RoadVitals

2009 BMW X5 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.
19
Latest Mar 3, 2023
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.
4
Latest Mar 2, 2022
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.
2
1 currently open
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

Overview

Our database contains 19 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2009 BMW X5 Sav, most frequently naming the fuel system, airbags and engine categories. 4 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; 2 NHTSA investigations name it; and 8 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

  • Airbags723.3%
  • Engine413.3%
  • Brakes310.0%
  • Electrical26.7%
  • Exterior lighting26.7%
  • Driver assistance13.3%
  • Other / unspecified13.3%

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

4 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

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CRANKCASE (PCV)

Mar 2, 2022
917,106 units potentially affected
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2013 1 Series Coupe (128i); 2007-2013 3 Series Coupe (328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive); 2007-2010 X3 SAV (X3 3.0si, X3 xDrive30i); 2008-2013 1 Series Convertible (128i); 2006-2011 3 Series Sedan (325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 330i, 330xi); 2006-2012 3 Series Wagon (328i, 328i xDrive); 2007-2013 3 Series Convertible (328i); 2006-2010 5 Series Sedan (525i, 525xi, 528i, 528xi, 530i, 530xi); 2006-2007 5 Series Wagon (530xi); 2007-2010 X5 SAV (X5 3.0si, X5 xDrive30i); 2006-2008 Z4 Coupe (Z4 3.0si); and 2006-2011 Z4 Roadster (Z4 3.0i, Z4 3.0si, Z4 sDrive30i) vehicles. The heater for the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve may short circuit.
The risk: An electrical short can cause the PCV valve heater to overheat, increasing the risk of a fire while driving or, soon after driving when parked.
The remedy: This recall supersedes and expands previous NHTSA recalls 17V-683 and 19V-273. Dealers will install an electrical wiring harness with fuse protection for the PCV Valve heater in potentially affected vehicles, free of charge. This recall supersedes and expands previous NHTSA recalls 17V-683 and 19V-273. Vehicles previously repaired under the prior recalls will need to come back for the new recall remedy. The remedy is currently being developed. Interim owner notification letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed on April 1, 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 22, 2022. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
BMW of North America, LLCView on NHTSA.gov

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Feb 5, 2016
840,000 units potentially affected
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2008-2013 128i and 135i coupes and convertibles and 1 Series M coupes, 2006-2011 325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi, 335i xDrive Sedans, 2009-2011 335d sedans, 2006-2012 325xiT, 328i and 328xi sports wagons, 2007-2013 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 335i, 335xi, 335i xDrive, 335is and M3 Coupes and Convertibles, 2013-2015 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i and X1 xDrive35i SAVs, 2007-2010 X3 xDrive30i SAVs, 2007-2013 X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i and X5 M SAVs, 2009-2013 BMW X5 xDrive35d SAVs, 2008-2014 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i, and X6 M SACs, 2010-2011 BMW X6 xDrive50i SACs and 2008-2011 M3 Sedan vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.
The risk: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag module or inflator depending on the vehicle model, free of charge. The recall began March 9, 2018. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
BMW of North America, LLCView on NHTSA.gov

SERVICE BRAKES; SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST

Feb 7, 2013
30,265 units potentially affected
The defect: BMW is recalling certain model year 2007-2010 X5 SAV vehicles, manufactured September 12, 2006, through March 18, 2010 and equipped with an 8-cylinder engine. The brake vacuum pump may leak a small amount of lubricating oil into the hose. The contamination could result in a loss of power assist braking.
The risk: The loss of power assist in braking could increase stopping distance and lead to a vehicle crash.
The remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake vacuum line with one that contains a check valve, free of charge. The recall began during March 2013. Owners may call BMW at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW 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.

