2010 Bmw X5: complaints, problems and recalls

MY BRAND NEW 2010 BMW X5 35D HAS STALLED MULTIPLE TIMES, IN MAJOR INTERSECTIONS COMPLETELY OUT OF THE BLUE. THE VEHICLE FLASHES "ENGINE MALFUNCTION" AND "REDUCED POWER." THERE IS NO WAY TO CURE THIS ISSUE, AND IT ONLY SELF-CORRECTS AFTER A MATTER OF MANY MINUTES. WHEN THROTTLE IS APPLIED, DURING SUCH AN INCIDENT, THE VEHICLE BUCKS WILDLY, BETWEEN STALLING AND STARTING. THERE ARE MANY OTHER BMW X5 OWNERS HAVING THIS ISSUE. NO FAULT CODES ARE REGISTERING ON THE COMPUTER AND THE VEHICLE SELF-CORRECTS AFTER STARTING AND STOPPING THE ENGINE MULTIP…

Owner-reported narrative. 3,900 miles reported. Look up ODI 10308754 at NHTSA ↗

THE BMW I AM DRIVING DOES NOT HAVE AN ADJUSTMENT FOR THE SEAT BELT HEIGHT. THE SEAT BELT DOES NOT PROPERLY FIT ME AS I AM 5' 2". IT COMES ACROSS MY NECK, NOT MY SHOULDER, NO MATTER HOW I ADJUST THE SEAT. IT IS UNCOMFORTABLE AND MAY POSE A SAFETY RISK. THERE HAS BEEN NO PARTICULAR INCIDENT OR ACCIDENT. I AM MAKING THIS COMPLAINT TO LET YOU KNOW THAT THERE MAY BE A FUTURE PROBLEM. *TR

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10325395 at NHTSA ↗

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 BMW X5 DIESEL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT WOULD NOT RETRACT AND TWIST WHEN SECURING THE SEAT BELT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE WOULD HAVE TO DRIVE WITHOUT THE SEAT BELT SECURED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON AN INTERMITTENT BASIS FOR FOUR MONTHS. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY A DEALER WHO INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT HE WOULD NEED TO REPLACE THE SEAT BELT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 4,000. UPDATED 2/23/11 *CN THE CONSUMER STATED OVER TIME, HE WAS UNABLE TO USE …

Owner-reported narrative. 4,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10376725 at NHTSA ↗

VEHICLE REPORTS HIGH BATTERY DRAIN MESSAGE AND SOS MALFUNCTION ERROR MESSAGES. BMW NOT ABLE TO CORRECT. *TR

Owner-reported narrative. 18,500 miles reported. Look up ODI 10428921 at NHTSA ↗

AFTER ENGINE START, MESSAGE DISPLAYS ON CONTROL DISPLAY INDICATING INCREASED BATTERY DRAIN AND THAT THE VEHICLE SHOULD BE SERVICED SOON. DISPLAY SHOWS VEHICLE ON WHAT APPEARS TO BE A LIFT. CONTACTED BMW AT ST. ALBANS WHO RECOMMENDED THAT I PURCHASE A BATTERY CHARGER SO THAT I MAY CHARGE THE VEHICLE AT NIGHT! PROBLEM HAS REAPPEARED SEVERAL TIMES WITH NO SPECIFIC CAUSAL FACTOR (LEAVING THE IGNITION ON AFTER ENGINE STOP, LEAVING DOORS OPEN, ETC.) *TR

Owner-reported narrative. 16,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10478912 at NHTSA ↗

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 BMW X5. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER AND THE CONTACT WAS AWAITING DIAGNOSIS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 38,000.

