2011 BMW X5 Problems & Owner Complaints

Engine 128 8 fire 3 injury

“MARGINING ONTO FREEWAY ACCELERATED CAR SUDDENLY LOST POWER WENT INTO NEUTRAL AND BRAKES WENT HARD ENGINE MALFUNCTION LIGHTS ON THE DASH BUILD DATE DEC 2010 FALLS INTO VANOS REPAIR FIXED ONCE ALREADY AND HAS MADE THE VEHICLE INOPERABLE BMW CORPORATE IS CLAIMING NOT AT FAULT WHEN HUNDREDS OF CASES HAVE BEEN REPORTED ONLINE EVERY VEHICLE MADE FROM FEB 2010-DEC 2010 IS A TICKING BOMB”
NHTSA complaint #10825256, 2015 · 2 injury(ies)

“THIS CAR HAS BEEN TAKEN IN 3 TIMES NOW FOR THE SAME ISSUES. ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND SMELL OF EXHAUST IN CABIN. THIS SMELL STARTED AT AROUND 30,000 MILES, BUT AT THAT TIME IT WAS MINOR, AND WOULD GO AWAY QUICKLY. EXHAUST FILTER CLEANED AT COST OF $400. NEXT DAY THE ENGINE LIGHT AND EXHAUST SMELL STILL THERE. DIESEL EXHAUST RESERVOIR AND HEATER REPLACED (THIS WAS A RECALL FOR SOME OF THE SAME CARS, BUT NOT MY VIN). COST OF THIS REPAIR $1,300. FIVE DAYS LATER CAR TAKEN BACK TO DEALER WITH SMELL OF EXHAUST DURING COLD STARTS WAS EXTREME IN CABIN. EXHAUST LEVELS MEASURED AND CARBON MONONXIDE…”
NHTSA complaint #10548876, 2013 · 1 injury(ies)

“Our car get on fire from begin low on oil, we stopped on the side and went on another car to get oil at the gas station and Suddenly star on fire and our entire car truck burned. Luckily we were able to get out off the car on time.”
NHTSA complaint #11470883, 2022 · fire

Air Bags 77 2 crash 1 fire 1 injury

“ME AND MY KIDS WERE DRIVING OUR 2011 BMW X5, WE WENT TO A FULL STOP ON THE FREEWAY, A SEMI WAS DRIVING TOO FAST BEHIND US, THE SEMI WAS ON ITS WAY TO CRUSHING ME AND MY THREE DAUGHTERS IN THE CAR. WE TRIED TO MOVE OUT OF ITS WAY AND CRASHED IN THE CAR INFRONT OF US AS THERE WAS NO PLACE TO GO. THE ONE SECOND DECISION WAS THE TOUGHEST DECISION I HAD TO TAKE IN MY LIFE, EITHER THE SEMI IS GOING TO KILL US ALL I I CAN CRASH IN THE CAR FRONT OF US TO AVOID DEATH, WE WERE RELYING ON THE AIRBAG TO SAVE OUR LIFE, THE AIRBAG DIDN'T DEPLOY, ACCIDENT OCCURRED ON JULY 17TH. THANKFULLY THE AIRBAG DID NOT…”
NHTSA complaint #11240850, 2019 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 BMW X5. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE WAS EMITTING A BURNING ODOR COMING FROM BOTH INSIDE AND OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE WHEN DRIVING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER STOPPING THEN ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE THE VEHICLE, THE VEHICLE WOULD HESITATE. IN ADDITION, THE VEHICLE JERKED WHEN TURNING OR DECELERATING. ON A SEPARATE OCCASION, THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT FLASHED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER (ROADSHOW BMW, ADDRESS: 405 N GERMANTOWN PKWY #6207, CORDOVA, TN 38018, PHONE: (901) 365-2584) WHO INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBE…”
NHTSA complaint #11328543, 2020 · fire

“I WAS RECENTLY IN AN ACCIDENT. I REAR ENDED SOMEONE AND THE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY UNTIL AFTER THE ACCIDENT OCCURRED. I HAVE CHEST AND RIB PAIN. EVEN DEPLOYED THE AIR BAG WAS NOT FULLY INFLATED. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10659213, 2014 · crash

