132 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 60,000–75,000 miles.
Most common 2006 BMW X5 problems
78 of the 168 complaints (46%) are about the airbags.
Component
Reports
Crashes
Fires
Injuries
Air Bags · airbags
70
1
0
1
Service Brakes · brakes
21
1
0
0
Seats
17
0
5
8
Electrical System
9
0
3
2
Engine
6
0
1
0
Service Brakes, Hydraulic · brakes
4
1
0
0
Power Train · transmission
4
0
1
0
Air Bags › Frontal · airbags
4
0
0
0
Structure › Body · body and frame
3
0
0
0
Seat Belts
3
1
0
0
2 safety recalls
Part 573 reports
Air Bags › Sensor › Occupant Classification13V564000
Filed Nov 12, 201376,565 vehiclesBMW of North America, LLC
Defect. BMW of North America LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2006 325i, 325xi, 330i, 330xi sedans and 325xi sports wagons, model year 2007 328i, 328xi, 335i, 335xi sedans and 328i and 328xi sports wagons, model year 2006-2007 525i, 525xi, 530i, 530xi, 550i sedans and 530xi sports wagons, model year 2006 760i sedans, model year 2006-2007 750i, 750Li, and 760Li sedans, and model year 2006 X5 sports activity vehicles, equipped with certain seat types. The front passenger seat occupant detection mat that determines if and how the passenger frontal air bag should deploy in a crash may fatigue and develop cracks which could lead to a system failure.
Risk. Should the system fail, in the event of a crash, the front passenger air bag would be deactivated, increasing the risk of personal injury.
Remedy. BMW will notify owners with an interim notification letter in January 2014 since parts are not currently available. When parts are available, BMW sent a second letter in August and dealers will repair the occupant detection mat to eliminate the possibility that it may crack, free of charge. Additionally, owners of model year 2006-2007 3 Series with standard seats, 5 Series with comfort seats, and Z4 models, will receive an extended warranty on their front passenger seat occupant detection mat. Owners may contact BMW customer relations at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at [email protected].
Filed Nov 1, 2005240 vehiclesBMW of North America, LLC
Defect. CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN BUILT WITH AN INCORRECTLY MANUFACTURED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION PARKING PAWL GUIDE PLATE.
Risk. THIS COULD CAUSE THE PARKING LOCK SYSTEM NOT TO ENGAGE, AFTER THE TRANSMISSION IS PLACED IN THE PARK ("P") POSITION. IF THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED ON AN INCLINE, AND THE PARKING BRAKE WAS NOT ENGAGED, THIS COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE ROLLAWAY CONDITION.
Remedy. DEALERS WILL REPAIR AND REPLACE THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION GUIDE PLATE FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 30, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-332-4269.
All 2 campaigns on file, newest first.
What owners reported
Newest filings
Electrical System
Filed Aug 14, 2026CA
I put a new battery and I need to unplugged the negative every time I turn it off. If I don’t do this, the next day, the battery would be dead. I checked with the Ancel OBD2 and there’s nothing wrong. It doesn’t detect anything bad.
Seat Belts
Filed Mar 16, 2025FL
Anytime I have a passenger in the car the seatbelt warning light goes off. My passenger is wearing the seatbelt. I put the car in park and tell my passenger to take the seatbelt off then back on. It's off for a bit then the light for the seatbelt comes by on.
Steering
Filed Mar 14, 2025193,000 milesGA
The contact owns a 2006 BMW X5. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, there was an electrical burning odor inside the vehicle. The ABS, brakes, and other unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact pulled over to the side of the road and was able to restart the vehicle and the vehicle was driven to the residence. On another occasion, the contact had to redirect the steering wheel into a different lane while driving. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who changed the oil and replaced the alternator; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed. The vehicle was taken to another independent mechanic and was diagnosed with multiple electrical failures. The vehicle was then taken to a dealer and a diagnostic test was pending. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 193,000.
Power Train
Filed Oct 17, 2024274,000 milesTN
The contact owns a 2006 BMW X5. The contact stated that while depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle hesitated to increase in speed. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic who suggested that the failure was possibly related to a power train failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was aware of the failure and confirmed the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 05V504000 (Power Train). The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to file a safety complaint. The failure mileage was 274,000.
SeatsFire1 injured
Filed Mar 11, 2024NY
When I switch on my driver seat for the heated seat it became so hot that the coils burned through my seat and make two round burn holes in the seat and burned my leg
Air Bags
Filed May 4, 2023MI
I have recently received a message from my city’s social media page stating that bmw vehicles 17-22 years or older with over 99,000 miles have had complaints of default airbags exploding which are injuring/killing people out of nowhere and was told to get it changed at no cost at all!.
