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2012 BMW X5

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most X5 years

Owner complaints for the 2012 BMW X5 are substantially higher than the model-year median of 100.5.

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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

157 reports with mileage · 114 unknown

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 92 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Air Bags. Review the 83 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Power Train. Review the 53 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

4 crash reports10 fire reports4 injury reports

Engine complaints

92 reports
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75,140 miles · Dec 20, 2017
EngineFuel/propulsion System

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 BMW X5. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING AND LOW POWER MODE INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO WALSER BMW AUTO CAMPUS OF WICHITA (11000 E 13TH ST N, WICHITA, KS 67206, PHONE: (316) 221-3841) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP FAILED AND NE…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 BMW X5. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING AND LOW POWER MODE INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO WALSER BMW AUTO CAMPUS OF WICHITA (11000 E 13TH ST N, WICHITA, KS 67206, PHONE: (316) 221-3841) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. IN ADDITION, WHILE ATTEMPTING TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE, THE CHECK ENGINE AND LOW POWER MODE INDICATORS ILLUMINATED AGAIN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO WALSER BMW WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE VANOS SOLENOID FAILED, THERE WERE METAL SHAVINGS IN THE OIL, AND THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 75,140. *TT CONSUMER STATED BMW CUSTOMER CARE PACKAGE B001314 WAS COMPLETED BY BMW BEFORE CONSUMER PURCHASED THE VEHICLE. AT APPROX. 36,000 MILES. FROM CONSUMER'S FIRST BMW SERVICE, THE BMW SERVICE MANAGER TOLD THE CONSUMER HE WOULD HAVE CONTINUOUS PROBLEM AS THE N63 ENGINE WAS NOTORIOUS FOR TROUBLE. UPDATED 9/4/18*JB

NHTSA ODI #11055795

79,300 miles · Dec 15, 2017
EngineSteering

WHILE OUT OF TOWN, VEHICLE IN MOTION ON ROAD, HEAR A CLUNK IN THE ENGINE BAY AND MANY WARNING LIGHTS GO OFF. GO TO PULL OVER AND STEERING IS VERY DIFFICULT TO OPERATE. MANAGE TO PULL OUT OF TRAFFIC SAFELY. THE REDUCED MOBILITY OF VEHICLE DUE TO LOSS OF POWER STEERING COULD HAVE EASILY CAUSED A LIFE THREATENING SITUATION. CAL…

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WHILE OUT OF TOWN, VEHICLE IN MOTION ON ROAD, HEAR A CLUNK IN THE ENGINE BAY AND MANY WARNING LIGHTS GO OFF. GO TO PULL OVER AND STEERING IS VERY DIFFICULT TO OPERATE. MANAGE TO PULL OUT OF TRAFFIC SAFELY. THE REDUCED MOBILITY OF VEHICLE DUE TO LOSS OF POWER STEERING COULD HAVE EASILY CAUSED A LIFE THREATENING SITUATION. CALL TOW TRUCK. GARAGE STATES LOSS OF POWER STEERING IS DUE TO LOSS OF SERPENTINE BELT DUE TO BROKEN IDLER PULLEY BOLT, EVEN THOUGH A RECALL FOR THIS PART EXISTS AND HAS BEEN PERFORMED. RECALL 12V5500000 ENGINE IDLER PULLEY MAY BREAK, WAS PERFORMED IN 2013. THIS SAME RECALL SHOULD APPLY BUT BMW SERVICE STATES THEY WILL NOT SERVICE AGAIN AS IT HAS ALREADY BEEN COMPLETED. PARTS ARE ON BACK ORDER, TAKES OVER A WEEK FOR BOLT TO ARRIVE. MANY DOCUMENTED CASES OF ORIGINAL RECALL REPAIR FAILING A SECOND TIME IN AS LITTLE AS 5 MONTHS TO AS MANY AS 3.5 YEARS AFTER INITIAL RECALL SERVICE. BMW REFUSES REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE COST OF REPAIR, $1153.00. A NEW RECALL SHOULD BE ISSUED.

NHTSA ODI #11054909

114,000 miles · Dec 14, 2017
EngineSteering

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 BMW X5. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL BOLT FRACTURED AND THE STEERING WHEEL HAD TO BE TURNED WITH FORCE. THE CONTACT DROVE HOME AND DISCOVERED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL BOLT WAS FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO BMW OF WEST HOUSTON (20822 KATY FREEWAY, KATY, TX 77449, PHONE (855) 627-3055…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 BMW X5. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL BOLT FRACTURED AND THE STEERING WHEEL HAD TO BE TURNED WITH FORCE. THE CONTACT DROVE HOME AND DISCOVERED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL BOLT WAS FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO BMW OF WEST HOUSTON (20822 KATY FREEWAY, KATY, TX 77449, PHONE (855) 627-3055) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL ENGINE PULLEY BOLT FAILED. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 12V550000 (STEERING, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) WAS PERFORMED ON THE VEHICLE, BUT DID NOT CORRECT THE FAILURE AND THE STEERING WHEEL ENGINE PULLEY BOLT FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 114,000.