Power Train 63 1 crash 1 fire 1 injury

“OUR 2011 BMW X5D (DIESEL) STARTED HAVING STEERING ISSUES IN JUN OF 2012. MULTIPLE REPAIR ATTEMPTS HAVE BEEN UNSUCCESSFUL. LATER IT WAS INVOLVED IN A LOW SPEED CRASH, INJURING THE DRIVER IN DEC 2012 DUE TO A SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER STEERING. THIS WAS JUST MONTHS BEFORE ISSUING A RECALL FOR THE IDENTICAL PROBLEM ALTHOUGH BMW IDENTIFIED PROBLEMS BEFORE THE INITIAL PROBLEM WAS NOTICED. THE VEHICLE STILL TO THIS DAY HAS A PROBLEM WITH THE SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER STEERING, DIFFICULT LOW SPEED MANEUVERS AND UNUSUAL TIRE WEAR. WE DO HAVE A RECORDING OF A BMW OF NORTH AMERICA MASTER TECHNICIAN ADMIT…”
NHTSA complaint #10543104, 2012 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 BMW X5. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE PARKED, THE ENGINE WAS RUNNING HOWEVER, A LARGE AMOUNT OF COOLANT LEAKED ONTO THE GROUND AND THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE OIL RESERVOIR MELTED ONTO THE ENGINE. THERE WAS NO FLAME VISIBLE. IN ADDITION, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO SHIFT OUT OF THE PARK POSITION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE WATER PUMP WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 11V521000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIM…”
NHTSA complaint #10846430, 2016 · fire

“I own a 2011 BMW x5. The NHTSA shows 15 recalls for my vehicle type; however, NHTSA must be relying upon BMW for the VIN numbers as: 1.) my vehicle doesn't show up for recalls; 2.) I have never been contacted by BMW for many of those recalls - in fact, I have not received a letter from BMW in many many years, and among the 15 recalls above, I have never received any notification of for at least October 20, 2023 NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 23V707000 Camshaft Timing Bolts May Loosen Causing Stall Loose or broken VANOS unit bolts can result in an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash. April 18…”
NHTSA complaint #11567475, 2024

Fuel/Propulsion System 45 1 crash 3 fire

“Our car get on fire from begin low on oil, we stopped on the side and went on another car to get oil at the gas station and Suddenly star on fire and our entire car truck burned. Luckily we were able to get out off the car on time.”
NHTSA complaint #11470883, 2022 · fire

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 BMW X5. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE WAS EMITTING A BURNING ODOR COMING FROM BOTH INSIDE AND OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE WHEN DRIVING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER STOPPING THEN ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE THE VEHICLE, THE VEHICLE WOULD HESITATE. IN ADDITION, THE VEHICLE JERKED WHEN TURNING OR DECELERATING. ON A SEPARATE OCCASION, THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT FLASHED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER (ROADSHOW BMW, ADDRESS: 405 N GERMANTOWN PKWY #6207, CORDOVA, TN 38018, PHONE: (901) 365-2584) WHO INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBE…”
NHTSA complaint #11328543, 2020 · fire

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 BMW X5. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENGINE FAILED AND SMOKE EMITTED UNDER THE HOOD WHILE DRIVING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR INSPECTION WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUEL DIESEL HEATHER FAILED, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO OVERHEAT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V339000 (FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10927609, 2016 · fire

Unknown Or Other 25 3 fire

“UPON STARTING MY CAR AT A FRIEND'S HOUSE, I HEARD A BRIEF ELECTRICAL BUZZING NOISE THAT THEN STOPPED. IT SOUNDED LIKE THE RADIATOR FAN, BUT THE FAN WASN'T MOVING. I DROVE MY CAR APPROXIMATELY 15 MILES HOME AND PARKED IT. ABOUT 2.5 HOURS LATER, FROM INSIDE MY HOME, I HEARD THE SOUND OF WHAT SEEMED TO BE A SMALL EXPLOSION. I LOOKED OUTSIDE AND MY CAR'S ENGINE COMPARTMENT WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES. IT HAD PARKED, UNUSED WITH THE MOTOR OFF FOR MORE THAN TWO HOURS ON A COOL DAY WITH TEMPERATURES IN THE 40S WITH NO WARNING INDICATORS LIGHTS OR MESSAGES. I LATER LEARNED BMW HAD ISSUED A RECALL FOR EL…”
NHTSA complaint #11265230, 2019 · fire

“MY WIFE'S BMW WAS PARKED IN OUR GARAGE UPON RETURNING FROM THE DEALERSHIP WHERE A SERVICE RECALL HAD BEEN PERFORMED. THE CAR SELF COMBUSTED DESTROYING THE BMW X5 , MY BMW 328 XI, OUR GARAGE AND PORTIONS OF OUR CONDO ADJACENT TO THE GARAGE.”
NHTSA complaint #11043735, 2014 · fire

“VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN GARAGE AT HOME AND RANDOMLY BURST INTO FLAMES AT APPROXIMATELY 2AM. FIRE CAUSED OVER $800,000 IN DAMAGE AND HOME TOOK WELL OVER A YEAR TO REPAIR. INSURANCE AND FIRE INVESTIGATORS DETERMINED THAT THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE COULD NOT HAVE BEEN ANYTHING IN THE GARAGE WITH THE EXCEPTION OF THE CAR, BUT I HAVE YET TO RECEIVE ANY TYPE OF FORMAL REPORT AND IT HAS BEEN OVER THREE YEARS.”
NHTSA complaint #10991810, 2014 · fire

