← New search

2009 BMW X5 Sav

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Limited comparison data

There is not enough comparable history to draw a useful model-year comparison.

About this comparison →

How this year compares

Owner complaints by model year

Other model years Selected year
Compare all X5 Sav years →

Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.

What owners reported most

All reported categories

Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

Limited mileage data: 13 of 19 reports include usable mileage. There isn’t enough coverage to show a useful chart.

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Fuel/propulsion System. Review the 10 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Air Bags. Review the 7 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine. Review the 3 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

0 crash reports1 fire reports0 injury reports

What owners actually said

19 reports
63,000 miles · May 21, 2017
Air BagsFuel/propulsion SystemFire

THIS SUV HAS 3 SAFETY RECALLS. BOTH THE AIRBAGS ARE IN THE TAKATA AND THE FUEL PUMP CREATES AND EXTREME RISK TO ME AND MY FAMILY'S LIFE. I DO NOT UNDERSTAND WHY BMW IS AS A COMPANY IS KEEPING THESE FAULTY CARS ON THE ROAD. EVERY TIME I GET IN IT I AM NERVOUS AND AFRAID FOR MY LIFE. NOW MY WIFE AND KIDS DO NOT DRIVE WITH ME IN TH…

Read full complaint

THIS SUV HAS 3 SAFETY RECALLS. BOTH THE AIRBAGS ARE IN THE TAKATA AND THE FUEL PUMP CREATES AND EXTREME RISK TO ME AND MY FAMILY'S LIFE. I DO NOT UNDERSTAND WHY BMW IS AS A COMPANY IS KEEPING THESE FAULTY CARS ON THE ROAD. EVERY TIME I GET IN IT I AM NERVOUS AND AFRAID FOR MY LIFE. NOW MY WIFE AND KIDS DO NOT DRIVE WITH ME IN THE CAR. IT HAS BECOME A HUGE BURDEN. IT IS SHAMEFUL THAT BMW BUT EVEN MORE SO THAT OUR GOVERNMENT WILL ALLOW THESE UNSAFE CARS ON THE ROADS. EVERY TIME I TALKED TO BMW THEY TRY TO DOWN PLAY THE ISSUE. BUT I SIMPLY CAN'T CONTINUE TO DRIVE THIS CAR AND IT'S UNFAIR TO ME BECAUSE DEALERSHIPS WON'T EVEN TAKE IT DUE TO THE SAFETY RECALLS. I KEEP SMELLING FUMES FROM THE CAR AND I BELIEVE THESE CARS ALSO HAVE ADDITIONAL DEFECTS WITH THE RADIATOR TO ADD TO THE ISSUES ALREADY EXPLAINED ABOVE. TODAY THE CAR STALLED AND I SAW SMOKE FROM THE HOOD. I DON'T KNOW IF IT WAS RELATED TO THE FUEL PUMP SITUATION BUT IT'S SO ANNOYING AND FRUSTRATING THAT BMW IS WAITING FOR PEOPLE TO ACTUALLY DIE BEFORE THEY WILL ADDRESS THESE DEFECTS IN THEIR CARS!!!! UNREAL!

NHTSA ODI #10990827

120,000 miles · Feb 14, 2017
Air BagsFuel/propulsion System

I DID RECEIVED A RECALL LETTER ABOUT MY FRONT DRIVER AIRBAG MODULE IN MARCH 2016 AND IMMEDIATELY CONTACTED BMW OF CAPE COD MASS AND AS A ANSWER THEY SAID THAT THE PART IS NOT AVAILABLE IN THE MOMENT AND I WILL GET SECOND LETTER WHEN IT IS AVAILABLE AND READY FOR REPLACEMENT. IT HAS BEEN ALMOST A YEAR AND THERE IS STILL NO ANSWER…