EA21002OpenEngineering Analysis

Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture

Opened Sep 17, 2021

From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.Consequently, all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a substance that traps and holds moisture) in US vehicles are under recall. These "non-desiccated" inflators either have been or are required to be replaced.In some cases, the remedy part for these recalled inflators was, or will be, an inflator using either propellant 2004 or 2004L that does contain a desiccant. None of these "desiccated" remedy parts (which were installed in older model year vehicles) are currently under recall for a degradation concern. Certain subsets of desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004 for use as original equipment, however, have been recalled for a degradation concern. All Takata inflators produced with propellant 2004L contain desiccant, and none of these desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L are under recall for a degradation concern. There have been no reported field ruptures in any non-recalled desiccated PSAN inflators.It is understood that desiccants fully saturate at some threshold, at which point any additional moisture will not be captured. This means the degradation process observed in non-desiccated inflators using propellant 2004 may also occur in non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004, assuming additional moisture enters the inflator and high temperature cycling occurs. Based on available information, desiccant saturation can occur within the first five years in the worst environments, and the time required for full saturation is affected by multiple factors. While no present safety risk has been identified, further work is needed to evaluate the future risk of non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004.Three entities -- Takata (now known as TK Global), the Independent Testing Coalition, and Exponent -- have been studying the long-term behavior of Takata desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004L (as well as 2004) in the presence of moisture and temperature cycling. The research efforts, which include development of predictive modeling techniques and field sample analysis, are ongoing. To date, none of the researchers have identified field evidence showing that propellant 2004L is undergoing a degradation process that leads to aggressive deployment and potential rupture. However, the time in service of such inflators remains short compared to that of the inflators using propellant 2004. Further study is needed to assess the long-term safety of desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L.The Office of Defects Investigation is opening this investigation to examine whether a safety defect related to propellant degradation exists in non-recalled desiccated PSAN frontal inflators manufactured by Takata. This investigation will require extensive information on Takata production processes and surveys of inflators in the field. Lists of recall actions that may have used desiccated PSAN inflators as remedy parts, as well as the makes and models originally manufactured with them, is available with the downloadable version of this document (see nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=EA21002 -- note this information is subject to change/revision as the investigation proceeds). This investigation does not supersede EA15-001, which remains open.

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
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

Engine
Filed Mar 3, 2023

The contact owns a 2009 BMW X5. The contact stated that upon turning the heater on, there was a strong burning odor coming from the A/C vents. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the failure was diagnosed as a burning oil odor. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the intake gasket was replaced; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the failure was related to the fan relay. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact later received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V119000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact contacted the local dealer and a second dealer, Hansel BMW of Santa Rosa (2925 Corby Ave, Santa Rosa, CA 95407), and was informed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The mileage was approximately 103,000. The VIN was not available. The consumer stated the dealer replaced the fuel pump under the recall.

NHTSA ID
11510022
Incident
Mar 3, 2018
Mileage
103,000 mi
ElectricalEngineFuel system
Filed May 1, 2019

LOST POWER WHILE CRUISING AT 60 M/HR. OTHER CARS ALMOST HIT ME WHEN I WAS TRYING TO MOVE TO THE SIDE FOR SAFETY CAUSING LOTS OF TRAFFIC. THEN WENT TO THE BMW DEALER (PATRICT BMW) IN SCHAUMBURG IL FOR DIAGNOSTIC AND FOUND OUT THERE WAS A PROBLEM IN THE FUEL SYSTEM ELECTRICALLY. THE WIRING HARNESS WERE MELTED , BLEW FUSE AND RELAY AND THEY SAID THE MOTOR ALSO BURNED OUT. I WILL ATTACHED DOCUMENT FROM THE BMW DEALER FOR MOE INFO.

NHTSA ID
11204941
Incident
Apr 30, 2019
Fuel system
Filed Apr 2, 2019

2009 BMW X5 DIESEL PASSIVE TANK FAILED. I TOLD THE DEALER AND CALLED BMW CUSTOMER CARE AND TOLD THEM THIS IS EMMISIONS RELATED AND THEY SHOULD HAVE REPLACED IT WHEN THEY REPLACED THE ACTIVE TANK A YEAR AGO. BMW DIESELS WILL NOT PASS SMOG DUE TO DEFECTIVE DESIGNS OF THE ACTIVE AND PASSIVE TANKS THAT CONTAIN DEF. THE SENSORS ARE LOCATED INSIDE THE TANK AND CANNOT BE REPLACED BY AN OVER THE COUNTER BMW PART. HENCE THE WHOLE TANKS HAVE TO BE REPLACED. BMW CUSTOMER SERVICE IS NOT WILLING TO HELP AND BASICALLY TOLD ME TO GO BUY ANOTHER BRAND WHICH I WILL AFTER OWNING 4 BMW. BMW SHOULD BE HEAVILY INVESTIGATED FOR DESIGNING A POOR EMMISIONS SYSTEM FOUND IN THE BMW X5 AND 335D DIESEL VEHICLES SOLD IN THE USA. SHAME ON YOU BMW FOR SCREWING YOUR LOYAL CUSTOMES.

