2011 BMW X5 Diesel Sav

Routine

Owners filed 44 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the engine. It has been recalled 2 times.

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k

35 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 75,00090,000 miles; the median is 89,500 miles.

What fails
ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Engine17
001
Air Bags10
000
Fuel/Propulsion System5
000
Unknown or Other3
000
Structure › Body2
000
Steering2
101
Electrical System2
000
Tires1
000
Service Brakes1
000
Power Train1
000

2 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Power Train › Driveline › Driveshaft16V311000
Filed May 17, 201621,493 vehiclesBmw Of North America, Llc

Defect. BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2011 X5 xDrive 35i, xDrive50i, X5 M, X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i, and X6 M vehicles manufactured April 5, 2010, to November 20, 2010, 2011 X5 xDrive35d diesel vehicles manufactured April 7, 2010, to November 20, 2010, and 2011 X6 Active Hybrid vehicles manufactured April 15, 2010, to November 17, 2010. The affected vehicles have a front driveshaft universal joint that may not seal out water and debris from getting in and damaging the joint, which could lead to its failure.

Risk. If the front universal joint fails, the front wheels would not be driven, affecting vehicle traction. Additionally, continued driving of the vehicle with a broken front universal joint may damage other components. Either condition may increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front driveshaft, free of charge. The recall began on July 8, 2016. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Diesel11V332000
Filed Jun 23, 2011923 vehiclesBmw Of North America, Llc

Defect. BMW IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011, X5 DIESEL SPORTS ACTIVITY VEHICLES (SAV) MANUFACTURED FROM MARCH 31, 2011, THROUGH MAY 19, 2011. DUE TO A COMPONENT MANUFACTURING ERROR AT THE SUPPLIER, THE WELDS IN THE BELT TENSIONER COULD HAVE INCIPIENT CRACKS. OVER TIME, THIS COULD LEAD A MALFUNCTION OF THE BELT TENSIONER.

Risk. IF THE BELT TENSIONER FAILS, THERE COULD BE A SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER STEERING ASSISTANCE, IF POWER STEERING ASSIST IS LOST, MANUAL STEERING CAPABILITY IS STILL RETAINED AND COULD INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ENGINE BELT TENSIONER FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING AUGUST 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW CUSTOMER RELATIONS AND SERVICES AT 1-800-525-7417, OR VIA EMAIL AT [email protected].

What owners reported

Newest filings
Engine
Filed Jun 13, 201976,400 milesCA

MY WIFE WAS DRIVING ON THE EXPRESSWAY WITH SPEED LIMIT OF 50 MILES / PER HOUR. SUDDENLY THE CAR SHOWED "ENGINE MALFUCTION - POWER REDUCED" AND SHE COULDN'T KEEP THE SPEED AND CAR STARTING LOSING SPEED AND DROPPED TO 10 MILES / HOUR, SHE HAD TO PULL OFF THE ROAD TO AVOID THE DANGER OF BEING HIT BY OTHER CARS ON THE BUSY EXPRESSWAY. AFTER SHE PULLLED OVER AND CALLED ME, I DROVE TO THE PLACE WHERE SHE PARKED THE CAR AND USED A CODE READER TO FOUND SOME ERROR CODE "47C4", BUT AFTER RESTARTED CAR, CAR SEEMED OK. I DROPPED THE CAR AT BMW MOUNTAIN VIEW DEALER AND THEY FOUND THE "LOW PRESSURE EGR" WAS BAD AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED WITH A COST OF $1800. WE FEEL THIS IS VERY DANGER TO HAPPEN TO ANY CAR BECAUSE SUCH AN FAILURE IT'S NOT SAFE TO US AND ALSO TO OTHER DRIVERS. THIS SHOULD BE RECALLED!