NHTSA ODI #11054759

55,000 miles · Nov 29, 2017
Engine

I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY WITH A POSTED SPEED LIMIT OF 70 MPH WITH MY FAMILY ON A ROAD TRIP. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND SAID ENGINE IS OVERHEATTED AND POWER IS REDUCED. WHEN I TRIED TO PRESS DOWN ON THE GAS, THE CAR WOULD NOT GO FASTER. TRAFFIC WAS A BIT HEAVY AND I WAS GOING 70 MPH WITH TRAFFIC BEHIND ME. IT WAS NERV…

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I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY WITH A POSTED SPEED LIMIT OF 70 MPH WITH MY FAMILY ON A ROAD TRIP. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND SAID ENGINE IS OVERHEATTED AND POWER IS REDUCED. WHEN I TRIED TO PRESS DOWN ON THE GAS, THE CAR WOULD NOT GO FASTER. TRAFFIC WAS A BIT HEAVY AND I WAS GOING 70 MPH WITH TRAFFIC BEHIND ME. IT WAS NERVE WRECKING TO SLOW DOWN (BECAUSE THE CAR ISN'T PRODUCING ANY POWER BECAUSE THE ENGINE IS OVERHEATTED) DUE TO PHYSICS AND NEEDING TO PULL OVER TO THE SIDE OF A BUSY HIGHWAY. WHEN I TOOK THE CAR TO THE MECHANIC, THEY TOLD ME THE WATER PUMP HAS FAILED. MY CAR ONLY HAS 55K MILES ON IT.

NHTSA ODI #11051265

57,200 miles · Nov 24, 2017
Engine

LAST SATURDAY 11/11/2017, WE AS A FAMILY (ME, MY WIFE AND MY 6 YEAR OLD CHILD), STARTED TO GO ON A 3 HOUR DRIVE FROM OUR HOME TO TELIMENA STATE PARK TO WATCH FOR THE FALL FOLIAGE COLORS THROUGH THE BEAUTIFUL TELIMENA NATIONAL SCENIC BYWAY IN ARKANSAS. IT IS PART OF A HUGE OUACHITA NATIONAL FOREST. LITTLE DID WE KNOW THAT WE ARE …

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LAST SATURDAY 11/11/2017, WE AS A FAMILY (ME, MY WIFE AND MY 6 YEAR OLD CHILD), STARTED TO GO ON A 3 HOUR DRIVE FROM OUR HOME TO TELIMENA STATE PARK TO WATCH FOR THE FALL FOLIAGE COLORS THROUGH THE BEAUTIFUL TELIMENA NATIONAL SCENIC BYWAY IN ARKANSAS. IT IS PART OF A HUGE OUACHITA NATIONAL FOREST. LITTLE DID WE KNOW THAT WE ARE FIRST TIMERS AND WE DID NOT ANTICIPATE OUR T-MOBILE CELL PHONE SIGNALS WILL QUIT ON US. EVERYTHING WAS GOING GOOD UNTIL A POINT WHERE MY ENGINE ALMOST QUIT ON ME WITH A WARNING MESSAGE "ENGINE IS NOW WORKING AT A REDUCED SPEED AND ADVISED TO SEE NEAREST BMW DEALER", WE WERE ON A SPEED OF ABOUT 60MPH AND THE CAR DOES NOT ACCELERATE ALL OF A SUDDEN, IT WAS EXTREMELY EXTREMELY SCARY AND TERRIFYING. WITH ALL THE TRAFFIC, WE BARELY MANAGED TO DIVERT A POTENTIAL ACCIDENT AND PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE AND SHUT DOWN THE CAR. WE MANAGED TO SURVIVE THE SUDDEN ENGINE QUITTING ON US ON A SPEEDY ROAD. THIS IS EXTREMELY LIFE THREATENING. WE DID NOT HAVE OUR CELL PHONE SIGNAL AND WE WERE STRANDED FOR SOME HELP FOR ABOUT 4 HOURS. WE DID NOT WANT TO TAKE CHANCES DRIVING THIS CAR AND DO ANOTHER LIFE THREATENING EXPERIENCE. WE MANAGED TO GET SOME HELP AND GET OUT OF THERE. NEXT DAY WITH SOME HELP, I MANAGED TO DRIVE THE CAR SLOWLY BY MYSELF AND A FRIEND FOLLOWING ME. WE MADE IT TO THE DEALERSHIP IN BMW PLANO. RECENTLY I HAD A RECALL WORK DONE WITH BMW PLANO ON 10/30-11/1 FOR 3 ITEMS. FRONT AIRBAG, FRONT DRIVESHAFT, MASS AIRFLOW SENSOR. YESTERDAY THEY RETURNED THE CAR MENTIONING THAT THE ISSUE IS POSSIBLY RELATED TO OTHER UNRELATED ITEMS. (1) CHARGE PIPE NEAR THROTTLE BODY IS CRACKED / TORN / LEAKED.. CHARGE PIPE CODES SEEN DURING SMOKE TESTING I BOUGHT THIS CAR ON 30TH DEC 2016 WHEN THE MILEAGE ON THE CAR WAS AROUND 48000 MILES AND IT WAS WORKING FINE UP UNTIL THIS LIFE THREATENING AND TERRIFYING SITUATION NOW AT CURRENT MILEAGE OF 57000 MILES.