NHTSA ID
11193272
Incident
May 6, 2018
Mileage
119,992 mi
BrakesElectricalExterior lighting
Filed Jul 2, 2018

BRAKE LIGHTS ARE FAILING CAUSING A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE. BMW ISSUED A SERVICE BULLETIN ON THIS PROBLEM (SB-10040177-8428 / SI B63 10 09) IN MARCH 2011. THIS VEHICLE HAS BEEN SERVICED BY THE BMW DEALERSHIP MANY MANY TIMES, BUT THE SERVICE BULLETIN WAS NEVER MENTIONED OR EXECUTED. WARNING LIGHTS APPEAR ON THE DASH - ISSUE IS PRESENT BOTH MOVING AND STATIONARY. HTTPS://STATIC.NHTSA.GOV/ODI/TSBS/2013/SB-10040177-8428.PDF HTTPS://STATIC.NHTSA.GOV/ODI/TSBS/2013/SB-10040177-8428.PDF

NHTSA ID
11105182
Incident
Jun 4, 2018
Mileage
135,000 mi
Other / unspecified
Filed May 26, 2018

SIR, BMW INSTALLS RUNFLATS ON ALL THEIR CARS. ON THIS X5 I'VE REPLACED THESE TIRES 3 OR 4 TIMES AT MY OWN EXPENSE AS RUNFLATS EITHER GET PUNCTURE OR LEAK AND ONE CAN'T REPLACE @3/32 OLY ONE.THESE TIRES ARE DEFECTIVE AND HAVE NOT SERVED THIS SUV WELL. IN FACT, MY WIFE'S BM@ 535XI I DID THE SAME AND THREW OUT OEM TIRES WITH NEW MICHELIN AND SPARE. BRIDGESTONE HAS A WARRRANTY IF WITHIN 3YRS THEY WILL REPLACE @ VERY LARGE PRORATED DISCOUNT. I'VE SPENT $270 EACH TIME PLUS HEADACHES OF BREAKING DOWN IN PHILA OR IN NYC ON WAY TO PICK UP WIFE FROM JFK @ MIDNITE. FILE SIZE IS OVER 5GB SO HOW DO I LOAD IT???

NHTSA ID
11098099
Incident
May 1, 2018
Mileage
80,000 mi
Driver assistance
Filed Feb 1, 2018

DRIVING ON THE EXPRESSWAY WITH MY 4 YEAR OLD SON AND GAS PEDAL WOULD NOT RESPOND AND ALL OF THE SUDDEN THE DASH LIGHTS UP WITH DSC 4X4 ERROR ALSO BATTERY LIGHT AND HAND BRAKE LIGHT CAME ON. ENGINE STARTED TO ACCELERATING UNCONTROLLABLY AT THIS TIME AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON WITH WHAT IT SEEMED AS HALF FULL . THROTTLE WENT UNRESPONSIVE AND THE CAR STARTED SLOWING DOWN . MOVED OVER TO SIDE OF THE ROAD AND THE CAR SHUT OFF AS I AM TRYING TO PARK IT . NEEDLES TO SAY THIS IS A MAJOR ISSUE THAT CAUSED MY CAR TO SHUT DOWN IN THE MIDDLE OF THE EXPRESSWAY WHILE DRIVING AT 60 MPH NOT TO MENTION IT PUT MY SONS LIFE IN DANGER.