Electrical System 21 4 fire

“UPON STARTING MY CAR AT A FRIEND'S HOUSE, I HEARD A BRIEF ELECTRICAL BUZZING NOISE THAT THEN STOPPED. IT SOUNDED LIKE THE RADIATOR FAN, BUT THE FAN WASN'T MOVING. I DROVE MY CAR APPROXIMATELY 15 MILES HOME AND PARKED IT. ABOUT 2.5 HOURS LATER, FROM INSIDE MY HOME, I HEARD THE SOUND OF WHAT SEEMED TO BE A SMALL EXPLOSION. I LOOKED OUTSIDE AND MY CAR'S ENGINE COMPARTMENT WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES. IT HAD PARKED, UNUSED WITH THE MOTOR OFF FOR MORE THAN TWO HOURS ON A COOL DAY WITH TEMPERATURES IN THE 40S WITH NO WARNING INDICATORS LIGHTS OR MESSAGES. I LATER LEARNED BMW HAD ISSUED A RECALL FOR EL…”
NHTSA complaint #11265230, 2019 · fire

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2011 BMW X5. AFTER PARKING THE VEHICLE OVERNIGHT, THE CONTACT DISCOVERED FLAMES AND SMOKE INSIDE THE CABIN OF THE VEHICLE THE FOLLOWING MORNING. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED TO THE SCENE AND EXTINGUISHED THE FLAMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A TOW LOT AND DEEMED DESTROYED. THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE MANUFACTURER AND LOCAL DEALER (JMK BMW IN SPRINGFIELD, NEW JERSEY) WERE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 106,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11098631, 2018 · fire

“FIRE OCCURRED IN THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR (TOP SPEAKER) SHORTLY AFTER STARTING THE ENGINE AND DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE HAD A STRONG ODOR AND SMOKE WAS POURING OUT. I IMMEDIATELY PULLED OVER AND LOCATED THE SOURCE OF THE SMOKE AND SAW A FLAME. I TOOK A PHOTO OF THE FLAME TO DOCUMENT IT. I SHUT OFF THE RADIO AND THE FLAME AND SMOKE DISSIPATED.”
NHTSA complaint #11001801, 2017 · fire

Steering 21 2 crash 2 injury

“OUR 2011 BMW X5D (DIESEL) STARTED HAVING STEERING ISSUES IN JUN OF 2012. MULTIPLE REPAIR ATTEMPTS HAVE BEEN UNSUCCESSFUL. LATER IT WAS INVOLVED IN A LOW SPEED CRASH, INJURING THE DRIVER IN DEC 2012 DUE TO A SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER STEERING. THIS WAS JUST MONTHS BEFORE ISSUING A RECALL FOR THE IDENTICAL PROBLEM ALTHOUGH BMW IDENTIFIED PROBLEMS BEFORE THE INITIAL PROBLEM WAS NOTICED. THE VEHICLE STILL TO THIS DAY HAS A PROBLEM WITH THE SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER STEERING, DIFFICULT LOW SPEED MANEUVERS AND UNUSUAL TIRE WEAR. WE DO HAVE A RECORDING OF A BMW OF NORTH AMERICA MASTER TECHNICIAN ADMIT…”
NHTSA complaint #10543104, 2012 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“WHEN MAKING A RIGHT HAND TURN THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED AND THE STEERING WHEEL COULD NOT BE TURNED, I CRASHED INTO A TREE, SUSTAINING MINOR INJURIES. PLEASE NOTE THE BMW ASSIST DID NOT WORK PROPERLY EITHER! IT TURNED ON BUT I WAS PLACED ON HOLD LEAVING THE ASSIST ON HOLD PERMANENTLY AND COULD NOT TURN IT OFF OR RESET IT. THEY ALSO NEVER CALLED FOR HELP. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10487961, 2012 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“Transfer case actuators plastic gear(s) might be worn out due to bad quality of the material used. On some of the BMW X5 models there was a problem with the differentials and a recall was issued to fix those. But some how some cars with particular VINs went missing in that. Codes thrown by my system are : 005219, 005F3A, 006EC4 Code 005F3A signifies that the Transfer case actuator is not engaging properly. This problem put me at risk when taking a U-turn as the gears did not engage properly and my car did not accelerate on time. The on coming traffic came very close and I somehow avoided a T…”
NHTSA complaint #11555719, 2023

