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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Mileage unknown · Nov 8, 2015

EnginePower TrainUnknown Or Other

ENGINE MALFUNCTION, REDUCED POWER, ERROR MESAGE THIS MORNING. JUST HAD TO HAVE EGR REPLACED 5 DAYS AGO (@52,000 MILES) AT THE TUNE OF $1005.00....NOW MY CAR WILL ONLY GO 35 MPH. CAR STARTED MAKING A "WHISTLING SOUND" ON 11/07 DURING ACCELERATION....THEN TODAY, IT STARTED "RATTLING" THEM ENGINE MALFUNCTION MESSAGE CAME ON AND P…

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NHTSA ODI #10789089

38,000 miles · Oct 6, 2015

Engine

ENGINE BULKHEAD COVERS ARE BROKEN DUE TO EXTREME HEAT. PER TSB SIB-51-34-11 BY BMW, THIS CAN CAUSE CORROSION INSIDE THE ENGINE. BMW SHOULD COVER THIS REPAIR FREE OF CHARGE.

NHTSA ODI #10780417

900 miles · Aug 20, 2015

Electrical SystemEngine

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 BMW X5. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE ENGINE MALFUNCTION LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE WARNING MESSAGE ENGINE MALFUNCTION REDUCED ENGINE POWER DISPLAYED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AND THE ENGINE POWERED DOWN. THE VEHICLE WAS MERGED OFF THE FREEWAY AND DRIVEN TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE FAILURE RECURRED MULTIPLE TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE OR DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 900.

NHTSA ODI #10750188

48,800 miles · Mar 25, 2015

Engine

I WAS DRIVING 50 MPH HOUR AND ENGINE HALTED. THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND QUICKLY LOST POWER. THE VEHICLE WOULD THEN ONLY GO 40 MPH AND HAD VERY LITTLE POWER. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10701661

12,000 miles · Mar 4, 2015

Engine

DURING NORMAL OPERATION OF VEHICLE AT 70 MPH VEHICLE ABRUPTLY SLOWS DOWN BELOW 45 MPH, IN THE DASH " ENGINE MALFUNCTION, ENGINE OPERATING AT REDUCED OUTPUT. POSSIBLE TO CONTINUE. DRIVE WITH CAUTION. HAVE THE SYSTEM CHECKED BY THE NEAREST BMW CENTER" WARNING COMES ON THE DISPLAY. UNSAFE TO DRIVE CAR ON HIGHWAY BECAUSE AT ANYTIME …

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NHTSA ODI #10692195

1,075 miles · Jan 21, 2015

Engine

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I WISH THIS COMPLAINT TO BE MADE PUBLIC. THIS VEHICLE HAS HAD VALVETRONIC MOTOR COMPONENTS REPLACED THREE TIMES, 5/2012, 10/2013 AND 1/2015. IN THE FIRST 34 MONTHS OF OWNERSHIP, IT SPENT ABOUT 60+ DAYS IN SERVICE UNDER WARRANTY. THE VEHICLE NOW HAS LESS THAN 29500 MILES ON IT. I REQUESTED THAT BMW TAKE THIS CAR BACK AS AN EARLY LEASE RETURN, AND ALLOW ME TO SKIP THE LAST TWO MONTHS OF LEASE PAYMENTS. BMW DENIED MY REQUEST. THE MOST RECENT INCIDENT HAPPENED ON 12/23/2014. WHILE DRIVING 65MPH IN THE DARK, POURING DOWN RAIN OF RUSH HOUR MORNING COMMUTE, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, AND SAID "MAY BE OPERATING UNDER REDUCED POWER." THE CAR QUICKLY LOST POWER, AND COULD ONLY DO 25 MPH AS I TRIED TO SAFELY NAVIGATE MYSELF OFF OF THE HIGHWAY AS I RAPIDLY DECELERATED. ON THE SERVICE TICKET I WAS GIVEN AT THE DEALERSHIP ON 1/20/2015 WHEN THE REPAIR WAS COMPLETED, IT SAYS: "FAULTY VVT MOTOR AND ECCENTRIC SHAFT MECHANICAL TOLERANCES. FOLLOWED AND COMPLETED SIB 12 14 10. REPLACED ECCENTRIC SHAFT WITH ECCENTRIC SHAFT MOTOR. CLEARED FAULTS AND COMPLETED. DURING REPAIR CRANK CASE VENT PIPE CAME APART DUE TO BRITTLE MATERIAL. ALSO WHEN REFITTING UPPER RIGHT MICRO FILTER/ENGINE COWL TRIMMING CAME APART DUE TO BRITTLE MATERIAL." UNFORTUNATELY, THIS CAR IS A LEASE, AND I AM CONCERNED THAT BMW WILL SELL THIS CAR TO SOMEONE ELSE. IT IS A SAFETY HAZARD. I HAVE REFUSED TO DRIVE THIS VEHICLE OFF THE DEALER'S LOT, AND HAVE LEFT IT PARKED THERE SO I MAY START THE LEASE RETURN ASAP. I HAVE A MORAL OBLIGATION TO KEEP OTHERS SAFE, AND WILL POST UPDATED SERVICE RECORD INFORMATION TO THE CARFAX REPORT FOR THIS VIN. BMW SHOULD BE FORCED TO ANSWER TO THIS PROBLEM. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10677034