NHTSA ID
11066496
Incident
Jan 28, 2018
Mileage
13 mi
EngineFuel system
Filed Nov 16, 2017

I AM WRITING IN REGARDS TO A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN / RECALL FROM BMW SI B16 0102 WHICH I OBTAINED FROM THE NHTSA WEBSITE. MY BMW, [XXX], WAS SHOWING AN EMISSIONS FAULT CODE RELATED TO THE PART ADDRESSED IN THE UNLIMITED AGE/MILEAGE TSB. I WENT TO THE DEALER REGARDING THIS ITEM TO FIGURE OUT WHAT CAN BE DONE AT AROUND 110,000 MILES IN APRIL OF 2017. I WAS INFORMED THE PART IS NOT IN STOCK. WHEN I RETURNED IN JUNE TO SEE ABOUT THE SERVICE BEING DONE, I WAS, AGAIN, TOLD THE PART WAS NOT IN STOCK - AND THAT I ALSO DO NOT QUALIFY AS THE VEHICLE NOW HAS 130,000 MILES, AND THE NEW BULLETIN HAS A MILEAGE CUTOFF OF 120,000 MILES. I WAS INFORMED I COULD CONTACT BMW DIRECTLY AND DISCUSS A 'HARDSHIP.' UPON CONTACTING BMW DIRECTLY, I WAS INFORMED THAT THEY WOULD NOT DO ANYTHING TO HELP. I AM ATTACHING THE ORIGINAL TSB AND UPDATED TSB FOR THE DIESEL EXHAUST FLUID ISSUE. I AM ALSO ATTACHING THE RESPONSE FROM BMW. ADDITIONALLY, MY VEHICLE IS NOW EXHIBITING PROBLEMS WITH THE HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP, ANOTHER COVERED EMISSIONS ITEM FOR UNLIMITED MILEAGE; AND AM NOT SEEING ANY RESOLVE FOR THAT. THE TSB IS ATTACHED. [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).'*JB

NHTSA ID
11046486
Incident
Apr 1, 2017
Mileage
110,000 mi
Brakes
Filed Jul 9, 2017

WHILE DRIVING 15-20 MPH;ELECTROMECHANICAL PARKING BRAKE FAILURE--SOFTWARE GLITCH THAT CAUSED THE PARKING BRAKE ACTUATOR TO FAILURE // YELLOW & RED ( BRAKE & 4X4) WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON FOR PARKING BRAKE FAILURE ,BRAKES LOCKED VX CAME TO IMMEDIATE STOP AND WOULD NOT DRIVE!

NHTSA ID
11003920
Incident
Jul 7, 2017
Mileage
72,000 mi

Manufacturer communications

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

B611026

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

While performing a 12-Volt battery jump start, disconnect, or replacement, Vehicle test, and/or Programming procedure- the BMW Footwell Module (FRM) may become unresponsive. As a result, one or more of the following vehicle electric system-related issues may occur: Headlights including the high beams, and/or taillights are not turning on or off Interior lights are not turning on Turn indicators are not working Instrument cluster indicator lights stay on The IHKA climate control system is not working Power windows are not working Folding mirrors are not working, and/or a Functional remote-control key FOB will not unlock and lock the doors

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.

B611305

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; EQUIPMENT; EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

Discharged Battery Energy Diagnosis Must Be Performed: 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. In order to properly repair the vehicle the first time in the workshop, it is very important that the diagnostic test plans are performed to completion, with all results taken into consideration. Without performing the energy diagnosis test plan, the root cause of the discharged battery cannot be identified. This increases the chances of a repeat repair.

SIB-34-06-12

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS; SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:ANTILOCK:ABS WARNING LIGHT; SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:DISC

BMW: WARNING LAMPS ARE ILLUMINATED FOR THE DSC, ABS AND BRAKE AND A POSSIBLE WARNING IN CONTROL DISPLAY FOR CHASSIS CONTROL SYSTEM FAILURE. MODELS 2012 F25, 30, 01, 02, 07, 10, 12, 13, E70, 71, 84. *PE

SIB-24-03-13

ENGINE

BMW: SOME VEHICLE ENGINES MAY EXPERIENCE A DELAY IN RESPONSE TO ACCELERATION, AFTER SLOWING DOWN, DUE TO AN UNFAVORABLE SOFTWARE CALIBRATION. MODELS F10, 25, 07, E70, 71. NO MODEL YEARS LISTED. *PE

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.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

BMW X5 Sav by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2013131237.4
2012214255.3
2011243246.3
2010195252.3
2009Viewing194252.0
2008203147.7
2007595154.7
2006270142.5
2004010
2003110
2002010
2001010
2000010

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.