Service Brakes
Filed Sep 2, 2022PA
The brake vacuum pump has leaked a small amount of lubricating oil into the hose. This contamination resulted in a loss of power assist braking. The loss of power assist in braking has increased stopping distance and lead to a near vehicle crash. No indicator lights were present. Repair: Replacement of the brake vacuum line with one that contains a check valve, eliminating the possibility that oil will reach the brake booster; as well as the brake booster and brake master cylinder will also be replaced.
Air Bags › Sensor › Occupant Classification › Front Passenger
Filed Aug 31, 202260,000 milesIL
The contact owns a 2006 BMW X5. The contact stated that he initially received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 08V384000 (Air Bags). The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the recall repair was performed. Three years later, with the passenger’s side front seat unoccupied, the passenger’s side air bag light illuminated and a warning chime was audible. The passenger’s side seat belt had to be engaged to correct the failure. The dealer was notified of the failure and provided an estimate for a diagnostic test. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure and referred the contact back to the dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.
Unknown or Other
Filed Mar 14, 2022FL
Was driving at 35-40 mph when suddenly where locked and the car stopped causing skid marks. Car had to be dragged out of the road by tow truck. Car will not move in neutral, reverse or drive but engine is on.
Air Bags
Filed Jun 10, 2021NC
This car has relatively few miles (85k), and has always been operated by a single person. The passenger seat cushion has a sensor mat that activates the passenger airbag. With relatively fewer miles and very few passengers, the passenger seat didn't experience the normal use as likely modeled by BMW. However, during the fall of 2020, (during the height of covid), a warning light stating the passenger air bag had a malfunction. We were in the midst of nursing and the warning light then went out during the first three months of 2021. When it came on again in May, 2021, I asked BMW about it as was told, "That's Campaign 13V-564. The front passenger airbag seat occupancy sensor mat isn't working. This means, if there's an accident, the airbag protecting the passenger won't deploy." Apparently there as a "safety check" on this in 2014 and the recall closed as of January 2021....so, I was four months past the expiration date of their safety check for this important malfunctioning seat cushion. As advised by a BMW representative, I requested "goodwill assistance" with covering all or some of this repair (estimated at approx $2k). I was just told that BMW will not provide any goodwill assistance with this and there is apparently no one within BMW Customer Relations I can escalate this to. So, I am reaching-out to the NHTSA in hopes someone can assist me in navigating this. It seems to me, an important safety item such as a passenger sensor for airbag deployment on a car with fewer mi
Air Bags
Filed Jun 9, 2021150,000 milesGA
The contact owns a 2006 BMW X5. The contact stated that the driver’s and passenger’s side air bags warning lights were illuminated. The contact had initially notified the dealer about the defect and was referred to the manufacturer. The manufacturer informed the contact that there were no recalls on the Vin. The contact was referred to the dealer for the repair. The contact was informed that he might be entitled to a reimbursement if the Vin gets added to a recall. Upon investigation, the contact linked the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V564000 (Air Bags) however, the vin was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.
Seats
Filed Jun 8, 2021GA
Airbag light on, passenger airbag off light illuminated. Diagnostic scan showed faulty Front Passenger seat occupancy detector. BMW Issued recall campaign 13V-564 for vehicles manufactured from DEC 05 to sept 06. My vehicle was manufactured 06/06 and is displaying all the symptoms from recall 13v-564 yet BMW USA claims my vehicle is not effected.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed May 10, 2021214,000 milesVA
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW X5. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO RESPOND PROPERLY. THE CONTACT STATED THERE WAS NO WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO RICHMOND BMW (8710 W BROAD ST, RICHMOND, VA 23294) TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE BRAKES NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER AND THE BRAKE BOOSTER WERE REPLACED. THE CONTACT RELATED THE FAILURE TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 10V446000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC) HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 214,000.
SeatsFire1 injured
Filed Dec 10, 2020120,000 milesNH
MY HEATED SEAT CAUGHT ON FIRE AND BURNED ME AND MY COAT. I VERY RARELY USED IT AT ALL. I STARTED USING IT AND IT WAS PROBABLY THE 10TH TIME I USED IT WHEN IT OCCURRED.
Air Bags
Filed Dec 17, 201911 milesCA
MY VEHICLE WENT ON LIMP MODE I'M PRETTY SURE IT HAS TO DO WITH THE TRANSMISSION GEARS. MY PASSENGER SIDE DOOR LOOKS LIKE THE AIR BAG WANTS TO POP OUT.
