NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Engine And Engine Cooling complaints
16 reportsClear category filter65,000 miles · Jan 30, 2014
EngineEngine And Engine CoolingFuel System, Gasoline
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BWI X5. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE FAILURE WAS RECURRING. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE WHEN ACCELERATING, THE VEHICLE WOULD RESIST AND FEEL AS IF IT WAS ATTEMPTING TO STALL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE TH…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BWI X5. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE FAILURE WAS RECURRING. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE WHEN ACCELERATING, THE VEHICLE WOULD RESIST AND FEEL AS IF IT WAS ATTEMPTING TO STALL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE THE MECHANIC DIAGNOSED THAT THE EXHAUST SENOR AND FUEL PUMP NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN MADE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 65,000. UPDATED 3/28/14*CN THE CONSUMER STATED THE FIRST INCIDENT HAPPENED IN AUGUST 2013, WITH NO WARNING ON THE HIGHWAY. IT WAS DETERMINED THE WATER PUMP FAILED. UPDATED 04/22/14
NHTSA ODI #10562185
46,000 miles · Oct 21, 2013
Engine And Engine Cooling
I WAS ABOUT LESS THAN 2 MILES AWAY FROM HOME AND I WAS DRIVING 35 MPH. I HEARD A LOUD FAN SOUND AND IN FEW SEC I GOT A MESSAGE IN THE DISPLAY BOARD SAYING ENGINE OVER HEATING DRIVE SLOWLY. AFTER FEW SECONDS ANOTHER MESSAGE SHOWED IN RED THAT ENGINE IS OVER HEATED AND THE VEHICLE DID NOT MOVE EVEN PRESSING THE PEDAL HARD. THEN I…
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I WAS ABOUT LESS THAN 2 MILES AWAY FROM HOME AND I WAS DRIVING 35 MPH. I HEARD A LOUD FAN SOUND AND IN FEW SEC I GOT A MESSAGE IN THE DISPLAY BOARD SAYING ENGINE OVER HEATING DRIVE SLOWLY. AFTER FEW SECONDS ANOTHER MESSAGE SHOWED IN RED THAT ENGINE IS OVER HEATED AND THE VEHICLE DID NOT MOVE EVEN PRESSING THE PEDAL HARD. THEN I STOPPED THE VEHICLE BY PULLING IT TO THE SIDE AND LET THE ENGINE COOL FOR 15 MIN. THEN I DROVE BACK HOME. WHEN I WAS 50 YARDS AWAY FROM HOME I GOT THOSE TWO MESSAGES BACK ONE AFTER THE OTHER. BUT, I DROVE IT SLOWLY TO THE DRIVE WAY MY HOUSE. THEN I CALLED THE BMW DEALER, LET THE VEHICLED TOWED THEIR AND THE DEALER DIAGNOSED IT AS VEHICLE WATER PUMP IS GONE BAD AND IT CAUSED THE OVER HEAT OF THE ENGINE. BECUSE OF THIS THERMO STAT IS ALOS GONE BAD. THERE IS SOME OTHER PART GONE BAD BECAUSE OF THIS BUT I DID NOT REMEBER IT. THE DEALER TOLD ME THAT IT COST ME 1700 TO FIX THE ISSUE. I CHECKED ON THE INTERNET AND SEVERAL TENS OF PEOPLE HAD THIS ISSUE AND NEEDS TO BE RECALLED BY BMW. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10548795
52,000 miles · Apr 30, 2012
Engine And Engine Cooling
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BMW X5. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, A LOUD FAN NOISE EMITTED FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. A WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENTAL PANEL AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS OVERHEATING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHERE THEY WERE UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE A FAILURE.…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BMW X5. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, A LOUD FAN NOISE EMITTED FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. A WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENTAL PANEL AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS OVERHEATING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHERE THEY WERE UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE A FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE IT WAS AWAITING A DIAGNOSIS.THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 52,000.
