2013 BMW X5

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.

My vehicle has suffered catastrophic electrical failure due to water intrusion directly into the rear cargo compartment. This water ingress has destroyed vital electronic control modules that were designed and placed in low-lying, unsealed body cavities—an engineering layout heavily documented as a design vulnerability in the E70 chassis. My safety was put at risk as this happened on the highway and threw my SUV into limp mode. I could not drive the speed limit on the highway and had to drive home with my hazard lights on while cars drove around me and almost collided with me on the highway. BMW has previously acknowledged the severe liabilities of placing sensitive electronics near drainage paths, as seen in the Catalano v. BMW of North America litigation. This is not a wear-and-tear issue; it is a design failure that leaves critical safety components swimming in water during normal rain events.

NHTSA ID

11746759

Incident

Oct 4, 2025

A fire started under my hood immediately after starting my car.

NHTSA ID

11746602

Incident

Jun 25, 2026

My family and I were traveling from Maryland to Florida, with a planned stop in Atlanta. We were driving our 2013 BMW X5 x Drive 35i and were traveling southbound on [XXX] through Greenville, South Carolina when the incident occurred. While driving at highway speed, my husband suddenly noticed multiple error messages appearing on the vehicle’s display screen - air bag malfunction, 4x4 malfunction, stabilization, etc. He immediately began pulling the vehicle over. Within moments, he observed smoke and visible flames coming from the rear driver’s-side area of the vehicle. He urgently shouted for me and our daughter to get out of the car. What followed happened extremely fast, within approximately 15 seconds. I yelled for my daughter to unbuckle and run. In a state of panic, I grabbed our dog, and as we tried to exit the vehicle, the fire spread rapidly and aggressively. Thick, black smoke engulfed the area and we fled on foot, coughing and struggling to breathe from the smoke. By the time we reached a safe distance, the vehicle was fully engulfed in flames. Thankfully, we were able to escape without physical injury, but the incident was terrifying and could very easily have resulted in serious injury or loss of life. The vehicle was completely destroyed, along with all of our personal belongings - cell phones, laptops, clothing, luggage, etc. We have since checked for recalls associated with the vehicle’s VIN and were told none were listed. However, a vehicle should not spontaneously catch fire while being operated normally on a highway. The sudden onset, rapid spread of the fire, and lack of warning raise serious concerns about a potential defect, whether electrical, fuel-related, or otherwise. We believe this incident was preventable and that there may have been a failure in design, manufacturing, or warning. We had the insurance company and BMW inspect the vehicle, but the fire destroyed the car entirely, and a cause "could not be determined." INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION AC

NHTSA ID

11723213

Incident

Dec 28, 2025

The EGR system in my 2013 BMW x5d has failed. There is a recall notice for the EGR system on the 2014 BMW x5d with the same engine and exhaust system related to a fire warning. It would seem to make sense to include the my car in the recall under the circumstances.

NHTSA ID

11706109

Incident

Dec 19, 2025

The componet that failed is the cars electric system in the rear. Battery gets so hot its melted a 2nd orange box on top of the battery. Burned a hole right through. Attempted to start the vehicle, now it's throwing big sparks in the rear battery compartment. ABS warnings, brake warnings, it leaks. It will not start again! We have no transportation. Noone seems to be very concerned about the matter. Atleast 7 open, very dangerous recalls on this vehicle. How come someone has to die from the companies failure to fix what they know is wrong? This vehicle is paid for, owned by a Middle/lower class hard working single mom. I've seen to many cases of people who aren't financially threatening get delt a ball full of crap. All walks of life pay really good money for bmws cars. How about bmw returns the favor and keeps their word. My car is a death trap according to bmw. What do we do if the company won't cooperate

