2011 BMW X5 Owner Complaints

There's currently an open recall for a number of BMW engines involving aluminum bolts in the vanos assembly that shear, strip, and break off completely. The open recall is somehow excluding some vehicles with the same exact problem like my 2011 BMW X5 xdrive35i N55 E70 with the inline 6. Currently my vanos bolts are already sheared off and sitting in my oil pan. My vehicle started misfiring and acting strange while I was traveling at 75mph, luckily I made it into a gas station and had to have it towed from there because it wouldn't start again and hasn't since. BMW knows about these hazardous bolts and chose to not repair some of them directly endangering drivers and their families. My local BMW dealership won't even confirm that the bolts in my oil pan are the vanos bolts even after I showed them photographic evidence which I still have. I've spoken with BMW North America and they said I need to get it confirmed by my local dealership, so where dies that leave me? Here...over $8,000 in damage/loss from an obvious manufacturer error that THEY ARE AWARE OF!

NHTSA ID

11736796

Incident

Feb 28, 2026

The comfort access door handle, got so hot it started to melt the plastic exterior handle and produce a lot of smoke would have caught fire if i didn't turn off car and disconnect electrical signal to the cas handle

NHTSA ID

11675041

Incident

Jul 19, 2025

The contact owns a 2011 BMW X5. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was towed to an unknown dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer informed the contact that the VIN was not under recall. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 132,000.

NHTSA ID

11663129

Incident

May 27, 2025

Mileage

132,000 mi

EGR failure where the diesel emissions come into the cabin via the hvac system Dealer said the EGR cooler needs to be replaced. This is a know problem and recall on the 2012 and 2013. This makes the fumes to the driver when first driving the car in the morning dangerous as carbon monoxide and diesel exhaust enter the car. My friend has an exact similar problem and this issue is known on all the BMW boards

NHTSA ID

11642373

Incident

Feb 1, 2024

Was driving vehicle home from work and during the drive the engine without warning died while driving and vehicle put in neutral. Vehicle stopped in the middle of parkway on right lane, tried to restart vehicle multiple times and unsuccessful. Pulled codes and found that fuel pressure codes present and fuel pressure while cranking is 2.5-4 bar. Spec 600-800 bar while starting. Vehicle was towed to a safe place.

NHTSA ID

11606925

Incident

Jul 3, 2024

Headlight wiring insulation dry rots prematurely within headlight causing system failure, which includes Headlight malfunction and system shorting. Headlights are known to stop working due to wiring shorting out, issues may cause an electrical fire besides malfunction.

NHTSA ID

11588833

Incident

Feb 1, 2024

I own a 2011 BMW x5. The NHTSA shows 15 recalls for my vehicle type; however, NHTSA must be relying upon BMW for the VIN numbers as: 1.) my vehicle doesn't show up for recalls; 2.) I have never been contacted by BMW for many of those recalls - in fact, I have not received a letter from BMW in many many years, and among the 15 recalls above, I have never received any notification of for at least October 20, 2023 NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 23V707000 Camshaft Timing Bolts May Loosen Causing Stall Loose or broken VANOS unit bolts can result in an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash. April 18, 2018 NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V248000 Electric Auxiliary Water Pump Failure October 30, 2017 NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V683000 PCV Heater may Short Circuit March 2, 2017 NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V138000 Front Driveshaft Universal Joint may Fail May 17, 2016 NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V311000 Front Driveshaft Universal Joint may Fail. When I call BMW, they say there are no recalls outstanding on my vehicle and this NHTSA states there are recalls, but does not associate my VIN with the recalls, so say there are no recalls outstanding. The most prominent recent issue was that when my BMW dealership diagnosed a check engine light in my vehicle, they wanted to replace a SCR DEF active tank for $3,000, but it turned out that BMW had an almost 100% failure rate for the same part and issued an extended warranty for this part under their technical bulletin SI B01 23 16. They denied replacing the parts under the warranty stating that it was limited to 10 years/120,000 miles. I had only 101,600 miles on my car, but they stated the 10 year limited out the warranty from the in-service date. However, my car had many emission system related issues including just a few years previous.

NHTSA ID

11567475

Incident

Jan 11, 2024

After BMW replaced my battery on 1/11/24, a check engine light immediately appeared. It said that the Scr Active Tank needed to be replaced and it would cost upwards of $3,000. I immediately found a NHTSA bulletin that informed that this particular part had been on recall, but had a 10 year/120k mile limitation. My car only had 101k miles, but BMW denied my recall work on goodwill because they say it was well past 10 years of my in-service date. The warranty, however, should still be effective, as many customers have different rates of utilization and I am still 19k short of the mileage limitation, which should not be time limited. BMW worked with the NHTSA for a reason - they acknowledged that they had a flawed part, and this needs to be changed at their expense, not passed on as $3,000 unfairly to the customer. Please see the recall bulletin attached.