NHTSA ODI #10456856
Mileage unknown · Apr 30, 2012
Engine And Engine CoolingFire
I WAS DRIVING UNDER HEAVY RAIN ON APRIL 20, 2012 IN HOUSTON, TX. I FIRST SAW ENGINE OVERHEATING WARNING SIGN ON THE DASH AND THEN MISTY SMOKE CAME OUT UNDER THE HOOD. I HAD TO GET OFF THE HIGHWAY AND DROVE TO A NEARBY REPAIR SHOP. IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE FAILURE WAS DUE TO A FAULTY WATER PUMP. I HAD A FRIEND WHO HAS A 200…
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I WAS DRIVING UNDER HEAVY RAIN ON APRIL 20, 2012 IN HOUSTON, TX. I FIRST SAW ENGINE OVERHEATING WARNING SIGN ON THE DASH AND THEN MISTY SMOKE CAME OUT UNDER THE HOOD. I HAD TO GET OFF THE HIGHWAY AND DROVE TO A NEARBY REPAIR SHOP. IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE FAILURE WAS DUE TO A FAULTY WATER PUMP. I HAD A FRIEND WHO HAS A 2008 BMW X5 AND RECENTLY HAD THE SAME ISSUE. WE BELIEVE THAT RECALL #11V521000 THAT CONCERNS ONLY 2010-2011 BMW X5 NEEDS TO BE EXPANDED TO X5S OF EARLIER YEARS. THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION. *TR *JS
NHTSA ODI #10456850
65 miles · Apr 8, 2012
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine Cooling
I WAS LEFT STRANDED ON THE 695 BALTIMORE BELTWAY AFTER MY VEHICLE DISPLAYED AN OVER-HEATING SIGNAL IN MY DASH. A FEW SECONDS LATER, THE ENGINE SHUT DOWN AND A RED "ENGINE OVERHEATED" SIGNAL APPEARED ON MY DASH AND I WAS ONLY ABLE TO DRIVE LESS THAN 5 MILES AN HOUR TO MOVE TO SAFETY (IN THE MIDST OF MANY CARS FLYING BY ME DOING …
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I WAS LEFT STRANDED ON THE 695 BALTIMORE BELTWAY AFTER MY VEHICLE DISPLAYED AN OVER-HEATING SIGNAL IN MY DASH. A FEW SECONDS LATER, THE ENGINE SHUT DOWN AND A RED "ENGINE OVERHEATED" SIGNAL APPEARED ON MY DASH AND I WAS ONLY ABLE TO DRIVE LESS THAN 5 MILES AN HOUR TO MOVE TO SAFETY (IN THE MIDST OF MANY CARS FLYING BY ME DOING WELL OVER 65 MPH). VERY SCARY SITUATION. THE OTHER SCARY SITUATION IS THAT I AM 3,000 MILES OUT OF WARRANTY FOR THIS ISSUE AND I FEEL THAT BECAUSE MY VEHICLE IS NOT THE ONLY REPORTED INCIDENT OF THIS TYPE, BMW SHOULD REPAIR THE PROBLEM AT NO COST TO ME. A PART SUCH AS THIS SHOULD NOT FAIL AT 53000 MILES. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10454459
52,000 miles · Aug 8, 2011
Engine And Engine Cooling
CAR OVERHEATED WHILE DRIVING IN THE HIGHWAY AND ONBOARD COMPUTER DISABLED THE ACCELERATOR AND MESSAGE WAS FLASHED FOR THE OPERATOR TO STOP DRIVING. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10418009
Official recalls
10Jan 15, 2020
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2009-2012 X5 xDrive35d, 2008-2012 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6 M, 2007-2012 X5 30si, X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 48i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i and X5 M and 2010-2011 X6 ActiveHybrid vehicles equipped with non-desiccated, passenger frontal air bag inflators containing phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSPI-2) propellant that were used as interim remedy parts for previous Takata recalls. These inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until this remedy is performed. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger front air bag, free of charge. The recall began March 11, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Jan 15, 2020
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2013 128i and 135i Convertibles, 128i, 135i, and M Coupes, 2007-2010 X3 30si and X3 xDrive30i, 2013-2015 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i and X1 xDrive35i, 2007-2013 328i, 328i xDrive, 335i, 335is, 335i xDrive and M3 Coupes, 2006-2011 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 325i, 325xi, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi, 335i xDrive and M3, 2009-2011 335D, 2006-2012 325xi, 328i, 328xi and 328i xDrive, 2010-2011 X6 ActiveHybrid, 2007-2013 328i, 335i, 335is, M3 Coupes, X5 30si, X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 48i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i and X5 M, 2009-2013 X5 xDrive35d and 2008-2014 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6M vehicles equipped with non-desiccated driver frontal air bag inflators containing phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) that were used as interim remedy parts for previous Takata recalls. These inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp 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 air bag. On X5 and X6 vehicles, only the inflator will be replaced. All repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began March 11, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Jan 14, 2019
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2007-2013 X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i and X5 M vehicles, 2008-2014 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6 M vehicles, 2009-2013 X5 xDrive35d vehicles and 2010-2011 X6 ActiveHybrid vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the remedy is performed. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag module, free of charge. The recall began March 14, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Jan 9, 2018
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2007-2013 X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i, X5 M, 2009-2010 X5 xDrive35d vehicles and 2009-2013 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i, and X6 M vehicles ever registered in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands or "Zone A." BMW is also recalling certain 2007-2010 X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i, X5 M, X5 xDrive35d, X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6M vehicles ever registered in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia or "Zone B." BMW is also recalling certain 2007-2009 X5 xDrive30i, X5 xdrive35i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i, X5 M, X5 xDrive35d, X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6M vehicles ever registered in the states of AK, CO, CT, ID, IA, ME, MA, MI, MN, MT, NH, NY, ND, OR, RI, SD, UT, VT, WA, WI, and WY or "Zone C." These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the remedy is performed. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger front air bag module, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin March 2018. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Oct 30, 2017