NHTSA ID

11705896

Incident

Dec 18, 2025

Component or system that failed/malfunctioned N63 4.4L twin-turbo V8 engine – excessive oil consumption (1 quart every 300–400 miles) caused by failed valve-stem seals and leaking turbocharger coolant feed/return lines. Parts are still on the vehicle and available for inspection. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Sudden loss of engine oil can lead to catastrophic engine failure, bearing damage, or fire. Leaking coolant onto hot turbochargers creates risk and sudden coolant loss/overheating while driving. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer/independent service center? Yes – confirmed by Paul Miller BMW Wayne, NJ on June 30, 2025 (invoice #524818). Codes: EN79 (engine oil leak diagnosis), CS001 (turbo coolant lines leaking), DE001 (changeover valve cracked/coolant leak). Dealer quoted $12,487 to repair. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance, or others? Inspected by Paul Miller BMW (authorized BMW dealer) on June 30, 2025. No police or insurance involvement. Warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms prior to the failure? Low engine oil warning lamp repeatedly illuminates Visible coolant "steam" around hood and under vehicle after parking. Strong coolant smell from engine bay. Symptoms began approximately 18-24 months ago and have steadily worsened. Additional notes (optional but helpful) Called BMW corporate, refused (said no information) to perform known Customer Care Package B001314 (March 2025 supersession) despite documented symptoms and no mileage limitation in the bulletin. Vehicle is available for immediate NHTSA or BMW inspection.

NHTSA ID

11701313

Incident

Jun 27, 2025

The primary component that has malfunctioned is the engine's valve stem seals, which are available for inspection upon request. This defect has led to excessive oil consumption, which has now escalated to a critical safety issue. The vehicle is emitting a huge amount of thick smoke from the exhaust with a strong smell of burnt oil, and multiple engine warning lights are illuminated. I have stopped driving the vehicle, as the excessive smoke creates a significant visibility hazard for myself and others, and the underlying issue presents a risk of sudden engine failure. The problem has not been formally confirmed by a dealer, as the General Manager at BMW of Rockville dismissed the repair as not "worth fixing." It is important to note that BMW has been aware of this N63 engine issue and created a Customer Care Package (CCP) to address it, yet I was never notified, despite regular service at authorized centers. The vehicle has not been inspected for this specific safety concern by the manufacturer or others. The initial symptom was excessive oil consumption, which has been ongoing for some time and has now worsened to the current safety-critical state.

NHTSA ID

11679744

Incident

Jul 19, 2025

Check engine light indicated on the dash, immediately took it to an nearby auto mechanic Tuffy in Fort Myers Florida, off of Daniel's parkway. The said the diagnostic said it was valve cover and gasket replacement. Got a second opinion at Apex Auto in Tire in Fort Myers. Had them install a new valve cover and gasket cover. Check engine light was still visible. Probing a further diagnostic. They indicated that this vehicle should be fixed under recall 23V-707. And would suggest a local BMW dealership to perform that service. The mechanic said this was a known problem, this engine is a N55 and under the model list as E70 X5. I retrieved the vehicle and spoke with BMW Fort Myers which indicated that there not an open recall that they will not do a recall claim. because of the symptoms of the vehicle smoking and rattle I'm afraid of a potential engine compartment fire from a broken bolt.

NHTSA ID

11655080

Incident

Apr 2, 2025

The Footwell Module (FRM) limited warranty for defects in materials and / or workmanship has been supplementarily increased to 15 years / 186,000 miles as determined from the original first in-service / delivery date.

This bulletin outlines the Customer Care Package program that has been designed exclusively for BMWvehicles with the N63 engine. Vehicles with the N63 high performance engine are engineered with EfficientDynamics that provides fueleconomy without compromising on its “class leading” power and performance. To ensure these engines keep delivering the ultimate performance, we have designed this Care Package thatincludes a 6 point check, and if necessary, the replacement of one or more of the following powertraincomponents: Hot-Film Air Mass Sensors PIEZO High Pressure Fuel Injectors Engine Vacuum Pump Fuel System Low Pressure Sensor/Feed Line Fresh Air Intake Turbo Seals Crankcase Ventilation Lines (Hoses)

The Footwell Module (FRM) limited warranty for defects in materials and / or workmanship has been supplementarily increased to 15 years / 186,000 miles as determined from the original first in-service / delivery date.

The Footwell Module (FRM) limited warranty for defects in materials and / or workmanship has been supplementarily increased to 15 years / 240,000 miles as determined from the original first in-service / delivery date.

The basic conditions for initializing the power windows are not met.

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.