RoadVitals

2013 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.
13
Latest Mar 2, 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.
1
Latest Feb 5, 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.
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.
0

Overview

Our database contains 13 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2013 BMW X5 Sav, most frequently naming the airbags, engine and brakes categories. 1 safety recall has been issued covering this model year; 2 NHTSA investigations name it; and 12 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

  • Airbags533.3%
  • Engine426.7%
  • Brakes213.3%
  • Powertrain (other)16.7%
  • Driver assistance16.7%
  • Body & structure16.7%
  • Electrical16.7%

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

1 campaign 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

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

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 2, 2019

OIL LEAK FROM THE VALVE COVER GASKET GETS INTO THE HOT MANIFOLD CAUSING A BURNING OIL SMELL AND SMOKE GETTING INTO THE CABIN THROUGH THE AC VENTS CAUSING A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE.

NHTSA ID
11183676
Incident
Jan 6, 2019
Mileage
68,000 mi
Body & structure
Filed Oct 26, 2018

VEHICLE WAS STOPPED AND IN PARK. PASSENGER WAS IN FRONT SEAT. DRIVER LOCKED VEHICLE PREMATURELY WHILE OUTSIDE. PASSENGER WAS UNABLE TO EXIT VEHICLE. ATTEMPTED TO UNLOCK VEHICLE WITH KEY FOB BUT WOULD NOT RESPOND. PASSENGER PUSHED LOCK/UNLOCK BUTTONS IN VEHICLE WITH NO RESPONSE. DRIVER REENTERED VEHICLE TO TRY TO HELP. UNABLE TO HELP AND DRIVER'S DOOR WOULD NOT OPEN. OPENED WINDOW AND HAD TO USE KEY TO UNLOCK DRIVERS DOOR. ROLLED DOWN WINDOW ON PASSENGER DOOR AND AFTER PULLING UP ON MANUAL LOCK AND PULLING HANDLE MULTIPLE TIMES THE DOOR FINALLY OPENED FREEING PASSENGER. ALL DOORS ON VEHICLE WERE LOCKED AND UNABLE TO OPEN FROM INSIDE OR OUTSIDE. ONLY DRIVERS DOOR WAS ABLE TO OPEN WITH KEY. DOOR LATCH ASSEMBLY FRONT RIGHT WITH ACTUATOR MOTOR FAILURE CAUSING CENTRAL LOCKING SYSTEM FUSE TO BLOW. REPAIR INVOICE ATTACHED.

NHTSA ID
11142990
Incident
Oct 21, 2018
Mileage
71,000 mi
ElectricalEngine
Filed Oct 26, 2018

N63 ENGINE FAILURE AND BATTERY CHARGING PROBLEMS. ENGINE BLOWS MASSIVE AMOUNTS OF WHITE SMOKE FROM REAR TAILPIPES AND BATTERY INDICATOR STATES LOW CHARGE. THIS IS A KNOWN DEFECT TO BMW AS THOUSANDS HAVE COMPLAINED BUT BMW IS ATTEMPTING TO WEASEL THERE WAY OUT OF THIS BY NOT RELEASING A RECALL.

NHTSA ID
11142958
Incident
Jan 1, 2017
Mileage
56,000 mi
Brakes
Filed Aug 27, 2018

WHEN PARKING THE VEHICLE THE PARKING BRAKE SYMBOL WENT YELLOW AND IT SHOWED A MESSAGE STATING IT WAS MALFUNCTIONING AND THE VEHICLE MAY ROLL. THIS CAR HAS AN ELECTRICALLY ACTUATED PARKING BRAKE. SINCE THE CAR MOVED FINE WITHOUT ANY NOISE AND IT GAVE NO INDICATION OTHERWISE IT SEEMED SAFE TO CONTINUE DRIVING. SOME TIME LATER IT STARTER MAKING A SCREECHING NOISE FROM THE REAR RIGHT. AFTER STOPPING AT A TRUCK STOP THE BRAKES WERE FOUND EXCESSIVELY HOT IN ADDITION TO MAKING NOISE. AFTER BEING TOWED TO A SHOP IT WAS REVEALED THE PARKING BRAKE HAD PARTIALLY ACTIVATED, DRAGGED THE SHOES UNTIL THEY WERE WORN DOWN, MADE METAL TO METAL CONTACT WITH THE ROTOR HAT AND CREATED ENOUGH HEAT TO MELT ALL ASSOCIATED HARDWARE ON BOTH SIDES. UNDER SLIGHTLY DIFFERENT CIRCUMSTANCES IT IS NOT UNLIKELY THAT ONE OR BOTH REAR WHEELS COULD HAVE LOCKED UP WHILE DRIVING LEADING TO LOSS OF CONTROL AND AN ACCIDENT. THE ERROR MESSAGE ASSOCIATED WITH FAILURE OF THIS MODULE IS HIGHLY MISLEADING, SINCE IT SEEMS WITH THE FAILURE OF THIS MODULE THE VEHICLE HAS NO WAY OF KNOWING WHETHER THE PARKING BRAKE IS ENGAGED OR NOT.

