2012 Bmw X5: complaints, problems and recalls

I LEASED MY 2012 BMW X5 35I IN MAY 2011. I WAS DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE WITH 2 TODDLERS AT AROUND 65 MPH, WHEN THE CAR SUDDENLY LOST POWER AND THE MESSAGE DISPLAYED "ENGINE MALFUNCTION, REDUCED POWER". I PULLED OVER ON THE SHOULDER, AND TRIED TO RE-START THE CAR, BUT IT WON'T START. WHEN IT DID START AFTER MULTIPLE ATTEMPTS, THE CAR SHOOK VIGOROUSLY AND THEN TURNED OFF. I INITIATED THE SOS CALL VIA THE BMW ASSIST FEATURE IN THE CAR. FOR SOME REASON, THE CALL FAILED MULTIPLE TIMES, AND THE DATA COULD NOT BE TRANSFERRED. WHEN THE CALL DID GO THR…

Owner-reported narrative. 8,200 miles reported. Look up ODI 10432952 at NHTSA ↗

THE VEHICLE SPORADICALLY SUFFERS FROM ENGINE FAILURE WHEN EXECUTING A SHARP TURN. THIS HAS HAPPENED SO FAR ON THREE SEPARATE AND DISTINCT INSTANCES DURING ITS FIRST 1,000 MILES OF SERVICE, UNDER THE OPERATION OF TWO DIFFERENT DRIVERS, WITH SEVERAL PASSENGER WITNESSES ON ONE OCCASION. WHEN THESE FAILURES HAPPEN, THE VEHICLE ENGINE STALLS OR OTHERWISE SHUTS ITSELF OFF, WHICH LEADS TO LOSS OF POWER STEERING IN MID-TURN AND LOSS OF BRAKING. THE ONLY WAY TO RECOVER CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE IS TO LET IT COAST TO A STOP, THEN PUT THE VEHICLE IN PARK, TH…

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10448948 at NHTSA ↗

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 BMW X5. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENGINE ROMS WOULD FLUCTUATE REPEATEDLY AS THE VEHICLE WOULD ATTEMPT TO STALL. THE DUAL EXHAUST SYSTEM FAILED AND ONLY THE DRIVER'S SIDE EXHAUST WAS OPERABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER SEVERAL TIMES AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THERE WERE NO FAILURE WITHIN THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 5 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 7,500.

Owner-reported narrative. 5 miles reported. Look up ODI 10457040 at NHTSA ↗

ENGINE STALLED. I WAS AT A STOP SIGN. THE ENGINE WAS RUNNING, WHEN GREEN SIGNAL CAME ON, STARTED TO MOVE THE CAR, BUT INSTEAD OF GAINING SPEED WITH ACCELERATION, THE ENGINE STALLED WITH WARNING SIGN STATING "ENGINE MALFUNCTION, FUNCTIONING WITH REDUCED POWER". THE VEHICLE WAS NOT ACCELERATING, INSTEAD WAS STALLING AND MOVING VERY SLOWLY AT LESS THAN 10 MILES PER HOUR SPEED AND DID NOT GAIN ANY MOMENTUM EVEN AFTER FULL THROTTLE APPLIED. BEING A LOW TRAFFIC ROAD, I WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER TO THE RIGHT MOST LANE; BUT IT WAS A TERRIFYING EXPERIENCE…

Owner-reported narrative. 2,931 miles reported. Look up ODI 10475464 at NHTSA ↗

CAR SUFFERS FROM TERRIBLE HESITATION UPON ACCELERATION FROM A ROLLING STOP. DESCRIBED AS TIP-IN ON DISCUSSION WEBSITES. I NOTE MANY HAVE COMPLAINED OF THIS IN VARIOUS BMW MODELS AND BMW DOES NOT ADMIT THAT THERE IS A PROBLEM. IT IS A SIGNIFICANT SAFETY ISSUE. *TR

Owner-reported narrative. 100 miles reported. Look up ODI 10477256 at NHTSA ↗

WHILE DRIVING AT ABOUT 45 MPH THE ENGINE SPUTTERED WITH A MESSAGE DISPLAYING "ENGINE MALFUNCTION" AND THE VEHICLE LOST POWER AND STALLED ALL HAPPENING WITHIN ABOUT 5 SECONDS. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TOWED TO THE BMW DEALERSHIP. WE WERE ADVISED BY THEIR MASTER TECHNICIAN THAT THE FUEL PRESSURE RAIL SENSOR WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED (DIAG CODE: D1350_00000000_04_02 AND FAULT 48A9 & 3F31). WE ASKED HIM IF THIS COULD SOMEHOW BE PREVENTED AND HE REPLIED "NO" AND WENT ON TO SAY THAT HE HAS NEVER HEARD OF THIS HAPPENING BEFORE. HIS COMME…

Owner-reported narrative. 9,598 miles reported. Look up ODI 10481185 at NHTSA ↗

I TRIED TO START UP THE CAR, IT STARTED, I DROVE A FEW FEET, AND THEN FAILED. I RECEIVED A WARNING MESSAGE SAYING THAT THE ENGINE MALFUNCTIONED. I WAS IN THE MIDDLE OF THE PARKING LOT SO I MANAGED TO GET IT TO START AGAIN, IT BARELY MOVED, AND THEN FAILED AGAIN. ONE MORE TIME I WAS ABLE TO START IT AND GET IT INTO A PARKING SPACE. I TRIED TO START IT UP MULTIPLE TIMES AGAIN BUT NOTHING HAPPENED. I CALLED BMW TO HAVE IT TOWED. *TR

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10501047 at NHTSA ↗

SAME THING AS LAST TIME. STARTED UP THE CAR, GOT IT OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY AND THE ENGINE FAILED. TRIED TO START IT AGAIN, THE ENGINE KEPT TURNING OVER AND FINALLY STARTED UP ENOUGH TO GO INTO THE TOW TRUCK. AT THE BMW DEALERSHIP AGAIN. *TR

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10501048 at NHTSA ↗

Reported: 2012-01-23 (January 23, 2012)

BMW IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 X5 XDRIVE 35I SPORTS ACTIVITY VEHICLES, MANUFACTURED FROM DECEMBER 19, 2011, THROUGH DECEMBER 21, 2011. DUE TO A MANUFACTURING ERROR, ENGAGEMENT OF THE TRANSMISSION’S PARKING LOCK MAY NOT OCCUR EVEN IF THE “P” POSITION HAS BEEN SELECTED AND IS DISPLAYED.

Consequence: IF THE DRIVER BELIEVES THAT THE TRANSMISSION IS IN PARK AND DOES NOT USE THE PARKING BRAKE, THE VEHICLE COULD ROLL AWAY AFTER EXITING THE VEHICLE INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH OR INJURY.

Remedy: BMW WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 2, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW CUSTOMER RELATIONS AND SERVICES AT 1-800-525-7417.

Reported: 2012-06-13 (June 13, 2012)

BMW IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 X5 VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A DIESEL ENGINE AND 2013 X5 AND X6 VEHICLES. DUE TO A MACHINING ERROR OF THE STEERING GEAR SURFACE, POWER STEERING FLUID MAY LEAK.

Consequence: LEAKING POWER STEERING FLUID CAN SPRAY ONTO HOT EXHAUST PARTS, INCREASING THE RISK OF AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE.

Remedy: BMW WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL INSPECT, AND IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE STEERING GEAR FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 20, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW CUSTOMER RELATIONS AND SERVICES AT 1-800-525-7417.

Reported: 2017-01-10 (January 10, 2017)

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2012 X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i, X5 M, X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i, and X6 M 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 2009 X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i, and X5 M vehicles, 2008-2009 X6 xDrive 35i, X6 xDrive50i, X6 M, and 2009 X5 xDrive35d 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." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" or "Zone B" above, BMW is recalling certain 2007-2008 X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i and X5 M vehicles, and 2008 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i, and X6 M vehicles originally sold, or ever registered in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. 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 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 the remedy is performed. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator or air bag module, free of charge. Interim letters were mailed March 2017. Owners will receive a second notice when remedy parts become available. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Reported: 2017-03-02 (March 2, 2017)

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.

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: 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.

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.