Electrical System
Filed Jun 13, 2019108,000 milesKY
MY VEHICLES BATTERY KEEP DRAINING WHEN NOT DROVE FOR TWO DAYS. I HAVE REPLACED THE BATTERY AND IT STILL WONT FIRE AFTER 2 DAYS. I SAW THE RECALL ABOUT MOISTURE GETTING INTO THE VEHICLES POSITIVE CRANK CASE VENTILATION VALVE HEATER AND THOUGHT THIS MIGHT BE HAPPENING WITH MY VEHICLE CAUSING MY BATTERY TO BE DRAINED. HOWEVER, I FIND THAT MY VEHICLE IS NOT ON THE RECALLED LIST. IT STILL CONTINUES TO DO THIS.
Engine
Filed Apr 28, 201920 milesNY
TAKATA RECALL WHITE SMOKE COMES FROM EXHAUST PIPES WHEN DRIVING AND FILLS THE STREETS WHILE DRIVING ON CITY STREETS IN TRAFFIC AND AT IDLE. OTHER DRIVERS BEHIND ME CAN'T SEE DUE TO THE SMOKE COMING FROM THE EXHAUST.
Service Brakes
Filed Apr 9, 2019140,000 milesWI
THE BRAKES PEDAL BECOMES HARD AND IS UNABLE TO STOP VEHICLE. THIS OCCUR WHILE THE VEHICLE IS MOVING. IN ADDITION THE BRAKE PEDAL IS HARD WHILE STATIONARY AS WELL
Air Bags
Filed Mar 2, 2019CA
MY VEHICLE HAS HAD THE RECALL FOR THE AIR BAG COMPLETED. THE LIGHT CONTINUES TO COME BACK FOR THE PASSENGER SIDE SRS. WHY CAN'T BMW FIX THIS RECALL ONCE AND FOR ALL?
Seats
Filed Nov 27, 2018145,000 milesAR
WHEN USING THE HEATED DRIVER SEAT, IT BEGINS TO SMOKE AND GIVE OFF A BURNING SMELL. I DON'T KNOW IF IT WOULD CATCH ON FIRE, I TURNED IT OFF AS SOON AS I REALIZED IT WAS THE SEAT BURNING AND SMOKING. I BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE USED AND JUST THOUGHT THE SEAT WAS A BIT WORN IN THAT SPOT. I CHECKED FOR RECALLS ON THIS YEAR AND THERE AREN'T ANY. MY CAR WAS STATIONARY WHEN THIS OCCURRED, PARKED IN A PARKING LOT.
Service Brakes
Filed Sep 26, 2018195,000 milesMO
SUDDEN LOSS OF BRAKE FUNCTION AND LEAKING BRAKE FLUID DURING NORMAL WEATHER AD ROAD OPERATIONS. AFTER DOING RESEARCH THERE IS A LARGE GROUP OF SIMILAR YEAR MAKE AND MODEL WITH THIS SAME ISSUE.
Unknown or Other
Filed Apr 18, 2018NY
WHEN DRIVING A LOT OF WHITE SMOKE COMES OUT OF THE BACK EXHAUST PIPES AND FILLS THE STREETS UP WITH SMOKE WHY PASSENGERS CARS ARE BEHIND ME IN TRAFFIC. OTHER CARS CAN NOT SEE AND IT'S VERY DANGEROUS. THIS IS DUE TO CAR HAVING A UNSAFE BAD ENGINE VALVE SEAL LEAK. BMW KNOWS ABOUT THIS PROBLEM FOR A LONG TIME AND THEY FAIL TO CORRECT THIS PROBLEM UNTIL SOMEONE DIES DUE TO THE VALVE SEALS LEAKING AND CAUSING SMOKE IN TRAFFIC.
Power Train
Filed Jan 11, 2018120,000 milesMA
HELLO, I HAVE A 2006 BMW X5 [XXX] THAT HAS A TRANSMISSION ISSUE. IT HAS STARTED BY ROLLING ON HILLS AND SHIFTING FUNNY BOTH IN CITY AND ON HIGHWAY. IT THEN STARTED NOT MOVING MUCH WHEN ACCELERATING AS I WAS COMING OFF A HIGHWAY EXIT AND CONTINUED THROUGH TOWN. IT HAS 120,000 MILES. HAVING DONE RESEARCH, ATTACHED BELOW IS A LINK TO 4 RELATED RECALLS. PLEASE ADVISE ME AS TO WHICH RECALL THIS IS AND HOW TO PROCEED TO GETTING IT REPAIRED. I LOOK FORWARD TO HEARING FROM YOU SOON. THANK YOU, [XXX] HTTPS://WWW.TRANSMISSIONREPAIRCOSTGUIDE.COM/BMW-X5-TRANSMISSION-PROBLEMS/ INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Service Brakes
Filed Oct 29, 2017120,000 milesAL
BRAKE BOOSTER FAILED WHILE STOPPED WITHOUT ANY WARNING LIGHTS
Air Bags
Filed Oct 25, 2017AR
MY PASSENGER AIRBAG IS DEFECTIVE DUE TO MICRO CRACKS IN THE WEIGHT SENSOR MAT.
