IllustrationTHE VEHICLE SHUDDERS /LEARCHES WHILE TURNING DURING LOW SPEEDS. TRANSFER CASE ISSUE WHICH HAS NOT BEEN ADDRESSED BY BMW.
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.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all X5 years →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
210–25K
2025–50K
4750–75K
3975–100K
27100–150K
3150K+
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
Power Train complaints
53 reportsTL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 BMW X5. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THERE WAS A LOUD BANGING NOISE AND SMOKE WAS PRESENT COMING FROM THE ENGINE AREA. AFTER STOPPING THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE HOME. UPON INSPECTION IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE DRIVE SHAFT HAD SEVERED. THE LOCAL DEALER JACKY COOPER BMW …
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 BMW X5. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THERE WAS A LOUD BANGING NOISE AND SMOKE WAS PRESENT COMING FROM THE ENGINE AREA. AFTER STOPPING THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE HOME. UPON INSPECTION IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE DRIVE SHAFT HAD SEVERED. THE LOCAL DEALER JACKY COOPER BMW LOCATED AT 14201 N. BROADWAY EXT. OKLAHOMA CITY, OK. AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT THE DRIVE TRAIN WAS PREVIOUSLY SERVICE UNDER A MANUFACTURES SERVICE CAMPAIGN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 131,000.
VERY WELL MAINTAINED AND DOCUMENTED VEHICLE....ENGINE SEIZED AT 95K MILES. NO CODES OR REASON GIVEN. VEHICLE HAS HAD $20-30K WORK DONE AT A REGISTERED BMW DEALER OVER THE LAST 2 YEARS. BMW=BRING MONEY WITH. I WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER BMW AND IF SOMEONE TRIED TO GIVE ME ONE, I WOULD RUN THE OTHER WAY. I'VE OWNED MANY CARS AND TH…
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VERY WELL MAINTAINED AND DOCUMENTED VEHICLE....ENGINE SEIZED AT 95K MILES. NO CODES OR REASON GIVEN. VEHICLE HAS HAD $20-30K WORK DONE AT A REGISTERED BMW DEALER OVER THE LAST 2 YEARS. BMW=BRING MONEY WITH. I WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER BMW AND IF SOMEONE TRIED TO GIVE ME ONE, I WOULD RUN THE OTHER WAY. I'VE OWNED MANY CARS AND THIS IS THE ABSOLUTE, WORST PURCHASE I'VE EVER MADE. COST TO REPLACE ENGINE, $12K. CROOKS IN MY OPINION AND DO YOUR RESEARCH IF YOU DO NOT LISTEN TO THIS FRIENDLY WARNING. OH AND ONE MORE THING...AFTER I SPENT $12K TO REPLACE ENGINE, NOW THEY SAY THE TRANSFER CASE MAYBE COMPROMISED. DARE YOU LOOK UP WHAT THAT COSTS TO FIX. I WILL NOT PUT ONE MORE DIME INTO THIS VEHICLE. I AM DISGUSTED WITH THEIR ENTIRE OPERATION. THE ONLY POSITIVE IS THE WHEELS DID NOT LOCK UP WHEN THE ENGINE SEIZED, OTHERWISE, I MAY NOT BE ABLE TO FILE THIS COMPLAINT. ALL X5'S SHOULD BE RECALLED. DO NOT BUY BMW!!!!!!!!!!!! *TR
THERE WAS A WATER PUMP RECALL FOR MY BMW X5, I TOOK MY X5 DUE TO AN ENGINE MALFUNCTION, THE DEALER DIDN'T DO THE WATER PUMP RECALL, INSTEAD, THEY CHARGE ME FOR REPLACING THE IVM AND THE CHARGE AIR PIPE STATING THAT WAS THE ENGINE MALFUNCTION, AFTER I PAID APPROXIMATELY $2,500 THEY CAME BACK AND TOLD ME THE ENGINE MALFUNCTION WAS…
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THERE WAS A WATER PUMP RECALL FOR MY BMW X5, I TOOK MY X5 DUE TO AN ENGINE MALFUNCTION, THE DEALER DIDN'T DO THE WATER PUMP RECALL, INSTEAD, THEY CHARGE ME FOR REPLACING THE IVM AND THE CHARGE AIR PIPE STATING THAT WAS THE ENGINE MALFUNCTION, AFTER I PAID APPROXIMATELY $2,500 THEY CAME BACK AND TOLD ME THE ENGINE MALFUNCTION WAS DUE TO THE WATER PUMP, SO THEY CHARGED ME AN ADDITIONAL $1,380 FOR THE WATER PUMP. I JUST CHECKED THE RECALLS ON MY VEHICLES AND NOTICED THERE'S A WATER PUMP RECALL, HOWEVER, I HAD TO PURCHASE THE WATER PUMP AND OTHER ITEMS NOT NEEDED FOR THE ENGINE MALFUNCTION MESSAGE RELATED TO THE WATER PUMP. HOW CAN I SUBMIT A REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE AMOUNT AMOUNT PAID WHEN THERE WAS A RECALL AND I PAY FROM MY POCKET THE AMOUNT OF $3,880.00 RELATED TO THE WATER PUMP. ALSO, THE DEALER DID A DRIVE SHAFT RECALL, HOWEVER NOW THE TRANSFER CASE IS NOT WORKING, CREATING THE FRONT UNIVERSAL JOINT TO FAIL AFTER THE DRIVESHAFT RECALL WAS DONE, THE FRONT WHEELS IS AFFECTING THE VEHICLE TRACTION. WATER AND DEBRIS MAY BE ENTERING THE FRONT DRIVESHAFT'S UNIVERSAL JOINT AND MAY CAUSE EXCESSIVE WEAR AND POSSIBLY RESULTING IN THE JOINT'S FAILURE. *TR
IT IS MAKING A HORRIBLE CRYING NOICE AND IT'S VIBRATES. THE WATER PUMP WAS ALREADY TAKEN CARE OF BUT STILL ONCE AGAIN PROBLEMS
MY 2012 BMW X5 DEVELOPED TRANSFER CASE PROBLEM. THE TRANSFER CASE SHUTTERS AND THE CAR START JUMPING WHEN I MAKE LEFT OR RIGHT TURN FROM THE STOP, WHICH IS CLEARLY A SAFETY ISSUE. THE CAR HAS 49200 MILES AS OF TODAY, SEP 2019. THIS REPRESENTS DANGER IN DRIVING THE CAR AND TRANSFER CASE HAS TO BE REPLACED. SEARCHING THE INTERNET …
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MY 2012 BMW X5 DEVELOPED TRANSFER CASE PROBLEM. THE TRANSFER CASE SHUTTERS AND THE CAR START JUMPING WHEN I MAKE LEFT OR RIGHT TURN FROM THE STOP, WHICH IS CLEARLY A SAFETY ISSUE. THE CAR HAS 49200 MILES AS OF TODAY, SEP 2019. THIS REPRESENTS DANGER IN DRIVING THE CAR AND TRANSFER CASE HAS TO BE REPLACED. SEARCHING THE INTERNET REVEALED THAT IT'S A COMMON ISSUE WITH 2012 BMW X5 VEHICLES AND IN MY OPINION, BMW MUST FIX FAULTY TRANSFER CASE FREE OF CHARGE. AS IT STANDS TODAY, BRAMIN BMW IN MIAMI QUOTED ME $5000 PLUS TAX TO REPLACE TRANSFER CASE.
