KnownCarProblems2010 BMW X5 Problems and Recalls
Owners filed 124 complaints with NHTSA about the 2010 BMW X5, most often about the engine (42% of complaints, typically around 91,000 miles). It is 11th of 27 X5 model years by number of complaints and has 14 recalls.
⚠ Safety advisory4 recalls for this car came with a do-not-drive warning. See below and check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Most common 2010 BMW X5 problems
Engine
52 complaints · 42%Half of these problems showed up before 91,000 miles.
This car has an excessive oil consumption issue that the manufacturer was aware of which explains why they no longer make this engine. In a 30 day period I put about 2 additional quarts of oil in the vehicle. The tail pipe is smoking and liquid is coming out of it when the vehicle is running for a long period of time…
The contact owns a 2010 BMW X5. While driving 40 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the timing chain fractured and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 92,000.
Air bags
35 complaints · 28%Half of these problems showed up before 70,000 miles. Parts named most often: sensor.
Takata recall. The contact owns a 2010 BMW X5. While driving at low speeds, the vehicle stalled without warning. When the ignition key was turned to the on position, the vehicle hesitated to start. The failures recurred intermittently. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the intake fuel pump…
Constantly receive message "passenger restraint system malfunction: fault in passenger-restraint system affecting airbag, belt tensioner or belt force limiter."
Fuel system
29 complaints · 23%Half of these problems showed up before 58,000 miles.
The contact owns a 2010 BMW X5. While driving 30 MPH, the engine shook, smoke appeared, and the engine stalled. There was no fire. The engine malfunction indicator illuminated. The vehicle was towed to BMW of denver downtown (1040 s colorado blvd, denver, co 80246 ([phone]) where it diagnosed that the secondary fuel…
I was told by BMW that it was the EGR high pressure heater leaking, wherein the leak causes diesel exhaust fumes to enter the cabin while driving without warning. I observed this mostly as I pull back from my garage, when idling and randomly as I drive. I've noticed a strong noxious smell in the cabin, which gave me…
Electrical
23 complaints · 19%Half of these problems showed up before 48,000 miles. Parts named most often: 12v/24v/48v battery.
Engine electric recall for electric water pump. Car was brought into service at tulley BMW in nashua for issue with water pump. Service advisor said " only need to replace a few bolts " I feel the car has only 46,000 and is overheating to excess showing temperature gage. Had vehical towed over 100 miles to local…
The contact owns a 2010 BMW X5. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted about the failure. The failure mileage was 46,000.
Other or unspecified
13 complaints · 11%Half of these problems showed up before 70,000 miles.
Emission always had problem. I have two BMW X5 35d had same problems. Active tank and reductant t ank level sensor and temperature sensor broken and need to replace whole tank cost a lot of money.
While the air conditioner is on hot air blows out through the dash and floor vents. Happens while stationary, in motion, highway and city driving. Suspect it is the pcv valve.
Steering
8 complaints · 7%Half of these problems showed up before 61,000 miles.
In feb 2016 during driving on the highway, lost power steering and battery light come on. Car was towed to the garage to determinate cause and fix the problem. Bolt that hold pulley tensioner was broken and belt fell off. There was no easy way to remove bronek head bolt off from engine block. Car was at mechanic for a…
While driving the vehicle on city streets I lost power steering and had to bring the vehicle to a stop. I was unable to steer the car and discovered the serpentine belt had come off. BMW had already done a recall for this and I did upon dealer inspection discover the same bolt sheared causing the problem. The original…
Transmission
6 complaints · 5%The car loss power and shutdown with me twice while driving on the highway. (95 north)error messages "electrical system malfunction continue driving is not possible. Have the system checked by the nearest BMW center", "transmission malfunction"," restraint system malfunction", "fault in passenger-restraint system" the…
The contact owns a 2010 BMW X5. While driving 50 MPH, the engine lost power and the vehicle would not move forward. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the tranmission had to be changed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 30,000.
Seat belts
4 complaints · 3%Parts named most often: front.
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…
The contact owns a 2010 BMW X5. The contact stated that the air bag warning light and passenger restraint system indicators were illuminated on the instrument panel. The dealer was notified of the failure. The contact stated that the vehicle was not included in a recall. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The…
Complaints are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.
2010 BMW X5 recalls
Engine
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.
Full defect summary
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.
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.
Engine: turbo/supercharger
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.
Full defect summary
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.
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.
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.
Engine: turbo/supercharger
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.
Full defect summary
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.
Lights: exterior lighting
Risk: These vehicles do not comply with requirements of fmvss no. 108.
Fix: 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.
Full defect summary
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.
Visibility and wipers: windshield
Risk: In the case of a rollover, the stability of the roof could be affected increasing the risk of injuries.
Fix: 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.
Full defect summary
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.
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 2010 BMW X5
- What are the most common problems with the 2010 BMW X5?
- By NHTSA owner complaints: engine (52 complaints, typically around 91,000 miles); air bags (35 complaints, typically around 70,000 miles); fuel system (29 complaints, typically around 58,000 miles).
- How many recalls does the 2010 BMW X5 have?
- 14 recalls listed by NHTSA, the latest from October 20, 2023 (engine). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which ones are still open on your car.
- Is the 2010 a bad year for the BMW X5?
- It is 11th of 27 X5 model years by number of complaints, with 124 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.