Read full complaint

I DID RECEIVED A RECALL LETTER ABOUT MY FRONT DRIVER AIRBAG MODULE IN MARCH 2016 AND IMMEDIATELY CONTACTED BMW OF CAPE COD MASS AND AS A ANSWER THEY SAID THAT THE PART IS NOT AVAILABLE IN THE MOMENT AND I WILL GET SECOND LETTER WHEN IT IS AVAILABLE AND READY FOR REPLACEMENT. IT HAS BEEN ALMOST A YEAR AND THERE IS STILL NO ANSWER. NOW I GET SECOND RECALL LETTER ABOUT THE FUEL PUMP IN MY FUEL TANK. I DO TRAVEL EVERY WEEK FROM CAPE COD MASS TO NEW YORK AND THERE IS STRONG SMELL OF GASOLINE IN MY CAR ON LONG DISTANCE TRAVEL, BUT ACCORDING TO BMW CAPE COD I WILL HAVE TO WAIT FOR THE PART TO BE AVAILABLE AND JUST NEED TO GET USED TO THE SMELL. I TRY TO CALL AND ASK TO ORDER THE PARTS THAT NEED TO BE REPLACED FROM THE RECALL LETTERS AND FROM THE PARTS DEPARTMENT REPLIED THAT THEY CAN GET THE PARTS IN A DAY OR TWO AS LONG AS I AM BUYING IT AS A REGULAR CUSTOMER, BUT AS SOON AS I TRY TO GET THE PARTS REPLACED AS A RECALL I GET A ANSWER THAT THE PARTS ARE NOT AVAILABLE AT THE MOMENT. WHEN I CONTACT BMW OF CAPE COD MASS THE ONLY THING I GET IS THAT I HAVE TO WAIT FOR ANOTHER LETTER - I HAVE NEVER BEEN ASKED FOR MY NAME, CAR VIN OR ANY OTHER INFO, AND LOOKS LIKE THERE IS NOT INTEND THIS RECALL TO BE FIXED. I AM CONCERNED ABOUT MY SAFETY AND WOULD LIKE THIS TO BE FIXED UP. THANK YOU.

NHTSA ODI #10954603

Mileage unknown · Nov 15, 2016
Air BagsFuel/propulsion System

I RECEIVED 2 RECALL NOTICES REGARDING THIS CAR; THE AIR BAG RECALL WAS ISSUED ON 2/5/2016 AND THE FUEL PUMP RECALL WAS ISSUED ON 10/13/2016. NO ONE REPRESENTING BMW HAS CONTACTED ME YET TO HAVE THESE POTENTIALLY LIFE-THREATENING ISSUES RESOLVED. I FEEL THAT BMW SHOULD ESCALATE THEIR RECALL RESOLUTION PROCESS TO FIXING THESE RECA…

Read full complaint

I RECEIVED 2 RECALL NOTICES REGARDING THIS CAR; THE AIR BAG RECALL WAS ISSUED ON 2/5/2016 AND THE FUEL PUMP RECALL WAS ISSUED ON 10/13/2016. NO ONE REPRESENTING BMW HAS CONTACTED ME YET TO HAVE THESE POTENTIALLY LIFE-THREATENING ISSUES RESOLVED. I FEEL THAT BMW SHOULD ESCALATE THEIR RECALL RESOLUTION PROCESS TO FIXING THESE RECALLS WITHIN WEEKS, NOT MONTHS. IT HAS BEEN TOO LONG TO WAIT - ESPECIALLY CONSIDERING I AM ONE HEAD-ON CRASH AWAY FROM BEING KILLED BY FLYING SHRAPNEL FROM THE AIR BAG, OR HAVING MY CAR SEIZE SUDDENLY AT 65 MPH BECAUSE THE FUEL PUMP STOPPED WORKING. THESE RECALLS ARE NOT COSMETIC - THEY'RE VERY SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUES AND NEED QUICK RESOLUTION.

NHTSA ODI #10926146

Mileage unknown · Oct 7, 2016
Air Bags

TAKATA RECALL. I RECEIVED A LETTER FROM BMW INDICATING THE RECALL EARLY THIS YEAR. HOWEVER, BMW DOES NOT HAVE THE PARTS EVEN AFTER SEVERAL MONTHS (EVEN AFTER MULTIPLE REQUESTS AT THE DEALERSHIP, INCLUDING ONE TODAY AT ORANGE COUNTY BMW IN HARRIMAN, NY) . MY OTHER VEHICLE (ACURA RL 2009 MODEL), WHICH WAS ALSO AFFECTED BY THE SAME…

Read full complaint

TAKATA RECALL. I RECEIVED A LETTER FROM BMW INDICATING THE RECALL EARLY THIS YEAR. HOWEVER, BMW DOES NOT HAVE THE PARTS EVEN AFTER SEVERAL MONTHS (EVEN AFTER MULTIPLE REQUESTS AT THE DEALERSHIP, INCLUDING ONE TODAY AT ORANGE COUNTY BMW IN HARRIMAN, NY) . MY OTHER VEHICLE (ACURA RL 2009 MODEL), WHICH WAS ALSO AFFECTED BY THE SAME RECALL, WAS REPLACED WITH NEW AIRBAG ABOUT 3 MONTHS AGO. WHY IS BMW TAKING THIS MUCH TIME TO REPLACE SUCH A DANGEROUS FAULTY PART?

