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2010 BMW X5 Sav

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Limited comparison data

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

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How this year compares

Owner complaints by model year

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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: 14 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.

  • Engine. Review the 8 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Air Bags. Review the 4 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Fuel/propulsion System. Review the 4 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
62,000 miles · Jan 26, 2016
Power Train

WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY AT 100 KM / H WHEN THREE HIGH POP ARRIVAL. WENT OUT TO EDGE. THERE WAS OIL ON THE ROAD. I GOT A TOW TRUCK AND MOVED THE CAR TO THE WORKSHOP. IT FOUND THAT OUT THE DRIVE SHAFT HAD GIVEN HIM. IT ENTERED AND BROKE THE OIL PAN OF THE MACHINE. I'VE SEEN MANY POSTS ABOUT THIS PROBLEM BUT MY CAR IS NOT UNDER …

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WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY AT 100 KM / H WHEN THREE HIGH POP ARRIVAL. WENT OUT TO EDGE. THERE WAS OIL ON THE ROAD. I GOT A TOW TRUCK AND MOVED THE CAR TO THE WORKSHOP. IT FOUND THAT OUT THE DRIVE SHAFT HAD GIVEN HIM. IT ENTERED AND BROKE THE OIL PAN OF THE MACHINE. I'VE SEEN MANY POSTS ABOUT THIS PROBLEM BUT MY CAR IS NOT UNDER WARRANTY. BUT I SEE MANY BMW OWNERS AROUND THE WORLD HAVE RECEIVED THIS REPAIR OF BMW. THIS IS A VERY EXPENSIVE REPAIR.

NHTSA ODI #10822416

79,000 miles · Oct 6, 2015
Engine

BMW X5 DIESEL. MY CAR HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP FOR A WEEK. BMW WILL NOT REPLACE A PART THAT WAS PART OF A VOLUNTARY RECALL. THIS IS THE SECOND TIME. SCR METERING VALVE - SERVICE ACTION: REPLACE THE SELECTIVE CATALYST REDUCTION (SCR) METERING UNIT. SI B18 04 12 EXHAUST SYSTEMS

NHTSA ODI #10780096

36,000 miles · Jun 7, 2015
Engine

ON THREE SEPARATE OCCASIONS MY BMW X5 HAS LOST ENGINE POWER ON THE HIGHWAY. IT HAS HAPPENED AFTER DRIVING A FEW HOURS. THE ENGINE SUDDENLY LOSES POWER. THE LAST TIME IT HAPPENED THE TRANSMISSION PROBLEM LIGHT WENT ON. OUR CAR HAS NOW BEEN AT THE FRESNO BMW DEALERSHIP FOR ONE MONTH. NOTHING HAS BEEN FIXED AND WE ARE NOT GETTING A…

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ON THREE SEPARATE OCCASIONS MY BMW X5 HAS LOST ENGINE POWER ON THE HIGHWAY. IT HAS HAPPENED AFTER DRIVING A FEW HOURS. THE ENGINE SUDDENLY LOSES POWER. THE LAST TIME IT HAPPENED THE TRANSMISSION PROBLEM LIGHT WENT ON. OUR CAR HAS NOW BEEN AT THE FRESNO BMW DEALERSHIP FOR ONE MONTH. NOTHING HAS BEEN FIXED AND WE ARE NOT GETTING ANY INFORMATION FROM THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT. THIS CAR IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE.

NHTSA ODI #10723867

Mileage unknown · Apr 22, 2015
Engine

2010 BMW X5 DIESEL SERVICE DATE SERVICE ISSUE 7/5/10 PROGRAMMING CONTROL UNITS REPLACING CHARGE-AIR TEMPERATURE SENSOR 7/24/12 CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON 10/10/12 CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON - CAR FAILED SUNOCO EMISSIONS INSPECTION 3X. BROUGHT THE CAR TO BMW TO FIGURE OUT WHY. BMW STERLING PASSED IT. NO REASON ANSWER PRO…