Service Brakes
Filed May 17, 2017FL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW X5. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE BRAKES FAILED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE BRAKE BOOSTER, CYLINDER, AND VACUUM FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 10V446000 (SERVICE BRAKES). IN ADDITION, THE BRAKE PADS WERE REPLACED A YEAR AGO. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN THE VIN AND THAT IT WOULD BE AN OUT OF POCKET EXPENSE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
Electrical SystemFire1 injured
Filed Mar 30, 2017106,000 milesCT
MY HEATED SEAT CATCHED ON FIRE. DRIVER SIDE SEAT LEFT SIDE REAR. I GOT BURNED AS I WAS DRIVING ON A PARKING LOT. I REALIZED THAT MY PANTS HAVE A WHOLE AS WELL AS OF THE SEAT
Visibility › Sun/Moon Roof Assembly
Filed Mar 21, 2017100,000 milesNY
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW X5. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, IT RAINED AND WATER ENTERED THROUGH THE SUNROOF AND CREATED MOISTURE IN THE VEHICLE. THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT THEN ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT BELIEVED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATING WAS RELATED TO THE WATER ENTERING THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR MECHANIC INDEPENDENT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.
Air Bags
Filed Mar 7, 2017120,000 milesVA
1) THE AIR BAG LIGHT DOES NOT GO OFF. IT STAYS ON. AIR BAGS ENGAGE BUT LIGHT IS JUST AS BRIGHT AS CAN BE. 2) IGNITION SWITCH SECURITY LATCH DOES NOT RELEASE. HAVE TO SMACK STEERING WHEEL AFTER TURNING OFF ALARM TO PLACE KEY INTO IGNITION SLOT.
Air Bags
Filed Feb 23, 2017173,754 milesCA
THE FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAG HAS GONE OUT FOR THIRD TIME IN THE NINE YEARS THAT I HAVE OWNED THIS VEHICLE.
Air Bags
Filed Jan 15, 2017TX
I HAVE BEEN INFORMED WHILE CAR SHOPPING THAT MY 2006 BMW X5 HAS A RECALL FOR THE SEAT BELTS BUT I HAVE NEVER BEEN NOTIFIED OF THAT RECALL. I AM DISAPPOINT THAT THE MANUFACTURER SEEM TO BE TAKING THIS RECALL LIGHTLY BUT LIVES ARE AT RISK. WHAT IS THE PLAN TO RESOLVE THIS ISSUE?
Air Bags
Filed Dec 1, 2016NJ
MY VEHICLE / VIN SHOULD BE INCLUDED IN THE RECALL CAMPAIGN NO. 13V-564: "FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAG SEAT OCCUPANCY SENSOR MAT." MY VEHICLE IS PART OF THE MODEL YEAR 2006 X5 SAV'S THAT HAS THE DEFECT. BUT MY VIN IS NOT BEING RECOGNIZED IN THE RECALL AND IS EXPERIENCING THE EXACT DEFECT. THE AIR BAG WARNING LAMP ON THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER AND THE FRONT "PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF" LAMP IN THE OVERHEAD CONSOLE ARE ILLUMINATED AT THE SAME TIME. THE SENSOR HAS BECOME DAMAGED OVER TIME DUE TO THE FREQUENCY OF FRONT PASSENGER SEAT USAGE. BMW AG HAS DECIDED THAT THE DEFECT, WHICH RELATES TO MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY, EXISTS IN THE MODEL YEAR 2006 X5'S. WHEN I CONTACTED BMW USA THEY TOLD ME MY VEHICLE WAS PART OF THE RECALL BUT THEY HAD THE LAST DIGIT IN MY VIN AS A "2" INSTEAD OF A "3". THE REST OF THE VIN WAS THE SAME. THE VIN WITH THE LAST DIGIT AS A "2" WAS THE EXACT MODEL AS MY VEHICLE (YEAR, COLOR, INSIDE AND OUT, AND EQUIPMENT). BUT FOR SOME REASON MY VIN IS MISSING FROM THE RECALL. WHY IS MY VIN NOT PART OF THE RECALL IF IT IS THE SAME VEHICLE (YEAR AND MODEL) AS OTHERS THAT ARE PART OF THE RECALL? HOW DO I HAVE MY VEHICLE / VIN ADDED TO THE RECALL CAMPAIGN NO. 13V-564? *TR