NHTSA ODI #10914510

Mileage unknown · Sep 28, 2016
Air Bags

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 BMW X5 SAV. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V071000 (AIR BAGS) AND STATED THAT THE PART NEEDED WAS UNAVAILABLE TO PERFORM THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. THE VIN WAS INVALID. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DIS…

Read full complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 BMW X5 SAV. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V071000 (AIR BAGS) AND STATED THAT THE PART NEEDED WAS UNAVAILABLE TO PERFORM THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. THE VIN WAS INVALID. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT. UPDATED 01/05/17*LJ

NHTSA ODI #10910160

60,000 miles · Dec 2, 2014
Air Bags

MY 2009 BMW X5 HAS THE PASANGER AIRBAG DISABLED LIGHT ON AND MALFUNCTION IN THE PASANGER RESTRAINT SYSTEM MALFUNCTION LIGHT ON. FOR THE PAST FEW MONTHS. I CALLED BMW OF NORTH AMERICA AND WAS TOLD THEY HAVE A RECALL ON THIS SPECIFIC PROBLEM BUT MY VIN DOESN'T SHOW THIS AS AN AFFECTED CAR. SO THEY WILL NOT FIX THIS. EVEN THOUGH TH…

Read full complaint

MY 2009 BMW X5 HAS THE PASANGER AIRBAG DISABLED LIGHT ON AND MALFUNCTION IN THE PASANGER RESTRAINT SYSTEM MALFUNCTION LIGHT ON. FOR THE PAST FEW MONTHS. I CALLED BMW OF NORTH AMERICA AND WAS TOLD THEY HAVE A RECALL ON THIS SPECIFIC PROBLEM BUT MY VIN DOESN'T SHOW THIS AS AN AFFECTED CAR. SO THEY WILL NOT FIX THIS. EVEN THOUGH THE PASANGER AIR BAG WILL NOT DEPLOY IN AN ACCIDENT DUE TO THE FAULTY SEAT SENSOR THAT THEY HAVE A RECALL ON. I REFERENCED THE NHTSA CAMPAIGN # 08V-384 BUT WAS STILL INFORMED ONLY SPECIFIC VIN NUMBERS ARE AFFECTED AND THEY WON'T ELABORATE ON HOW THEY CAME ABOUT WITH THE SPECIFIC CRITERIA. *JS

NHTSA ODI #10661646

81,014 miles · Nov 22, 2014
Exterior LightingService Brakes

OCTOBER 16, 2014 I STARTED UP MY 2009 BMW X5 4.8I SAV AND THE LEFT BRAKE LAMP MALFUNCTION ALERT CAME ON, AS WELL AS, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT. I HAD A FRIEND CHECK TO CONFIRM THE BRAKE LIGHTS COULD STILL BE SEEN BEFORE DRIVING OFF. I WAS ABLE TO TAKE THE SAV TO THE BMW DEALER ON OCTOBER 22, 2014. THE DEALER STATES "BOTH REAR TAIL …

Read full complaint

OCTOBER 16, 2014 I STARTED UP MY 2009 BMW X5 4.8I SAV AND THE LEFT BRAKE LAMP MALFUNCTION ALERT CAME ON, AS WELL AS, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT. I HAD A FRIEND CHECK TO CONFIRM THE BRAKE LIGHTS COULD STILL BE SEEN BEFORE DRIVING OFF. I WAS ABLE TO TAKE THE SAV TO THE BMW DEALER ON OCTOBER 22, 2014. THE DEALER STATES "BOTH REAR TAIL LIGHT LENSES ASSEMBLIES REQUIRE REPLACEMENT. THE BRAKE LIGHT BULBS CONTACTS BURNED, MELTING LENSES CAUSING INTERMITTENTLY BRAKE LIGHTS INOPERABLE." I STATED THIS SOUNDS LIKE A RECALL BUT INSTEAD THEY OFFER TO SERVICE BODY REPAIRS ON THE TAIL LIGHTS FOR A COST OF $600+. I CALLED BMWUSA REGARDING THIS, HOWEVER, THERE WAS NO RECORD OF A RECALL FOR MY SAV. I ASKED ABOUT THE RECALL FOR 134,100 MODEL YEAR 2008 -2010 528I, 535I, 550I, AND M5 PASSENGER CARS MANUFACTURED FROM MARCH 1, 2007 - DECEMBER 31, 2009 THAT WAS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING OCTOBER 2013 SINCE THE X5 IS BASED OFF OF THE 5 SERIES BUT I WAS TOLD AGAIN, THERE WAS NO RECALL FOR MY SAV. THIS ISSUE REDUCES THE ABILITY TO WARN OTHER MOTORISTS OF MY INTENTIONS (BRAKING, TURN SIGNAL, REVERSING), INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH. I BELIEVE THE DEALER SHOULD REPLACE THE REAR LAMP BULB CARRIERS FREE OF CHARGE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10660185

