Air Bags. Review the 47 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Engine. Review the 44 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Power Train. Review the 36 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

2 crash reports7 fire reports5 injury reports

Power Train complaints

36 reports

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Mileage unknown · Jun 26, 2026

Electrical SystemEnginePower Train

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My vehicle has suffered catastrophic electrical failure due to water intrusion directly into the rear cargo compartment. This water ingress has destroyed vital electronic control modules that were designed and placed in low-lying, unsealed body cavities—an engineering layout heavily documented as a design vulnerability in the E70 chassis. My safety was put at risk as this happened on the highway and threw my SUV into limp mode. I could not drive the speed limit on the highway and had to drive home with my hazard lights on while cars drove around me and almost collided with me on the highway. BMW has previously acknowledged the severe liabilities of placing sensitive electronics near drainage paths, as seen in the Catalano v. BMW of North America litigation. This is not a wear-and-tear issue; it is a design failure that leaves critical safety components swimming in water during normal rain events.

NHTSA ODI #11746759

Mileage unknown · Sep 3, 2024

EnginePower TrainUnknown Or OtherFire

After driving for an hour I noticed smoke coming from under the hood of the car, I opened the hood to and noticed the smoke coming from under the plastic cover which covers the turbo and catalytic converter In That area. After removing the cover I saw a bright flame coming from under the hood.

NHTSA ODI #11612189

85,000 miles · Mar 27, 2024

EnginePower Train

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The contact owns a 2013 BMW X5. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was sluggish. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic for routine maintenance and to address the vehicle driving sluggish. The mechanic diagnosed the vehicle and stated that the valve-tronic camshaft needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. There was an existing for similar vehicles; however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The approximate failure mileage was 85,000.

NHTSA ODI #11579790

Mileage unknown · Mar 11, 2024

Power Train

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While driving locally at a 20-25 mph speed my vehicle shuttered violently and a huge thunk was heard which sounded as if the engine had dropped out. I immediately pulled over to the side of the road and inspected the vehicle underneath and under hood but nothing was detected by me. Thankfully I was on a local street with grass side and not highway driving at greater speed and without location to safely park. No warning lights had flashed prior, and no warning lights came on when I restarted vehicle. I limped the vehicle a short distance to a auto repair shop for diagnosis. It was reported to me the front drive shaft had broken out and fallen down into the skid plate. It was given to me and I still have the shaft which is broken at the front fork with one fork missing. I had the 2013 BMW X5 taken to the local BMW dealer and was told this vehicle is not covered by the NHTSA Recall 17V138000 for this model BMW due to my VIN being excluded. The vehicle is 12 years old but has only 114,000 miles. I cannot understand how such a major safety component failure for a maker and model can exclude certain VIN vehicles and that major safety component actuall fail in that excluded vehicle. At this point BMW is denying any responsibility for this issue. I feel as if I could have been killed, and possibly killed others, if this had happened in a higher speed and higher traffic situation.

NHTSA ODI #11576564

Mileage unknown · Mar 5, 2024

Power Train

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Driving at approximately 60 mph, suddenly - a lot of vibration and an incredibly loud bang. We were able to continue driving. On investigation, confirmed that there had been a catastrophic failure of the front drive-shaft. On further investigation, this is a known issue with this make & model and there was a recall [XXX]: Replace Front Driveshaft in 2017. This recall literature describes everything in the document as to what actually happened. I called BMW of Westchester where I purchased car on [XXX] and left message, they did not return my call/message. I then proceed to call BMW USA (1-800-831-1117) on [XXX] and as to how come car had not been called and concern with potential gap in their system. They explained that this recall only applied to cars produced on April-22, 2013 and my car had been produced on [XXX]. Apparently, they changed the front driveshaft part. However - as you can see, this seems to be too much of a coincidence. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI #11575454

160,000 miles · Jan 6, 2023

Power Train

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The contact owns a 2013 BMW X5. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the front drive shaft failed to operate as designed, rendering the vehicle undrivable. The contact stated that during the failure, the driveshaft detached, and caused damage to the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, and the front drive shaft and hydraulic steering lines were replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and the contact was informed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V138000 (Power Train). The failure mileage was 160,000.

NHTSA ODI #11500442

Mileage unknown · Feb 19, 2022

EnginePower TrainUnknown Or Other

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Car was purchased in July of 2017. Extended warranty was purchased. Dealership says they do not have that in their records. A letter was sent to our address regarding extended coverage, but had another person's name on it. Regardless, the engine developed excessive oil leaks, and led to complete engine failure. Dealer says it would be several thousand dollars to look at it. Research indicates that this model vehicle had excessive oil leaks, but we were not apprised of this, or any of the recalls when purchased. Also, the seals were not holding oil. Dealer sold the car without disclosing of any of these defects. Further, I believe there may have been a recall on the engine, but BMW tells us that this engine is not in the recall. Additional research conforms that this is a standard practice for BMW. I can be reached any time at [XXX], or [XXX]. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

NHTSA ODI #11452983

Mileage unknown · Feb 14, 2022

EnginePower Train

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The Drive Shaft was replaced as part of a recall in 2017 and the damage from that drive shaft has caused an issue in the transfer case resulting in humming and other periodic noises and vibrations. The dealer asked for $5300 to replace the Transfer Case and I have stopped driving it as it could lead to an accident. Mechanics have said this is VERY COMMON in those cars with this recall. https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RCRIT-17V138-1965.pdf I have reached out to BMW USA who said to reach out to you as they will not honor the repair unless a BMW certified mechanic states that it is related OR NHTSA agrees it is a safety issue. The car has 65000 miles on it.

NHTSA ODI #11451918

Mileage unknown · Nov 26, 2021

Power Train

Rod bearings, got rod knock. When is bmw going to fix this? This is my second N55 engine to dies from this problem, first one being my 3 series. They should be held accountable for this problem.

NHTSA ODI #11441779

101,971 miles · Apr 27, 2020

Power Train

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TL* THE CONTACTS WIFE OWNS A 2013 BMW X5. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, A LOUD CLUNKING NOISE WAS HEARD COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND DISCOVERED OIL WAS EMERGING FROM UNDER THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, THEY DETERMINED THAT THE FRONT DRIVE SHAFT BOLTS FAILED AND THE OIL TANK WAS PUNCTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. A DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 101,971.

NHTSA ODI #11322387

Official recalls

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.

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.

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.

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