Is auxiliary water pump failure with engine overheating a known issue with the 2011 Bmw X5?

7 NHTSA complaints have been filed about auxiliary water pump failure with engine overheating on the 2011 Bmw X5 (2017-03 → 2022-02). Reported component: ENGINE. From an owner report (NHTSA ODI #10960158): "WHEN DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD, I HEARD A LOUD FAN NOISE COMING FROM THE ENGINE. I DID A QUICK SYSTEMS CHECK TO SEE IF ALL SYSTEMS WERE OK- THEY WERE. ABOUT 1/10 OF A MILE LATER, MY CAR INDICATED THAT IT WAS OVERHEATING AND THAT I HAD REDUCED POWER" Source: NHTSA.

Is def tank sensor failure triggering check engine light a known issue with the 2011 Bmw X5?

9 NHTSA complaints have been filed about def tank sensor failure triggering check engine light on the 2011 Bmw X5 (2017-06 → 2024-01). Reported component: ENGINE. From an owner report (NHTSA ODI #11413553): "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" Source: NHTSA.

Is idler pulley bolt failure with loss of power steering a known issue with the 2011 Bmw X5?

10 NHTSA complaints have been filed about idler pulley bolt failure with loss of power steering on the 2011 Bmw X5 (2017-01 → 2022-09). Reported component: STEERING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE. From an owner report (NHTSA ODI #11151426): "WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE ON A LOCAL ROAD AT 40 MPH IN A STRAIGHT LINE, THERE WAS A LOUD, VERY SHORT LIVED NOISE IN THE ENGINE AND I IMMEDIATELY LOST POWER STEERING. MY SERPENTINE BELT FAILED AND I LIMPED HOME WITHOUT POWER STEERING, BATTERY CHARGING, ETC" Source: NHTSA.

Is vanos timing bolt failure causing engine stall a known issue with the 2011 Bmw X5?

11 NHTSA complaints have been filed about vanos timing bolt failure causing engine stall on the 2011 Bmw X5 (2018-04 → 2026-05). Reported component: ENGINE. From an owner report (NHTSA ODI #11736796): "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" Source: NHTSA.

Is egr cooler leak with diesel exhaust fumes in cabin a known issue with the 2011 Bmw X5?

17 NHTSA complaints have been filed about egr cooler leak with diesel exhaust fumes in cabin on the 2011 Bmw X5 (2017-06 → 2025-02). Reported component: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM. From an owner report (NHTSA ODI #11642373): "EGR failure where the diesel emissions come into the cabin via the hvac system Dealer said the EGR cooler needs to be replaced" Source: NHTSA.

Is electrical wiring failure resulting in fire or smoke a known issue with the 2011 Bmw X5?

11 NHTSA complaints have been filed about electrical wiring failure resulting in fire or smoke on the 2011 Bmw X5 (2017-06 → 2025-07). Reported component: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, UNKNOWN OR OTHER. From an owner report (NHTSA ODI #11675041): "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" Source: NHTSA.

2011 Bmw X5 Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

Q: Is front driveshaft and transfer case failure a known issue with the 2011 Bmw X5?

22 NHTSA complaints have been filed about front driveshaft and transfer case failure on the 2011 Bmw X5 (2017-01 → 2023-11). Reported component: POWER TRAIN. From an owner report (NHTSA ODI #10965742): "2011 BMW X5 35I XDRIVE - MY DRIVE SHAFT BROKE (VIOLENT BANGING NOISE FROM THE FRONT OF THE CAR) WHILE I WAS GOING 65 MILES PER HOUR ON THE FREEWAY CAUSING ME TO SWERVE TO THE LEFT LANE BACK OVER TO THE RIGHT LANE. SUPER LUCKY THAT I BARELY MISSED HITTING THE CARS NEXT TO ME!" Source: NHTSA.

Q: Is takata airbag recall parts unavailable a known issue with the 2011 Bmw X5?

54 NHTSA complaints have been filed about takata airbag recall parts unavailable on the 2011 Bmw X5 (2016-12 → 2020-01). Reported component: AIR BAGS. From an owner report (NHTSA ODI #11044075): "I HAVE RECEIVED SEVERAL LETTERS ABOUT THE AIRBAG RECALL IN THE PAST YEAR A COUPLE OF MONTHS AGO JACKIE COOPER OF EDMOND OK SAID THEY HAD THE PART I TOOK MY X5D IN FOR 3 DAYS BUT WHEN I PICKED IT UP THEY HAD NOT REPLACED EITHER AIRBAG" Source: NHTSA.

The 2011 Bmw X5 carries 14 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering inflator module and turbo/supercharger. Owners report 8 recurring issue clusters, led by “Front driveshaft and transfer case failure.” BMW vehicles use Condition-Based Service (CBS) — the dashboard shows each service item with its own remaining mileage and time, calculated by sensors. The schedule below shows BMW's underlying targets. BMW Ultimate Care covers the first 3 years / 36,000 miles of factory-scheduled maintenance on most new vehicles.

14 Open Recalls

Source: NHTSA

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Campaign #19V017000 · Jan 14, 2019

Issue: 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.

Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Fix: 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.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:TURBO/SUPERCHARGER

Campaign #18V248000 · Apr 18, 2018

Issue: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2011-2012 BMW 550i, 550i xDrive, 550i Gran Turismo, 550i Gran Turismo xDrive, 750i, 750Li, 750i xDrive, 750Li xDrive, 760Li, X5 xDrive50i, X5 M, X6 xDrive50i, X6 M, ActiveHybrid7, MINI Cooper S Convertible, John Cooper Works (JCW) Convertible, Cooper S Countryman, Cooper S Countryman ALL4, Cooper S, JCW, Cooper S Clubman, JCW Clubman, Cooper S Roadster, JCW Roadster, Cooper S Coupe, JCW Coupe and Rolls-Royce Ghost, 2011 BMW X6 Hybrid and 2012 BMW 650i Coupe, 650i xDrive Coupe, 650i Convertible and 650i xDrive Convertible vehicles. The electric auxiliary water pump may fail and cause the circuit board to overheat.

Risk: If the circuit board were to overheat, it can increase the risk of a fire.

Fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the electric auxiliary water pump, free of charge. Depending on the model, there are currently limited parts available, however not all parts are available at this time. Owners will be notified of the recall beginning June 11, 2018, and will receive a second notification when remedy parts become available. Owners may contact BMW customer service at BMW 1-800-525-7417, MINI at 1-866-825-1525, or Rolls-Royce at 1-877-877-3735. Note: BMW recommends that owners park their vehicle outdoors until the recall remedy has been performed.

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Campaign #20V016000 · Jan 15, 2020

Issue: 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.

Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Fix: 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.

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Campaign #20V017000 · Jan 15, 2020

Issue: 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.

Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Fix: 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.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

Campaign #18V336000 · May 23, 2018

Issue: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2009-2013 X5 xDrive 35d diesel vehicles. The engine idler pulley bolt may loosen over time and break.

Risk: If the idler pulley bolt breaks, the vehicle may unexpectedly lose power-assisted steering, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the idler pulley bolt with an improved part, free of charge. The recall began March 11, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Campaign #18V030000 · Sep 1, 2018

Issue: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2007-2013 X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i, X5 M, 2009-2010 X5 xDrive35d vehicles and 2009-2013 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i, and X6 M vehicles ever registered in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands or "Zone A." BMW is also recalling certain 2007-2010 X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i, X5 M, X5 xDrive35d, X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6M vehicles ever registered in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia or "Zone B." BMW is also recalling certain 2007-2009 X5 xDrive30i, X5 xdrive35i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i, X5 M, X5 xDrive35d, X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6M vehicles ever registered in the states of AK, CO, CT, ID, IA, ME, MA, MI, MN, MT, NH, NY, ND, OR, RI, SD, UT, VT, WA, WI, and WY or "Zone C." 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.

Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Fix: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the remedy is performed. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger front air bag module, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin March 2018. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT

Campaign #17V138000 · Feb 3, 2017

Issue: BMW of North America, LLC, (BMW) is recalling certain 2011-2013 X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive50i, X5 M and X5 xDrive35d vehicles, 2011-2014 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6M vehicles, and 2011 x6 ActiveHybrid Vehicles. Water and debris may enter the front driveshaft's universal joint, causing excessive wear and possibly resulting in the joint's failure.

Risk: If the front universal joint fails, the front wheels would not be driven, affecting vehicle traction. Additionally, continued driving of the vehicle with a broken front universal joint may damage other components. Either condition may increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front driveshaft, free of charge. The recall began on April 18, 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

Campaign #16V746000 · Oct 17, 2016

Issue: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2007-2011 BMW X5 3.0si, X5 4.8i, X5 M, X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive48i and X5 xDrive50i, 2008-2011 X6 x Drive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6 M, 2010-2011 X6 ActiveHybrid, 535i xDrive Gran Turismo, 535i Gran Turismo, 550i xDrive Gran Turismo and 550i Gran Turismo, 2011-2012 528i, 535i, 535i xDrive, 550i and 550i xDrive and 2012 535i ActiveHybrid, 640i Convertible, 650i Convertible, 650i xDrive Convertible, 650i Coupe and 650i Coupe xDrive vehicles. The affected vehicles have in-tank fuel pumps that may have insufficiently crimped wire contacts.

Risk: The loose wires may cause the connector to melt, resulting in a fuel leak. Additionally, the fuel pump may stop working, possibly causing an engine stall and increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump module, free of charge. The recall began February 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CRANKCASE (PCV)

Campaign #17V683000 · Oct 30, 2017

Issue: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2011 128i and 2007-2011 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 525i, 525xi, 528i, 528xi, 530i, 530xi, X3 3.0si, X3 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive30i, Z4 3.0i, Z4 3.0si and Z4 sDrive30i vehicles. The heater for the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve may short circuit.

Risk: An electrical short can cause the parts within the PCV valve to melt, increasing the risk of a fire, even when the vehicle is not in use.

Fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the PCV valve heater, free of charge. Interim letters were mailed on November 27, 2017. Owners will receive a second notification by the end of October 2018. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT

Campaign #16V311000 · May 17, 2016

Issue: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2011 X5 xDrive 35i, xDrive50i, X5 M, X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i, and X6 M vehicles manufactured April 5, 2010, to November 20, 2010, 2011 X5 xDrive35d diesel vehicles manufactured April 7, 2010, to November 20, 2010, and 2011 X6 Active Hybrid vehicles manufactured April 15, 2010, to November 17, 2010. The affected vehicles have a front driveshaft universal joint that may not seal out water and debris from getting in and damaging the joint, which could lead to its failure.

Fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front driveshaft, free of charge. The recall began on July 8, 2016. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Campaign #16V364000 · May 25, 2016

Issue: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2007-2011 X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i and X5M vehicles, 2009-2011 X5 xDrive35d vehicles, 2008-2011 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6 M vehicles, and 2010-2011 X6 ActiveHybrid vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" above, BMW is recalling certain model year 2007-2008 X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i and X5M vehicles, and 2008 BMW X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6 M vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, or "Zone B." Vehicles of these model years and models that were not originally sold or ever registered in either Zones A or B are not subject to this safety recall. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity and temperature cycling.

Risk: An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Fix: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until they have been repaired. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator or air bag module, free of charge. The recall began July 28, 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:OTHER FUEL TYPES:TURBO/SUPERCHARGER

Campaign #11V521000 · Oct 20, 2011

Issue: BMW IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 5-SERIES, MODEL YEAR 2010-2011 5-SERIES GRAN TURISMO, MODEL YEAR 2009-2011 7-SERIES, MODEL YEAR 2010-2011 X5 SAV, AND MODEL YEAR 2008-2011 X6 SAV VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 8- OR 12-CYLINDER, TURBOCHARGED, ENGINES BECAUSE THE CIRCUIT BOARD FOR THE ELECTRIC AUXILIARY WATER PUMP CAN OVERHEAT.

Risk: THIS COULD LEAD TO A SMOLDERING OF THE PUMP OR AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT OR VEHICLE FIRE.

Fix: BMW WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE AUXILIARY WATER PUMP FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 19, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW CUSTOMER RELATIONS AND SERVICES AT 1-800-525-7417.

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

Campaign #10V233000 · Feb 6, 2010

Issue: BMW IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 X5 SAV AND X6 SAV PASSENGER VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM APRIL 1 THROUGH MAY 8, 2010. THE TIRE LABEL DOES NOT CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THE VEHICLES ARE EQUIPPED WITH 20-INCH WHEELS, BUT THE LABEL STATES THAT THE VEHICLES WERE EQUIPPED WITH 19-INCH WHEELS AND THE STATED TIRE PRESSURE IS INCORRECT FOR THE EQUIPPED WHEELS.

Risk: IMPROPER TIRE INFLATION CAN RESULT IN PREMATURE TIRE FAILURE OR REDUCED VEHICLE HANDLING PERFORMANCE, EITHER OF WHICH CAN INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Fix: BMW WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND PROVIDE CORRECT LABELS FREE OF CHARGE. THE OWNER WILL HAVE THE OPTION TO AFFIX THE LABEL THEMSELVES OR THEY MAY TAKE THEIR VEHICLE TO A BMW DEALER WHO WILL AFFIX THE LABEL FOR THEM AT NO COST. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 8, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-525-7417.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

Campaign #23V707000 · Oct 20, 2023

Issue: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2010-2012 1 Series Coupe, 1 Series Convertible, 3 Series Sedan, 3 Series Convertible, 2010-2011 3 Series Sportswagon, 3 Series Coupe, 5 Series Sedan, X3 xDrive 28i, X3 xDrive 30i, X5 xDrive30i, and Z4 sDrive30i vehicles. The aluminum bolts that secure the housing for the variable camshaft timing adjustment (VANOS) unit can loosen over time and possibly break.

Risk: Loose or broken VANOS unit bolts can result in an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will replace the four VANOS bolts, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk are expected to be mailed December 18, 2023. Owner notification letters were mailed June 19, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Recall data refreshed Sep 6, 2026.

Known issues for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2011 Bmw X5.

Reported to NHTSA

Front driveshaft and transfer case failure

POWER TRAIN

22 NHTSA complaints · 2017-01 → 2023-11

“2011 BMW X5 35I XDRIVE - MY DRIVE SHAFT BROKE (VIOLENT BANGING NOISE FROM THE FRONT OF THE CAR) WHILE I WAS GOING 65 MILES PER HOUR ON THE FREEWAY CAUSING ME TO SWERVE TO THE LEFT LANE BACK OVER TO THE RIGHT LANE. SUPER LUCKY THAT I BARELY MISSED HITTING THE CARS NEXT TO ME!”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10965742

“Under normal driving conditions on city roads the universal joint literally shattered. There is no aftermarket upgrades and no unlicensed work done the vehicle”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11434368

“IT APPEARS THAT THE BMW X5 35I HAS THIS ISSUE WITH THE TRANSFER CASE ON A HUGE NUMBER OF THE VEHICLES. WHILE THERE IS A RECALL ON SOME VIN #'S I FEEL THAT IT IS IMPERATIVE TO EXTEND IT TO ALL OF THEM”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11010340

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Auxiliary water pump failure with engine overheating

ENGINE

7 NHTSA complaints · 2017-03 → 2022-02

“WHEN DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD, I HEARD A LOUD FAN NOISE COMING FROM THE ENGINE. I DID A QUICK SYSTEMS CHECK TO SEE IF ALL SYSTEMS WERE OK- THEY WERE. ABOUT 1/10 OF A MILE LATER, MY CAR INDICATED THAT IT WAS OVERHEATING AND THAT I HAD REDUCED POWER”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10960158

“my vehicle has symptoms of the auxiliary water pump for turbocharger going bad. Th epump is noisy, and smells very hot/burnt”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11451349

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 BMW X5. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE WENT INTO LIMP MODE DUE TO A FAILURE WITH THE AUXILIARY WATER PUMP. THE FAILURE CAUSED THE ENGINE TO OVERHEAT AND PREVENTED THE VEHICLE FROM ACCELERATING PAST 35 MPH”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11101638

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

DEF tank sensor failure triggering check engine light

ENGINE

9 NHTSA complaints · 2017-06 → 2024-01

“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11413553

“I HAVE AN 2011 X5 DIESEL. I GOT ENGINE LIGHT ON BECAUSE OF PASSIVE TANK PROBLEM. I LOVE THE CAR BUT THIS CAR HAS SO MANY SES LIGHTS AFTER I GOT IT”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11253427

“RECENTLY PURCHASED 2011 BMW X5D. VEHICLE HAD 147, 068 MILES. AFTER DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEED FOR LESS THAN 100 MILES FROM THE PURCHASE POINT, CEL CAME ON”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10995519

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Idler pulley bolt failure with loss of power steering

STEERING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE

10 NHTSA complaints · 2017-01 → 2022-09

“WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE ON A LOCAL ROAD AT 40 MPH IN A STRAIGHT LINE, THERE WAS A LOUD, VERY SHORT LIVED NOISE IN THE ENGINE AND I IMMEDIATELY LOST POWER STEERING. MY SERPENTINE BELT FAILED AND I LIMPED HOME WITHOUT POWER STEERING, BATTERY CHARGING, ETC”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11151426

“IDLER PULLEY BOLT BROKE FOR SECOND TIME IN 5 MONTHS. IN FEBRUARY, FIRST OCCURRENCE, CAR WAS STATIONARY. CAR WAS REPAIRED UNDER RECALL BY LOCAL MECHANIC. SECOND OCCURRENCE ON JUNE 29, CAR WAS IN MOTION ENTERING A TRAFFIC ROTARY”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11111406

“PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 12V550000 A REPLACEMENT OF THE IDLER PULLEY BOLT RECALL WAS CONDUCTED DUE TO GRAVE PUBLIC SAFETY CONCERNS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11083309

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

VANOS timing bolt failure causing engine stall

ENGINE

11 NHTSA complaints · 2018-04 → 2026-05

“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11736796

“VANOS BOLTS ON EXHAUST CAM SHEARED OFF WHILE DRIVING AT HWY SPEEDS RESULTING IN ENGINE MALFUNCTION, REDUCED POWER TO A NO START CONDITION”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11244342

“THIS VEHICLE HAS NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE VANOS SYSTEM. AS I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY WITH FULL TRAFFIC, MY ENGINE FAILED AT 70 MPH CAUSING TO ME ALMOST GET KILLED IN TRAFFIC AS I FOUGHT MY WAY THE THE SHOULDER”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11088795

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Takata airbag recall parts unavailable

AIR BAGS

54 NHTSA complaints · 2016-12 → 2020-01

“I HAVE RECEIVED SEVERAL LETTERS ABOUT THE AIRBAG RECALL IN THE PAST YEAR A COUPLE OF MONTHS AGO JACKIE COOPER OF EDMOND OK SAID THEY HAD THE PART I TOOK MY X5D IN FOR 3 DAYS BUT WHEN I PICKED IT UP THEY HAD NOT REPLACED EITHER AIRBAG”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11044075

“TAKATA RECALL - I RECEIVED THE FIRST RECALL LETTER 11 MONTHS AGO FOR THE DRIVER SIDE AIRBAG AND THE 2ND RECALL FOR THE PASSENGER SIDE IN MAY OF 2016. I AM STILL BEING TOLD THERE IS NO RESOLUTION AS OF YET”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10938800

“ME AND MY KIDS WERE DRIVING OUR 2011 BMW X5, WE WENT TO A FULL STOP ON THE FREEWAY, A SEMI WAS DRIVING TOO FAST BEHIND US, THE SEMI WAS ON ITS WAY TO CRUSHING ME AND MY THREE DAUGHTERS IN THE CAR”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11240850

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

EGR cooler leak with diesel exhaust fumes in cabin

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

17 NHTSA complaints · 2017-06 → 2025-02

“EGR failure where the diesel emissions come into the cabin via the hvac system Dealer said the EGR cooler needs to be replaced”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11642373

“LEAKING EGR COOLER. DEALER STATED THAT IF ISSUE IS NOT REPAIRED A POTENTIAL FIRE HAZARD EXISTS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11171426

“THE ISSUE STARTED WITH EXHAUST FUME IN THE CABIN FOR 2-3 DAYS. FOLLOWED BY AIR LEAKING SOUND FROM THE ENGINE BAY ON LOW RPM”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11193664

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Electrical wiring failure resulting in fire or smoke

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, UNKNOWN OR OTHER

11 NHTSA complaints · 2017-06 → 2025-07

“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11675041

“VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN GARAGE AT HOME AND RANDOMLY BURST INTO FLAMES AT APPROXIMATELY 2AM. FIRE CAUSED OVER $800,000 IN DAMAGE AND HOME TOOK WELL OVER A YEAR TO REPAIR”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10991810

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2011 BMW X5. AFTER PARKING THE VEHICLE OVERNIGHT, THE CONTACT DISCOVERED FLAMES AND SMOKE INSIDE THE CABIN OF THE VEHICLE THE FOLLOWING MORNING”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11098631

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Note: NHTSA also opened 1 defect investigation(s) on this vehicle that closed without action.

Issues on other model years

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 11, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 11, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Engine Oil Service (CBS)

Every 10,000 mi

Replace BMW Longlife-04 (LL-04) full-synthetic oil and filter every 10,000 miles or annually — whichever the CBS system signals first. M-series engines may require shorter intervals; check the vehicle-specific iDrive screen.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Brake Fluid Service (CBS)

Every 24,000 mi

Replace DOT 4 LV brake fluid every 2 years regardless of mileage. CBS triggers based on time, not miles, due to moisture absorption.

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Microfilter (Cabin Air Filter)

Every 30,000 mi

Replace the activated-carbon microfilter every 30,000 miles. Most BMWs have a single combined cabin/charcoal filter behind the engine bay firewall.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Engine Coolant (G48 / HT-12)

On condition / lifetime

BMW labels coolant as lifetime fill on most modern vehicles. Independent BMW specialists recommend replacement every 4-5 years to prevent water-pump and thermostat housing degradation.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

7 crashes 2010–2024

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

complaints mentioning a crash

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle·Open recalls for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2011 Bmw X5 reflects BMW's published service intervals and the Condition-Based Service system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.

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