NHTSA ID

11565609

Incident

Jan 11, 2024

Transfer case actuators plastic gear(s) might be worn out due to bad quality of the material used. On some of the BMW X5 models there was a problem with the differentials and a recall was issued to fix those. But some how some cars with particular VINs went missing in that. Codes thrown by my system are : 005219, 005F3A, 006EC4 Code 005F3A signifies that the Transfer case actuator is not engaging properly. This problem put me at risk when taking a U-turn as the gears did not engage properly and my car did not accelerate on time. The on coming traffic came very close and I somehow avoided a T-bone Collison. My cars dashboard produces warning signs occasionally when the actuator does not engage. This is a big problem as the 4x4 system stops working and puts the car in RWD mode. In winters this could be dangerous to people driving as it happens without the driver's attention. I have attached reports from NHTSA for the same issue on other BMW models where a recall was issued. I request NHTSA to issue a recall on 2011 BMW X5 xdrive 35i as the same issue persists.

NHTSA ID

11555719

Incident

Nov 17, 2023

The contact owns a 2011 BMW X5. The contact stated that while stopped at a stop sign, the vehicle unexpectedly turned off and independently shifted into neutral. The “Engine Failure - Reduced Power” message was displayed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the failure was due to a faulty variable valve timing system. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and determined that the VIN was not included in a recall. The failure mileage was approximately 107,000.

NHTSA ID

11550652

Incident

Sep 30, 2023

Mileage

107,000 mi

To Whom It May Concern. Please help me on this. I purchased a BMW x5 that needed recalls installed at the BMW dealer. I purchased the vehicle, performed routine preventative maintenance, new tires, new brakes, full detail, shampooed the interior, and full wash, etc. When I took my BMW to the dealer, the BMW dealer installed the recalled items, but did not install or replace the defective FRM footwell module that controls the electric windows, signals, headlights, emergency flashers, and all the interior lights. Per BMW service manager, this FRM is defective from the factory because the FRM does not have a relay or fuse disconnect that protects the FRM from current surges or spikes. The manner and area that this FRM was mounted into the BMW x5 chassis makes this FRM electronic module highly susceptible to being damaged or become defective due to no fault of the vehicle driver or owner. Shame on BMW for not standing behind the quality of their vehicles. I have spent a considerable amount of money, close to one thousand dollars on the diagnosis and repair of footwell module FRM on my 2011 BMW x5 vehicle. Please intervene on my behalf, hundreds of other BMW x5 owners have also been fraudulently sold defective parts and vehicles. BMW knows this is a major safety issue, yet BMW will not issue a recall until NHTSA, NTSB, or another government entity forces BMW to do the right thing. Shameful. Please intervene on our behalf. Respectfully, [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11550536

Incident

Oct 28, 2022

Passport BMW told us that there was a recall on the engine of our X5 and asked if we had to add oil periodically; our answer was yes. We were told that the engine failed the oil consumption test performed by Passport BMW and the engine needed to be replaced. Passport then said that we had to pay for the replacement of the engine, $2,500. The engine has been replaced, however the engine still leaks oil and now also leaks antifreeze additionally, engine malfunction is displayed permanently on the dashboard.

NHTSA ID

11545979

Incident

Feb 19, 2023

The contact owns a 2011 BMW X5. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the steering wheel became stiff. No warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to pull to the side of the road. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that the vehicle was not included in a recall. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ID

11537873

Incident

Aug 1, 2023

Sunroof window exploded/shattered without cause while driving on highway

NHTSA ID

11532805

Incident

Jul 5, 2023

Foot wells or FRM module failed when installing a new battery. Now my windows and turning signals does not work after service when it was working before I took it to BMW of Bloomfield.

NHTSA ID

11499217

Incident

Dec 28, 2022

I was driving to work one morning On the highway, when I suddenly heard a loud sharp noise from the engine bay that followed with the engine and battery lights turning blinking on my display with sudden loss of steering. I panicked but quickly put my vehicle into neutral with my hazard lights on and slowly hit my brakes till I came to a complete stop on the highway. I got my vehicle towed back and upon further inspection saw that the idler pulley bolt snapped completely off. I researched and saw that this bolt has been recalled twice already with the same issue. If this was during a heavy traffic situation it could have been far worse.

NHTSA ID

11483747

Incident

Sep 4, 2022

Front drive shaft broke while driving and almost lost control.