WHILE DRIVING 75 MPH 250 MILES AWAY FROM HOME THE DRIVE SHAFT ON MY BMW X5 BROKE. I THINK THE RECALL NUMBER IS 17V-138. I WAS ON A MAJOR HIGHWAY IN THE LEFT LANE. THE CAR WAS BUCKING AROUND, SMOKING AND WAS VERY VERY DIFFICULT TO STEER. BEFORE THIS THE CAR WAS DRIVING PERFECTLY. IT HAPPENED IN AN INSTANT. I WAS ABLE TO GET TO TH…
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WHILE DRIVING 75 MPH 250 MILES AWAY FROM HOME THE DRIVE SHAFT ON MY BMW X5 BROKE. I THINK THE RECALL NUMBER IS 17V-138. I WAS ON A MAJOR HIGHWAY IN THE LEFT LANE. THE CAR WAS BUCKING AROUND, SMOKING AND WAS VERY VERY DIFFICULT TO STEER. BEFORE THIS THE CAR WAS DRIVING PERFECTLY. IT HAPPENED IN AN INSTANT. I WAS ABLE TO GET TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD WITHOUT INJURING MYSELF OR MY PASSENGERS. I HAD MY CAR TOWED TO A LOCAL GARAGE WHO SAID IT WAS CATASTROPHIC. I LOOKED UP ON YOUR WEBSITE AND SAW THE DRIVE SHAFT WAS A RECALL. I WAS NEVER INFORMED OF THIS BY BMW. I HAD MY HOME GARAGE GO GET IT. THEY SENT IT TO A BMW DEALER WHO HAD IT OVER 2 MONTHS. THEY REPLACED THE ENGINE. IT WAS RETURNED TO MY GARAGE. I DROVE IT ABOUT 10 MILES BEFORE THE TRANSMISSION WARNING LIGHT CAME ON AND THE CAR LOST THE INABILITY TO ACCELERATE. I WAS ON THE THRUWAY SO THIS WAS VERY SCARY. BMW IS SAYING THIS HAS NOTHING TO DO W THE DRIVE SHAFT BREAKING AND KILLING THE ENGINE AS PARTS WERE FLYING AROUND INSIDE. 5 DAYS BEFORE THE ORIGINAL INCIDENT I HAD THE CAR CHECKED OVER BY MY GARAGE AS I WAS GOING ON A TRIP. I WAS TOLD MY CAR SHOULD HAVE THE TRANSMISSION FLUID AND FILTER CHANGED NEXT TIME IN BUT IT WASN'T URGENT. I AM NOW LOOKING AT A $5000 REPAIR. OBVIOUSLY THIS IS FROM THE CATASTROPHE. BMW SHOULD PAY FOR THIS REPAIR, REIMBURSE ME FOR ALL THE TOWING CHARGES AND REIMBURSE MY GARAGE FOR LETTING ME HAVE A LOANER FOR OVER 2 MONTHS. PLEASE HELP. I HAVE PICTURES AND WILL TRY TO UPLOAD THEM.
HAD TO REPLACE WATER PUMP AT 58,000 MILES. CAR IS SPEWING EXHAUST, AND ACCELERATION AND STEERING ARE NOT FUNCTIONING PROPERLY, LIKELY DUE TO UJOINT AND/OR WORN CONTROL ARM, WHICH I NOTICED WERE RECALLED FOR OTHER MODELS, BUT LISTED AS A RECALL FOR MY CAR/VIN. NEED TO RESEAL CRANKCASE JOINTING SURFACES. CAR HAS 8 RECALLS LISTED O…
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HAD TO REPLACE WATER PUMP AT 58,000 MILES. CAR IS SPEWING EXHAUST, AND ACCELERATION AND STEERING ARE NOT FUNCTIONING PROPERLY, LIKELY DUE TO UJOINT AND/OR WORN CONTROL ARM, WHICH I NOTICED WERE RECALLED FOR OTHER MODELS, BUT LISTED AS A RECALL FOR MY CAR/VIN. NEED TO RESEAL CRANKCASE JOINTING SURFACES. CAR HAS 8 RECALLS LISTED ON KBB, BUT BMW ONLY HAS RECORD OF 5 RECALLS. I DO NOT HAVE RECORDS OF REPAIRS THAT WERE DONE ON CAR BEFORE PURCHASE IN NOV. OF 2014. CAR CURRENTLY HAS 69,000 MILES AND IS DRIVING HORRIBLY
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 BMW X5. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A CLICKING NOISE UNDER THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE STARTED TO LOSE POWER, THE TRANSMISSION WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED, AND AN UNKNOWN FLUID EMERGED FROM THE TRANSMISSION AREA. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN UNKNOWN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DET…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 BMW X5. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A CLICKING NOISE UNDER THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE STARTED TO LOSE POWER, THE TRANSMISSION WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED, AND AN UNKNOWN FLUID EMERGED FROM THE TRANSMISSION AREA. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN UNKNOWN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DETERMINED THAT THE DRIVE AXLE FRACTURED AND DAMAGED THE TRANSFER CASE, WHICH NEEDED REPLACEMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO BMW OF MANHATTAN (555 W 57TH ST, NEW YORK, NY 10019), BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED UNLESS IT WAS PAID FOR BY THE CONTACT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT ALSO MENTIONED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V138000 (POWER TRAIN). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 92,000.
