AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
2012 BMW X5 Sav
Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data
Data refreshed
Overview
Our database contains 21 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2012 BMW X5 Sav, most frequently naming the powertrain (other), engine and steering categories. 4 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; 2 NHTSA investigations name it; and 11 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.
Complaint activity over time
When owners filed reports about this model year
View as table
| Month | Complaints filed | Cumulative |
|---|---|---|
| Aug 2014 | 1 | 1 |
| Oct 2014 | 1 | 2 |
| Nov 2014 | 1 | 3 |
| Apr 2015 | 1 | 4 |
| Jun 2015 | 1 | 5 |
| Sep 2015 | 1 | 6 |
| Aug 2016 | 1 | 7 |
| Oct 2016 | 1 | 8 |
| Nov 2016 | 1 | 9 |
| Dec 2016 | 1 | 10 |
| Jan 2017 | 1 | 11 |
| Feb 2017 | 1 | 12 |
| Mar 2017 | 1 | 13 |
| Apr 2017 | 1 | 14 |
| Jun 2017 | 1 | 15 |
| Aug 2017 | 1 | 16 |
| Oct 2017 | 1 | 17 |
| Dec 2017 | 1 | 18 |
| Mar 2018 | 1 | 19 |
| Jul 2018 | 1 | 20 |
| Mar 2019 | 1 | 21 |
What owners report
Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded
- Powertrain (other)931.0%
- Engine620.7%
- Steering310.3%
- Fuel system310.3%
- Airbags310.3%
- Electrical26.9%
- Driver assistance26.9%
- Brakes13.4%
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.govENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:DIESEL; STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
Safety investigations
NHTSA inquiries naming this vehicle. An investigation is not a finding of a defect.
Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
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.
Idler Pulley Bolt Failure
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.
Recent owner complaints
Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words
EXPERIENCE GLYCOL-LEAKAGE FROM THE EGR (EXHAUST-GAS-RECIRCULATION) VALVE CAN OCCUR. IN COMBINATION WITH TYPICAL SOOT DEPOSITS AND THE HIGH TEMPERATURES NORMALLY PRESENT IN THE EGR MODULE THIS MIGHT RESULT IN SMOLDERING PARTICLES. THIS COULD LEAD TO THE MELTING OF THE INTAKE MANIFOLD AND IN EXTREMELY RARE CASES RESULT IN A FIRE. BMW EXTENDED A RECALL TO EUROPEAN AND ASIAN MODELS BUT NOT THE US MY CAR HAS ONLY 51000 MILES. PLEASE SEE THIS LINK HTTPS://WWW.BMWBLOG.COM/2018/08/14/SOUTH-KOREA-BANS-RECALLED-BMW-MODELS-FROM-PUBLIC-ROADS-UNTIL-ISSUE-IS-FIXED/
- NHTSA ID
- 11187214
- Incident
- Mar 10, 2019
I AM WRITING THIS LETTER TO SEEK HELPS ON MY 2012 BMW X5 35D (VIN#: [XXX]). I HAVE EXPERIENCED DIESEL SMELL IN THE CABIN IN THE LAST COUPLE OF MONTHS AND I GOT ENGINE CHECK LIGHT CAME ON LAST WEEK. WE CHECKED THE CODE IT SAYING THE EGR COOLER IS BAD AND EGR VALVE IS NOT OPERATING. I WANT TO KNOW IS THERE ANY RECALL OR CAMPAIGN REGARDING THIS PART. THIS IS AN ENVIRONMENTAL EMISSION AND HUMAN HEALTH RELATED ISSUE. I RECALL I SAW THIS PART HAS AN EXTENDED WARRANTY 10 YEARS/120000 MILES. I HAVE BEEN A LOYAL BMW OWNER SINCE 2002 AND I WILL CONTINUE TO DO SO. BUT THIS DIESEL SMELL ISSUE IS CONCERNING ME SINCE IT'S HEALTH RELATED, ESPECIALLY WE HAVE TWO KIDS IN THE CAR EVERY DAY. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
- NHTSA ID
- 11113258
- Incident
- May 1, 2018
- Mileage
- 1,000 mi
THE AGENT OF BMW OF TENAFLY SAID THERE IS SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE NEED TO FIX, THE PROBLEM THEY CALL IT: FAULTY TRANSFER CASE AND EMF UNIT FAULTS FOR EMF AND TRANSFER CASE CONNECTED BATTERY CHARGER. THE SYSTEM MAY STOP WORKING SUDDENLY AND CAUSE THE VEHICLE TRANSFER POWER TO WHEELS AND ROLL OVER.
