2011 BMW X5 Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2011 BMW X5, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Engine11832.0%
- Airbags6718.2%
- Powertrain (other)5514.9%
- Fuel system4311.7%
- Electrical195.1%
- Steering184.9%
- Driver assistance92.4%
- Brakes92.4%
- Exterior lighting51.4%
- Seat belts51.4%
- Body & structure41.1%
- Visibility30.8%
- Other / unspecified30.8%
- Suspension30.8%
- Tires & wheels30.8%
- Interior & seats20.5%
- Transmission20.5%
- Heating & air conditioning10.3%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
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!
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.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
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)
DRIVESHAFT FEELS LIKE ITS FAILING IVE READ FORUMS ABOUT AIRBAGS BEING A SAFETY ISSUE
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
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
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.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
VEHICLE INDICATED THE ENGINE WAS OPERATING AT REDUCED POWER, UNABLE TO ACCELERATE AND BARELY ABLE TO PULL OVER. SPEED WAS REDUCED TO 5MPH IN THE MIDDLE OF THE HIGHWAY.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
DRIVING THE X5 ON DASH DISPLAY APPEARED THE WARNING FOR PARKING BRAKES MALFUNCTION. 9THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION ON CITY STREET). FROM THAT TIME THE PARKING BRAKE IS NOT WORKING ANYMORE, THE DASH MESSAGE STAYS ON AND I HAVE THE ERROR ON DISPLAY. THIS IS A MANUFACTURING PROBLEM FOR THE ELECTRIC PARKING BRAKES, MANY PEOPLE EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEM. THIS IS SAFETY PROBLEM FOR NOR=T BE ABLE TO SAFE PARK/STOP THE CAR ON SLOPED ROADS/PARKINGS.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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)
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
UPON DRIVING THE AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON AND SAID IT WAS NOT RECOGNIZED SEAT BELT INDICATOR CAME ON ALSO SEND A PHOTO
THE PASSENGER SEAT WEIGHT OCCUPANCY SENSOR INTERMITTENTLY WORKS. I AM CONCERNED IF IT IS NOT WORKING PROPERLY, THE AIRBAG MAY NOT DEPLOY PROPERLY. ALSO, THE SEAT BELT WARNING LIGHT CHIMES EVEN THOUGH THE SEAT IS NOT OCCUPIED.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 BMW X5. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT ACCELERATE PAST 40 MPH AND THE INSTRUMENT PANEL GAUGES SUDDENLY STOPPED OPERATING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DISCOVERED THAT WATER DRAINED INTO THE REAR HATCH AREA AND DAMAGED SEVERAL ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS, INCLUDING THE ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE. THE BATTERY AND OTHER ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS WERE SUBMERGED IN WATER. THE INDEPENDENT MECHANIC DIAGNOSED THAT THE DRIVER'S SIDE DRAINAGE TUBE HAD BECOME DAMAGED, CAUSING THE WATER TO DRAIN INTO THE HATCH AREA. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECENTLY OCCURRED TO THE PASSENGER SIDE DRAINAGE TUBE. THE MANUFACTURER AND LOCAL DEALER (BMW OF RAMSEY, 985 NJ-17, RAMSEY, NJ 07446) WERE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 62,000.
THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR LOCK CANNOT BE UNLOCKED MANUALLY WHILE DRIVER IS INSIDE THE PARKED CAR. THIS OCCURS FREQUENTLY, BUT NOT 100% OF THE TIME. THE BMW LOCKS UNLOCK MANUALLY BY PULLING ON THE DOOR HANDLE ONCE AND THEN PULLING A SECOND TIME TO OPEN THE DOOR. WHEN THIS DEFECT OCCURS, I CANNOT OPEN THE DOOR. THE ONLY WAY TO UNLOCK IS TO USE THE POWER DOOR LOCK SWITCH. THIS IS A SAFETY CONCERN BECAUSE I CANNOT UNLOCK AND OPEN THE DRIVER DOOR IF THERE IS AN ELECTRICAL FAILURE. THE PASSENGER SIDE DOOR HAD THE SAME FAILURE 18 MONTHS AGO AND I REPLACED THE LOCK ACTUATOR PERSONALLY. I DID NOT LOG A COMPLAINT BECAUSE I JUDGED IT AS AN EXCEPTION CASE. HOWEVER, TWO FAILURES ON TWO DIFFERENT LOCK ACTUATORS IN THE SAME CAR LEADS ME TO BELIEVE THERE IS AN INTRINSIC MANUFACTURING DEFECT.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE VEHICLE LOSES POWER AND SUDDENLY INCREASE IT WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE IT ALSO JERKS STEERING FEELS LOOSE LEAKING OIL FROM THE ENGINE. COMPUTER ON THE DASH READS TO ADD A QUART THIS IS HAPPENING EVERY OTHER DAY SINCE I GOT IT BACK FROM THE DEALER. THE VEHICLE IS BACK AT THE DEALERSHIP AND ADVISORS TELL ME THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE OIL ALL LIES. THEY DISMANTLED MY ENTIRE ENGINE THE VEHICLE NEVER DROVE THE SAME AGAIN PLUS THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS FLICKERING. PLEASE HELP!!!!!!! VEHICLE SHUT DOWN ON ME WHILE I WAS IN THE HIGHWAY DRIVING SLOWING I PULLED OUT OF THE HIGHWAY INTO AND EXIT AND FROM THERE I HAD IT TOW TO BMW AFTER THEY SO CALLED FIXED IT AGAIN