62,000 miles · Jan 1, 2015

Engine

THERE IS A RECALL CAMPAIGN 11V-521: REPLACE ATHE AUXILIARY COOLANT PUMP FOR TURBOCHARGER FOR THE BMW E70 YET WHEN THE DEALER CHECK MY VIN # THIS RECALL IS NOT LISTED. MY VEHICLE NEED A NEW COOLANT PUMP AND I HAVE TO PAY FOR IT? *JS

NHTSA ODI #10669445

6,600 miles · Aug 15, 2014

EngineFuel System, Gasoline

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WHILE DRIVING AT AROUND 35 MPH, ENGINE STARTED TO STUTTER, SHAKE VIOLENTLY, THEN COMPLETELY SHUT OFF, LEAVING NO POWER ASSIST TO STEERING OR BRAKES. VEHICLE REMAINED DEAD IN THE MIDDLE OF A HEAVILY TRAVELED TWO LANE ROAD. AFTER ATTEMPTING TO RESTART SEVERAL DOZEN TIMES, VEHICLE FINALLY STAYED ON ENOUGH TO PULL TO SIDE OF ROAD, THEN SHUT DOWN AGAIN. AGAIN AFTER NUMEROUS ATTEMPTS TO RESTART, VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO TURM THE CORNER ONTO A RESIDENTIAL STREET WHERE IT PROCEEDED TO SHUT DOWN ONCE AGAIN. ENGINE FAILURE MESSAGE APPEARED ON VEHICLE INFORMATION DISPLAY AS WELL AS ENGINE WARNING LIGHTS ON DASHBOARD. WHILE WAITING FOR TOW TRUCK, THE VEHICLE SAT FOR 15 MINUTES BEFORE I ATTEMPTED TO RESTART. AFTER ABOUT A DOZEN ATTEMPTS, VEHICLE RESTARTED, BUT THIS TIME WITH NO ERROR MESSAGES OR DASHBOARD WARNING LIGHTS. AFTER SEVERAL ADDITIONAL STALLS, VEHICLE RESTARTED BUT THIS TIME WITH THE VEHICLE INFORMATION DISPLAY INDICATING "ENGINE MALFUNCTION" AND ADDITIONAL WORDING STATING "REDUCED POWER AVAILABLE" (LIMP HOME MODE) AND "SAFE TO DRIVE". BASED ON THE MESSAGE AND THE FACT THE CAR RESTARTED, I ATTEMPTED TO DRIVE HOME. ON THE HIGHWAY (LONG ISLAND EXPRESSWAY) WHILE APPROACHING HIGHWAY SPEEDS (45 MPH) THE ENGINE AGAIN SHOOK VIOLENTLY, STUMBLED, AND SHUT OFF LEAVING NO POWER STEERING OR POWER BRAKES. UNFORTUNATELY, A TRACTOR TRAILOR WAS BEARING DOWN ON MY POSITION FROM THE REAR AND NEARLY STRUCK MY VEHICLE, DUE TO THE SUDDEN POWER LOSS AND CATASTROPHIC ENGINE FAILURE. BEYOND THE FAILURE OF THE HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP (PER BMW DEALERSHIP), THE VEHICLE INFORMATION SYSTEM IS FLAWED AS IT DID NOT REMEMBER THE FIRST CATASTROPHIC ENGINE FAILURE AND INSTEAD RESET ITSELF. IT ADVISED ALTHOUGH THERE WAS AN ENGINE MALFUNCTION, IT WAS SAFE TO DRIVE WITH REDUCED POWER AVAILABLE. A CATASTROPHIC ENGINE EVENT LIKE THAT SHOULD RESULT IN A WARNING AND ADVISEMENT NOT TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10622501

56,000 miles · Jun 10, 2014

EngineFuel System, Gasoline

SHORTLY AFTER STARTING THE CAR IT WENT INTO SAFE MODE WHEN I WAS ON A BUSY ROAD WITH A 55 MPH SPEED LIMIT WHICH WAS UNDER CONSTRUCTION AND REDUCED TO ONE LANE WITH NO SHOULDER OR PLACE TO SAFELY PULL OVER. THUS, I WAS IN A DANGEROUS SITUATION AND ALSO OBSTRUCTING TRAFFIC AND PUTTING OTHER DRIVERS AT RISK AS WELL. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10597319

Mileage unknown · Mar 2, 2013

EngineFuel/propulsion System

SAME THING AS LAST TIME. STARTED UP THE CAR, GOT IT OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY AND THE ENGINE FAILED. TRIED TO START IT AGAIN, THE ENGINE KEPT TURNING OVER AND FINALLY STARTED UP ENOUGH TO GO INTO THE TOW TRUCK. AT THE BMW DEALERSHIP AGAIN. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10501048

Official recalls

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

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

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

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 TRANSMISSIONS 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

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

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

Steering:hydraulic Power Assist System