KnownCarProblems2012 BMW X5 Problems and Recalls
Owners filed 271 complaints with NHTSA about the 2012 BMW X5, most often about the engine (38% of complaints, typically around 73,000 miles). It is the most complained-about X5 model year since 2000 and has 10 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 2012 BMW X5 problems
Engine
104 complaints · 38%Half of these problems showed up before 73,000 miles. Parts named most often: engine.
While driving 65 MPH on freeway car refused to accelerate faster than 60 MPH, warning that engine was overheating and to drive moderately was displayed. Loud blowing from engine compartment in 10 second intervals. Water pump and thermostat need to be replaced, but dealer claims our vehicle isn't covered under any of…
The contact owns a 2012 BMW X5. The contact was alerted to an abnormal noise coming from the vehicle while it was parked at her home. Upon inspection, the contact's husband noticed that the vehicle was filled with smoke. Ten minutes later, the vehicle was engulfed in flames. The fire department was contacted and…
Air bags
83 complaints · 31%Half of these problems showed up before 64,000 miles. Parts named most often: sensor.
I received the first notice of the recall in the summer of 2016 as per the BMW service department the parts for the recall were not in and there will be another notice sent out to date I have not received another notice and after checking again on my recent service visit in december 2016 there was no estimated time…
The contact owns a 2012 BMW X5. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the message "passenger restraint system malfunction" was displayed. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring while driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who informed the contact that the passenger restraint…
Transmission
53 complaints · 20%Half of these problems showed up before 69,000 miles. Parts named most often: transfer case (4-wheel drive), driveline, automatic transmission.
My car made grinding / whirling noise while turning steering wheel more than half way. The noise was on and off for some time during parting lot speed turning. After doing some research, I took the car to a BMW repair shop. The mechanic said the transfer case and shaft were damaged and they would have to be replaced.…
Transmission randomly goes into park when back up or moving forward in idle. Car has also come out of park randomly, with car rolling slightly. Separately, had gasket has leak at 69000 miles.
Fuel system
29 complaints · 11%Half of these problems showed up before 75,000 miles. Parts named most often: delivery.
The contact owns a 2012 BMW X5. While driving approximately 30 MPH, the check engine warning and low power mode indicators illuminated. The vehicle was taken to walser BMW auto campus of wichita (11000 e 13th st n, wichita, ks 67206, phone: ([phone]) where it was diagnosed that the high pressure fuel pump failed and…
The contact owns a 2012 BMW X5. While driving 35 MPH, the vehicle suddenly shut off without warning. The vehicle was towed to momentum BMW (10002 southwest fwy, houston, tx 77074) where it was diagnosed that the high pressure fuel pump failed. The manufacturer was also contacted and did not assist. The vehicle was not…
Electrical
29 complaints · 11%Half of these problems showed up before 71,000 miles.
My vehicle has an electronic door lock/unlock mechanism that due to a malfunction will not allow the car to be unlocked from inside the vehicle. It locks automatically when driving and is supposed to unlock when the inside handle is used to open the door; however, it will not unlock and though BMW is aware of this…
The contact owns a 2012 BMW X5. The contact was alerted to an abnormal noise coming from the vehicle while it was parked at her home. Upon inspection, the contact's husband noticed that the vehicle was filled with smoke. Ten minutes later, the vehicle was engulfed in flames. The fire department was contacted and…
Steering
20 complaints · 7%Half of these problems showed up before 66,000 miles. Parts named most often: hydraulic power assist.
On july 31st 2017, the bolt securing idler pulley and alternator sheared. Battery charge malfunction light came on followed by loss of power steering. Looking at my service record, I see that this same bolt was subject to a recall in january 2013 when car was at 12332 miles. The car is now at 63456. Also noted on BMW…
Had to replace water pump at 58,000 miles. Car is spewing exhaust, and acceleration and steering are not functioning properly, likely due to ujoint and/or worn control arm, which I noticed were recalled for other models, but listed as a recall for my car/VIN. Need to reseal crankcase jointing surfaces. Car has 8…
Other or unspecified
14 complaints · 5%Half of these problems showed up before 58,500 miles.
Egr cooler at front of engine is leaking exhaust. Exhaust diesel smell is coming in side the cabin. Driver and passengers smelling diesel exhaust. Deteriorating health of family adults and kids. Unsafe. Numerous complaints are already found online. Reached out to BMW north america [email] and they wont cover it. 2012…
Faulty water pump-can't cool down car inoperable many other X5 already have this recall but not mine? Going to cost me 1100 under warranty?!?
Body and structure
7 complaints · 3%Parts named most often: body.
While driving at 70 MPH on the freeway, my sunroof spontaneously shattered into a million pieces. No other vehicles were around and no falling debris was nearby. The sunroof exploded outward with a loud bang, like a gunshot. Glass rained down inside the car and my passenger and I were cut while trying to remove pieces…
I was hit by a car turning left in front of me. Left front side and door hit. Wheel knocked at angle under car. Steering wheel airbag burned my right hand when it deployed.
Complaints are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.
2012 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.
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."
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.
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
Steering
Risk: Leaking power steering fluid can spray onto hot exhaust parts, increasing the risk of an engine compartment fire.
Fix: 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.
Full defect summary
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.
Transmission: automatic transmission
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
Full defect summary
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 transmissionâs parking lock may not occur even if the âpâ position has been selected and is displayed.
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 2012 BMW X5
- What are the most common problems with the 2012 BMW X5?
- By NHTSA owner complaints: engine (104 complaints, typically around 73,000 miles); air bags (83 complaints, typically around 64,000 miles); transmission (53 complaints, typically around 69,000 miles).
- How many recalls does the 2012 BMW X5 have?
- 10 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 2012 a bad year for the BMW X5?
- It is the most complained-about X5 model year since 2000, with 271 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.