60,000 miles · Nov 26, 2013
Fuel/propulsion System

SINCE JULY 2013 I'M HAVING PROBLEM WITH MY 2009 BMW X5 WHERE THERE IS RAW FUEL SMELL INSIDE OF THE CAR CABIN, I HAVE TAKEN MY CAR TO BMW DEALERSHIP MANY TIMES, THE DEALERSHIP SAYS IT'S THE VAPOR RECOVERY SYSTEM, BUT THE BMW REP. SHOWS UP AND SAYS IF IT WAS THE VAPOR RECOVERY SYSTEM ENGINE CHECK LIGHT WOULD GO ON AND HE DOES NOT …

Read full complaint

SINCE JULY 2013 I'M HAVING PROBLEM WITH MY 2009 BMW X5 WHERE THERE IS RAW FUEL SMELL INSIDE OF THE CAR CABIN, I HAVE TAKEN MY CAR TO BMW DEALERSHIP MANY TIMES, THE DEALERSHIP SAYS IT'S THE VAPOR RECOVERY SYSTEM, BUT THE BMW REP. SHOWS UP AND SAYS IF IT WAS THE VAPOR RECOVERY SYSTEM ENGINE CHECK LIGHT WOULD GO ON AND HE DOES NOT LET THE DEALERSHIP TO CHANGE THE VAPOR RECOVERY SYSTEM FOR $1100 WHICH IS COVERED UNDER MY BMW WARRANTY, I HAVE FOUND THAT ON 2007 AND 2008 BMW X5 BMW NORTH AMERICA ALREADY DID A RECALL ON THE VAPOR RECOVERY SYSTEM AND REPLACED THEM, BUT THEY ARE REFUSING TO FIX MY PROBLEM AND ME AND MY SMALL KIDS ARE GETTING SICK DRIVING THIS CAR BECAUSE OF THE RAW FUEL SMELL. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10553930

39,000 miles · Mar 11, 2013
EngineFuel/propulsion System

I HAVE A BMW X5 2009. I BOUGHT THIS THING BRAND NEW 0 MILES. RECENTLY HAS 39000 MILES SINCE I BOTH I HAVING ISSUES ALL THE TIME LIKE SATURDAY 2/9/13 AROUND 11:00 PM I WAS RETURNING FROM LOUISIANA WITH MY FAMILY HAVE A 2 YEAR OLD SON & ON I-10 WAS DRIVING 80 MILES AN HOUR AND ENGINE JUST TURN OFF WHILE DRIVING & I WAS PULL OVER…

Read full complaint

I HAVE A BMW X5 2009. I BOUGHT THIS THING BRAND NEW 0 MILES. RECENTLY HAS 39000 MILES SINCE I BOTH I HAVING ISSUES ALL THE TIME LIKE SATURDAY 2/9/13 AROUND 11:00 PM I WAS RETURNING FROM LOUISIANA WITH MY FAMILY HAVE A 2 YEAR OLD SON & ON I-10 WAS DRIVING 80 MILES AN HOUR AND ENGINE JUST TURN OFF WHILE DRIVING & I WAS PULL OVER ONCE I STOP CAR TRYING RESTART AND JUST DON'T RESTART AND FINALLY EVERY THING DEAD NO POWER JUST DEAD. BATTERY DIE CALL ROAD SIDE ASSISTANT AND THEY SEND SOME THRU COMPANY HE TOLD ME PUT CAR ON NEUTRAL I DON'T KNOW HOW TO PUT ON NEUTRAL BECAUSE I CANT PUT NEUTRAL BEC. EVERYTHING WAS OFF LIKE NO POWER SO I CANT DO IT & HE CANT DO IT I CALL BMW ROAD SIDE ASSISTANT I ASKING HELP ME TO PUT ON NEUTRAL HE SAY HE DON'T KNOW HOW TO DO? JUST DOESN'T MAKE ANY THING BMW ROAD SIDE ASSISTANT DON'T KNOW.... COULD GOT KILL ON ROAD WITH FAMILY. PURCHASE THIS X5 $65000.. NOT EXPECTING THIS KIND ISSUES JUST NOT HAPPY 0: ENGINE TURN OFF ON ROAD (JAN 9 2013) 1: AIR BLOWER FOR AC PROBLEM (REPLACES) JAN 2010 2: SUNROOF NOT CLOSING 3: NAVIGATION DVD NOT READING SO THEY REPLACE IT.. 4: JAN 31 2013 ENGINE SIGN CAME UP THEY FIX IT.... 5: BMW SYMBOL OUT SIDE AND INSIDE FADE IT ( REPLACE IT) 6: INSIDE DRIVER SIDE HANDLE ON DOOR FADE (REPLACE ) SHOULD I EXPECT THIS KIND PROBLEM ON BMW X5 [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