NHTSA ID
11122754
Incident
Jul 28, 2018
Mileage
88,900 mi
Engine
Filed Jul 25, 2018

RUNNING ON THE HIGHWAY RECEIVED HIGH ENGINE TEMP WARNING ORANGE. IT QUICKLY WENT TO RED AND READ ON DASH TO PULL OVER. THE VEHICLE LOST MUCH POWER AND STEPPING ON ACCELERATOR WOULD NOT LET IT GO FASTER. I HAD TO MOVE TO THE RIGHT ON THE HIGHWAY WHILE SOME VEHICLE SPED THROUGH TO THE RIGHT OF ME WHILE TRYING TO PULL OVER. 45,000 MILES AND WATER PUMP HAD FAILED WHEN I TOOK IT TO A SHOP.

NHTSA ID
11113494
Incident
Jun 28, 2018
Mileage
45,000 mi
Airbags
Filed Sep 19, 2017

TAKATA RECALL - TAKATA RECALL CONTINUES TO GO UNRESOLVED. VEHICLE IN QUESTION IN PRIMARY MEANS OF TRANSPORTATION FOR MY SPOUSE AND NINE-YEAR OLD SON. BMW SHARED THIS WEEK ONLY DUE TO MY CONTACT THEM THAT THE AIRBAG FOR THIS VEHICLE WOULD BE AVAILABLE IN ONE MONTH. I HAVE NO FAITH AND AM SEEKING INJUNCTION BY NHTSA TO RESOLVE THIS DELINQUENT RESOLUTION IMMEDIATELY.

NHTSA ID
11024216
Incident
Jun 2, 2016
Airbags
Filed Aug 21, 2017

TAKATA AIR BAG RECALL, FEB 05,2016 MANUFACTURER RECALL NUMBERNA NHTSA RECALL NUMBER16V071 RECALL STATUSRECALL INCOMPLETE SUMMARY DRIVER'S FRONT AIR BAG: DURING AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT IN AN ACCIDENT, THE DRIVER'S FRONT AIR BAG MODULE MAY PRODUCE EXCESSIVE INTERNAL PRESSURE THAT COULD CAUSE THE INFLATOR TO RUPTURE.

NHTSA ID
11016453
Incident
Aug 1, 2016
Brakes
Filed Aug 6, 2017

THE PARKING BREAK SWITCH LEAVER BROKE. THE DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION OF THE PLASTIC SWITCH LEAVER IS VERY THIN (FLIMSY), THEREFORE, IT IS IMPOSSIBLE FOR IT NOT TO BREAK UNDER REPEATED NORMAL USE. THIS RESULTS IN THE PARKING BRAKE BECOMING INOPERATIVE. PLEASE SEE UPLOAD PHOTO.

NHTSA ID
11013091
Incident
Jul 27, 2017
Mileage
36,600 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

B131110

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

Only fuel nozzles with the recommended “specified” diameter for diesel engine passenger vehicles can beinserted into the filler neck. Most fuel stations have their diesel fuel pumps fitted with this recommendeddiameter fuel nozzle. However, if the vehicle’s filler-neck misfuelling protection system has been disabled, or the incorrectdiameter fuel nozzle has been installed on the diesel fuel pump, the vehicle’s diesel fuel system can becontaminated by filling the diesel engine vehicle with gasoline. If the diesel fuel system has been contaminated with gasoline, follow the repair guidelines below:

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.

B170318

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Butt connector for repairing a plug connection. The ?top up coolant? message is displayed in the central display (CC message ID 166). When checking the cooling system there are no leaks found and the expansion tank is filled to the proper level.

SIM010917

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

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
2013Viewing131237.4
2012214255.3
2011243246.3
2010195252.3
2009194252.0
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.