- NHTSA ID
- 11082245
- Incident
- Mar 20, 2018
- Mileage
- 62,210 mi
WHILE DRIVING MY CAR FOR APPROXIMATELY 3 MINUTES ENGINE SEIZED WITHOUT WARNING. I COASTED ON TO THE SHOULDER OF THE ROAD AND PUT IT IN NEUTRAL AND TRIED TO START IT.... NOTHING. OIL LEVEL WAS GOOD . I HAD IT TOWED TO BMW DEALER AND THEY TOLD ME ENGINE WAS LOCKED UP BUT COULDN'T TELL ME WHY. I JUST HAD RECALL WORK DONE ABOUT A MONTH OR TWO AGO AT THE SAME BMW DEALER. THEY MENTIONED AN AFTERMARKET OIL FILTER BUT THAT DOSE NOT MAKE ANY SENSE TO ME. HAS THE MANUFACTURER EXTENDED WARRANTY COVERING THIS ?
- NHTSA ID
- 11055988
- Incident
- Dec 9, 2017
- Mileage
- 98,000 mi
MY WIFE & I PURCHASED THIS 2012X5 2 YEARS AGO,LAST YEAR THE VEHICLE WAS BEING DRIVEN OFF THE DRIVEWAY WHERE THERE WAS A LOUD SNAP&BAN. THE CAR DIDN'T MOVE. WE CALLED A TOW AND HAD IT BROUGHT TO JUPITER BMW FL .WE FOUND OUT THAT THE DRIVE SHAFT SNAPPED. MILEAGE WAS 45-48K MILES. WE CALLED BMW NA IT WAS A WARRANTY RECALL PART AND THE DEALER STATED IT WAS REPLACED. AFTER THAT IN THE LAST 10 MONTHS WE HAVE EXPERIENCED MANY STRANGE MOVEMENTS IN THE REAR AND IN TURNS. WE CALLED THE DEALERSHIP AND SPOKE TO A TECH WHERE THEY STATED IT WAS TIRES IN THE REAR. WE RECENTLY REPLACED THE TIRES & IT REMAINED TO BE THERE WHERE IT WAS MILD BUT THERE. DURING THIS TIME PERIOD WE HAD MANY SERIOUS OBSTACLES WITH CANCER & FAMILY IN PR DEVASTATED. WE RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE AIRBAG, WE CALLED THE DEALER TO REPLACE IT. WHILE THERE WE FAILED TO MENTION IT BEING IN A RUSH & STILL ONLY ONE OF THE TWO AIRBAGS STILL UNAVAILABLE. AFTER WE LEFT DURING THE MONTH WE FELT IT MORE SO, AT THAT TIME I TRY TO REACH THE SERVICE ADVISOR & FAILED TO REACH HER IN SEVERAL ATTEMPTS. AFTER DRIVING THIS WEEK IT GOT SERIOUSLY WORSE WHILE MY FAMILY LITTLE CHILDREN IN CAR, WE PULLED OVER CALLED OUR LOCAL MECHANIC AND HE SAID BRING IT IF POSSIBLE OR TOW.SO WE DID! AT THAT TIME WE NEVER DISCUSSED WE REPLACED ANY RECALL DRIVE SHAFT (MAKE NOTE). THE MECHANIC CALLED US IN SHOP SAID THE SHAFT IS BROKE AND LEAKING GREASE HAS A LOT OF PLAY IN IT, ALSO DO TO THAT IS DIRECTLY RELATED & CAUSE TO BE A ISSUE WITH TRANSFER CASE!!!. WE TOOK A VIDEO OF IT AND THE MECHANIC & US CALLED BMW NA DISCUSSED IT & THEY RECOMMEND TO TAKE TO BMW UNDER EXTENDED WARRANTY. UPON ARRIVAL WE PROVIDED THE SERVICE TECH A VIDEO OF THE DISCOVERY .6 HOURS LATER THEY CLAIM THE SHAFT IS FINE & VIDEO & INSPECTION WAS NOT ISSUE, &TRANSFER CASE HAVING ISSUES. THEY SAID OUR BILL 9000$.THERE IS OVER 300 CLAIMS EXACT ISSUE #17V138000SEE ATTACHED PIC & COMPL
- NHTSA ID
- 11039973
- Incident
- Oct 24, 2017
- Mileage
- 40 mi
TRANSFER CASE PROBLEM. BOUGHT THE CAR NEW, AFTER THE 2ND YEAR FELT VIBRATION /SHUDDERS WHEN MAKING TURNS FROM A STOP OR LOW SPEED. DEALER REPLACED FRONT BRAKE ROTORS, CHANGED FRONT WHEELS. STILL SAME ISSUE END UP CHANGING 4 NEW TYRES AFTER A YEAR. UP UNTIL 2016 CHANGED AGAIN FRONT AND REAR BRAKE WHOLE SYSTEMS, FRONT DRIVE SHAFT REPLACED DUE TO SAFETY RECALL LAST JULY BUT STILL THE VIBRATION/SHUDDERS REMAINS. SERVICE ADVISOR TOLD ME IT COULD BE THE TRANSFER CASE AS IT IS MOST ISSUES THEY RECEIVED. QUOTED ME FOR $2650. TOLD HIM THAT MY EXTENDED WARRANTY EXPIRED 2016. THE FACT THAT THE SAME EXACT PROBLEM WAS ALREADY REPORTED TO THEM EARLY ON AND NOW I'VE BEEN ASKED TO PAY FOR THAT LONG OUTSTANDING PROBLEM. VERY DISAPPOINTED. WENT TO TWO DIFFERENT DEALER; TENAFLY UNDER PENSKE GROUP WHERE I BOUGHT THE CAR EVEN QUOTED