Air Bags
Filed May 21, 2019107,300 milesNY

THE PASSENGER RESTRAINT LIGHT IS ON. DEALER REPORTS THERE IS A FAULT STORED FOR THE PASSENGER SIDE SEAT MAT. I UNDERSTAND THAT BMW HAS HAD RECALLS FOR THIS PROBLEM IN PREVIOUS MODEL YEARS.

Engine
Filed Apr 3, 201989,500 milesIL

CHECK ENGINE LIGHT TRIGGERED . TWO ISSUES: - THE DEALER DIAGNOSED A PROBLEM WITH THE SENSOR IN THE DIESEL-EXHAUST-FLUID PASSIVE TANK. THE SENSOR IS BUILT INTO THE TANK, SO THE ENTIRE TANK NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE IS NO LONGER UNDER THE ORIGINAL WARRANTY AND THERE IS NO WARRANTY EXTENSION ON THIS PART. - THE EGR COOLER, WHICH IS SPECIFIC TO DIESEL ENGINE POWERED BMWS HAS A CRACK. THIS COOLER IS NEEDED TO COOL THE TEMPERATURE OF THE AIR MOVING THROUGH THE EGR VALVE. THIS PART IS NOT CONSIDERED PART OF THE EMISSIONS SYSTEM, SO NOT COVERED. THERE IS NO WARRANTY EXTENSION EITHER ON THIS PART.

Engine
Filed Apr 3, 201995,000 milesCA

THE ISSUE STARTED WITH EXHAUST FUME IN THE CABIN FOR 2-3 DAYS. FOLLOWED BY AIR LEAKING SOUND FROM THE ENGINE BAY ON LOW RPM. VEHICLE WENT IN AND OUT OF LIMP MODE (GETTING "ENGINE MALFUNCTIONED / REDUCED POWER" MESSAGE) WHILE DRIVING WHICH WAS VERY DANGEROUS ON HIGHWAY OR MERGING INTO TRAFFIC. DEALER FOUND OUT THAT THE EGR COOLER WAS CRACKED.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Jan 22, 2019CA

LEAKING EGR COOLER. DEALER STATED THAT IF ISSUE IS NOT REPAIRED A POTENTIAL FIRE HAZARD EXISTS. A RECALL WAS ISSUED FOR VIN SPECIFIC VEHICLES BUT OTHERS WITH THE SAME ISSUE ARE NOT COVERED BY THE RECALL.

Structure › Body
Filed Jan 8, 2019110,000 milesTN

SUNROOF DRAIN LINE TWISTING CAUSES WATER TO BACK-UP INTO THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT AND CAUSE ELECTRICAL FAULTS AS CONFIRMED BY FORMER BMW FRANCHISEE MECHANIC AND AS NOTED WIDELY THROUGHOUT BWM OWNER FORUMS. THIS KNOWN ISSUE FOR MODEL HAS NO REPAIR OPTION OTHER THAN CUTTING INTO A PILLAR TO REPLACE DEFECTIVE (SELF KINKING) LINE. VEHICLE STATIONARY IN THE RAIN AT TIME OF HARMFUL WATER INTRUSION. FAULT CODES OCCURRED AT IGNITION. FLOORBOARDS FILLED WITH WATER. MILDEW OCCURRED IN CARPETS. EXTENSION TO WARRANTY WARRANTED (LIKE DEFECTIVE NOX SENSORS).

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Dec 19, 2018186,000 milesOH

2018 DEC 14 - DIESEL EXHAUST FUMES IN CABIN. MAG BMW DEALER FOUND FAULTY INTAKE MANIFOLD AND OIL TURBO LINE.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Dec 19, 2018OH