NHTSA ODI #11048198

89,000 miles · Nov 20, 2017
Engine

2012 BMW X5 XDRIVE50I PURCHASED 10-25-2014 AS CERTIFIED PRE-OWNED FROM BMW OF AUSTIN WITH 54,554 MILES AND EXTENDED WARRANTY TO 8-1-17 OR 100,000 MILES. ALL SERVICE WORK AND MAINTENANCE PERTAINING TO ENGINE DONE AT BMW OF AUSTIN ON TIME AS SCHEDULED. NUMEROUS RECALL WORK PERFORMED UNDER WARRANTY. NUMEROUS ISSUES WITH ENGINE HESI…

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2012 BMW X5 XDRIVE50I PURCHASED 10-25-2014 AS CERTIFIED PRE-OWNED FROM BMW OF AUSTIN WITH 54,554 MILES AND EXTENDED WARRANTY TO 8-1-17 OR 100,000 MILES. ALL SERVICE WORK AND MAINTENANCE PERTAINING TO ENGINE DONE AT BMW OF AUSTIN ON TIME AS SCHEDULED. NUMEROUS RECALL WORK PERFORMED UNDER WARRANTY. NUMEROUS ISSUES WITH ENGINE HESITATION DURING ACCELERATION REPORTED TO DEALER, INVESTIGATED BY DEALER, AND SUPPOSEDLY "FIXED" BY DEALER. PROBLEMS WITH ENGINE HESITATION AT ACCELERATION PERSISTED. PROBLEM REPORTED TWICE TO DEALER THE LAST MONTH OF ELIGIBLE WARRANTY ALONE ALONG WITH STATEMENT THAT ENGINE WAS BURNING THROUGH AN EXCESSIVE ABOUT OF BMW SUPPLIED SYNTHETIC OIL (ON 7/5/17 AND AGAIN ON 7/21/17). ENGINE FINALLY SEIZED ENTIRELY ON 10/25/17 AT 89,000 MILES WHILE DRIVING AT 50 MPH AND WAS TOWED TO BMW OF AUSTIN. SERVICE REP STATED THEY COULD NOT GET THE ENGINE STARTED AND REQUESTED APPROVAL TO CRACK OPEN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT TO INVESTIGATE. THE WORK WAS APPROVED AND HE SAID THERE WAS "UNUSUAL AND SEVERAL SCORING ON THE NUMBER 6 CYLINDER THAT WOULD REQUIRE REPLACING THE ENGINE." THIS TYPE OF CATASTROPHIC ENGINE FAILURE IS NOT USUAL FOR A WELL MAINTAINED ENGINE. THE NUMEROUS RECALLS ON THIS VEHICLE ARE SUSPECT IN THE EARLY ENGINE FAILURE. THE KNOWN DEFECTS IN MATERIAL PARTS ASSOCIATED WITH THE FRONT DRIVE SHAFT BEING THE MOST SUSPECT. TO DATE, BMW USA IS ONLY WILLING TO OFFER $5000 TOWARDS REPAIR OR TRADE IN (NOW ONLY WORTH $2500 DUE TO NON-FUNCTIONING ENGINE). I STRONGLY BELIEVE THIS ISSUE SHOULD BE HANDLED UNDER THE 10 YEAR/120000 MILE EXTENDED WARRANTY PROVIDED BY BMW FOR REPAIRS RELATED TO THE AFOREMENTIONED RECALLS. THEY DISAGREE.

