NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
271 reports14,000 miles · Oct 9, 2014
Electrical SystemFire
CAR WAS PARKED IN DRIVEWAY, NOT RUNNING OR TURNED ON. HORN AND WIPERS STARTED GOING OFF. WENT OUTSIDE TO VEHICLE, TRIED TO DISABLE. SMOKE STARTED COMING OUT FROM BEHIND THE DASHBOARD (PASSENGER SIDE). COULD SMELL ELECTRICAL SHORT. SMOKE FOLLOWED BY FLAMES, ENTIRE DASH AREA CAUGHT ON FIRE, BY THE TIME FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVE…
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CAR WAS PARKED IN DRIVEWAY, NOT RUNNING OR TURNED ON. HORN AND WIPERS STARTED GOING OFF. WENT OUTSIDE TO VEHICLE, TRIED TO DISABLE. SMOKE STARTED COMING OUT FROM BEHIND THE DASHBOARD (PASSENGER SIDE). COULD SMELL ELECTRICAL SHORT. SMOKE FOLLOWED BY FLAMES, ENTIRE DASH AREA CAUGHT ON FIRE, BY THE TIME FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED AND PUT IT OUT. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10643557
6,600 miles · Aug 15, 2014
EngineFuel System, Gasoline
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,…
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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
Mileage unknown · Jul 21, 2014
Exterior LightingInjury
THE REAR READING LAMPS IN THE VEHICLE HAVE NO PROTECTIVE COVER OVER THE HALOGEN BULBS AND ARE LOCATED RIGHT NEXT TO THE ON/OFF SWITCH MAKING IT FAR TO EASY FOR CHILDREN IN A MOVING VEHICLE TO ACCIDENTALLY TOUCH AN EXTREMELY HOT BULB. THEIR EITHER NEEDS TO BE A PROTECTIVE COVER OR THE BULBS NEED TO BE REPLACED WITH SOME LIKE AN …
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THE REAR READING LAMPS IN THE VEHICLE HAVE NO PROTECTIVE COVER OVER THE HALOGEN BULBS AND ARE LOCATED RIGHT NEXT TO THE ON/OFF SWITCH MAKING IT FAR TO EASY FOR CHILDREN IN A MOVING VEHICLE TO ACCIDENTALLY TOUCH AN EXTREMELY HOT BULB. THEIR EITHER NEEDS TO BE A PROTECTIVE COVER OR THE BULBS NEED TO BE REPLACED WITH SOME LIKE AN LED THAT GENERATES FAR LESS HEAT. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10615181
38,000 miles · Jul 3, 2014
Power Train
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 BMW X5. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE DECELERATED WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE CONTACT HEARD AN ABNORMAL CLANK SOUND NEAR THE ENGINE, BUT THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE STALLED, BUT WAS ABLE TO BE RESTARTED. THE FAILURE LATER…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 BMW X5. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE DECELERATED WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE CONTACT HEARD AN ABNORMAL CLANK SOUND NEAR THE ENGINE, BUT THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE STALLED, BUT WAS ABLE TO BE RESTARTED. THE FAILURE LATER RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 38,000.
NHTSA ODI #10608056
Mileage unknown · Jul 2, 2014
Engine And Engine CoolingFuel System, Gasoline
2012 BMW X5. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE STALLED SEVERAL TIMES. *SMD THE LAST DEALER, TOLD THE CONSUMER THE STALLING WAS DUE TO BAD GAS.
NHTSA ODI #10606315
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
30,000 miles · Apr 8, 2014
Visibility
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 BMW X5. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE GLASS SUNROOF SPONTANEOUSLY SHATTERED WITH A LOUD BOOMING SOUND. THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT THE SUN ROOF WAS OPENED WHEN THE INCIDENT OCCURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND DIAGNOSED THAT A SMALL ROCK HAD CAUSED THE DEF…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 BMW X5. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE GLASS SUNROOF SPONTANEOUSLY SHATTERED WITH A LOUD BOOMING SOUND. THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT THE SUN ROOF WAS OPENED WHEN THE INCIDENT OCCURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND DIAGNOSED THAT A SMALL ROCK HAD CAUSED THE DEFECT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 30,000.
