RoadVitals

2011 BMW X5 Diesel Sav

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
44
Latest Jun 13, 2019
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
2
Latest May 17, 2016
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
1
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
1
2 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 44 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2011 BMW X5 Diesel Sav, most frequently naming the engine, airbags and fuel system categories. 2 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; 1 NHTSA investigation names it; and 19 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

  • Engine1833.3%
  • Airbags1018.5%
  • Fuel system916.7%
  • Powertrain (other)59.3%
  • Steering35.6%
  • Other / unspecified23.7%
  • Electrical23.7%
  • Body & structure23.7%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

2 campaigns cover this model year

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov
16V311000

POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT

May 17, 2016
21,493 units potentially affected
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2011 X5 xDrive 35i, xDrive50i, X5 M, X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i, and X6 M vehicles manufactured April 5, 2010, to November 20, 2010, 2011 X5 xDrive35d diesel vehicles manufactured April 7, 2010, to November 20, 2010, and 2011 X6 Active Hybrid vehicles manufactured April 15, 2010, to November 17, 2010. The affected vehicles have a front driveshaft universal joint that may not seal out water and debris from getting in and damaging the joint, which could lead to its failure.
The risk: 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.
The remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front driveshaft, free of charge. The recall began on July 8, 2016. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
BMW of North America, LLCView on NHTSA.gov
11V332000

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:DIESEL

Jun 23, 2011
923 units potentially affected
The defect: BMW IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011, X5 DIESEL SPORTS ACTIVITY VEHICLES (SAV) MANUFACTURED FROM MARCH 31, 2011, THROUGH MAY 19, 2011. DUE TO A COMPONENT MANUFACTURING ERROR AT THE SUPPLIER, THE WELDS IN THE BELT TENSIONER COULD HAVE INCIPIENT CRACKS. OVER TIME, THIS COULD LEAD A MALFUNCTION OF THE BELT TENSIONER.
The risk: IF THE BELT TENSIONER FAILS, THERE COULD BE A SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER STEERING ASSISTANCE, IF POWER STEERING ASSIST IS LOST, MANUAL STEERING CAPABILITY IS STILL RETAINED AND COULD INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
The remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ENGINE BELT TENSIONER FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING AUGUST 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW CUSTOMER RELATIONS AND SERVICES AT 1-800-525-7417, OR VIA EMAIL AT [email protected].
BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, LLCView on NHTSA.gov

Safety investigations

NHTSA inquiries naming this vehicle. An investigation is not a finding of a defect.

RQ18001ClosedRecall Query

Idler Pulley Bolt Failure

Opened Apr 18, 2018
Closed Dec 1, 2018

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.

STEERINGLed to recall 18V336000

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

View all 44
EnginePowertrain (other)
Filed Jun 13, 2019

MY WIFE WAS DRIVING ON THE EXPRESSWAY WITH SPEED LIMIT OF 50 MILES / PER HOUR. SUDDENLY THE CAR SHOWED "ENGINE MALFUCTION - POWER REDUCED" AND SHE COULDN'T KEEP THE SPEED AND CAR STARTING LOSING SPEED AND DROPPED TO 10 MILES / HOUR, SHE HAD TO PULL OFF THE ROAD TO AVOID THE DANGER OF BEING HIT BY OTHER CARS ON THE BUSY EXPRESSWAY. AFTER SHE PULLLED OVER AND CALLED ME, I DROVE TO THE PLACE WHERE SHE PARKED THE CAR AND USED A CODE READER TO FOUND SOME ERROR CODE "47C4", BUT AFTER RESTARTED CAR, CAR SEEMED OK. I DROPPED THE CAR AT BMW MOUNTAIN VIEW DEALER AND THEY FOUND THE "LOW PRESSURE EGR" WAS BAD AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED WITH A COST OF $1800. WE FEEL THIS IS VERY DANGER TO HAPPEN TO ANY CAR BECAUSE SUCH AN FAILURE IT'S NOT SAFE TO US AND ALSO TO OTHER DRIVERS. THIS SHOULD BE RECALLED!

NHTSA ID
11219793
Incident
Jun 7, 2019
Mileage
76,400 mi
Airbags
Filed May 21, 2019

THE PASSENGER RESTRAINT LIGHT IS ON. DEALER REPORTS THERE IS A FAULT STORED FOR THE PASSENGER SIDE SEAT MAT. I UNDERSTAND THAT BMW HAS HAD RECALLS FOR THIS PROBLEM IN PREVIOUS MODEL YEARS.