Service Brakes
Filed Nov 29, 2016CA
2006 X5 VIN [XXX] WHILE IN MOTION ON A CITY STREET AND HWY! 1. BRAKE BOOSTER / VACUUM LINE FAILURE SAME AS RECALLED 2007-2010 ISSUE. WHY IS MY 2006 X5 BMW NOT COVERED WHEN THERE IS CLEARLY A SYSTEMIC FAILURE OF THIS SAME SYSTEM? I SEEK IMMEDIATE RELIEF AND DEMAND UPON YOU A RECALL FOR MY SPECIFIC BMW NOW TODAY. [XXX] CALL ME! 2. ALTERNATOR FAILURE X5 ACTED POSSESSED WITH ALL LIGHTS GOING ON AND OFF BEFORE SHUTTING THE CAR DOWN ON A FREEWAY WHILE AT MAX LEGAL SPEED. ALTERNATOR IS PLACED LOW ON THE LEFT SIDE WHERE OIL LEAKS INTO IT CAUSING A FAILURE MODE. THE SAME OIL LEAKS CAUSE OTHER RUBBER COMPONENTS TO SWELL UP CRACK AND FAIL SUCH AS BOOTS AND RUBBER BUSHINGS ON ARMS. WHERE IS THE RECALL?? 2006 WHERE IS IT?? 3. BRAKE LIGHT SYSTEM FAILURE BACK R/H AND CHANGING LIGHT BULBS DIDN'T BRING IT TO WORKING CONDITION. BMW USED A SCREW DRIVER TO MAKE IT WORK AGAIN AFTER THE AIRBAG AND ALTERNATOR REPAIR THEY DID..I PAID FOR THE ALTERNATOR BUT IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN A RECALL ITEM! NOW MY BRAKE LIGHTS DON'T WORK BACK R/H SIDE. 5. 1 HEAD LIGHT OUT 6. ENGINE LEAKS OIL ON THE SIDE ONTO MY X5 RUBBER COMPONENTS AND I ALREADY HAD TO PAY FOR A NEW BOOT AND ARM! OTHER RUBBER ITEMS ARE ALL BAD AND GETTING WORSE! WHERE IS THE RECALL? WHY ARE THESE SAFETY ITEMS NOT BEING RECALLED BY YOUR GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATION? INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Electrical System
Filed Oct 14, 2016106,000 milesMA
WHILE DRIVING ON INTERSTATE IN HIGH SPEED LANE ENGINE SUDDENLY LOST POWER CREATING DANGER OF REAR END COLLISION. IN MOVING TO BREAK DOWN LANE ENGINE CONTINUED TO RUN BUT WOULD NOT PROPEL THE VEHICLE OVER 5 MPH. THIS PROBLEM HAD OCCURRED TWO WEEKS PREVIOUSLY WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO BMW DEALER FOR SERVICE. AT THAT TIME THE VEHICLE WAS ELECTRONICALLY DIAGNOSED AND NO FAULTS WERE FOUND OR REPAIRS MADE.THE VEHICLE WAS AGAIN TOWED TO THE BMW DEALER AND NO ELECTRONIC FAULTS WERE FOUND. THIS TIME A MECHANICAL DIAGNOSIS WAS PERFORMED AND FUEL PRESSURE WAS FOUND TO BE 12 PSI RATHER THAT THE 55 PSI SPECIFIED. SUBSEQUENTLY THE CONTACTS IN THE FUEL PUMP RELAY WERE FOUND TO BE BURNED, THE FUEL FILTER AND PRESSURE REGULATOR WERE FOUND TO CONTAIN METAL SHARDS, THE FUEL PUMP SHOWED NO EXTERNAL SIGNS OF DAMAGE. ALL ITEMS WERE REPLACED AT WHICH TIME FUEL PRESSURE RETURNED TO 55 PSI AND THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO BE DRIVEN NORMALLY. THE CONCLUSION IS THAT THE FUEL PUMP CAN FAIL INTERNALLY WHICH CANNOT BE DETECTED BY ELECTRONIC DIAGNOSIS AND RETURNING A CAR TO THE ROAD WITHOUT PERFORMING THE MECHANICAL DIAGNOSES SPECIFIED IN THE FACTORY SERVICE LITERATURE IS A DANGEROUS AND NEGLIGENT PRACTICE BY THIS PARTICULAR BMW DEALER'S SERVICE DEPARTMENT AND MAY INDICATE AN INHERENT FLAW IN THE MANUFACTURE OF THE FUEL PUMP. PARTS REPLACED: 61 36 8 373 700 RELAY 16 12 6 754 016 FUEL FILTER PRESSURE REGULATOR 16 11 6 768 357 FUEL PUMP
