KnownCarProblems2011 BMW X5 Problems and Recalls
Owners filed 263 complaints with NHTSA about the 2011 BMW X5, most often about the engine (45% of complaints, typically around 71,000 miles). It is the 2nd most complained-about X5 model year since 2000 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 2011 BMW X5 problems
Engine
118 complaints · 45%Half of these problems showed up before 71,000 miles. Parts named most often: engine, cooling system.
Hi, I just purchased the above vehicle on 5/13/14 and about two weeks later my car started overheating. I kind of knew that there is a problem with water pump so I started doing some research online to see if BMW X5 was any recalls and to my surprise they recalled numerous X5's due to water pump. I also called their…
Only after about 10 minutes of driving in the neighborhood, we got a warning "engine hot, drive moderately" then a few minutes later, it said to engine hot, and to stop the car immediately. We had to pull the car over and after engine cooled a bit, take our 2011 X5 to the nearest shop in an emergency. The shop…
Air bags
67 complaints · 26%Half of these problems showed up before 72,500 miles. Parts named most often: sensor.
I am hearing a buzzing sound from the center of my steering wheel when I park my X5 and the sound seems to continue after I shut down the engine. My X5 has an airbag recall outstanding for almost a full year, but my dealer has offered neither replacement nor any explanation for the delay. The buzzing sound is new, and…
I was driving on the freeway and alll of a sudden I received an audible and visual warning stating that the passenger restraint system malfunctioned. At the time, there were no passengers in the vehicle. This seems to be an occurring issue with BMW vehicles. I've had the same problem on two other vehicles.
Transmission
58 complaints · 22%Half of these problems showed up before 69,000 miles. Parts named most often: automatic transmission, transfer case (4-wheel drive).
I notice when turning a vibration or shudder coming from the front of the vehicle. Doing some online research, including the NHTSA site, I find that this is a common problem for x5s. The apparent fix for this is to replace the transfer case, a several thousand dollar repair. I bought this for my wife but I would not…
The contact owns a 2011 BMW X5. While driving 35 MPH, the contact smelled a burning odor from the air conditioning vents, and the vehicle stalled and could not be restarted. There were no warning indicators illuminated before the failure. The vehicle was towed to the dealer (BMW of tulsa, 9702 s memorial dr, tulsa, ok…
Fuel system
43 complaints · 16%Half of these problems showed up before 72,000 miles. Parts named most often: delivery.
I was on my way out of town on interstate 94w, when without warning my vehicle started to slow down and I could not accelerate. A sensor displayed stating the vehicle was overheating and to drive moderately. I was in the fast lane and had to get over at a moment's notice even with the vehicle slowing down. The second…
The contact owns a 2011 BMW X5. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, a fuel odor emitted inside the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 16v746000 (fuel system, gasoline) however, the part to do the repair was unavailable.…
Other or unspecified
20 complaints · 8%Half of these problems showed up before 91,500 miles.
'takata recall' when the heat or AC is on air from vent start to burn my eyes. Whenever I'm in my vehicle I leave out feeling sleepy. Cabin filter has been changed as well as others problem continues. Also the leather on the dash board is pulling away from the vent. Plastic wood trim cracks over time leaving the…
Upon starting my car at a friend's house, I heard a brief electrical buzzing noise that then stopped. It sounded like the radiator fan, but the fan wasn't moving. I drove my car approximately 15 miles home and parked it. About 2.5 hours later, from inside my home, I heard the sound of what seemed to be a small…
Electrical
19 complaints · 7%Half of these problems showed up before 67,000 miles.
The passenger seat weight occupancy sensor intermittently works. I am concerned if it is not working properly, the airbag may not deploy properly. Also, the seat belt warning light chimes even though the seat is not occupied.
BMW X5 35i 2011 AWD , I was on major deegan highway exiting at 230 st when the my BMW X5 35i 2011 AWD sudden stopped and my heart when too my feet . The panel read "engine malfunction " I was in a daze not knowing what happen to the BMW X5 35i 2011 AWD and why did it stop all of sudden !!! I started again at a very…
Steering
18 complaints · 7%Half of these problems showed up before 61,500 miles.
Traveling south on inside lane of 121 near grapevine, my X5 suddenly made a really loud noises from the front left side, started losing power, liquid was spewing behind me and smoke coming out from underneath. I pulled over and saw oil gushing from the bottom of my 2011 X5. I had my 8 month old infant and my wife in…
The contact owns a 2011 BMW X5. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 40 MPH, the steering wheel became difficult to turn after the engine and battery warning indicators illuminated. The contact restarted the vehicle however the failure persisted. The vehicle was towed to the contacts residence and…
Brakes
8 complaints · 3%Half of these problems showed up before 54,500 miles.
While driving my engine suddenly shut off along with power steering and power brakes. It started again and I took it to a BMW dealer that said I needed a $325 software update. I asked if that meant my engine would shut off while driving should by software ever go out of date. They said yes, it happens but not on all…
The contact owns a 2011 BMW X5. While accelerating from a red light, the contact heard a loud noise and the ABS and four wheel traction warning indicators illuminated. Also, "transmission malfunction" displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle lost power and had to be maneuvered to the side of the road. The…
Complaints are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.
2011 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.
Transmission: driveshaft
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.
Full defect summary
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.
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
Transmission: driveshaft
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 july 8, 2016. 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 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.
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.
Equipment: labels
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.
Full defect summary
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.
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 2011 BMW X5
- What are the most common problems with the 2011 BMW X5?
- By NHTSA owner complaints: engine (118 complaints, typically around 71,000 miles); air bags (67 complaints, typically around 72,500 miles); transmission (58 complaints, typically around 69,000 miles).
- How many recalls does the 2011 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 2011 a bad year for the BMW X5?
- It is the 2nd most complained-about X5 model year since 2000, with 263 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.