IN LATE DECEMBER 2014, THE RIGHT HEADLIGHT WASHER NOZZLE AND COVER FELL OFF SOME TIME DURING USE (VEHICLE SPEED IS UNKNOWN; 45 MPH IS A GUESS). THE VEHICLE DID NOT HAVE ANY SNOW OR ICE ON IT. IN EARLY MARCH OF 2015, BOTH HEADLIGHT WASHER NOZZLES AND COVERS FELL OFF WITHIN A WEEK OF EACH OTHER, BOTH TIMES WITH NO SNOW OR ICE ON THE VEHICLE (THE VEHICLE IS PARKED IN A GARAGE AT BOTH HOME AND WORK). THE RIGHT NOZZLE/COVER ASSEMBLY WAS HANGING LOOSELY, AND WAS SALVAGED. IN JANUARY 2015, BMW WOULD NOT PAY FOR REPAIRS UNDER WARRANTY, CLAIMING THE PARTS WERE "EXTERIOR TRIM," RATHER THAN SAFETY FEATURES, AND THEREFORE NOT COVERED. AFTER THE SECOND INCIDENT INVOLVING BOTH WASHERS, BMW WOULD NOT ALLOW THE DEALERSHIP SERVICE CENTER TO DEACTIVATE THE HEADLIGHT WASHERS (TO PREVENT FUTURE INCIDENCES), CLAIMING THE PARTS ARE "SAFETY FEATURES." IT SEEMS BMW CHANGES THE DESIGNATION OF THE PARTS BASED ON WHAT WILL COST THEM MONEY. THE WASHERS ARE OBVIOUSLY SAFETY FEATURES, AND ARE INCLUDED AS PART OF THE VEHICLE'S OPTIONAL "COLD WEATHER PACKAGE," INTENDED TO KEEP THE HEADLIGHTS CLEAR OF DEBRIS LIKE ROAD GRIME AND ICE. THE PARTS ARE ALSO OBVIOUSLY DEFECTIVE, AS THEY KEEP COMING OFF UNDER NORMAL USE WELL WITHIN THEIR EXPECTED LIFESPAN, AND INITIAL RESEARCH HAS SHOWN THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM WITH BMW VEHICLES THAT HAVE HEADLIGHT WASHERS. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
VEHICLE SHUDDERS AND HESITATES WHEN MAKING A HARD LEFT OF RIGHT TURN FROM A FULL STOP. (IE. TURNING RIGHT ON RED OR PULLING OUT OF A PLACE OF BUSINESS ONTO AN ACTIVE HIGHWAY.) I READ ABOUT 30 OTHER COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE SAME ISSUE - ALL POINTING A FAULTY "TRANSFER CASE". MY VEHICLE 2011 BWM X5 35I HAS 76,000 MILES. I DO SEE A POWER TRAIN RECALL FOR THE 2011 X5'S BUT MINE (FOR SOME UNKNOWN REASON IS NOT INCLUDED AND IT IS A 2011 (RECALL 17V138000) MY MECHANIC SAID IT WAS THE TRANSFER CASE AND WILL COST $3,000 TO REPAIR.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 BMW X5. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HIS TIRE CONSTANTLY LOST AIR PRESSURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS FOUND THAT THE RIM WAS CRACKED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000. . ..UPDATED 03-12-14 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE RIM HAD A STRESS FRACTURE/ UPDATED 04/01/14
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
DRIVESHAFT FEELS LIKE ITS FAILING IVE READ FORUMS ABOUT AIRBAGS BEING A SAFETY ISSUE
DRIVESHAFT FAILURE
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 BMW X5. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE SHOOK HARD WHENEVER THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED AT ANY SPEED. THERE WAS ALSO A SLIGHT VIBRATION IN THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO BMW GLOBAL IMPORTS (500 INTERSTATE N PKWY, ATLANTA, GA 30339, (800) 294-1853) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT A NEW TRANSFER CASE NEEDED TO BE INSTALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 116,000.
REAR TIRES QUICKLY LOST ALL TREAD LEADING TO DANGEROUS HANDLING. FRONT TIRES OF SAME AGE AND MILEAGE, BUT DIFFERENT SIZE, APPEAR NEW.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE PASSENGER OCCUPANCY SENSOR IS DEFECTIVE AND CHIMES CONTINUOUSLY WHEN UNOCCUPIED. THE ONLY WAY TO DISARM THE CHIME IS TO BUCKLE THE PASSENGER SEAT BELT WHICH ACTIVATES THE PASSENGER AIRBAGS. SINCE THIS VEHICLE CURRENTLY HAS SEVERAL AIRBAG RECALLS ON IT, THE DEFECTIVE OCCUPANCY SENSOR CREATES A DANGEROUS SITUATION FOR MYSELF AND OTHER OWNERS OF THIS SAME MAKE AND MODEL.