Seats
Filed Sep 8, 2016150,000 milesMA
WHEN PULLING INTO MY DRIVEWAY I NOTICED A BURNING SENSATION ON THE LEFT SIDE OF MY BUTT BURNING MY COAT. I STOPPED THE BMW AND JUMPED OUT . WITH THE COURTESY LIGHT ON I COULD SEE THAT THE LEATHER SEAT HAD A BURN HOLE WHERE I COULD SEE THE ELECTRICITY LIKE MINI LIGHTENING. WHEN I TURNED OFF THE SEAT HEATER AND THE BURNING STOPPED. HAD I BEEN ON THE HIGHWAY, SERIOUS INJURY COULD HAD OCCURRED. BMW REFERRED ME TO HAVE THE PROBLEM EVALUATED AND DETERMINED THAT THEY WERE NOT RESPONSIBLE AND REPAIR WOULD COST ABOUT $1400. BMW IS AWARE OF THEIR SEAT HEATER PROBLEM AS SEE BY NUMEROUS BLOGS ONLINE BUT REFUSES TO RECALL THE AFFECTED VEHICLES. I HAVE NOT YET CONTACT MY INSURANCE COMPANY.
Air Bags
Filed Jul 13, 201680,000 milesMO
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW X5. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE CONTACT EXPERIENCED A FLAT TIRE. UPON DRIVING TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD TO CHECK THE TIRE, THE PASSENGER SIDE CURTAIN AIR BAG INADVERTENTLY DEPLOYED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TOWED AND WAS ABLE TO BE DRIVEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, BUT WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000.
Seats1 injured
Filed Apr 10, 201670,000 milesIL
THE DRIVER SIDE HEATED SEAT OVERHEATS AND BECOMES TOO HOT TO TOUCH. I HAVE EXPERIENCE DISCOLORATION IN SOME OF MY CLOTHING DUE TO THE EXCESSIVE HEAT, AND I EXPERIENCED A SLIGHT BURNED ON MY THIGH WHEN THE HEATED SEAT IS TURNED ON. THE ISSUE OCCURS WHILE THE CAR IS IN MOTION OR STATIONARY. THE LEATHER MOST AFFECTED BY THE HEATED SEAT MALFUNCTION IS THINNING. I HAVE CONTACTED THE LOCAL BMW DEALERSHIP TWICE ABOUT THE ISSUES, AND I HAVE BEEN IGNORED WHEN I REQUESTED A QUOTE ON THE REPAIR AND WHY THE SAFETY ISSUE HAS NOT BEEN ADDRESSED.
Engine
Filed Mar 29, 2016CO
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 (NA) BMW X5. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STALLED AND VARIOUS WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER AND AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, BUT THE FAILURE WAS UNABLE TO BE REPLICATED. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 07V479000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE CONTACT ALSO RECEIVED NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V071000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PARTS WERE UNAVAILABLE BEYOND A REASONABLE TIME FRAME. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
Air Bags
Filed Mar 16, 2016WI
PASSENGER SEAT AIR BAG SENSOR RECALLED SEVERAL YEARS AGO BY BMW. WAS TOLD THAT I WOULD BE ADVISED WHEN PARTS ARE AVAILABLE. TO DATE BMW HAS NOT MADE THE PARTS AVAILABLE TO THE DEALERSHIPS SO THE PROBLEM CANNOT BE CORRECTED. THIS HAS BEEN CLOSE TO TWO YEARS.