ON AUGUST 7, 2018, I WAS TRAVELING ON INTERSTATE 95 IN MARYLAND (NORTH OF BALTIMORE) IN ROUTE TO NEW YORK STATE. DURING THE HIGHWAY DRIVE, MY BMW DRASTICALLY REDUCED SPEED TO 10 MILES PER HOUR AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND STAYED ON. I HAD TO MOVE MY CAR TO A SAFE PLACE TO AVOID BEING HIT BY THE OTHER VEHICLES ON T…
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ON AUGUST 7, 2018, I WAS TRAVELING ON INTERSTATE 95 IN MARYLAND (NORTH OF BALTIMORE) IN ROUTE TO NEW YORK STATE. DURING THE HIGHWAY DRIVE, MY BMW DRASTICALLY REDUCED SPEED TO 10 MILES PER HOUR AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND STAYED ON. I HAD TO MOVE MY CAR TO A SAFE PLACE TO AVOID BEING HIT BY THE OTHER VEHICLES ON THE HIGHWAY. I COULD NOT CONTINUE TO DRIVE MY CAR. AND, I WAS WORRIED ABOUT MY SAFETY AND WAS AT RISK DUE TO THE BMW CAR ISSUE. I CALLED AAA AND MY CAR WAS TOWED TO PASSPORT BMW IN SUITLAND, MARYLAND FOR REPAIR. ON AUGUST 8TH, PASSPORT EVALUATED MY CAR AND DIAGNOSED THE PROBLEM. I WAS INFORMED BY PASSPORT BMW THAT MY CAR ENGINE PROBLEM WAS DUE TO A FAULTY FUEL IGNITION SYSTEM WHICH HAD TO BE REPLACED. I APPROVED THIS OVER $570 REPAIR TO MY CAR. HOWEVER, WHEN I PICKED UP THE CAR, THE ENGINE LIGHT WAS STILL ON. AGAIN, I WAS CONCERNED SINCE MY CAR WAS REPAIRED BY BMW YET THE PROBLEM HAD NOT BEEN FIXED SINCE THE ENGINE LIGHT WAS STILL ON. I CONTACTED THE SERVICE ADVISOR TO INFORM HIM OF THE PROBLEM. HE APOLOGIZED AND REQUESTED THAT I BRING THE CAR BACK IN TO PASSPORT BMW ON THE NEXT DAY. THE NEXT DAY, I BROUGHT THE CAR IN TO PASSPORT BMW, I WAS INFORMED THAT THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER, AN ESTIMATED $3388 REPAIR, NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. MY CAR HAS BEEN IN FOR BMW SERVICE MAINTENANCE AND RECALL REPAIRS SEVERAL TIME. MY CAR WAS IN FOR MAINTENANCE SEVERAL TIMES AND WAS NOT ACCURATELY DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THERE IS NO INDICATION THAT THE REPAIR DIAGNOSED ON AUGUST 8TH FIXED THE PROBLEM THAT CAUSED MY CAR TO STOP RUNNING ON THE HIGHWAY ON AUGUST 7TH. I PAID FOR THAT REPAIR IN AUGUST AND IT DID NOT FIX THE CHECK ENGINE PROBLEM AND WANT TO BE REIMBURSED FOR THIS EXPENSE. I AM CONCERNED ABOUT THE NUMEROUS REPAIRS TO MY BMW DESPITE THE FACT THAT MY CAR HAS BEEN SERVICED BY THE PASSPORT BMW SERVICE DEPARTMENT.
Official recalls
1020V016000 · 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 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
1RQ18001 · 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.