiple safety recalls for my vehicle. However, when I put in my license plate urban number, it says that there is zero, because I believe that that is some sort of redacted information that’s not true because my vehicle continues to have concerning safety issues and engine issues and the manufacture is refusing to repair. Also, there are suspension issues and under body, rest, and emissions issues that my state Ohio does not test I purchase this vehicle from Carvana and I believe they shipped the vehicle to a state that does not require a mission passing, because that would have been a flag for my vehicle, and it was very difficult for me to register my vehicle and my state due to a clouded title but it’s very hard for me to get information from dealerships because they don’t want to perform the work at cost as a service customer service, and then the seller, of course is hiding this information I need oversight, or some sort of enforcement how I can take my vehicle somewhere and have it inspected for safety, and then enforce the recalls and enforce the warranties that are on them because as I mentioned, I am not I’m getting out Bro blocked and I don’t wanna take accountability and responsibility. I did have a stop at a muffler shop and they said that my underbody is is the scripture is not installed properly, and there are things that are detach to avoid the emissions smoke and those are hidden from the seller I am a nervous Buyer. This is my first time having a vehicle such as this and I believe I have a lemonade and sweet lemon. How can I get it? Inspected it inspected.
NHTSA complaint #11614626 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2016 BMW X5. The contact stated while driving approximately 20 MPH, the vehicle was making an abnormal banging sound. The contact stated that the vehicle was losing motive power. The contact depressed the accelerator pedal and the vehicle failed to respond. The contact pulled into a parking lot and turned off the vehicle. The contact stated that there was no warning light illuminated. The contact had the vehicle towed to a local dealer who diagnosed and determined that front drive shaft and u-joint had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.
NHTSA complaint #11590640 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
My relatively brand new BMW X5 with only 7,500 miles was parked in an enclosed parking garage with valet service. The car only had its warranty service about 7 weeks ago and was in fine condition. There were no issues with the suspension or steering. There was no accident and the car has never gone over a hard bump or pothole. The lower right front control arm snapped cleanly as if from metal fatigue as a valet attempted to retrieve my car. The car was rendered inoperable, and thankfully this accident did not occur on the road. The car was towed to the dealership where they informed me the damage would require $16k - $18k of repairs to the axle, steering column and a host of related systems.
NHTSA complaint #11563179 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
So I test drove a BMW X5 e drive a couple months ago at an independent used car dealer and it looked perfect but when I drove it the car bounced excessively over any minor bump in the road. It felt like sitting in the back seats in a school bus not like driving a luxury SUV. They offered to fix it but I just felt like I couldn't trust them after this experience. I chalked this experience up to a used car dealership just trying to pass off a car to someone who might not notice the suspension being broken. So I've been searching for a couple months to find the perfect one at a bigger more trustworthy car dealer. I ordered one online at carmax and had this car delivered Friday and my husband/I hopped inside to grab some lunch and take it for a spin only to realize this second 2018 BMW X5 hybrid also has a broken suspension. It was bouncing seconds after each minor bump in the road. Additionally it had an error saying that the hybrid battery was not holding charge that we noticed the moment we got into the car. Carmax said they charged it before dropping it off and then it was discharged completely when we received it. Plus we noticed that the back end of the car was 4-6" lower from the front end, whereas the front had a couple inch clearance over the tires and the back was covering the top couple inches of the tires. We switched from comfort to sport & it did seem to limit the bounce but still there is something clearly wrong so CARMAX towed it away Friday night in September the day I got the car. Carmax repaired the suspension with bmw parts & now 6 weeks later the suspension is broken again. Carmax has offered to repair but I’m very concerned that there is a bigger.I checked the VIN for recalls and searched the internet for similar issues with no luck. I also emailed BMW for their take and they said that they’ve never heard of any issues. . Are faulty suspensions a thing with this car??? Should I keep it if they fix?don't need a car with endless issues??
NHTSA complaint #11553491 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
1. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The Air Suspension Compressor needs to be remove and replace. Left Rear Air Bag is Leaking. Tires have 3/32nds tread remaining which is unsafe. 2. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Might cause accident when driving especially in freeway. 3. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes, confirmed by an independent service center. 4. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? Yes, confirmed by an independent service center. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? No warning messages.
NHTSA complaint #11525917 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Warning appeared on my vehicle a few months ago stating something was wrong with the restraint system. While driving out of nowhere my vehicle on it's own accord will begin rocking really hard and it has become dangerous for passengers, myself or my animals in my car. Looking further into the issue, this is a common problem with X5's and people are made to believe its a sensor issue with a hefty price. There is a warranty for vehicles that 10 years or less older that is supposed to be provided by BMW but when I call both dealerships here in the area they state that does not exist. I am taking my vehicle to BWM tomorrow morning to try and get this issue fixed. I will know more tomorrow.
NHTSA complaint #11523359 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Basing complaint on NHTSA ID 11439582 4/25/2023 Started vehicle on this morning and ride height was normal, while doing daily intown driving, noticed that ride became extremely bumpy. I drove to my neighborhood Midas shop for inspection. There was no code but there was a dash warning with my chassis, "Drive Moderately". Midas instructed me to contact my nearest BMW Dealership in the Woodlands (Texas). I then called and explained the chassis warning that displayed and the "drive moderately" Message. The Dealership told me that the soonest that they could even look at it would be on 5/4 even though that I explained that this is my work transportation. Seeing no other option to get me back on the road, I took the vehicle to my General European Repair shop located 1.8 miles from the Midas shop. During that move, I drove under 40 mph. At that point, the shop checked to find the rear suspension airbags were leaking. Having no other choice, the shop ordered and replaced the airbags with parts purchased at the BMW Dealership. My repair cost at this point is $1940.00. Upon completion of this, during the system check, It was also determined that the air suspension pump was defective and that it wasn't capable of lifting the vehicle. The part alone is an additional $1558.66, bringing my repair with labor to over $4000.00. After reading your summary of complaints on this issue, especially with my current mileage at 50,725, this seems to be a Manufacturer known issue. I am compiling a complete file on this issue and intend to submit it to BMW for review with the hope that they will do the right thing.
NHTSA complaint #11521509 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Second time rear suspension dropped, less that 30K miles since last repair. On December 15th 2022, my car suspension dropped and my ride got bouncy. If this condition had ocurred in a high speed highway it can make the driver to lose control of the vehicle and possibly have an accident. The unit was taken to the Service Center and was diagnosed with exact same parts that were replaced the first time. I reached BMW USA and explain the timeline in which both events happened. First Incident: 02/14/ 2020 Mileage:48661 Second Incident: 12/15/2022 Mileage:78641 They didn’t recognize this as a manufacturing defect in parts or system and they offered a 50 % discount in the repair. I think this a defective system and it has been demonstrated by its recurrence. No notification message was displayed prior to the incidents Please find attached evidence of first and second estimates showing the same parts.
NHTSA complaint #11501220 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Left front air strut broke two weeks (600 miles) after delivery. There was no warning, just a loud noise when it broke. Warning light showed chasis issue. BMW towed car and replaced strut under warranty.
NHTSA complaint #11489910 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.