Ask the seller for proof the repair was completed, or run the free VIN check. Recall repairs are done at no cost by a dealer.
Recalls
Safety issues the manufacturer must repair for free. A recall means confirm the fix was done, not walk away.
Airbags recall
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with 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's frontal air bag module or inflator depending on the vehicle model, free of charge. The recall began March 9, 2018. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
- Status
- Remedy available. Confirm by VIN that this repair was completed.
- What to do
- Enter the VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm this car was repaired.
Engine recall
If the bolts loosen or break the engine may have reduced power or stall. An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the four VANOS housing bolts for both VANOS units (intake and exhaust), free of charge. In addition, owners of approximately 170,172 model year 2010-2012 BMW vehicles equipped with inline 6 cylinder engines not covered by this recall, will receive an extended warranty to address this condition. The recall began on September 24, 2014. Owners may contact BMW at 1-800-525-7417.
- Status
- Remedy available. Confirm by VIN that this repair was completed.
- What to do
- Enter the VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm this car was repaired.
Steering recall
If the engine belt 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 and tighten the idler pulley bolt. The recall began on January 15, 2013. Owners may call BMW at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at [email protected].
- Status
- Remedy available. Confirm by VIN that this repair was completed.
- What to do
- Enter the VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm this car was repaired.
Owner complaints by system
Unverified reports owners filed with NHTSA, grouped by the part of the car. Useful for spotting patterns. Open a group to read recent examples.
Engine & powertrain
17
Most reports here involve sudden stalling.
Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11144151 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov
Airbags & seat belts
3
Most reports here involve software faults.
Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #10960363 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov
Other systems
4
Most reports here involve premature wear.
Read full complaint
DRIVESHAFT RECALL- WHEN OPERATING THE VEHICLE LOW AND HIGH SPEED, VIBRATIONS CAN BE FELT THROUGHOUT THE CAR. WHEN TAKEN TO THE MECHANIC, THERE WAS SOME FOREPLAY IN THE DRIVESHAFT AND COULD HAVE GIVEN OUT AT ANY MOMENT. HAD THE DRIVESHAFT GAVE OUT WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION AT HIGHER SPEED, RESULTS COULD HAVE BEEN FATAL. THE ISSUE HAS ALREADY BEEN ADDRESSED BY THE NHTSA FOR THE SAME MODEL OF LATER PRODUCTION DATES. MAIN CONCERN IS WHY ARE THE VEHICLES BEFORE THE COVERED PRODUCTIONS DATES AND MODELS THAT HAVE THE SAME ISSUES NOT BEING COVERED? PARKING BRAKE MALFUNCTION- PARKING BRAKE MOTOR FAILS WHICH CAUSES THE PARKING BRAKES TO BE LOCKED. DRIVER AND PASSENGERS WERE STRANDED. BASED ON INDEPENDENT RESEARCH, THIS IS A COMMON ISSUE WITH BMW VEHICLES. THIS SHOULD BE ADDRESSED.
Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #10985509 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov
How does it compare with other years? The 2011 has 24 complaints on file, more than the 2010 (19) and more than the 2012 (21). That is the most of the 4 model years of the BMW X5 SAV we cover. Older model years have had longer to collect complaints.