Engine And Engine Cooling 10

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 BMW X5. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE WENT INTO LIMP MODE DUE TO A FAILURE WITH THE AUXILIARY WATER PUMP. THE FAILURE CAUSED THE ENGINE TO OVERHEAT AND PREVENTED THE VEHICLE FROM ACCELERATING PAST 35 MPH. THE DEALER (GERMAIN BMW OF NAPLES, 11286 TAMIAMI TRAIL N, NAPLES, FL 34110, (239) 302-3837) INITIALLY DIAGNOSED AND REPLACED THE RADIATOR, RESERVOIR TANK, RESERVOIR CAP, AND THERMOSTAT; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT AN UNKNOWN MANUFACTURER RECALL CAMPAIGN WAS ISSUED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER INDICATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS EX…”
NHTSA complaint #11101638, 2018

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 BMW X5. WHILE DRIVING IN REVERSE, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME HARD TO TURN. THE CONTACT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND FOUND THAT THE POWER STEERING PUMP BOLT ON THE PULLEY FAILED, WHICH CAUSED THE STEERING WHEEL TO SEIZE AND THE ALTERNATOR BELT NOT TO FUNCTION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 12V550000 (STEERING, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11083479, 2018

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 BMW X5. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, BUT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE AND LOST POWER. THE ENGINE TEMPERATURE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR ROUTINE SERVICE AND THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THERE WAS A FAILURE WITH THE ENGINE FAN. THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED AND PRODUCED DIAGNOSTIC CODE 3792. THE CONTACT WAS UNSURE ABOUT WHAT PARTS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT WAS AWARE OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 11V521000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING), BUT THE VIN WAS…”
NHTSA complaint #10925872, 2016

Service Brakes 8 1 crash

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 BMW X5. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH ON A SLIGHT INCLINE, HE ATTEMPTED TO PARK. WHILE ENGAGING THE BRAKES, THE PEDAL DEPRESSED TO THE FLOOR AND THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE. SUDDENLY, THE VEHICLE JUMPED A CURB AND CAME TO A STOP. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO TWO DIFFERENT AUTHORIZED DEALERS FOR DIAGNOSIS, WHERE BOTH WERE UNABLE TO DUPLICATE OR DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF FAILURE. ALSO, AN ENGINEER INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND PROVIDED NO RESOLUTIONS. THE VEHICLE HAD REMAINED AT THE DEALER FOR SIX WEEKS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE…”
NHTSA complaint #10415546, 2011 · crash

“Transfer case actuators plastic gear(s) might be worn out due to bad quality of the material used. On some of the BMW X5 models there was a problem with the differentials and a recall was issued to fix those. But some how some cars with particular VINs went missing in that. Codes thrown by my system are : 005219, 005F3A, 006EC4 Code 005F3A signifies that the Transfer case actuator is not engaging properly. This problem put me at risk when taking a U-turn as the gears did not engage properly and my car did not accelerate on time. The on coming traffic came very close and I somehow avoided a T…”
NHTSA complaint #11555719, 2023

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 BMW X5. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PARKING BRAKE FAILED. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO PERFORM A MANUAL RESET OF THE PARKING BRAKE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT PARKING BRAKE MALFUNCTION ' DO NOT DRIVE ' GO TO THE NEAREST DEALER MESSAGES WERE DISPLAYED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. NEITHER THE DEALER NOR THE MANUFACTURER WERE MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11331749, 2020

Fuel System 7 1 fire

“VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE ON 02/06/12 AT 0300 WHILE PARKED IN GARAGE. ACCORDING TO MIAMI'S FIRE DEPARTMENT THIS WAS NOT DEEMED ARSON/VANDALISM, NO EVIDENCE OF FORCED ENTRY OR ACCELERATE WAS NOTED. A RECALL FOR HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP HAS BEEN ISSUED FOR SUCH MODEL. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10447356, 2012 · fire

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 BMW X5. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT 62 MPH, THE PASSIVE TANK LEVEL SENSOR FAILED. THE CONTACT THAT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE THEN WENT INTO LIMP MODE NOT ALLOWING HIM TO EXCEED 50 MPH WHILE DRIVING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO VALLEY BMW (4725 MCHENRY AVE, MODESTO, CA 95356) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED WITH THE PASSIVE TANK LEVEL SENSOR NEEDING TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT WANTED A SECOND OPINION AND TOOK THE VEHICLE TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE MECHANIC CONFIRMED THE FIRST RESULT. THE VEHI…”
NHTSA complaint #11413553, 2020