NHTSA ID

11482331

Incident

Aug 30, 2022

Our car get on fire from begin low on oil, we stopped on the side and went on another car to get oil at the gas station and Suddenly star on fire and our entire car truck burned. Luckily we were able to get out off the car on time.

NHTSA ID

11470883

Incident

May 30, 2022

As I was slowing down to make a turn, the vehicle went into neutral and shut off. I immediately turned it back on and put it in drive and the same thing occurred moments later. I start it again and drove away enough to safely park. I let the car rest in the off position for 30 minutes and it drove fine. There were no warning lights and the vehicle is well maintained with scheduled services. I contacted the nearest reputable mechanic and explained the situation. I drove it there. They found no faulty codes when they plugged in the computer and the battery has no issues. The vehicle drives fine now, but this is very concerning especially since this took place in local traffic.

NHTSA ID

11470015

Incident

Jun 16, 2022

my vehicle has symptoms of the auxiliary water pump for turbocharger going bad. Th epump is noisy, and smells very hot/burnt. There was a recall in 2011-2012 that was done on my car for this part, however it appears the same issues are currently arising. Under the 0011730400 B110518 Recall: Electronic Auxiliary Coolant Pump , updated in 2018, my vehicle isn't listed as affected, however I believe it should be.

NHTSA ID

11451349

Incident

Feb 2, 2022

The SUVs drive belt has come loose and was ingested through the front crankshaft seal, causing engine issues such as oil starvation leading to engine damage and unknown check engine codes. The SUV has been confirmed to have belt fragments inside the engine. I have video documentation.

NHTSA ID

11449821

Incident

Oct 1, 2021

Under normal driving conditions on city roads the universal joint literally shattered. There is no aftermarket upgrades and no unlicensed work done the vehicle. I had just got it back from the dealership and they checked over it and it checked out good. This is outlandish I don’t understand why my vehicle is not within the recall.

NHTSA ID

11434368

Incident

Sep 12, 2021

BMW USA IS HIDDEN RECALL INFORMATION AND REPAIR HISTORY AND I AM WORRIED ABOUT CAUSE I DON’T KNOW WHAT THEY CHANGE OR DO OF MY CARE I NEED THIS INFORMATION PLEASE.

NHTSA ID

11414345

Incident

Jan 4, 2021

Mileage

114,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 BMW X5. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT 62 MPH, THE PASSIVE TANK LEVEL SENSOR FAILED. THE CONTACT THAT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE THEN WENT INTO LIMP MODE NOT ALLOWING HIM TO EXCEED 50 MPH WHILE DRIVING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO VALLEY BMW (4725 MCHENRY AVE, MODESTO, CA 95356) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED WITH THE PASSIVE TANK LEVEL SENSOR NEEDING TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT WANTED A SECOND OPINION AND TOOK THE VEHICLE TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE MECHANIC CONFIRMED THE FIRST RESULT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS INFORMED OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE FAILURE WAS A WELL KNOWN ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 166,000. *DT

NHTSA ID

11413553

Incident

Nov 16, 2020

Mileage

166,000 mi

VEHICLE'S ENGINE, BEING A DIESEL, REQUIRES NOX TRAP SYSTEM AND SCR SYSTEMS IN ORDER TO REDUCE HARMFUL EMISSIONS PER EPA STANDARDS. IN ORDER FOR THE SCR SYSTEM TO WORK PROPERLY, THE ENGINE MUST INJECT DEF (DIESEL-EXHAUST FLUID) INTO THE SCR SYSTEM. IN THE BMW X5 35D, THE DEF SYSTEM IS COMPRISED OF TWO TANKS: THE ACTIVE TANK AND THE PASSIVE TANK. A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS SYSTEM IS THE PRIMARY SENSOR OF THE PASSIVE TANK FAILING. THE SENSOR ITSELF FAILS, BUT THE ENTIRE TANK HAS TO BE REPLACED AS A RESULT OF THE SENSOR'S ISSUES, RESULTING IN SEVERAL THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS BEING SPENT DUE TO THE SENSOR ITSELF NOT BEING ABLE TO BE REPLACED IN THE ORIGINAL TANK. RECALL IS RECOMMENDED FOR BMW TO REPLACE THESE SENSORS AS THE FAILURE OF THESE SENSORS RESULTS IN THE SCR CATALYST SYSTEM FAILING TO OPERATE, WHICH IN TURN SIGNIFICANTLY DECREASES ENGINE PERFORMANCE, INCREASES EXHAUST EMISSIONS, AND RESULTS IN THE ENGINE NOT KNOWING THE CAPACITY ON WHICH TO OPERATE. THIS CAN BE DANGEROUS.

NHTSA ID

11407424

Incident

Nov 29, 2020

Mileage

128,000 mi