KnownCarProblems2009 BMW X5 Problems and Recalls
Owners filed 138 complaints with NHTSA about the 2009 BMW X5, most often about the fuel system (30% of complaints, typically around 91,500 miles). It is 10th of 27 X5 model years by number of complaints and has 12 recalls.
⚠ Safety advisory5 recalls for this car came with a do-not-drive warning. See below and check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Most common 2009 BMW X5 problems
Fuel system
42 complaints · 30%Half of these problems showed up before 91,500 miles. Parts named most often: delivery.
I received a recall notice about air bags in august. I have still not received notification of parts. My BMW X5 is now having another very debilitating problem. It shuts off, stalls, won't start, emits very toxic and strong fumes of burning gas when I start my car and when im idling. The engine light up then , it…
In heavy traffic, the vehicle lost power unexpectedly. The fuel injector malfunctioned. This was due to water leaking to this area as it is not properly protected.
Air bags
41 complaints · 30%Half of these problems showed up before 87,000 miles. Parts named most often: sensor.
I received a recall notice about air bags in august. I have still not received notification of parts. My BMW X5 is now having another very debilitating problem. It shuts off, stalls, won't start, emits very toxic and strong fumes of burning gas when I start my car and when im idling. The engine light up then , it…
I stopped at a drive thru window and the vehicle shut off without warning. I couldn't get it started and the police tried to put in neutral to move it out of the way. No lights or anything indicated that something was wrong. I have only had the vehicle for 4 days.the airbag restraint light is on and waiting for the…
Engine
36 complaints · 26%Half of these problems showed up before 85,500 miles. Parts named most often: exhaust system.
The contact owns a 2009 BMW X5. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 25 MPH, the overheat engine warning light illuminated continuously. In addition, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was towed to the contacts residence. The contact was an independent mechanic and diagnosed that the electrical water…
I own a 2009 BMW X5 diesel. BMW has recognized an issue with a sensor in the selective catalytic reduction (scr) active tank. The tank stores diesel fluid. Diesel fluid is added into diesel to reduce the amount of emissions that is released from the vehicle. BMW extended the warranty for this part but it is unknown…
Electrical
16 complaints · 12%Half of these problems showed up before 82,000 miles.
The contact owns a 2009 BMW X5. While driving 65 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning. The steering wheel became difficult to turn and the gear selector shifted from the drive position to the neutral position. Afterwards, the engine light illuminated. The contact could not restart the vehicle. The vehicle was…
My 2009 BMW X5 is exhibiting the same issues listed on the NHTSA campaign number 13v339000 relating to the 'fuel filter heater/ possible fire' issue. Although the make, model, and year are exactly as listed on the NHTSA recall 13v339000 for some reason my vehicle's VIN is not listed on the recall note. I pleaded with…
Brakes
10 complaints · 7%Half of these problems showed up before 70,000 miles.
When let go of brake after stopping at red light, very often that this vehicle makes a suddent jump. This happens so often that cause a safety concern.
The contact owns a 2009 BMW X5. The contact stated that while approaching a stop, the vehicle would continue to accelerate upon the depression of the brake pedal. The contact also stated that the parking brake failure warning message would appear on the instrument panel. The contact had taken the vehicle to a dealer…
Transmission
10 complaints · 7%Half of these problems showed up before 89,000 miles.
The contact owns a 2009 BMW X5. The contact stated that she inadvertently placed the vehicle into reverse and the auto park function shifted into park. When the contact exited the vehicle, the auto park disengaged and the vehicle rolled backwards. The vehicle was taken to flow BMW (2565 peters creek pkwy…
I own a 2009 BMW X5 diesel. BMW has recognized an issue with a sensor in the selective catalytic reduction (scr) active tank. The tank stores diesel fluid. Diesel fluid is added into diesel to reduce the amount of emissions that is released from the vehicle. BMW extended the warranty for this part but it is unknown…
Other or unspecified
9 complaints · 7%Half of these problems showed up before 81,000 miles.
I took my vehicle in to BMW service department because I was having problems with my vehicle dry starting (didn't want to start as if it was out of gas). Service guy informed me after he ran a diagnostic check that it was my battery. I was flabbergasted, because that didn't sound of a dead battery. I paid 460 (new…
I stopped at a drive thru window and the vehicle shut off without warning. I couldn't get it started and the police tried to put in neutral to move it out of the way. No lights or anything indicated that something was wrong. I have only had the vehicle for 4 days.the airbag restraint light is on and waiting for the…
Seats
9 complaints · 7%Half of these problems showed up before 95,000 miles.
The contact owns a 2009 bmx X5. The contact noticed that the air bag warning indicator illuminated, which was a safety concern. The vehicle was taken to BMW of monterey (1 geary plaza, seaside, ca 93955, ([phone]) where it was diagnosed that the passenger seat mat sensor failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The…
My vehicle is BMW X5 30i 2009 model year. I suddenly had an error message on the dashboard screen saying "pass restraint system faulty". Dealer checked the problem and stated that this will not engage front passenger airbag and seatbelt restraint system if not fixed. Asked price was $1800 and paid $1500. Absurd price…
Complaints are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.
2009 BMW X5 recalls
Air bags: inflator module
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.
Full defect summary
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.
Air bags: inflator module
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.
Full defect summary
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 degradat
Air bags: inflator module
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.
Full defect summary
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.
Engine
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.
Full defect summary
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.
Air bags: inflator module
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.
Full defect summary
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."
Engine: crankcase (pcv)
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.
Full defect summary
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.
Air bags: inflator module
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 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.
Full defect summary
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, virgini
Fuel system: fuel pump
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.
Full defect summary
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.
Air bags: inflator module
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.
Full defect summary
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, n
Fuel system: pre-heater
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
Full defect summary
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.
Fuel system: pre-heater
Risk: 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 leading to a vehicle fire.
Fix: Bmw will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel filter heater free of charge. The safety recall began on october 11, 2011. Owners may contact bmw customer relations and services at 1-800-525-7417.
Full defect summary
Bmw is recalling certain model year 2009 x5 xdrive35d vehicles equipped with a diesel engine and manufactured from october 1, 2008, through june 12, 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.
Brakes: disc
Risk: In an extreme case, the affected rear brake disc could break resulting in a loss of braking at that wheel increasing stopping distances and the risk of a crash.
Fix: Bmw will notify owners and will repair the vehicles by inspecting the rear brake discs and, if necessary, replace them free of charge. The safety recall began on september 11, 2009. Owners may contact bmw customer relations and services toll-free at 1-800-525-7417.
Full defect summary
Bmw is recalling my 2009 x5 and x6 vehicles. The rear brake discs may not have been manufactured according to specifications. As a result, a reduction in braking performance at the affected rear wheel could occur.
Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which recalls are still open on your car.
NHTSA defect investigations
Idler pulley bolt failure
Summary
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 fact
Questions about the 2009 BMW X5
- What are the most common problems with the 2009 BMW X5?
- By NHTSA owner complaints: fuel system (42 complaints, typically around 91,500 miles); air bags (41 complaints, typically around 87,000 miles); engine (36 complaints, typically around 85,500 miles).
- How many recalls does the 2009 BMW X5 have?
- 12 recalls listed by NHTSA, the latest from January 15, 2020 (air bags). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which ones are still open on your car.
- Is the 2009 a bad year for the BMW X5?
- It is 10th of 27 X5 model years by number of complaints, with 138 complaints. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular years collect more of them, and the newest years have had less time to.