ME FOR $8000; REACHED OUT TO BMW DIRECT US RECALL SERVICE AND WILLING TO PAY HALF SO IT'LL END UP STILL FOR $4000. BMW HACKENSACK UNDER PARK AVE GROUP QUOTED ME FOR $2650 PARTS AND LABOR EXCLUDING TAX. REALLY VERY DISAPPOINTED AFTER SPENDING/INVESTING A LOT OF MONEY TO THE CAR. HOPE BMW ISSUE A SAFETY RECALL ESPECIALLY I'VE BEEN SEEING A LOT AND SAME PROBLEMS WITH THE TRANSFER CASE IN X5. JUST LOOK ONLINE AND YOU'LL SEE A MANY COMPLAINTS. I'M SURE BMW SEES HOW MANY TRANSFER CASES THEY BEEN REPLACING UNDER THE WARRANTY OR THEY PROBABLY WON'T EVEN BOTHER THEIR OVERHEAD EXPENSE ESPECIALLY IT'S BEING PAID OFF BUY OTHER CONSUMER/OWNER WHO ENDS UP PAYING THE COST OUT OF WARRANTY, CONSIDERING THEY DON'T HAVE A FIX OR STANDARD PRICES. PRETTY SURE IF I GO TO OTHER DEALER, THEY'LL QUOTE ME DIFFERENTLY.
- NHTSA ID
- 11014198
- Incident
- Aug 10, 2017
MY WIFE WAS DRIVING MY VEHICLE TO GET CAR WASH. ALL OF A SUDDEN SHE LOST POWER STEERING AND THE CAR BATTERY WARNING CAME ON. THE IDLER PULLEY BOLT SNAPPED. LUCKILY MY WIFE DID NOT CRASH. SHE WAS DRIVING 60MPH AND LOST POWER STEERING. SHE IS PREGNANT AND HAD 2 KIDS IN CAR. NOW I'VE REPLACED THIS BOLT AGAIN. I PUT PURCHASED A NEW IDLER PULLEY BOLT WITH LOC TITE. I REPLACED IT AND MET EVERY SPECIFICATION THAT NHTSA REQUIRED. BASICALLY IT ONLY REQUIRE MORE TORQUE AND LOC TITE. THIS TIME IT SNAPPED IN MY DRIVE WAY THANK GOODNESS. THIS IS A SERIOUS TRAFFIC SAFETY SITUATION, I'VE READ MULTIPLE FORUMS WHERE PEOPLE HAVE HAD WORK DONE AT DEALERSHIP AND THE BOLT IS SNAPPING 3 DAYS LATER. OBVIOUSLY BMW DID NOT FIX THE PROBLEM.
- NHTSA ID
- 11002447
- Incident
- Jun 29, 2017
- Mileage
- 119,000 mi
MY FUEL PUMP HAS BEEN FAILING TO CREATE THE CORRECT AMOUNT OF PRESSURE IN THE FUEL LINE, ON AND OFF, FOR SEVERAL MONTHS, RESULTING IN THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY OPERATING AT "REDUCED POWER" WHEN DRIVING. THIS THEN CAUSES ME A SAFETY ISSUE AS I CAN NO LONGER MAINTAIN PROPER SPEEDS, ESPECIALLY WHEN ON THE HIGHWAY. IT ALSO CAUSES ME TO HAVE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE SEVERAL TIMES IN A ROW AS THE VEHICLE OFTEN STALLS OUT SEVERAL TIMES BEFORE FINALLY ACHIEVING THE PROPER PRESSURE. MY VEHICLE IS MODEL YEAR 2012, WHICH BMW STATES IS OUTSIDE OF THE CURRENT RECALL. IT APPEARS THAT MY VEHICLE IS HAVING THE ISSUES OUTLINED IN THE RECALL 16V-746. MY REQUEST HERE IS TO HAVE THE RECALL AMENDED TO INCLUDE MY MAKE MODEL AND YEAR OF VEHICLE.
- NHTSA ID
- 10970290
- Incident
- Mar 26, 2017
Manufacturer communications
A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.
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
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS
The basic conditions for initializing the power windows are not met.
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 âÂÂdischarged batteryâ complaints.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The engine?s intake charge-air duct limited warranty extension to 10 years/120,000 miles applies to ?eligible USspecification
EQUIPMENT
Shipping specific non-deployed vehicle safety devices to lighting resources, llc. This service Information bulletin provides information on shipping "specific" noin-deployed vehicle safety devices that are classified as Dangerous Goods (DG) to Lighting resources, LLC
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
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
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.