“I WAS ON MY WAY OUT OF TOWN ON INTERSTATE 94W, WHEN WITHOUT WARNING MY VEHICLE STARTED TO SLOW DOWN AND I COULD NOT ACCELERATE. A SENSOR DISPLAYED STATING THE VEHICLE WAS OVERHEATING AND TO DRIVE MODERATELY. I WAS IN THE FAST LANE AND HAD TO GET OVER AT A MOMENT'S NOTICE EVEN WITH THE VEHICLE SLOWING DOWN. THE SECOND OCCURRENCE WAS ON A BUSY STREET WITH A SPEED LIMIT OF 45 MPH, AND THE CAR OVERHEATED, AND STATED "ENGINE HOT" AND IT PROCEEDED TO SHUT DOWN. I COULD NOT ACCELERATE AND WAS ALMOST HIT FROM BEHIND BUT THE CAR SWITCHED TO ANOTHER LANE AT THE LAST MINUTE. THIS CAR PUT MY LIFE INTO DAN…”
NHTSA complaint #10705307, 2015

Vehicle Speed Control 7

“As I was slowing down to make a turn, the vehicle went into neutral and shut off. I immediately turned it back on and put it in drive and the same thing occurred moments later. I start it again and drove away enough to safely park. I let the car rest in the off position for 30 minutes and it drove fine. There were no warning lights and the vehicle is well maintained with scheduled services. I contacted the nearest reputable mechanic and explained the situation. I drove it there. They found no faulty codes when they plugged in the computer and the battery has no issues. The vehicle drives fine…”
NHTSA complaint #11470015, 2022

“VEHICLE INDICATED THE ENGINE WAS OPERATING AT REDUCED POWER, UNABLE TO ACCELERATE AND BARELY ABLE TO PULL OVER. SPEED WAS REDUCED TO 5MPH IN THE MIDDLE OF THE HIGHWAY.”
NHTSA complaint #11384886, 2020

“THE CAR IS PUTTING OUT WHITE SMOKE. IT SEEMS AS THOUGH OIL IS ENTERING THE COMBUSTION CHAMBER AND BURNING OUT OF THE EXHAUST. THE OIL IS EITHER BURNING OR LEAKING INTO THE FUEL SYSTEM. THERE IS A SIGNIFICANT DECREASE IN FUEL CONSUMPTION AND THE ACCELERATION IS AFFECTED. AS I WAS DRIVING THERE WAS A WARNING THAT THE ENGINE HAS GOTTEN TOO HOT TO DRIVE AND TO PULL OVER IMMEDIATELY AND I HAD IT TOWED TO A GARAGE. THERE WERE NO TEMPERATURE WARNING LIGHTS OR COOLANT WARNING LIGHTS AND COOLANT LEVEL WAS FINE. BMW DOES NOT HAVE A TEMPERATURE GAUGE TO KNOW IF YOUR CAR IS GETTING HOT. STUPID DESIGN.”
NHTSA complaint #11311246, 2019

Exterior Lighting 6 1 crash 1 fire

“Headlight wiring insulation dry rots prematurely within headlight causing system failure, which includes Headlight malfunction and system shorting. Headlights are known to stop working due to wiring shorting out, issues may cause an electrical fire besides malfunction.”
NHTSA complaint #11588833, 2024 · fire

“I WAS RECENTLY IN AN ACCIDENT. I REAR ENDED SOMEONE AND THE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY UNTIL AFTER THE ACCIDENT OCCURRED. I HAVE CHEST AND RIB PAIN. EVEN DEPLOYED THE AIR BAG WAS NOT FULLY INFLATED. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10659213, 2014 · crash

“To Whom It May Concern. Please help me on this. I purchased a BMW x5 that needed recalls installed at the BMW dealer. I purchased the vehicle, performed routine preventative maintenance, new tires, new brakes, full detail, shampooed the interior, and full wash, etc. When I took my BMW to the dealer, the BMW dealer installed the recalled items, but did not install or replace the defective FRM footwell module that controls the electric windows, signals, headlights, emergency flashers, and all the interior lights. Per BMW service manager, this FRM is defective from the factory because the FRM do…”
NHTSA complaint #11550536, 2022

Structure 6 1 crash

“I WAS RECENTLY IN AN ACCIDENT. I REAR ENDED SOMEONE AND THE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY UNTIL AFTER THE ACCIDENT OCCURRED. I HAVE CHEST AND RIB PAIN. EVEN DEPLOYED THE AIR BAG WAS NOT FULLY INFLATED. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10659213, 2014 · crash

“SUNROOF DRAIN LINE TWISTING CAUSES WATER TO BACK-UP INTO THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT AND CAUSE ELECTRICAL FAULTS AS CONFIRMED BY FORMER BMW FRANCHISEE MECHANIC AND AS NOTED WIDELY THROUGHOUT BWM OWNER FORUMS. THIS KNOWN ISSUE FOR MODEL HAS NO REPAIR OPTION OTHER THAN CUTTING INTO A PILLAR TO REPLACE DEFECTIVE (SELF KINKING) LINE. VEHICLE STATIONARY IN THE RAIN AT TIME OF HARMFUL WATER INTRUSION. FAULT CODES OCCURRED AT IGNITION. FLOORBOARDS FILLED WITH WATER. MILDEW OCCURRED IN CARPETS. EXTENSION TO WARRANTY WARRANTED (LIKE DEFECTIVE NOX SENSORS).”
NHTSA complaint #11165142, 2018