NHTSA ID
11208893
Incident
Jun 1, 2017
Mileage
107,300 mi
Engine
Filed Apr 3, 2019

THE ISSUE STARTED WITH EXHAUST FUME IN THE CABIN FOR 2-3 DAYS. FOLLOWED BY AIR LEAKING SOUND FROM THE ENGINE BAY ON LOW RPM. VEHICLE WENT IN AND OUT OF LIMP MODE (GETTING "ENGINE MALFUNCTIONED / REDUCED POWER" MESSAGE) WHILE DRIVING WHICH WAS VERY DANGEROUS ON HIGHWAY OR MERGING INTO TRAFFIC. DEALER FOUND OUT THAT THE EGR COOLER WAS CRACKED.

NHTSA ID
11193664
Incident
Mar 29, 2019
Mileage
95,000 mi
Engine
Filed Apr 3, 2019

CHECK ENGINE LIGHT TRIGGERED . TWO ISSUES: - THE DEALER DIAGNOSED A PROBLEM WITH THE SENSOR IN THE DIESEL-EXHAUST-FLUID PASSIVE TANK. THE SENSOR IS BUILT INTO THE TANK, SO THE ENTIRE TANK NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE IS NO LONGER UNDER THE ORIGINAL WARRANTY AND THERE IS NO WARRANTY EXTENSION ON THIS PART. - THE EGR COOLER, WHICH IS SPECIFIC TO DIESEL ENGINE POWERED BMWS HAS A CRACK. THIS COOLER IS NEEDED TO COOL THE TEMPERATURE OF THE AIR MOVING THROUGH THE EGR VALVE. THIS PART IS NOT CONSIDERED PART OF THE EMISSIONS SYSTEM, SO NOT COVERED. THERE IS NO WARRANTY EXTENSION EITHER ON THIS PART.

NHTSA ID
11193515
Incident
Apr 1, 2019
Mileage
89,500 mi
Fuel system
Filed Jan 22, 2019

LEAKING EGR COOLER. DEALER STATED THAT IF ISSUE IS NOT REPAIRED A POTENTIAL FIRE HAZARD EXISTS. A RECALL WAS ISSUED FOR VIN SPECIFIC VEHICLES BUT OTHERS WITH THE SAME ISSUE ARE NOT COVERED BY THE RECALL.

NHTSA ID
11171426
Incident
Jan 21, 2019
Body & structure
Filed Jan 8, 2019

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 ID
11165142
Incident
Dec 30, 2018
Mileage
110,000 mi
EngineFuel system
Filed Dec 19, 2018

2016, MARCH 03 - DIESEL EXHAUST FUMES IN CABIN. MAG BMW DEALER REPLACED FAULTY: INTAKE TEMP SENSOR FAULT # 004BC6 AND FUEL PRESUPLY LINE: FAULTS #004BDA AND 004BDC. SCR TANK FAULT 0046F9 WAS NOT REPAIRED BY BMW.

NHTSA ID
11162416
Incident
Mar 3, 2016
Mileage
123,826 mi
EngineFuel system
Filed Dec 19, 2018

2017 JULY - DIESEL EXHAUST FUMES IN CABIN. MAG BMW DEALER REPLACED FAULTY EGR COOLER AND EGR VALVE SECOND TIME.

NHTSA ID
11162415
Incident
Jul 10, 2017
Mileage
146,000 mi

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

B510819

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS

The basic conditions for initializing the power windows are not met.

B611305

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The electrical system of BMW vehicles has been subject to an ongoing development process over the last few years. This has led to increased demands being placed on the battery. This document covers important information for the dealer on how to handle “discharged battery” complaints.

B840214

EQUIPMENT

CONNECTEDDRIVE/BMW ASSIST SYSTEM DIAGNOSIS INFORMATION: ConnectedDrive/BMW Assist features are partially or completely inoperative.

B650709

EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM)

NAVIGATION SYSTEM: REPORTING MISSING OR INCORRECT ROAD MAP DATA: The route guidance is inaccurate and therefore irritating to the customer; or it is not possible to locate certain addresses, for instance:

B650709

EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM)

NAVIGATION SYSTEM: REPORTING MISSING OR INCORRECT ROAD MAP DATA: The route guidance is inaccurate and therefore irritating to the customer; or it is not possible to locate certain addresses, for instance:

B660517

STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR

DOOR CANNOT BE OPENED WITH COMFORT ACCESS: One or more doors are unable to be opened from the outside of the vehicle using the Comfort Access System.

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.