NHTSA ODI #10502407

Official recalls

4

22V119000 · Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System:emission Control:crankcase (pcv)

Mar 2, 2022

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2013 1 Series Coupe (128i); 2007-2013 3 Series Coupe (328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive); 2007-2010 X3 SAV (X3 3.0si, X3 xDrive30i); 2008-2013 1 Series Convertible (128i); 2006-2011 3 Series Sedan (325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 330i, 330xi); 2006-2012 3 Series Wagon (328i, 328i xDrive); 2007-2013 3 Series Convertible (328i); 2006-2010 5 Series Sedan (525i, 525xi, 528i, 528xi, 530i, 530xi); 2006-2007 5 Series Wagon (530xi); 2007-2010 X5 SAV (X5 3.0si, X5 xDrive30i); 2006-2008 Z4 Coupe (Z4 3.0si); and 2006-2011 Z4 Roadster (Z4 3.0i, Z4 3.0si, Z4 sDrive30i) vehicles. The heater for the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve may short circuit.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: An electrical short can cause the PCV valve heater to overheat, increasing the risk of a fire while driving or, soon after driving when parked.

Remedy: This recall supersedes and expands previous NHTSA recalls 17V-683 and 19V-273. Dealers will install an electrical wiring harness with fuse protection for the PCV Valve heater in potentially affected vehicles, free of charge. This recall supersedes and expands previous NHTSA recalls 17V-683 and 19V-273. Vehicles previously repaired under the prior recalls will need to come back for the new recall remedy. The remedy is currently being developed. Interim owner notification letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed on April 1, 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 22, 2022. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

16V071000 · Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module

Feb 5, 2016

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2008-2013 128i and 135i coupes and convertibles and 1 Series M coupes, 2006-2011 325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi, 335i xDrive Sedans, 2009-2011 335d sedans, 2006-2012 325xiT, 328i and 328xi sports wagons, 2007-2013 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 335i, 335xi, 335i xDrive, 335is and M3 Coupes and Convertibles, 2013-2015 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i and X1 xDrive35i SAVs, 2007-2010 X3 xDrive30i SAVs, 2007-2013 X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i and X5 M SAVs, 2009-2013 BMW X5 xDrive35d SAVs, 2008-2014 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i, and X6 M SACs, 2010-2011 BMW X6 xDrive50i SACs and 2008-2011 M3 Sedan vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag module or inflator depending on the vehicle model, free of charge. The recall began March 9, 2018. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

13V045000 · Service Brakes; Service Brakes, Hydraulic:power Assist

Feb 7, 2013

BMW is recalling certain model year 2007-2010 X5 SAV vehicles, manufactured September 12, 2006, through March 18, 2010 and equipped with an 8-cylinder engine. The brake vacuum pump may leak a small amount of lubricating oil into the hose. The contamination could result in a loss of power assist braking.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: The loss of power assist in braking could increase stopping distance and lead to a vehicle crash.

Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake vacuum line with one that contains a check valve, free of charge. The recall began during March 2013. Owners may call BMW at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Service Brakes

BMW is recalling certain model year 2007-2010 X5 SAV vehicles, manufactured September 12, 2006, through March 18, 2010 and equipped with an 8-cylinder engine. The brake vacuum pump may leak a small amount of lubricating oil into the hose. The contamination could result in a loss of power assist braking.

Consequence: The loss of power assist in braking could increase stopping distance and lead to a vehicle crash.

Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake vacuum line with one that contains a check valve, free of charge. The recall began during March 2013. Owners may call BMW at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:power Assist

BMW is recalling certain model year 2007-2010 X5 SAV vehicles, manufactured September 12, 2006, through March 18, 2010 and equipped with an 8-cylinder engine. The brake vacuum pump may leak a small amount of lubricating oil into the hose. The contamination could result in a loss of power assist braking.

Consequence: The loss of power assist in braking could increase stopping distance and lead to a vehicle crash.

Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake vacuum line with one that contains a check valve, free of charge. The recall began during March 2013. Owners may call BMW at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.

12V550000 · Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:diesel; Steering:hydraulic Power Assist System

Nov 27, 2012

BMW is recalling certain model year 2009-2012 X5 xDrive 35d SAV diesel vehicles manufactured September 1, 2008, through November 15, 2012. The engine belt idler pulley bolt could loosen and break over time.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If the engine belt idler pulley bolt breaks, the vehicle may unexpectedly lose power-assisted steering, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace and tighten the idler pulley bolt. The recall began on January 15, 2013. Owners may call BMW at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:diesel

BMW is recalling certain model year 2009-2012 X5 xDrive 35d SAV diesel vehicles manufactured September 1, 2008, through November 15, 2012. The engine belt idler pulley bolt could loosen and break over time.