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 BMW X5. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT ACCELERATE PAST 40 MPH AND THE INSTRUMENT PANEL GAUGES SUDDENLY STOPPED OPERATING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DISCOVERED THAT WATER DRAINED INTO THE REAR HATCH AREA AND DAMAGED SEVERAL ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS, INCLUDING THE ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE. THE BATTERY AND OTHER ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS WERE SUBMERGED IN WATER. THE INDEPENDENT MECHANIC DIAGNOSED THAT THE DRIVER'S SIDE DRAINAGE TUBE HAD BECOME DAMAGED, CAUSING THE WATER TO DRAIN INTO THE HATCH AREA. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE…”
NHTSA complaint #11119923, 2018

Seat Belts 5

“UPON DRIVING THE AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON AND SAID IT WAS NOT RECOGNIZED SEAT BELT INDICATOR CAME ON ALSO SEND A PHOTO”
NHTSA complaint #11372275, 2020

“THE PASSENGER SEAT WEIGHT OCCUPANCY SENSOR INTERMITTENTLY WORKS. I AM CONCERNED IF IT IS NOT WORKING PROPERLY, THE AIRBAG MAY NOT DEPLOY PROPERLY. ALSO, THE SEAT BELT WARNING LIGHT CHIMES EVEN THOUGH THE SEAT IS NOT OCCUPIED.”
NHTSA complaint #11277430, 2019

“I WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY AND ALLL OF A SUDDEN I RECEIVED AN AUDIBLE AND VISUAL WARNING STATING THAT THE PASSENGER RESTRAINT SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONED. AT THE TIME, THERE WERE NO PASSENGERS IN THE VEHICLE. THIS SEEMS TO BE AN OCCURRING ISSUE WITH BMW VEHICLES. I'VE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM ON TWO OTHER VEHICLES.”
NHTSA complaint #11013652, 2017

Wheels 5 1 crash 1 injury

“OUR 2011 BMW X5D (DIESEL) STARTED HAVING STEERING ISSUES IN JUN OF 2012. MULTIPLE REPAIR ATTEMPTS HAVE BEEN UNSUCCESSFUL. LATER IT WAS INVOLVED IN A LOW SPEED CRASH, INJURING THE DRIVER IN DEC 2012 DUE TO A SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER STEERING. THIS WAS JUST MONTHS BEFORE ISSUING A RECALL FOR THE IDENTICAL PROBLEM ALTHOUGH BMW IDENTIFIED PROBLEMS BEFORE THE INITIAL PROBLEM WAS NOTICED. THE VEHICLE STILL TO THIS DAY HAS A PROBLEM WITH THE SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER STEERING, DIFFICULT LOW SPEED MANEUVERS AND UNUSUAL TIRE WEAR. WE DO HAVE A RECORDING OF A BMW OF NORTH AMERICA MASTER TECHNICIAN ADMIT…”
NHTSA complaint #10543104, 2012 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“VEHICLE SHUDDERS AND HESITATES WHEN MAKING A HARD LEFT OF RIGHT TURN FROM A FULL STOP. (IE. TURNING RIGHT ON RED OR PULLING OUT OF A PLACE OF BUSINESS ONTO AN ACTIVE HIGHWAY.) I READ ABOUT 30 OTHER COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE SAME ISSUE - ALL POINTING A FAULTY "TRANSFER CASE". MY VEHICLE 2011 BWM X5 35I HAS 76,000 MILES. I DO SEE A POWER TRAIN RECALL FOR THE 2011 X5'S BUT MINE (FOR SOME UNKNOWN REASON IS NOT INCLUDED AND IT IS A 2011 (RECALL 17V138000) MY MECHANIC SAID IT WAS THE TRANSFER CASE AND WILL COST $3,000 TO REPAIR.”
NHTSA complaint #11296776, 2019

“TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING START MALFUNCTIONING AFTER 5 YEARS.”
NHTSA complaint #10979577, 2017

Suspension 4

“DRIVESHAFT FEELS LIKE ITS FAILING IVE READ FORUMS ABOUT AIRBAGS BEING A SAFETY ISSUE”
NHTSA complaint #11390933, 2018

“1. "IDLER PULLEY BOLT FAILED" - WHILE DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY, THE PULLEY BOLT FAILED. WHEN THIS HAPPENED, I LOST POWER TO THE STEERING WHEEL AND THE MESSAGE "CHARGING MALFUNCTION" APPEARED. I OPENED THE HOOD AND PULLED OUT THE BROKEN BELTS. THE CAR HAD TO BE TOWED TO THE GARAGE AND IT COST ME ROUGHLY $900 TO FIX + THE TOWING FEE. 2. CAR HAD RATTLE SOUNDS. I HAD TO HAVE THE "STABILIZER BAR/CONTROL ARM/SHOCK N STRUT ASSEMBLY" REPLACED AT 75,141 MILES.......”
NHTSA complaint #11114599, 2018