2018 MARCH - DIESEL EXHAUST FUMES IN CABIN. MAG BMW DEALER REPLACED INTAKE TURBO LINE, SECOND TIME.

Engine
Filed Dec 19, 2018162,000 milesOH

2017 DEC - DIESEL EXHAUST FUMES IN CABIN. MAG BMW DEALER REPLACED EGR PRE-COOLER, AND INTAKE TURBO LINE.

Engine
Filed Dec 19, 2018146,000 milesOH

2017 JULY - DIESEL EXHAUST FUMES IN CABIN. MAG BMW DEALER REPLACED FAULTY EGR COOLER AND EGR VALVE SECOND TIME.

Engine
Filed Dec 19, 2018123,826 milesOH

2016, MARCH 03 - DIESEL EXHAUST FUMES IN CABIN. MAG BMW DEALER REPLACED FAULTY: INTAKE TEMP SENSOR FAULT # 004BC6 AND FUEL PRESUPLY LINE: FAULTS #004BDA AND 004BDC. SCR TANK FAULT 0046F9 WAS NOT REPAIRED BY BMW.

Electrical System
Filed Nov 14, 20181 milesFL

WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE ON A LOCAL ROAD AT 40 MPH IN A STRAIGHT LINE, THERE WAS A LOUD, VERY SHORT LIVED NOISE IN THE ENGINE AND I IMMEDIATELY LOST POWER STEERING. MY SERPENTINE BELT FAILED AND I LIMPED HOME WITHOUT POWER STEERING, BATTERY CHARGING, ETC.... UPON INSPECTION BY MY LOCAL MECHANIC (NOT A BMW SERVICE CENTER), THE REASON FOR THE SERPENTINE BELT SYSTEM FAILING WAS THE ALTERNATOR IDLER PULLEY BOLT HAD FAILED IN THE BLOCK. HE HAD TO TAKE OUT THE CONDENSER, RADIATOR, ETC. IN ORDER TO DRILL THE BOLT OUT. THE BOLT SHEARED INSIDE THE ENGINE BLOCK AND HAD TO BE DRILLED OUT. THIS IS THE BOLT FOR WHICH THERE WAS A PAST RECALL AND MY MECHANIC HAS BEEN HAVING DIFFICULTY GETTING A REPLACEMENT BOLT FROM BMW FOR 2 DAYS NOW. I HAD NOT RECEIVED ANY NOTICE FROM BMW ABOUT THIS POTENTIALLY SERIOUS DEFECT AND HOW THE PAST RECALL HAD NOT EFFECTIVELY CORRECTED THE PROBLEM. I DISCOVERED THE PROBLEM YESTERDAY WHEN I WAS SEARCHING BMW FORA TO SEE WHY BMW WAS ASKING MY MECHANIC FOR DETAILS ABOUT THE BOLT WHEN HE WAS TRYING TO ORDER A REPLACEMENT AND STILL HAS NOT OFFERED TO SHIP THE BOLT TO MY MECHANIC.

Engine
Filed Sep 4, 2018SC

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 BMW X5. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V336000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) AND STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER (CENTURY BMW, 2934 LAURENCE ROAD, GREENVILLE, SC 29607) CONFIRMED THAT PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE TO PERFORM THE RECALL REPAIRS. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENGINE BELT IDLER PULLEY BOLT FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER (CENTURY BMW, 2934 LAURENCE ROAD, GREENVILLE, SC 29607) AND WAS AWAITING REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Sep 1, 2018116,000 milesOR

DTC P20EE: FAULT FOR FUEL FILTER HEATER (REPLACE HEATER). SIMILAR RECALL TO 2009 DIESEL X5 FAULTY FUEL FILTER HEATER, WHICH COULD REMAIN ON AFTER ENGINE WAS SHUT OFF LEADING TO A POTENTIAL FIRE.