Consequence: If the engine belt idler pulley bolt breaks, the vehicle may unexpectedly lose power-assisted steering, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace and tighten the idler pulley bolt. The recall began on January 15, 2013. Owners may call BMW at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.

Steering:hydraulic Power Assist System

BMW is recalling certain model year 2009-2012 X5 xDrive 35d SAV diesel vehicles manufactured September 1, 2008, through November 15, 2012. The engine belt idler pulley bolt could loosen and break over time.

Consequence: If the engine belt idler pulley bolt breaks, the vehicle may unexpectedly lose power-assisted steering, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace and tighten the idler pulley bolt. The recall began on January 15, 2013. Owners may call BMW at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

2

EA21002 · Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture

Opened Sep 17, 2021 · No close date supplied

Status: open (inferred from source dates) · Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module; Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module

From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.Consequently, all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a substance that traps and holds moisture) in US vehicles are under recall. These "non-desiccated" inflators either have been or are required to be replaced.In some cases, the remedy part for these recalled inflators was, or will be, an inflator using either propellant 2004 or 2004L that does contain a desiccant. None of these "desiccated" remedy parts (which were installed in older model year vehicles) are currently under recall for a degradation concern. Certain subsets of desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004 for use as original equipment, however, have been recalled for a degradation concern. All Takata inflators produced with propellant 2004L contain desiccant, and none of these desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L are under recall for a degradation concern. There have been no reported field ruptures in any non-recalled desiccated PSAN inflators.It is understood that desiccants fully saturate at some threshold, at which point any additional moisture will not be captured. This means the degradation process observed in non-desiccated inflators using propellant 2004 may also occur in non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004, assuming additional moisture enters the inflator and high temperature cycling occurs. Based on available information, desiccant saturation can occur within the first five years in the worst environments, and the time required for full saturation is affected by multiple factors. While no present safety risk has been identified, further work is needed to evaluate the future risk of non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004.Three entities -- Takata (now known as TK Global), the Independent Testing Coalition, and Exponent -- have been studying the long-term behavior of Takata desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004L (as well as 2004) in the presence of moisture and temperature cycling. The research efforts, which include development of predictive modeling techniques and field sample analysis, are ongoing. To date, none of the researchers have identified field evidence showing that propellant 2004L is undergoing a degradation process that leads to aggressive deployment and potential rupture. However, the time in service of such inflators remains short compared to that of the inflators using propellant 2004. Further study is needed to assess the long-term safety of desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L.The Office of Defects Investigation is opening this investigation to examine whether a safety defect related to propellant degradation exists in non-recalled desiccated PSAN frontal inflators manufactured by Takata. This investigation will require extensive information on Takata production processes and surveys of inflators in the field. Lists of recall actions that may have used desiccated PSAN inflators as remedy parts, as well as the makes and models originally manufactured with them, is available with the downloadable version of this document (see nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=EA21002 -- note this information is subject to change/revision as the investigation proceeds). This investigation does not supersede EA15-001, which remains open.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module

From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.Consequently, all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a substance that traps and holds moisture) in US vehicles are under recall. These "non-desiccated" inflators either have been or are required to be replaced.In some cases, the remedy part for these recalled inflators was, or will be, an inflator using either propellant 2004 or 2004L that does contain a desiccant. None of these "desiccated" remedy parts (which were installed in older model year vehicles) are currently under recall for a degradation concern. Certain subsets of desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004 for use as original equipment, however, have been recalled for a degradation concern. All Takata inflators produced with propellant 2004L contain desiccant, and none of these desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L are under recall for a degradation concern. There have been no reported field ruptures in any non-recalled desiccated PSAN inflators.It is understood that desiccants fully saturate at some threshold, at which point any additional moisture will not be captured. This means the degradation process observed in non-desiccated inflators using propellant 2004 may also occur in non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004, assuming additional moisture enters the inflator and high temperature cycling occurs. Based on available information, desiccant saturation can occur within the first five years in the worst environments, and the time required for full saturation is affected by multiple factors. While no present safety risk has been identified, further work is needed to evaluate the future risk of non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004.Three entities -- Takata (now known as TK Global), the Independent Testing Coalition, and Exponent -- have been studying the long-term behavior of Takata desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004L (as well as 2004) in the presence of moisture and temperature cycling. The research efforts, which include development of predictive modeling techniques and field sample analysis, are ongoing. To date, none of the researchers have identified field evidence showing that propellant 2004L is undergoing a degradation process that leads to aggressive deployment and potential rupture. However, the time in service of such inflators remains short compared to that of the inflators using propellant 2004. Further study is needed to assess the long-term safety of desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L.The Office of Defects Investigation is opening this investigation to examine whether a safety defect related to propellant degradation exists in non-recalled desiccated PSAN frontal inflators manufactured by Takata. This investigation will require extensive information on Takata production processes and surveys of inflators in the field. Lists of recall actions that may have used desiccated PSAN inflators as remedy parts, as well as the makes and models originally manufactured with them, is available with the downloadable version of this document (see nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=EA21002 -- note this information is subject to change/revision as the investigation proceeds). This investigation does not supersede EA15-001, which remains open.

Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module

From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.Consequently, all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a substance that traps and holds moisture) in US vehicles are under recall. These "non-desiccated" inflators either have been or are required to be replaced.In some cases, the remedy part for these recalled inflators was, or will be, an inflator using either propellant 2004 or 2004L that does contain a desiccant. None of these "desiccated" remedy parts (which were installed in older model year vehicles) are currently under recall for a degradation concern. Certain subsets of desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004 for use as original equipment, however, have been recalled for a degradation concern. All Takata inflators produced with propellant 2004L contain desiccant, and none of these desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L are under recall for a degradation concern. There have been no reported field ruptures in any non-recalled desiccated PSAN inflators.It is understood that desiccants fully saturate at some threshold, at which point any additional moisture will not be captured. This means the degradation process observed in non-desiccated inflators using propellant 2004 may also occur in non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004, assuming additional moisture enters the inflator and high temperature cycling occurs. Based on available information, desiccant saturation can occur within the first five years in the worst environments, and the time required for full saturation is affected by multiple factors. While no present safety risk has been identified, further work is needed to evaluate the future risk of non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004.Three entities -- Takata (now known as TK Global), the Independent Testing Coalition, and Exponent -- have been studying the long-term behavior of Takata desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004L (as well as 2004) in the presence of moisture and temperature cycling. The research efforts, which include development of predictive modeling techniques and field sample analysis, are ongoing. To date, none of the researchers have identified field evidence showing that propellant 2004L is undergoing a degradation process that leads to aggressive deployment and potential rupture. However, the time in service of such inflators remains short compared to that of the inflators using propellant 2004. Further study is needed to assess the long-term safety of desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L.The Office of Defects Investigation is opening this investigation to examine whether a safety defect related to propellant degradation exists in non-recalled desiccated PSAN frontal inflators manufactured by Takata. This investigation will require extensive information on Takata production processes and surveys of inflators in the field. Lists of recall actions that may have used desiccated PSAN inflators as remedy parts, as well as the makes and models originally manufactured with them, is available with the downloadable version of this document (see nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=EA21002 -- note this information is subject to change/revision as the investigation proceeds). This investigation does not supersede EA15-001, which remains open.

RQ18001 · Idler Pulley Bolt Failure

Opened Apr 18, 2018 · Closed Dec 1, 2018

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Steering; Steering:hydraulic Power Assist System; Steering:hydraulic Power Assist:hose, Piping, And Connections

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, 2008 through November 15, 2012. BMW's analysis indicates that due to a number of contributing factors it is possible that the bolt's pre-stressing force could drop to an extent that it results in the bolt becoming loosened over time. A loosening of the bolt could cause additional bending stress on top of the bolt. As a result, the bolt could break. If this were to happen, then a sudden loss of power steering assist could occur.If there were a loss of power steering assist, manual steering capability would be retained, although the effort required to steer the vehicle would be greater, and therefore may increase the risk of crash.ODI's analysis of the complaints it has received from the public (VOQ's) and BMW complaint data submitted in response to the information request letter for RQ18-001 identified a total of 93 unique VIN reports alleging failure of the idler pulley bolt after recall 12V-550 was completed on the vehicle, including 31 VOQ's and 72 BMW consumer complaints (5 complaints received by NHTSA and BMW, 3 unique VIN's submitted multiple complaints to BMW, and 1 unique VIN submitted multiple complaints to NHTSA).BMW is developing a new idler pulley fastening system as the remedy for 18V-336.The remedy is planned to begin in February 2019.Based on BMW's safety recall, this recall query is closed.The 31 VOQ's referenced in this resume are: 10499780, 10559422, 10579534, 10655424, 10661614, 10702323, 10819617, 10903433, 10948014, 10984353, 11002447, 11010667, 11013643, 11041551, 11054759, 11054909, 11066063, 11083479, 11097562, 11098865, 11113332, 11128649, 11130277, 10552773, 10817406, 10937632, 10956710, 11032006, 11042259, 11063010, 11091513.