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2010 BMW X5 DIESEL SERVICE DATE SERVICE ISSUE 7/5/10 PROGRAMMING CONTROL UNITS REPLACING CHARGE-AIR TEMPERATURE SENSOR 7/24/12 CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON 10/10/12 CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON - CAR FAILED SUNOCO EMISSIONS INSPECTION 3X. BROUGHT THE CAR TO BMW TO FIGURE OUT WHY. BMW STERLING PASSED IT. NO REASON ANSWER PROVIDED FOR EMISSIONS FAILURE 1/11/13 CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS ON 2/5/13 CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS ON 8/21/13 CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS ON 11/28/14 CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS ON 1/28/15 CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON SERVICE BULLETINS AND VOLUNTARY RECALLS: ONE IN PARTICULAR: SI B18 05 12 EXHAUST SYSTEMS NHTSA ACTION NUMBER 10045284 AND 10054008. THERE ARE SEVERAL OTHER SB'S THAT RELATE, AS WELL. EGR, SCR CATS, O2 SENSORS, AIRFLOW,CHARGE AIR TEMP, INTAKE TEMP SENSOR, SOFTWARE, ETC, ETC...ALL OF IT CENTERS AROUND THE CONTROL AND BALANCE OF EMISSIONS CONTROL. THE PROBLEM HAS BEEN IGNORED BY BMW, FOR FAR TOO LONG. JAN. 2014 REPAIRS: 1. PERFORM CARBON CLEANING AND REPLACE INTAKE MANIFOLD 2. CARBON SCRAPE, EGR AND MANIFOLD R&R (2ND TIME EGR REPLACED) 4. BM11-12-7-796-378 PROFILE-GASKET 5. BM13-53-7-794-553 O-RING 6. BM13-53-7-787-236 O-RING 7. BM13-53-2-247-156 GASKET RING 8. BM11-61-8-519-140 INTAKE MANIFOLD WITH 9. BM11-71-8-517-217 EGR-VALVE 10. INJECTORS 11. CATALYTIC CONVERTER AND NOX SENSORS WERE NOT REPLACED AT THIS TIME, BUT SHOULD HAVE BEEN. APRIL 2014 CATALYTIC CONVERTER NEEDS TO BE REPLACED NOW. NOX SENSORS ARE NOT FAILING, BUT NEED TO BE REPLACED BECAUSE THEY ARE UNDERPERFORMING. NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY, EVEN THOUGH THEY WERE REPLACED ONCE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10712272

48,009 miles · Mar 28, 2015
Electrical SystemEngineSteering

I HAD THIS PROBLEM WITH MY 2010 BMW X5 35D BREAKDOWN. IT SAID THE CHARGING MALFUNCTION ON THE SCREEN. POWER STEERING WAS LOST. WHEEL STEER WAS HARD TO MANEUVER. HARD TO MOVE. I ALMOST GOT IN AN ACCIDENT. THE BATTERY DIED. EVERYTHING JUST NOT FUNCTION BC OF LOST IN POWER STEERING. WHEN I TOWED MY CAR TO BMW MANHATTAN, THE SERVICE…

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I HAD THIS PROBLEM WITH MY 2010 BMW X5 35D BREAKDOWN. IT SAID THE CHARGING MALFUNCTION ON THE SCREEN. POWER STEERING WAS LOST. WHEEL STEER WAS HARD TO MANEUVER. HARD TO MOVE. I ALMOST GOT IN AN ACCIDENT. THE BATTERY DIED. EVERYTHING JUST NOT FUNCTION BC OF LOST IN POWER STEERING. WHEN I TOWED MY CAR TO BMW MANHATTAN, THE SERVICE ADVISOR TOLD ME THERE WAS NO RECALL FOR MY BMW X5 35 D. SHE TOLD ME THE DEALER WOULD CHARGE ME ABOUT $900 TO REPLACE PULLEY BELT BOLT AND BATTERY AND ETC . I TOLD HER IT'S ONE OF RECALL. AFTER THAT THE SERVICE ADVISOR TOLD ME THAT SHE WILL CALL ME BACK ON THAT WHICH SHE NEVER DID, MY CAR WAS STILL AT BMW MANHATTAN. IT'S BEEN A WEEK IN THE DEALER. I'M STILL WAITING TO KNOW WHAT HAPPEN. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10702323