NHTSA ODI #11047501

140,000 miles · Oct 31, 2017
EngineSteering

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 BMW X5. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS BEING REVERSED, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED AND DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO FAULKNER BMW LOCATED AT: 1530 MANHEIM PIKE, LANCASTER, PA 17601, (717) 569-4269, TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE IDLER PULLEY BOLT FRACTURED …

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 BMW X5. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS BEING REVERSED, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED AND DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO FAULKNER BMW LOCATED AT: 1530 MANHEIM PIKE, LANCASTER, PA 17601, (717) 569-4269, TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE IDLER PULLEY BOLT FRACTURED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 12V550000 (STEERING, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000.

NHTSA ODI #11041551

40,000 miles · Oct 6, 2017
Engine

POWER STEERING TENSIONER BOLT BROKE CAUSING BELT TO COME OFF AND POWER STEERING TO FAIL. NOTE: THIS WAS A PART ALREADY REPLACED ON RECALL 25000 MILES PREVIOUSLY. VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION.

NHTSA ODI #11032006

80,000 miles · Sep 14, 2017
Engine

THE EGR COOLER FOR COOLING THE EXHAUST IS DEFECTIVE. THIS IS COVERED UNDER EMISSIONS WARRANTY IN THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA, BUT NOT IN IL.

NHTSA ODI #11023528

84,000 miles · Aug 11, 2017
Engine

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 BMW X5. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 65 MPH, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED, AS ALL POWER WAS LOST. THE CONTACT STATED WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE AFTER SEVERAL MINUTES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED WITH BOLTS TO THE VARIABLE CAMSH…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 BMW X5. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 65 MPH, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED, AS ALL POWER WAS LOST. THE CONTACT STATED WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE AFTER SEVERAL MINUTES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED WITH BOLTS TO THE VARIABLE CAMSHAFT TIMING ADJUSTMENT (VANOS) UNIT HOUSING BECOME LOOSE OR FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED BY THE INDEPENDENT MECHANIC BUT WAS TOWED TO BMW OF SANTA MARIA DEALER LOCATED AT 2150 S COLLEGE DR, SANTA MARIA, CA 93455 (805) 614-0306 TO BE REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND CONFIRMED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V176000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 84,000.

NHTSA ODI #11014633

Official recalls

10

20V016000 · Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module

Jan 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.

20V017000 · Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module

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.

19V017000 · Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module

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.

18V336000 · Engine And Engine Cooling:engine

May 23, 2018

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2009-2013 X5 xDrive 35d diesel vehicles. The engine idler pulley bolt may loosen over time and break.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If the 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 the idler pulley bolt with an improved part, free of charge. The recall began March 11, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

18V248000 · Engine And Engine Cooling:engine; Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:gasoline:turbo/supercharger

Apr 18, 2018

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2011-2012 BMW 550i, 550i xDrive, 550i Gran Turismo, 550i Gran Turismo xDrive, 750i, 750Li, 750i xDrive, 750Li xDrive, 760Li, X5 xDrive50i, X5 M, X6 xDrive50i, X6 M, ActiveHybrid7, MINI Cooper S Convertible, John Cooper Works (JCW) Convertible, Cooper S Countryman, Cooper S Countryman ALL4, Cooper S, JCW, Cooper S Clubman, JCW Clubman, Cooper S Roadster, JCW Roadster, Cooper S Coupe, JCW Coupe and Rolls-Royce Ghost, 2011 BMW X6 Hybrid and 2012 BMW 650i Coupe, 650i xDrive Coupe, 650i Convertible and 650i xDrive Convertible vehicles. The electric auxiliary water pump may fail and cause the circuit board to overheat.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If the circuit board were to overheat, it can increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the electric auxiliary water pump, free of charge. Depending on the model, there are currently limited parts available, however not all parts are available at this time. Owners will be notified of the recall beginning June 11, 2018, and will receive a second notification when remedy parts become available. Owners may contact BMW customer service at BMW 1-800-525-7417, MINI at 1-866-825-1525, or Rolls-Royce at 1-877-877-3735. Note: BMW recommends that owners park their vehicle outdoors until the recall remedy has been performed.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:gasoline:turbo/supercharger

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2011-2012 BMW 550i, 550i xDrive, 550i Gran Turismo, 550i Gran Turismo xDrive, 750i, 750Li, 750i xDrive, 750Li xDrive, 760Li, X5 xDrive50i, X5 M, X6 xDrive50i, X6 M, ActiveHybrid7, MINI Cooper S Convertible, John Cooper Works (JCW) Convertible, Cooper S Countryman, Cooper S Countryman ALL4, Cooper S, JCW, Cooper S Clubman, JCW Clubman, Cooper S Roadster, JCW Roadster, Cooper S Coupe, JCW Coupe and Rolls-Royce Ghost, 2011 BMW X6 Hybrid and 2012 BMW 650i Coupe, 650i xDrive Coupe, 650i Convertible and 650i xDrive Convertible vehicles. The electric auxiliary water pump may fail and cause the circuit board to overheat.

Consequence: If the circuit board were to overheat, it can increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the electric auxiliary water pump, free of charge. Depending on the model, there are currently limited parts available, however not all parts are available at this time. Owners will be notified of the recall beginning June 11, 2018, and will receive a second notification when remedy parts become available. Owners may contact BMW customer service at BMW 1-800-525-7417, MINI at 1-866-825-1525, or Rolls-Royce at 1-877-877-3735. Note: BMW recommends that owners park their vehicle outdoors until the recall remedy has been performed.

Engine And Engine Cooling:engine

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2011-2012 BMW 550i, 550i xDrive, 550i Gran Turismo, 550i Gran Turismo xDrive, 750i, 750Li, 750i xDrive, 750Li xDrive, 760Li, X5 xDrive50i, X5 M, X6 xDrive50i, X6 M, ActiveHybrid7, MINI Cooper S Convertible, John Cooper Works (JCW) Convertible, Cooper S Countryman, Cooper S Countryman ALL4, Cooper S, JCW, Cooper S Clubman, JCW Clubman, Cooper S Roadster, JCW Roadster, Cooper S Coupe, JCW Coupe and Rolls-Royce Ghost, 2011 BMW X6 Hybrid and 2012 BMW 650i Coupe, 650i xDrive Coupe, 650i Convertible and 650i xDrive Convertible vehicles. The electric auxiliary water pump may fail and cause the circuit board to overheat.

Consequence: If the circuit board were to overheat, it can increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the electric auxiliary water pump, free of charge. Depending on the model, there are currently limited parts available, however not all parts are available at this time. Owners will be notified of the recall beginning June 11, 2018, and will receive a second notification when remedy parts become available. Owners may contact BMW customer service at BMW 1-800-525-7417, MINI at 1-866-825-1525, or Rolls-Royce at 1-877-877-3735. Note: BMW recommends that owners park their vehicle outdoors until the recall remedy has been performed.

18V030000 · Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module

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.

17V138000 · Power Train:driveline:driveshaft

Mar 2, 2017

BMW of North America, LLC, (BMW) is recalling certain 2011-2013 X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive50i, X5 M and X5 xDrive35d vehicles, 2011-2014 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6M vehicles, and 2011 x6 ActiveHybrid Vehicles. Water and debris may enter the front driveshaft's universal joint, causing excessive wear and possibly resulting in the joint's failure.

Consequence & remedy

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

Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front driveshaft, free of charge. The recall began on April 18, 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

17V020000 · Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module

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.

12V267000 · Steering

Jun 13, 2012

BMW IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 X5 VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A DIESEL ENGINE AND 2013 X5 AND X6 VEHICLES. DUE TO A MACHINING ERROR OF THE STEERING GEAR SURFACE, POWER STEERING FLUID MAY LEAK.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: LEAKING POWER STEERING FLUID CAN SPRAY ONTO HOT EXHAUST PARTS, INCREASING THE RISK OF AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE.

Remedy: BMW WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL INSPECT, AND IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE STEERING GEAR FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 20, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW CUSTOMER RELATIONS AND SERVICES AT 1-800-525-7417.

12V019000 · Power Train:automatic Transmission

Jan 23, 2012

BMW IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 X5 XDRIVE 35I SPORTS ACTIVITY VEHICLES, MANUFACTURED FROM DECEMBER 19, 2011, THROUGH DECEMBER 21, 2011. DUE TO A MANUFACTURING ERROR, ENGAGEMENT OF THE TRANSMISSION’S PARKING LOCK MAY NOT OCCUR EVEN IF THE “P” POSITION HAS BEEN SELECTED AND IS DISPLAYED.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: IF THE DRIVER BELIEVES THAT THE TRANSMISSION IS IN PARK AND DOES NOT USE THE PARKING BRAKE, THE VEHICLE COULD ROLL AWAY AFTER EXITING THE VEHICLE INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH OR INJURY.

Remedy: BMW WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 2, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW CUSTOMER RELATIONS AND SERVICES AT 1-800-525-7417.

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

1

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.