THE OVERHEAD READING LIGHTS (4) IN MY BMW X5 DO NOT HAVE PROTECTIVE COVERS ON THEM AND THEY BECOME EXTREMELY HOT WHEN TURNED ON. MY 3 YEAR OLD SON TOUCHED THE LIGHT IN THE BACKSEAT RESULTING IN A BURN AND BLISTER ON HIS FINGER. I AM TOLD BY BMW THAT THIS IS THE DESIGN OF THESE LIGHTS AND THERE IS NO "FIX" TO PREVENT BURNS WHEN THIS EXPOSED LIGHT IS TOUCHED. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Transmission
Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.
From owner reports, verbatim
2012 BMW X5. UPON ENGINE START UP WHEN COLD, THE ENGINE SURGES EXCESSIVELY. IF THE TRANSMISSION IS ENGAGED DURING THE SURGING (FLUCTUATING RPM) THE VEHICLE LURCHES FORWARD/REVERSE CAUSING A DANGEROUS SITUATION AND POTENTIAL ACCIDENT. *KB
I OWN A 2011 BMW X5 35I PREMIUM. I FIND IT INEXCUSABLE TO HAVE BRAKE DUST CONTINUALLY RUINING MY WHEELS, WHICH DEALER STATES THERE IS NO RESOLUTION. THIS CAR IS JERKY WHEN STARTING AND DRIVING AROUND TOWN. ALSO, CARS ENGINE ROARS LOUDLY UPON STARTING.....SOMETHING IS NOT RIGHT! VERY HARD RIDE, GIVES ME HEADACHES ON FREEWAYS NEEDING REPAIRS. I NEVER GET HEADACHES. BRAKE ASSIST COMES ON IN LEVEL AREAS OR CAR IS BEING HELD BACK FROM FULL ACCELERATION. MY EXHAUST SYSTEM IS COMPLETELY RUSTED, CAR IS ONLY 6 MO OLD. WARNING: BLACK DASH CAUSES DRIVERS FACE TO BURN IN HOT TEMPS. IN SUMMER. ON TRIP I HAD TO COVER MY DASH WITH WHITE PAPER TOWELS TO ALLEVIATE MY FACE BURNING WHILE DRIVING. LEATHER SEEMS INFERIOR AND INDENTS EASILY AND STAYS INDENTED. CAR DOES NOT GIVE OPTION ON HEATED SEATS OF USING BACK OR SEAT HEAT. ALSO DOES NOT HAVE COOLED SEATS. WHEN REQUESTING UPGRADE OF NAVIGATION FROM DEALER, THEY WANTED TO CHARGE ME $200. EVEN THO. I SHOULD HAVE A FREE UPGRADE, SINCE THE CAR CAME WITH 2010 VERSION! REAR TAILGATE DOESN'T ALWAYS OPEN WITH KEY FAUB. CARPET ROUND VELCROW FROM FLOOR CAME LOSE AND TORE LEATHER ON MY CONSOLE! WITH A BRAND NEW CAR, I DID NOT EXPECT SO MANY PROBLEMS! I AM LOOKING FOR A CAR WITHOUT PROBLEMS AND EXPECTED MY BMW TO BE JUST THAT. I AM VERY DISAPPOINTED. I ALL READY HAD TO REPLACE THE WINDSHIELD. FIND USING CRUISE CONTROL BEHIND STEERING WHEEL VERY DANGEROUS BECAUSE IT IS TOO LOW AND IF YOU LOOK DOWN AT YOUR KNEES TO PUT IT ON, YOU CAN'T SEE WHERE YOU ARE DRIVING! MY MECHANIC ALSO TOLD ME THERE IS A CERTAIN WAY TO PUT ON THE EMERGENCY BRAKE SO THE BOLT INTO THE TRANSMISSION/ENGINE? DOESN'T BREAK OFF! THIS IS A CAR FOR A MECHANIC TO OWN. PLEASE ADVISE WHAT TO DO? IT SEEMS THE SMALL ENGINE IS NOT PAIRED CORRECTLY WITH THE TRANSMISSION AND THE TURBO, CAUSING JERKING WHEN ACCELERATING, AND FEELS LIKE THE BRAKE IS ON WHEN YOU ARE DRIVING AT LOW SPEEDS AROUND TOWN. THIS CAR HAS ME VERY WORRIED!!! *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Heating & air conditioning
Reports naming the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 BMW X5. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHO REPLACED THE FUEL PUMP. IN ADDITION, THE DRIVER SIDE WINDOW WAS MAKING A LOUD NOISE BUT THE CONTACT WAS UNSURE OF THE DIAGNOSIS AND THE REPAIR. ALSO, WHEN FIRST STARTING THE VEHICLE, THE ENGINE WOULD ROAR ABNORMALLY LOUD. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THERE WAS NO AIR EMITTING FROM THE AIR CONDITIONER WHEN ACTIVATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 500 AND THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 469. UPDATED 11/08/11*LJ UPDATED 11/14/11
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
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.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .