RoadVitals

2010 BMW X6

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

NHTSA has issued a “do not drive” advisory affecting this model year.

Campaign 20V016000. Confirm whether your specific vehicle is covered using its VIN before acting on this.

Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov
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.
15
Latest Apr 18, 2023
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.
9
Latest Jan 15, 2020
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.
0
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.
4
3 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 15 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2010 BMW X6, most frequently naming the engine, fuel system and electrical categories. 9 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 277 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

  • Engine838.1%
  • Fuel system628.6%
  • Electrical314.3%
  • Powertrain (other)29.5%
  • Airbags14.8%
  • Visibility14.8%

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

9 campaigns cover this model year

View all 9

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
20V017000

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Jan 15, 2020
59,965 units potentially affected
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2013 128i and 135i Convertibles, 128i, 135i, and M Coupes, 2007-2010 X3 30si and X3 xDrive30i, 2013-2015 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i and X1 xDrive35i, 2007-2013 328i, 328i xDrive, 335i, 335is, 335i xDrive and M3 Coupes, 2006-2011 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 325i, 325xi, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi, 335i xDrive and M3, 2009-2011 335D, 2006-2012 325xi, 328i, 328xi and 328i xDrive, 2010-2011 X6 ActiveHybrid, 2007-2013 328i, 335i, 335is, M3 Coupes, X5 30si, X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 48i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i and X5 M, 2009-2013 X5 xDrive35d and 2008-2014 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6M vehicles equipped with non-desiccated driver frontal air bag inflators containing phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) that were used as interim remedy parts for previous Takata recalls. These inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.
The risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp 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 air bag. On X5 and X6 vehicles, only the inflator will be replaced. All repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began March 11, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
BMW of North America, LLCView on NHTSA.gov
20V016000NHTSA advisory: do not drive

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Jan 15, 2020
4,007 units potentially affected
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2009-2012 X5 xDrive35d, 2008-2012 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6 M, 2007-2012 X5 30si, X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 48i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i and X5 M and 2010-2011 X6 ActiveHybrid vehicles equipped with non-desiccated, passenger frontal air bag inflators containing phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSPI-2) propellant that were used as interim remedy parts for previous Takata recalls. These inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.
The risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The remedy: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until this remedy is performed. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger front air bag, free of charge. The recall began March 11, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
BMW of North America, LLCView on NHTSA.gov
19V017000NHTSA advisory: do not drive

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Jan 14, 2019
83,016 units potentially affected
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2007-2013 X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i and X5 M vehicles, 2008-2014 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6 M vehicles, 2009-2013 X5 xDrive35d vehicles and 2010-2011 X6 ActiveHybrid vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
The risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The remedy: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the remedy is performed. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag module, free of charge. The recall began March 14, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
BMW of North America, LLCView on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

View all 15
ElectricalEngineFuel system
Filed Apr 18, 2023
Fire reported

On March 26,2023 my house was total loss due to the 2010 BMW X6 was caught on fire inside the garage. The vehicle has 79xxx mileage and all recall has been check. My two dogs save my life but I did not save them. The dogs was barking while I was in the master bedroom talking to my daughter. As soon I walk to the kitchen I hear crackling, popping noises, and smoke coming from living room. I open the door from the living room to the garage the BMW was on fire.

NHTSA ID
11517616
Incident
Mar 26, 2023
Powertrain (other)
Filed Jan 12, 2023

Transmission malfunction while driving, so scary.

NHTSA ID
11501548
Incident
Dec 27, 2022
EnginePowertrain (other)
Filed Jul 9, 2021

The engine oil keeps going down every couple hundred miles and needs to be topped. Embarrassing doing this every month.

NHTSA ID
11424027
Incident
Jan 15, 2021
Engine
Filed Apr 6, 2021

BOUGHT IN 2018 NO PROBLEMS UNTIL 2 OR 3 MONTHS LATER TO DEALER AT SERIVILLE IN BMW FOR OIL CHANGE AND THEN STARTED BURNING OIL, TOOK BACK TO DEALER WAS TOLD VALE STEM SEAT ARE LEAKING ASK TO CHECK MY WARRANTY ENDURANCE THE REFUSE TO COVER WITHOUT ME PAYING 10,000 TO HAVE ENGINE BROKE DOWN I REFUSE IF I HAD MONEY FOR THAT I WOULD HAVE FIXED IT NOT PAY FOR WARRANTY THAT WON'T COOPERATE AND IT'S STILL ACTIVE UNTIL 2023 OR 202033 MINE IS AT 116,695.THIS IS FROM MIX DRIVING MOSTLY WEEKENDS.

NHTSA ID
11406783
Incident
Jan 10, 2018
Engine
Filed Dec 4, 2018
Fire reported

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 BMW X6. SHORTLY AFTER PURCHASING THE VEHICLE FROM A PRIVATE OWNER, THE CONTACT STATED THAT EXCESSIVE SMOKE CAME OUT OF THE TAIL PIPE AND HE DISCOVERED SERVICE BULLETIN NUMBER: 110815. THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED BY BILL JACOBS BMW (630-357-1200, LOCATED AT 2495 AURORA AVE, NAPERVILLE, IL 60540), BUT THE CONTACT WAS UNCERTAIN IF THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED BY A RECALL AND IF THE VALVE STEMS HAD BEEN REPLACED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE WAS SMOKING EXCESSIVELY AND THERE WAS A REDUCTION IN POWER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES AND THE CONTACT WAS WAITING FOR A RESPONSE TO DETERMINE A REPAIR REMEDY. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ID
11155900
Incident
Oct 28, 2018
Engine
Filed Feb 20, 2018

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 BMW X6. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND ALL THE WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE AUXILIARY WATER PUMP NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 12V161000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE DEALER (BMW OF MANHATTAN, 801 11TH AVE, NEW YORK) AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE BUT OFFERED NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,912.

NHTSA ID
11073921
Incident
Dec 20, 2017
Mileage
80,912 mi
Fuel system
Filed Dec 28, 2017

LOW PRESSURE FUEL SENSOR WAS SAID TO BE REPLACE, BMW HAS RECORD OF THIS KNOWN ISSUE. I WENT TO GET MY VEHICLE CHECKED OUT FIRST BECAUSE THE WATER PUMP WAS BAD AND BMW KNOWS THIS AS WELL. THEN THEY STATED I NEED TO CHANGE THE LOW PRESSURE FUEL SENSOR FOR $900+ DOLLARS. I JUST REPLACED THE WATER PUMP COSTING $1,199 DOLLARS , BMW IS AWARE OF THESE ONGOING ISSUES IN THESE CARS AND ARE DOING NOTHING ABOUT IT!

NHTSA ID
11057068
Incident
Dec 19, 2017
Mileage
79,966 mi
Engine
Filed Dec 28, 2017

WATER PUMP FAILURE, VEHICLE NEEDED A NEW WATER PUMP, THIS IS SOMETHING BMW IS WELL AWARE OF ON MANY OF THESE VEHICLES

NHTSA ID
11057060
Incident
Dec 19, 2017
Mileage
79,970 mi

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

B012016

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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.

B110614

ENGINE

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)

B012016

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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.

B012016

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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.

B068824

Screw Cap Return

B068624

Socket Housing Return

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 X6 by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2026320—
2025140—
2024950—
2023110—
2022311—
2021771—
20209100—
2019540—
2018441—
2017321—
2016911—
2015911—
2014113048.2
2013255045.7
2012327048.2
20113111057.7
2010Viewing159057.9
20091910047.7
2008480—
2007100—
2006100—
2005000—
2004000—
2003000—
2002000—
2001000—
2000000—

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.