Power Train
Filed Jul 30, 201875,313 milesFL

1. "IDLER PULLEY BOLT FAILED" - WHILE DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY, THE PULLEY BOLT FAILED. WHEN THIS HAPPENED, I LOST POWER TO THE STEERING WHEEL AND THE MESSAGE "CHARGING MALFUNCTION" APPEARED. I OPENED THE HOOD AND PULLED OUT THE BROKEN BELTS. THE CAR HAD TO BE TOWED TO THE GARAGE AND IT COST ME ROUGHLY $900 TO FIX + THE TOWING FEE. 2. CAR HAD RATTLE SOUNDS. I HAD TO HAVE THE "STABILIZER BAR/CONTROL ARM/SHOCK N STRUT ASSEMBLY" REPLACED AT 75,141 MILES.......

Steering
Filed Jul 15, 2018134,133 milesVT

IDLER PULLEY BOLT BROKE FOR SECOND TIME IN 5 MONTHS. IN FEBRUARY, FIRST OCCURRENCE, CAR WAS STATIONARY. CAR WAS REPAIRED UNDER RECALL BY LOCAL MECHANIC. SECOND OCCURRENCE ON JUNE 29, CAR WAS IN MOTION ENTERING A TRAFFIC ROTARY. BOLT AUDIBLY SNAPPED JUST PRIOR TO ENTERING ROTARY. ALL POWER STEERING WAS LOST. CAR WAS SAFELY NAVIGATED THROUGH ROTARY AND 1/4 MILE DOWN ROAD TO A SAFE PARKING SPOT. CAR REPAIRED AT DEALER WITH KNOWLEDGE THE REPLACEMENT BOLT WAS THE SAME FAULTY BOLT. NEW RECALL CURRENTLY UNDER DEVELOPMENT, BUT NO FIX AVAILABLE. THE BOLT THAT BROKE IN FEBRUARY 2018 WAS THE REPLACEMENT BOLT INSTALLED DURING THE ORIGINAL RECALL IN 2012. IT WAS REPLACED BEFORE IT FAILED. NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER 12V550000 NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER 18V336000

Unknown or Other
Filed Jun 5, 201889,500 milesPA

TAKATA RECALL: RESTRAINT SYSTEM MALFUNCTION. ERROR MESSAGE SAYS FAULT IN PASSENGER RESTRAINT SYSTEM AFFECTING THE THE AIRBAG, BELT TENSIONER OR BELT FORCE LIMITER. HAPPENED A FEW DAYS AFTER THE RECALL ON AIRBAGS AND DRIVE SHAFT WAS PERFORMED AT THE DEALERSHIP. THEY ONLY REPLACED THE DRIVER SIDE AIRBAGS EVEN THIUGHNIT WAS ADVISED THAT PASSAENGER MIGHT BE AFFECTED. I WAS TOLD THAT FOR THIS PARTICULAR VIN PASSENGER SIDE WAS NOT AFFECTED. IF NOT THEN WHY AM I NOT GETTING THIS ERROR MESSAGE?? I FEEL HIGHLY UNSAFE TRAVELING IN THE VEHICLE WITH MY CHILDREN AS PASSENGER IN THE CAR NOW. I WAS TOLD BY THE DEALERSHIP THAT THAT REPAIRS DO NOT FALL UNDER THE RECALL PURVIEW AND THEREFORE WILL REQUIRE A DIAGNOSTIC FEE TO FIGURE OUT WHAT ACTUALLY MAY BE THE ISSUE AND THEN I WILL HAVE TO PAY THE CAUSE TO FURTHER RECTIFY WHAT EVER MAY THE CAUSE. I HAVE NEVER BEEN IN A CRASH OR ACCIDENT IN THIS CAR THAT AFFECT ANY THING OF THIS SORT WITH CAR SO THIS IS HIGHLY DOSAPPOJNTING!!!