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 BMW X5. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, A LOUD NOISE WAS HEARD WITHOUT WARNING FROM THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER TO THE SHOULDER AND NOTICED THAT THE FRONT SHAFT OF THE VEHICLE WAS FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 95,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10946589, 2016

Tires 4 1 fire

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 BMW X5. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE TPM ERROR LIGHT ILLUMINATED AS THE VEHICLE SURGED. IN ADDITION, SMOKE WAS SEEN COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD AREA. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS WHERE IT WAS STATED THAT THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE TIRE SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT THE PROBLEM PERSISTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 18,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10525563, 2012 · fire

“REAR TIRES QUICKLY LOST ALL TREAD LEADING TO DANGEROUS HANDLING. FRONT TIRES OF SAME AGE AND MILEAGE, BUT DIFFERENT SIZE, APPEAR NEW.”
NHTSA complaint #10947785, 2017

“07/31/2011: 2011 BMW X5D, WITH 10,500 MILES, ALL 4 TIRES WERE INFLATED BY DEALER AT 40PSI; FOUR WEEKS LATER THE REAR TIRES WERE AT 35PSI, BUT BOTH FRONT TIRES WERE AT 22PSI. THE TPMS WAS SHOWING GREEN ON ALL FORU TIRES, DID NOT GIVE ANY WARNING. CALLED BMWUSA AND THEY SAID THAT IF IT IS GREEN IT SAFE TO DRIVE. WENT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND ALL THEY DID WAS CHECK THE PRESSURE AND REINFLATE TO 40PSI. THERE MIGHT BE PEOPLE DRIVING AND LOOKING AT THEIR TPMSS SHOWING ALL 4 TIRES ARE GREEN, BUT THEY ARE ACTUALLY UNDERINFLATED. I CALLED BERU, THE MANUFACTURER FOR THE TPMS PLACED ON BMWS, THEY SAID T…”
NHTSA complaint #10424578, 2011

Electronic Stability Control (Esc) 2

“'TAKATA RECALL' WHEN THE HEAT OR AC IS ON AIR FROM VENT START TO BURN MY EYES. WHENEVER I'M IN MY VEHICLE I LEAVE OUT FEELING SLEEPY. CABIN FILTER HAS BEEN CHANGED AS WELL AS OTHERS PROBLEM CONTINUES. ALSO THE LEATHER ON THE DASH BOARD IS PULLING AWAY FROM THE VENT. PLASTIC WOOD TRIM CRACKS OVER TIME LEAVING THE VEHICLE LOOKING CHEAPLY BUILT”
NHTSA complaint #11144616, 2018

“BMW X5 35I 2011 AWD , I WAS ON MAJOR DEEGAN HIGHWAY EXITING AT 230 ST WHEN THE MY BMW X5 35I 2011 AWD SUDDEN STOPPED AND MY HEART WHEN TOO MY FEET . THE PANEL READ "ENGINE MALFUNCTION " I WAS IN A DAZE NOT KNOWING WHAT HAPPEN TO THE BMW X5 35I 2011 AWD AND WHY DID IT STOP ALL OF SUDDEN !!! I STARTED AGAIN AT A VERY SLOW PACE LESS THAN 10 MPH AND TRYING TO GET OUT OF THE WAY OF TRAFFIC ON THE EXIT ON 230 STREET , I MADE IT TOO THE VETERANS AFFAIRS HOSPITAL AT 8:30 OR 9:00 AM IN THE MORNING . I CALLED AAA TO TOW TO A SHOP THAN I WAS FOUND OUT THIS BMW X5 35I 2011 AWD HAD A RECALL SO I GOT IT T…”
NHTSA complaint #10680093, 2015

Visibility/Wiper 2

“THE VEHICLE LOSES POWER AND SUDDENLY INCREASE IT WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE IT ALSO JERKS STEERING FEELS LOOSE LEAKING OIL FROM THE ENGINE. COMPUTER ON THE DASH READS TO ADD A QUART THIS IS HAPPENING EVERY OTHER DAY SINCE I GOT IT BACK FROM THE DEALER. THE VEHICLE IS BACK AT THE DEALERSHIP AND ADVISORS TELL ME THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE OIL ALL LIES. THEY DISMANTLED MY ENTIRE ENGINE THE VEHICLE NEVER DROVE THE SAME AGAIN PLUS THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS FLICKERING. PLEASE HELP!!!!!!! VEHICLE SHUT DOWN ON ME WHILE I WAS IN THE HIGHWAY DRIVING SLOWING I PULLED OUT OF THE HIGHWAY INTO AND EXIT…”
NHTSA complaint #11287374, 2019