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2011 128i and 2007-2011 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 525i, 525xi, 528i, 528xi, 530i, 530xi, X3 3.0si, X3 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive30i, Z4 3.0i, Z4 3.0si and Z4 sDrive30i vehicles. The heater for the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve may short circuit.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An electrical short can cause the parts within the PCV valve to melt, increasing the risk of a fire, even when the vehicle is not in use.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the PCV valve heater, free of charge. Interim letters were mailed on November 27, 2017. Owners will receive a second notification by the end of October 2018. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Jan 10, 2017
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2012 X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i, X5 M, X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i, and X6 M vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" above, BMW is recalling certain 2009 X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i, and X5 M vehicles, 2008-2009 X6 xDrive 35i, X6 xDrive50i, X6 M, and 2009 X5 xDrive35d vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, or "Zone B." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" or "Zone B" above, BMW is recalling certain 2007-2008 X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i and X5 M vehicles, and 2008 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i, and X6 M vehicles originally sold, or ever registered in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the remedy is performed. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator or air bag module, free of charge. Interim letters were mailed March 2017. Owners will receive a second notice when remedy parts become available. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Oct 17, 2016
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2007-2011 BMW X5 3.0si, X5 4.8i, X5 M, X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive48i and X5 xDrive50i, 2008-2011 X6 x Drive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6 M, 2010-2011 X6 ActiveHybrid, 535i xDrive Gran Turismo, 535i Gran Turismo, 550i xDrive Gran Turismo and 550i Gran Turismo, 2011-2012 528i, 535i, 535i xDrive, 550i and 550i xDrive and 2012 535i ActiveHybrid, 640i Convertible, 650i Convertible, 650i xDrive Convertible, 650i Coupe and 650i Coupe xDrive vehicles. The affected vehicles have in-tank fuel pumps that may have insufficiently crimped wire contacts.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: The loose wires may cause the connector to melt, resulting in a fuel leak. Additionally, the fuel pump may stop working, possibly causing an engine stall and increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump module, free of charge. The recall began February 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
May 25, 2016
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2007-2011 X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i and X5M vehicles, 2009-2011 X5 xDrive35d vehicles, 2008-2011 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6 M vehicles, and 2010-2011 X6 ActiveHybrid vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" above, BMW is recalling certain model year 2007-2008 X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i and X5M vehicles, and 2008 BMW X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6 M vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, or "Zone B." Vehicles of these model years and models that were not originally sold or ever registered in either Zones A or B are not subject to this safety recall. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until they have been repaired. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator or air bag module, free of charge. The recall began July 28, 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Oct 26, 2010
BMW IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008 X5 SAVs VEHICLES WITH 6-CYLINDER ENGINES MANUFACTURED FROM NOVEMBER 1, 2007 THROUGH AUGUST 31, 2008. DUE TO A MANUFACTURING PROCESS FAULT, THE FUEL PUMP WAS NOT PRODUCED TO SPECIFICATIONS. UNDER SPECIFIC VEHICLE OPERATING CONDITIONS, THE FUEL PUMP'S COMMUTATOR COULD EXPERIENCE AN INCREASE IN WEAR.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS WEAR COULD LEAD TO FUEL PUMP MALFUNCTION AND ENGINE STALLING. ENGINE STALLING COULD CREATE A POTENTIAL FOR A CRASH RESULTING IN INJURY OR DEATH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE IN-TANK FUEL PUMP FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 11, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-525-7417.
Apr 11, 2008
BMW IS RECALLING 55 MY 2008 X5 SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES FOR PROBLEMS WITH THE REAR AXLE STABILIZER (ANTI-SWAY BAR). THESE VEHICLES WERE EQUIPPED WITH A SPORTS-SUSPENSION STABILIZER RATHER THAN A STANDARD SUSPENSION STABILIZER ON THE REAR AXLE.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IN CERTAIN DRIVING CONDITIONS, SUCH AS FAST LANE CHANGES AT HIGH SPEED, THE VEHICLE COULD EXPERIENCE AN 'OVER-STEER' BEHAVIOR AFFECTING VEHICLE HANDLING AND CONTROL, WHICH COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE REAR AXLE STABILIZER. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 14, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-831-1117 OR VIA E-MAIL TO 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 ↗
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