Electrical System
Filed Apr 4, 2018120,000 milesTX

PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 12V550000 A REPLACEMENT OF THE IDLER PULLEY BOLT RECALL WAS CONDUCTED DUE TO GRAVE PUBLIC SAFETY CONCERNS. I CONSULTED BOTH BMW OF NORTH AMERICA AND MY LOCAL DEALERSHIP ABOUT THIS REPAIR, AND OF COURSE I AM TOLD THE ONLY RECALL OUTSTANDING FOR MY VEHICLE IS RELATED TO AIRBAGS AND THIS FIX WAS ALREADY IMPLEMENTED. ATTACHED TO THIS SAFETY REPORT IS A DIAGRAM OF THE CRANKCASE PULLEY DESIGN. ITEM '2' IN THE ATTACHED DIAGRAM WAS THE PART REPLACED TO CORRECT THE ISSUE.DESPITE THIS 'FIX' I HAVE RECENTLY EXPERIENCED A COMPLETE LOSS OF STEERING AND ELECTRIC POWER AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, IN EXCESS OF 70 MPH, AS WELL AS THE ENGINE OPERATING AT OR ABOVE NORMAL RANGE. THIS OF COURSE IS DUE TO THE FACT THAT THE PRIMARY CRANKCASE PULLEY AFFECTS ALL OF THESE SYSTEMS INSTANTLY IF THIS ROTATING MASS COMES TO A HALT. INITIAL THOUGHTS AND INSPECTION ONE WOULD ASSUME A LOOSE, SLIPPING SERPENTINE BELT OR TENSIONER PULLEY BEING THE FAULT FOR THE INSTANT MULTIPLE SYSTEM FAILURES, HOWEVER FURTHER INSPECTION REVEALS A COMPLETE FAILURE OF THE 'VIBRATION' DAMPER PULLEY. THE TORQUE FROM THIS DIESEL ENGINE SHREDS THIS RUBBER PULLEY, COMPLETELY RIPPING IT OFF ITS METAL SLEEVE, DESPITE THE REINFORCEMENT OF THE HARDENED STEEL 'BOLT' REPLACEMENT. IN ALL MY DAYS OF OWNING A VEHICLE, I HAVE NEVER HEARD OF SUCH 'MAINTENANCE' REPAIR WORK OF REPLACING THE PRIMARY CRANKCASE PULLEY AS IT IS SEEN BY THE MANUFACTURER AS A 'WEAR AND TEAR' ITEM. IN MY EXPERIENCE, REPLACING THE CRANKCASE PULLEY W

Engine
Filed Jan 26, 2018100,200 milesGA

ENGINE MALFUNCTION LIGHT REDUCED POWER TO ENGINE IN THE CITY WHILE AT LIGHT. ALSO YOU CAN HEAR A FLAPPING SOUND COMING FROM FRONT OF VEHICLE. DEALER REPORTS AFTER DIAGNOSTIC THAT THE EXHAUST COOLER IS CRACKED. PREVIOUSLY THE CAR WAS SERVICED FOR METERING VALVE LEAK WHICH WAS UNDER SCR EXTENDED WARRANTY AND FRONT DRIVE SHAFT RECALL WITH BUSHING REPLACEMENT WITH WAS COVERED UNDER EXTENDED WARRANTY.

Unknown or Other
Filed Dec 18, 201771,500 milesNJ

THE VEHICLE EMISSION SYSTEM IS CLOGGING UP DUE TO THE DIESEL EMISSIONS SET UP IN THE BMW DIESEL ENGINES. WHERE MOST CAR MANUFACTURERS EMISSION WARRENTIES ARE 80-85KMI BMW IS 70KMI. EVEN THOUGH THERE ARE NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS BMW IS NOT DOING ANYTHING UNLESS YOUR WILLING TO PAY $$$$$$. THE #1 PROBLEM IS THE EGR COOLER.,CAUSING SOME PEOPLE TO INSTALL AFTERMARKET [ILLEGAL] KITS TO AVOID THESE PROBLEMS.THE VEHICLE RUNS ALMOST NORMAL BUT IT SUFFERS IN FUEL ECONOMY.

20 of 44 complaints, reproduced as filed.

Reading this record

No unusual pattern of severe incidents in the complaint record.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: May 17, 2016. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.