“IN LATE DECEMBER 2014, THE RIGHT HEADLIGHT WASHER NOZZLE AND COVER FELL OFF SOME TIME DURING USE (VEHICLE SPEED IS UNKNOWN; 45 MPH IS A GUESS). THE VEHICLE DID NOT HAVE ANY SNOW OR ICE ON IT. IN EARLY MARCH OF 2015, BOTH HEADLIGHT WASHER NOZZLES AND COVERS FELL OFF WITHIN A WEEK OF EACH OTHER, BOTH TIMES WITH NO SNOW OR ICE ON THE VEHICLE (THE VEHICLE IS PARKED IN A GARAGE AT BOTH HOME AND WORK). THE RIGHT NOZZLE/COVER ASSEMBLY WAS HANGING LOOSELY, AND WAS SALVAGED. IN JANUARY 2015, BMW WOULD NOT PAY FOR REPAIRS UNDER WARRANTY, CLAIMING THE PARTS WERE "EXTERIOR TRIM," RATHER THAN SAFETY FEATUR…”
NHTSA complaint #10701570, 2014

Equipment 1

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 BMW X5. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHO REPLACED THE FUEL PUMP. IN ADDITION, THE DRIVER SIDE WINDOW WAS MAKING A LOUD NOISE BUT THE CONTACT WAS UNSURE OF THE DIAGNOSIS AND THE REPAIR. ALSO, WHEN FIRST STARTING THE VEHICLE, THE ENGINE WOULD ROAR ABNORMALLY LOUD. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THERE WAS NO AIR EMITTING FROM THE AIR CONDITIONER WHEN ACTIVATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 500 A…”
NHTSA complaint #10402037, 2011

Interior Lighting 1

“THE OVERHEAD READING LIGHTS (4) IN MY BMW X5 DO NOT HAVE PROTECTIVE COVERS ON THEM AND THEY BECOME EXTREMELY HOT WHEN TURNED ON. MY 3 YEAR OLD SON TOUCHED THE LIGHT IN THE BACKSEAT RESULTING IN A BURN AND BLISTER ON HIS FINGER. I AM TOLD BY BMW THAT THIS IS THE DESIGN OF THESE LIGHTS AND THERE IS NO "FIX" TO PREVENT BURNS WHEN THIS EXPOSED LIGHT IS TOUCHED. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10349130, 2010

Parking Brake 1

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 BMW X5. WHILE ACCELERATING FROM A RED LIGHT, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD NOISE AND THE ABS AND FOUR WHEEL TRACTION WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. ALSO, "TRANSMISSION MALFUNCTION" DISPLAYED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE LOST POWER AND HAD TO BE MANEUVERED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE CONTACT EXITED THE VEHICLE AND LOOKED UNDERNEATH, AND NOTICED OIL ALL OVER THE ROAD. THE CONTACT ALSO NOTICED A U-SHAPED PIECE STICKING OUT OF THE UNDER CARRIAGE SHIELD. THE CONTACT ENGAGED THE ELECTRONIC PARKING BRAKE BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WAS ON AN INCLINE AND CALLED ROADSIDE ASSIST…”
NHTSA complaint #11024162, 2016

Seats 1

“THE PASSENGER OCCUPANCY SENSOR IS DEFECTIVE AND CHIMES CONTINUOUSLY WHEN UNOCCUPIED. THE ONLY WAY TO DISARM THE CHIME IS TO BUCKLE THE PASSENGER SEAT BELT WHICH ACTIVATES THE PASSENGER AIRBAGS. SINCE THIS VEHICLE CURRENTLY HAS SEVERAL AIRBAG RECALLS ON IT, THE DEFECTIVE OCCUPANCY SENSOR CREATES A DANGEROUS SITUATION FOR MYSELF AND OTHER OWNERS OF THIS SAME MAKE AND MODEL.”
NHTSA complaint #11132179, 2016

Visibility 1

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 BMW X5. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHO REPLACED THE FUEL PUMP. IN ADDITION, THE DRIVER SIDE WINDOW WAS MAKING A LOUD NOISE BUT THE CONTACT WAS UNSURE OF THE DIAGNOSIS AND THE REPAIR. ALSO, WHEN FIRST STARTING THE VEHICLE, THE ENGINE WOULD ROAR ABNORMALLY LOUD. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THERE WAS NO AIR EMITTING FROM THE AIR CONDITIONER WHEN ACTIVATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 500 A…”
NHTSA complaint #10402037, 2011