Owner-reported narrative. 38,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10490253 at NHTSA ↗

2010 BMW X5 3.5 DIESEL WAS BROUGHT IN FOR SERVICE TO DIAGNOSE EXHAUST SMELL IN THE CABIN. DIAGNOSTICS UNVEILED A CRACKED EGR COOLER THAT ALLOWED RAW EXHAUST FUMES TO ENTER THE CABIN, POTENTIALLY RESULTING IN CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING TO DRIVER AND PASSENGERS. *TR

Owner-reported narrative. 53,500 miles reported. Look up ODI 10499597 at NHTSA ↗

I WAS DRIVING MY X5, 90 MINUTES FROM HOME, WHEN I NOTICED MY STEERING WAS UNUSUALLY STIFF. IT WAS 5 DEGREES OUTSIDE, SO I ASSUMED IT MIGHT HAVE BEEN TOO COLD. I WAS ABLE TO MOVE OVER TO THE RIGHT LANE, AND TURN ONTO THE NEAREST SIDE STREET. AT THAT POINT I GOT A CODE SAYING "BATTERY DISCHARGE". I ASSUMED IT HAD SOMETHING TO DO WITH THE KEYLESS IGNITION, SO I SHUT IT OFF AND TRIED TO TURN IT BACK ON. IT DIDN'T WORK, AND IT GAVE ME THE SAME WARNING AGAIN. IN ADDITION, THE ONBOARD SYSTEM WAS GIVING MESSAGES OF EACH OF THE SYSTEMS THAT WAS SHUTTI…

Owner-reported narrative. 29,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10499780 at NHTSA ↗

Reported: 2010-01-28 (January 28, 2010)

BMW IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010 X5 AND X6 SPORT ACTIVITY VEHICLES MANUFACTURED BETWEEN DECEMBER 14, 2009 AND DECEMBER 16, 2009. IN THE UPPER RIGHT AREA OF THE WINDSHIELD, BONDING MAY BE INSUFFICIENT OVER A LENGTH OF APPROXIMATELY 50CM.

Consequence: IN THE CASE OF A ROLLOVER, THE STABILITY OF THE ROOF COULD BE AFFECTED INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURIES.

Remedy: BMW WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND AUTHORIZED DEALERS WILL REMOVE THE WINDSHIELD AND THEN REINSTALL WITH THE PROPER BONDING FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 30, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-525-7417.

Reported: 2010-04-15 (April 15, 2010)

BMW IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010 X5 M SAV VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT," THESE VEHICLE'S WERE EQUIPPED WITH SIDE MARKER LAMPS, BUT NOT THE POWER SUPPLY CABLES LEADING TO THE LAMPS. AS A RESULT, THE SIDE MARKER LAMPS DO NOT ILLUMINATE.

Consequence: THESE VEHICLES DO NOT COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 108.

Remedy: BMW WILL INSTALL POWER SUPPLY CABLES FOR THE FRONT SIDE MARKER LAMPS. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING MAY 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW AT 800-525-7417.

Reported: 2011-10-20 (October 20, 2011)

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.

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

Remedy: 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.

Reported: 2013-08-07 (August 7, 2013)

BMW is recalling certain model year 2009-2010 X5 xDrive35d vehicles equipped with a diesel engine and manufactured from June 13, 2009, through November 9, 2009. The fuel filter heater, which is used for warming up the diesel fuel during vehicle operation at low outside temperatures, could experience an electrical overload condition and become permanently activated.

Consequence: The fuel filter heater could remain activated even when the ignition is off and lead to a dead battery. The unit could also overheat, possibly resulting in a vehicle fire.

Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel filter heater, free of charge. The safety recall began on September 26, 2013. Owners may contact BMW customer relations at 1-800-525-7417.

Reported: 2016-05-25 (May 25, 2016)

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.

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

Remedy: 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.

Reported: 2016-10-17 (October 17, 2016)

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.

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: 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.

Reported: 2017-10-30 (October 30, 2017)

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.

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: 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.

Reported: 2018-01-09 (January 9, 2018)

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.

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

Remedy: 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.

Reported: 2018-04-18 (April 18, 2018)

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.

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

Remedy: 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.

Reported: 2018-05-23 (May 23, 2018)

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.

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

Remedy: 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.

Reported: 2019-01-14 (January 14, 2019)

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.

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

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.

Reported: 2020-01-15 (January 15, 2020)

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.

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

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.

Reported: 2020-01-15 (January 15, 2020)

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.

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

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.

Reported: 2023-10-20 (October 20, 2023)

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.

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

Remedy: 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.