48,000 miles · Aug 25, 2014
Engine

I WAS DRIVING THE CAR AND I RECEIVED AN OVERHEATING SIGNAL ON THE DASH. I TURN CAR OFF AND LET IT COOL OFF BUT UT DID NOT WOKRD. I KEPT HAVING THE SAME OVERHEATING ISSUED. I NOTICED THERE IS A RECALL BUT BMW X5 2010 TO 2011 FOR THE SAME ISSUED OF THE WATER PUMP. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THE DO NOT WANT TO FIX IT STATING M…

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I WAS DRIVING THE CAR AND I RECEIVED AN OVERHEATING SIGNAL ON THE DASH. I TURN CAR OFF AND LET IT COOL OFF BUT UT DID NOT WOKRD. I KEPT HAVING THE SAME OVERHEATING ISSUED. I NOTICED THERE IS A RECALL BUT BMW X5 2010 TO 2011 FOR THE SAME ISSUED OF THE WATER PUMP. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THE DO NOT WANT TO FIX IT STATING MY CAR IS NOT PART OF THE RECALL. I ARGUED THAT IS THE SAME MAKE, MODEL AND YEAR OF THE RECALL. I WAS TOLD THERE WAS NOTHING HEY CAN DO. I CALLED BMW OF AMERICA AND STATED THE SAME PROBLEM BUT NO HELP. MY CONCERN IS IF THOSE 2010 TO 2011 BMW X5 ARE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM, WHY IS MINE NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL WHEN IS HAS BEEN CLEARLY DIAGNOTIC BY BMW THAT THE WATER PUMP IS THE PROBLEM. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10628176

35,075 miles · Nov 18, 2013
Steering

VEHICLE LOST STEERING CONTROL. ON THE NIGHT OF JULY 12 I WAS MAKING A LEFT TURN AND ALL OF A SUDDEN STEERING BECOME EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO TURN AND EXTREMELY STIFF. I TRIED TO TURN THE STEERING WITH FULL FORCE IN MY BODY TO AVOID HITTING THE POLE AND AND BARELY MISSED HITTING THE STREET LIGHT POLE. THIS INCIDENT SHAKED ME FOR A …

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VEHICLE LOST STEERING CONTROL. ON THE NIGHT OF JULY 12 I WAS MAKING A LEFT TURN AND ALL OF A SUDDEN STEERING BECOME EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO TURN AND EXTREMELY STIFF. I TRIED TO TURN THE STEERING WITH FULL FORCE IN MY BODY TO AVOID HITTING THE POLE AND AND BARELY MISSED HITTING THE STREET LIGHT POLE. THIS INCIDENT SHAKED ME FOR A WHILE. CAR WAS TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP AND DETERMINED AND FOUND THAT ALTERNATOR BOLT FROM RECALL 11 11 12 (NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 12V550000) HAD SNAPPED CAUSING BELT TO COME OFF AS WELL AS TENSION-ER. IT WAS VERY DISAPPOINTING FOR ME THAT A 60 GRAND LUXURY VEHICLE BECAME A LIFE THREATENING HAZARD. AND EVEN AFTER THE SAFETY RE-CALL, IT'S A BIG HAZARD.I HAD CALLED CUSTOMER RELATIONS OF BMW ABOUT THIS AND APPARENTLY THEY TOOK IT VERY LIGHTLY. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10552773

40,000 miles · Aug 27, 2013
Electrical SystemFire

MY BMW 2010 X5 DIESEL CAUGHT ON FIRE IN THE CENTER CONSOLE AREA AFTER ONLY A FEW MINUTES AFTER DRIVING CAR. THE SOURCE OF THE FIRE SEEMED TO ORIGINATE UNDER THE CENTER CONSOLE CARGO AREA AS A HOLE ABOUT THE SIZE OF THE QUARTER WAS BURNED UP THOUGH THE BOTTOM OF THE CARGO AREA. THE INITIAL INDICATOR OF THE PROBLEM INCLUDED SMOKE…