Additional source detail variants (3)

Steering

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, 2008 through November 15, 2012. BMW's analysis indicates that due to a number of contributing factors it is possible that the bolt's pre-stressing force could drop to an extent that it results in the bolt becoming loosened over time. A loosening of the bolt could cause additional bending stress on top of the bolt. As a result, the bolt could break. If this were to happen, then a sudden loss of power steering assist could occur.If there were a loss of power steering assist, manual steering capability would be retained, although the effort required to steer the vehicle would be greater, and therefore may increase the risk of crash.ODI's analysis of the complaints it has received from the public (VOQ's) and BMW complaint data submitted in response to the information request letter for RQ18-001 identified a total of 93 unique VIN reports alleging failure of the idler pulley bolt after recall 12V-550 was completed on the vehicle, including 31 VOQ's and 72 BMW consumer complaints (5 complaints received by NHTSA and BMW, 3 unique VIN's submitted multiple complaints to BMW, and 1 unique VIN submitted multiple complaints to NHTSA).BMW is developing a new idler pulley fastening system as the remedy for 18V-336.The remedy is planned to begin in February 2019.Based on BMW's safety recall, this recall query is closed.The 31 VOQ's referenced in this resume are: 10499780, 10559422, 10579534, 10655424, 10661614, 10702323, 10819617, 10903433, 10948014, 10984353, 11002447, 11010667, 11013643, 11041551, 11054759, 11054909, 11066063, 11083479, 11097562, 11098865, 11113332, 11128649, 11130277, 10552773, 10817406, 10937632, 10956710, 11032006, 11042259, 11063010, 11091513.

Steering:hydraulic Power Assist:hose, Piping, And Connections

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, 2008 through November 15, 2012. BMW's analysis indicates that due to a number of contributing factors it is possible that the bolt's pre-stressing force could drop to an extent that it results in the bolt becoming loosened over time. A loosening of the bolt could cause additional bending stress on top of the bolt. As a result, the bolt could break. If this were to happen, then a sudden loss of power steering assist could occur.If there were a loss of power steering assist, manual steering capability would be retained, although the effort required to steer the vehicle would be greater, and therefore may increase the risk of crash.ODI's analysis of the complaints it has received from the public (VOQ's) and BMW complaint data submitted in response to the information request letter for RQ18-001 identified a total of 93 unique VIN reports alleging failure of the idler pulley bolt after recall 12V-550 was completed on the vehicle, including 31 VOQ's and 72 BMW consumer complaints (5 complaints received by NHTSA and BMW, 3 unique VIN's submitted multiple complaints to BMW, and 1 unique VIN submitted multiple complaints to NHTSA).BMW is developing a new idler pulley fastening system as the remedy for 18V-336.The remedy is planned to begin in February 2019.Based on BMW's safety recall, this recall query is closed.The 31 VOQ's referenced in this resume are: 10499780, 10559422, 10579534, 10655424, 10661614, 10702323, 10819617, 10903433, 10948014, 10984353, 11002447, 11010667, 11013643, 11041551, 11054759, 11054909, 11066063, 11083479, 11097562, 11098865, 11113332, 11128649, 11130277, 10552773, 10817406, 10937632, 10956710, 11032006, 11042259, 11063010, 11091513.

Steering:hydraulic Power Assist System

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, 2008 through November 15, 2012. BMW's analysis indicates that due to a number of contributing factors it is possible that the bolt's pre-stressing force could drop to an extent that it results in the bolt becoming loosened over time. A loosening of the bolt could cause additional bending stress on top of the bolt. As a result, the bolt could break. If this were to happen, then a sudden loss of power steering assist could occur.If there were a loss of power steering assist, manual steering capability would be retained, although the effort required to steer the vehicle would be greater, and therefore may increase the risk of crash.ODI's analysis of the complaints it has received from the public (VOQ's) and BMW complaint data submitted in response to the information request letter for RQ18-001 identified a total of 93 unique VIN reports alleging failure of the idler pulley bolt after recall 12V-550 was completed on the vehicle, including 31 VOQ's and 72 BMW consumer complaints (5 complaints received by NHTSA and BMW, 3 unique VIN's submitted multiple complaints to BMW, and 1 unique VIN submitted multiple complaints to NHTSA).BMW is developing a new idler pulley fastening system as the remedy for 18V-336.The remedy is planned to begin in February 2019.Based on BMW's safety recall, this recall query is closed.The 31 VOQ's referenced in this resume are: 10499780, 10559422, 10579534, 10655424, 10661614, 10702323, 10819617, 10903433, 10948014, 10984353, 11002447, 11010667, 11013643, 11041551, 11054759, 11054909, 11066063, 11083479, 11097562, 11098865, 11113332, 11128649, 11130277, 10552773, 10817406, 10937632, 10956710, 11032006, 11042259, 11063010, 11091513.