Electrical SystemFire1 injured
Filed Feb 22, 2016120,000 milesCT
MY DRIVERS SIDE SEAT ( CUSHION) CAUGHT ON FIRE WHEN I TURNED ON THE HEATED SEATS. I FIRST SMELLED A BURNING / PLASTIC SMELL. THEN I FELT MY GLUTES AND HAMSTRING GETTING WARM. I LOOKED DOWN ( I WAS DRIVING) AND SAW AN ORANGE EMBER ON THE SEAT. I PULLED OVER AS SOON AS I COULD, HOT OUT OF THE CAR, AND SAW THAT THE SEAT WAS ACTUALLY BURNING. LUCKILY I HAD A BOTTLE OF WATER IN THE CAR AND PUT OUT THE FLAME AND TURNED OFF THE SEAT. I CALLED THE DEALER- GOT A QUOTE TO REPAIR. BMW WILL NOT TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THIS. I HAVE A SMALL BURN ON MY LEG, AND A GOOD SIZE HOLE IN THE SEAT. I LIKE MY HEATED SEATS LIVING IN THE NORTHEAST DURING WINTER MONTHS. VERY DISAPPOINTED THAT BMW REFUSES TO ADDRESS THIS DANGEROUS ISSUE.
Air Bags
Filed Feb 4, 201699,999 milesIL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW X5. AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED, THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG OFF WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. IN ADDITION, THE FAILURE OCCURRED WHEN THE SEAT WAS OCCUPIED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V564000 (AIR BAGS). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 99,999.
Air Bags
Filed Feb 4, 2016FL
PASSENGER AIRBAG IS OFF AND REMAINS OFF WITH A PASSENGER WEARING SEATBELTS, I AM THE NEW OWNER AND IT WAS LIKE THIS WHEN I GOT IT, PREVIOUS OWNER NEVER HAD PASSENGERS SO WASNT AWARE IT WAS NOT WORKING, LOOKED UP RECALL INFO AND THERE IS A RECALL FOR THAT YEAR AND MODEL IS THERE ANYWAY I CAN GET IT FIXED UNDER THE RECALL
Air Bags
Filed Jan 28, 201649,407 milesLA
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW X5. WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, THE AIR BAG LIGHT WOULD ILLUMINATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE AIR BAG DETECTION MAT WAS DEFECTIVE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED APPROXIMATELY 4 1/2 YEARS LATER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V564000 (AIR BAGS). THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED THE SAME FAILURE LISTED IN THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED A SECOND TIME. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 49,407.
Structure › Body
Filed Jan 18, 2016120,000 milesCA
DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY ABOUT 50 MPH, NO VEHICLES NEAR US, NO TREES, NOT EVEN A BRIDGE AROUND US AND WE HEARD LOUD GUNSHOT-TYPE EXPLOSION AND THE SMALL WINDOW TO THE PANORAMIC SUNROOF JUST EXPLODED. THERE WAS NOT AN IMPACT OF ANY KIND FROM THE OUTSIDE. THE GLASS IS BROKE FROM THE INSIDE WITH NO PUNCTURE WHATSOEVER. GLASS IS NOW FALLING AND ALSO BLOWING OFF THE CAR. THE COVER SHADE IS CURRENTLY KEEPING IT FROM COMING IN THE CAR, BUT NOT FOR LONG.
Air Bags
Filed Nov 6, 2015170,000 milesCA
PASSENGER AIR BAG SENSOR DEFECTIVE RELATED TO RECALL 13V564000. DEFECTIVE SENSOR MAT CAUSES AIRBAG TO BE TURNED OFF AT ALL TIMES. CALLED BMW THEY STATED TO TAKE VEHICLE TO DEALERSHIP BEFORE THE END OF 2015. DEALER WOULD NOT HONOR RECALL FOR THIS VEHICLE.
Seats1 injured
Filed Nov 4, 2015125 milesNY
WHILE DRIVING I TURNED ON MY HEATED SEATS AND ABOUT 15 MINUTES LATER MY DRIVERS SIDE SEAT BECAME VERY HOT AND STARTED TO BURN ME. I PULLED OVER ABRUPTLY, JUMPED OUT OF MY CAR AND NOTICED THAT MY PANTS WAS DISCOLORED/BURNED AND MY SEAT WAS BURNED AND HAD A BURN HOLE (ABOUT 3.5 INCHES) IN IT., THE CAR HAD A PLASTIC TYPE BURN SMELL IN IT. I AM TERRIFIED TO TURN ON THE HEATED SEATS AGAIN.
Air Bags
Filed Aug 22, 201592,000 milesNC
THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG OFF WARNING LIGHT CAME ON AND STAYS ON. THE DEALER RESET THE COMPUTER. LIGHT WENT OFF. THE FAILURE RECURRED AGAIN IN A FEW MONTHS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. I WAS INFORMED THAT MY VIN DID NOT MEET THE RECALL FOR REPLACING THE FAILED MAT SENSOR ALTHOUGH OTHER 2006 BMW X5S WERE RECALLED FOR THAT SAME FAILURE. THE WARNING LIGHT IS PRESENTLY ON. I HAVE READ OF MANY EXAMPLES OF THE SAME PROBLEM. THE AGING MAT BECOME BRITTLE AND CRACKS BREAKING THE CIRCUIT. BMW NEEDS TO SEND ME A LETTER AND REPLACE MY PASSENGER SEAT MAT SENSOR FOR FREE BEFORE I HAVE AN ACCIDENT AND THE PASSENGER IS INJURED.