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MY BMW 2010 X5 DIESEL CAUGHT ON FIRE IN THE CENTER CONSOLE AREA AFTER ONLY A FEW MINUTES AFTER DRIVING CAR. THE SOURCE OF THE FIRE SEEMED TO ORIGINATE UNDER THE CENTER CONSOLE CARGO AREA AS A HOLE ABOUT THE SIZE OF THE QUARTER WAS BURNED UP THOUGH THE BOTTOM OF THE CARGO AREA. THE INITIAL INDICATOR OF THE PROBLEM INCLUDED SMOKE COMING THROUGH VENTS. ADDITIONAL PROBLEMS OCCURRED WHEN ATTEMPTING TO STOP THE CAR AS IT WAS DIFFICULT TO PUT IT IN PARK WHILE IT WAS ON FIRE. WHEN EXITING THE VEHICLE FLAMES WERE COMING OUT OF THE CARGO AREA. THE CAR WAS VERY GOOD SHAPE OTHERWISE WITH NO PROBLEMS AND THE CAR HAS BEEN IN FOR SERVICE IN THE BEGINNING OF THE YEAR. THE CAR IS CURRENTLY STILL UNDER WARRANTY. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10537589

19,700 miles · Oct 7, 2012
Power Train

PARK DISTANCE CONTROL ISSUE. UPON SELECTION OF REVERSE, PARK DISTANCE CONTROL (PDC) SEEM TO FUNCTION PROPERLY, GIVING CORRECT VISUAL AND AUDIBLE ALERTS TO OBJECTS. UPON TRANSITION TO DRIVE, HOWEVER, PDC MALFUNCTIONS IN THE FOLLOWING MANNER: 1) VISUAL ALERT ON CONTROL DISPLAY INDICATES IN RED, ALERTING ME TO AN OBJECT IN CLOSE…

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PARK DISTANCE CONTROL ISSUE. UPON SELECTION OF REVERSE, PARK DISTANCE CONTROL (PDC) SEEM TO FUNCTION PROPERLY, GIVING CORRECT VISUAL AND AUDIBLE ALERTS TO OBJECTS. UPON TRANSITION TO DRIVE, HOWEVER, PDC MALFUNCTIONS IN THE FOLLOWING MANNER: 1) VISUAL ALERT ON CONTROL DISPLAY INDICATES IN RED, ALERTING ME TO AN OBJECT IN CLOSE PROXIMITY, EVEN WHEN NO OBJECT IN NEAR 2) CONTINUOUS AUDIBLE TONE CORRESPONDING TO RED DISPLAY. THIS CONTINUOUS TONE/ALERT IS DISPLAYED FOR UP TO 20 SECONDS, UPON WHICH TIME BOTH INDICATIONS CEASE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10478913

Official recalls

5

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.

14V176000 · Engine And Engine Cooling:engine

Apr 10, 2014

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2010-2011 128i Coupe, 128i Convertible, 328i Sedan, 328i xDrive Sedan, 328i Coupe, 328i Convertible, 328i Sports Wagon and Z4 sDrive 30i, 2011-2012 135i Coupe, 135i Convertible, 335i Sedan, X5 xDrive 35i, and X6 xDrive 35i, 2011 335i xDrive Sedan, 335i Coupe, 335i Convertible, 528i Sedan, 535i Sedan, 535i xDrive Sedan, X3 xDrive 28i, and X3 xDrive 35i, 2010 X3 xDrive 30i, and X5 xDrive 30i, 2012 640i Coupe, and 640i Convertible and 2010-2012 535i Gran Turismo vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the bolts that secure the housing for the variable camshaft timing adjustment (VANOS) unit can loosen over time and may possibly break.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If the bolts loosen or break the engine may have reduced power or stall. An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the four VANOS housing bolts for both VANOS units (intake and exhaust), free of charge. In addition, owners of approximately 170,172 model year 2010-2012 BMW vehicles equipped with inline 6 cylinder engines not covered by this recall, will receive an extended warranty to address this condition. The recall began on September 24, 2014. Owners may contact BMW 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)

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.

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.

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.