NHTSA ODI #10578372
14,484 miles · Jan 10, 2014
Unknown Or Other
I PULLED INTO A GAS STATION, AND AS I APPROACHED THE PUMP AND PUT ON BRAKES, I HEARD A CRACK. AFTER I PUMPED MY GAS, I STARTED MY CAR, AND A BATTERY LIGHT CAME ON ALONG WITH AN INDICATION THAT THERE WAS A "CHARGING ERROR". I ATTEMPTED TO DRIVE OFF, BUT I COULD NOT TURN MY STEERING WHEEL LEFT OR RIGHT. MY HUSBAND LOOKED ON THE…
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I PULLED INTO A GAS STATION, AND AS I APPROACHED THE PUMP AND PUT ON BRAKES, I HEARD A CRACK. AFTER I PUMPED MY GAS, I STARTED MY CAR, AND A BATTERY LIGHT CAME ON ALONG WITH AN INDICATION THAT THERE WAS A "CHARGING ERROR". I ATTEMPTED TO DRIVE OFF, BUT I COULD NOT TURN MY STEERING WHEEL LEFT OR RIGHT. MY HUSBAND LOOKED ON THE HOOD, AND NOTED THAT A BELT WAS HANGING DOWN AND FLUID WAS SPEWED EVERYWHERE. MY CAR WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR REPAIR. MY INVOICE INDICATES THAT THE ALTERNATOR TENSIONER BOLT WAS BROKEN THAT CONNECTED THE ALTERNATOR BELT TO THE ENGINE (?) AND HAD TO BE REPAIRED. THIS IS TROUBLING BECAUSE THIS BOLT WAS A REPLACEMENT BOLT. THAT IS, WHEN I HAD MY VEHICLE SERVICED IN DECEMBER 2012, I WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WAS A RECALL ON AN ALUMINUM BOLT, AND MY INVOICE FROM THAT SERVICE VISIT INDICATES THAT THE "ALTERNATOR PULLEY BOLT" WAS REPLACED. I AM TROUBLED BECAUSE THE REPLACEMENT BOLT WAS SUPPOSED TO ADDRESS THE RECALL ISSUE, BUT THE REPLACEMENT BOLT BROKE IN THE EXACT MANNER THAT THE RECALL WAS SUPPOSED TO PREVENT. I AM A BIT TROUBLED THAT A REPLACEMENT BOLT, WHICH WAS REPLACED AS A RESULT OF A RECALL, MALFUNCTIONED. THIS APPEARS TO BE A SAFETY ISSUE THAT WASN'T ADDRESSED PROPERLY BY BMW THE FIRST TIME. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10559422
150 miles · Oct 18, 2013
Steering
WHILE DRIVING THE FRONT WHEELS WILL AUTOMATICALLY FOLLOW A RUT IN THE ROAD CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO SWERVE UNEXPECTEDLY TO THE LEFT OR RIGHT. MY WIFE HAD RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS IN HER HANDS AND CANNOT DRIVE THE VEHICLE FOR FEAR OF AN ACCIDENT. WHEN WE TEST DROVE THE VEHICLE THE DEALER GAVE US A DIFFERENT MODEL WITHOUT THE AGGRESSIVE…
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WHILE DRIVING THE FRONT WHEELS WILL AUTOMATICALLY FOLLOW A RUT IN THE ROAD CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO SWERVE UNEXPECTEDLY TO THE LEFT OR RIGHT. MY WIFE HAD RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS IN HER HANDS AND CANNOT DRIVE THE VEHICLE FOR FEAR OF AN ACCIDENT. WHEN WE TEST DROVE THE VEHICLE THE DEALER GAVE US A DIFFERENT MODEL WITHOUT THE AGGRESSIVE SUSPENSION - THE VEHICLE DRIVE BEAUTIFULLY. WHEN WE ARRIVED BACK AT THE DEALERSHIP THE DEALER HAD THIS MODEL ON THE FLOOR AND OFFERED US A "DEAL" TO PURCHASE IT. HOWEVER, THEY DID NOT MAKE US AWARE OF THE PROFOUND DIFFERENCE IN THE HANDLING. NOW AT 7000 MILES THE FRONT TIRES NEED TO BE REPLACED. DEALER SAYS WE MAY HAVE HIT A CURB. I SEARCHED ONLINE AND FOUND ANOTHER OWNER WHO COMPLAINED ABOUT THE SAME PROBLEM. ACCORDING TO HIS LETTER HE WAS ON THE WAY HOME AFTER PURCHASING THE VEHICLE AND IT "TOOK OFF ALL OVER THE ROAD." HE DROVE BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP TO ADVISE THEM THAT THE VEHICLE WAS DANGEROUS. HE FINALLY, WITH APPROXIMATELY 5000 MILES TRADED THE VEHICLE IN. WE ASKED THE DEALER IF THEY WOULD TRADE IT FOR THE MODEL WE TEST DROVE. THEY SAID BECAUSE IT WAS REGISTERED THEY WOULD ONLY GIVE US $45K. WE HAD JUST PAID $62K FOR IT. MY DAUGHTER RECENTLY BORROWED THE CAR, AND DECIDED IT WAS TOO UNSAFE TO DRIVE. THERE IS SOMETHING TERRIBLY WRONG WITH THE STEERING/SUSPENSION ON THE X5 SPORT ACTIVITY. PLEASE LOOK INTO TO IT. WE FEAR THAT WHEN DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY, WE WILL EVENTUALLY COLLIDE WITH A PASSING VEHICLE DUE THE PROBLEM. MY WIFE SIMPLY REFUSES TO DRIVE THE CAR CITING IT IS SIMPLY TOO DANGEROUS - SHE IS RIGHT! ON THE WEBSITE "TIRE RACK" THERE IS A DISPROPORTIONATE NUMBER OF X5 OWNERS WHO ARE FUMING ABOUT TIRE WEAR ON THE SUBJECT VEHICLE. MOST SEEM TO ACHIEVE NO MORE THAN 10K MILES. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10548362
Mileage unknown · Oct 8, 2013
Power TrainStructureCrashInjury
THE VEHICLE REVERSE UNEXPECTEDLY RESULTING IN CRASHING THE OWNER WHEN UNLOADING GROCERY. THE OWNER OF THE VEHICLE IN HOSPITALIZE AND UNDERWENT SURGERY. THE OWNER BROKE BOTH OF HIS FEMUR BONES AND RIGHT KNEE CAP. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10547317
Official recalls
10Jan 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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