Service Brakes
Filed Jun 20, 2015156,000 milesGA
THE ISSUE IS SPECIFICALLY WITH THE BRAKING SYSTEM. THE CAR DEVELOPED A SUDDEN DANGEROUS LOSS OF BRAKING POWER. ONE MOMENT THE BRAKES WERE WORKING CORRECTLY AND THE NEXT THEY WERE NOT. BMW HAS 2 RECALLS FOR THIS ISSUE BUT FOR UNKNOWN REASONS MY CAR IS NOT INCLUDED IN EITHER RECALL. THE RECALL CAMPAIGNS ARE 10V-446 & 13V-045. THE DESCRIPTION OF THE PROBLEM IS THE FOLLOWING: "THIS RECALL INVOLVES THE POWER ASSIST BRAKING FUNCTION. A SMALL AMOUNT OF OIL COULD LEAK FROM THE BRAKE VACUUM PUMP INTO THE BRAKE VACUUM HOSE. OVER TIME, CONTAMINATION OF THE BRAKE BOOSTER COULD OCCUR. THIS COULD AFFECT THE POWER ASSIST BRAKING FUNCTION. IN CERTAIN CASES, LOSS OF POWER BRAKE ASSIST COULD OCCUR. IF THIS HAPPENED, IT WOULD REQUIRE GREATER BRAKE PEDAL FORCE, INCREASE THE STOPPING DISTANCE, AND INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH. " MY CAR HAS THE EXACT ISSUE AS DESCRIBED IN THE RECALLS. THERE IS NO WARNING LIGHT TO INDICATE THERE ARE ANY ISSUES WITH THE BRAKES. I CALLED BMW NA AND DESCRIBED THE ISSUE TO THEM AND THEY TOLD ME TO TAKE IT TO MY LOCAL BMW DEALERSHIP TO HAVE THE ISSUE DIAGNOSED. THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP DETERMINED MY CAR HAD THE ISSUE AS DETAILED IN BOTH BMW RECALLS. AS INSTRUCTED BY BMW I REPORTED THIS BACK TO THEM AND AFTER SEVERAL WEEKS THEY FOLLOWED UP WITH ME (2/10/15 TO BE EXACT) ONLY TO TELL ME THEY WILL NOT FIX THE ISSUE AS PART OF THE RECALL AND THUS I WOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR IT OUT OF MY OWN POCKET. THIS DECISION WAS MADE DESPITE THE FACT THAT MY CAR MEETS NEARLY ALL PARAMETERS OF TH
Seats
Filed May 15, 2015100,000 milesWA
THE HEATERS IN BOTH THE DRIVER'S AND FRONT PASSENGER SEATS OVERHEATED TO THE POINT THAT IT WAS TOO HOT TO TOUCH AND MELTED THE LEATHER SEATS. WE ARE NOT SURE IF THE HEATERS WERE EVEN ENGAGED AT THE TIME. WE BROUGHT THE CAR TO THE LOCAL BMW SERVICE DEPARTMENT AND WERE DENIED ANY ASSISTANCE OR WARRANTY COVERAGE. WE THEN CALLED THE NATIONAL BMW CUSTOMER SERVICE NUMBER AND WERE ALSO TURNED DOWN. THE COSTS TO FIX THIS VERY DANGEROUS ISSUE WOULD BE CLOSE TO THE VALUE OF THE VEHICLE. WE ARE STILL PURSUING THIS WITH LOCAL MANAGEMENT BUT AT THIS TIME, DESPITE RECALLS IN PREVIOUS YEARS FOR THIS SAME SAFETY PROBLEM, WE HAVE BEEN DENIED ANY ASSISTANCE OR RELIEF.
Visibility › Sun/Moon Roof Assembly
Filed Apr 19, 201570,000 milesWA
REAR SECTION OF MOON ROOF WILL NOT CLOSE SO CAR CAN NOT BE IN RAIN OR WASHED AS IT WILL COME RIGHT INTO CAR. READING ON THE INTERNET I SEE THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM. *TR
Complaints 1-50 of 168, newest first, reproduced as filed.
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: Nov 12, 2013. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.