2010 BMW X5 problems, complaints & recalls

2010 BMW X5 recalls (14)

• Recall 23V707000Oct 20, 2023157,796 vehicles
  ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

  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.

  Risk: Loose or broken VANOS unit bolts can result in an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

  Remedy: 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.

• Recall 20V016000Jan 15, 20204,007 vehiclesDo not drive
  AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

  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.

  Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

  Remedy: 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.

• Recall 20V017000Jan 15, 202059,965 vehicles
  AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

  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 degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.

  Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp 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 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.

• Recall 19V017000Jan 14, 201983,016 vehiclesDo not drive
  AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

  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.

  Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

  Remedy: 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.

• Recall 18V336000May 23, 201833,214 vehicles
  ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

  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.

  Risk: If the 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 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.

• Recall 18V248000Apr 18, 201847,806 vehicles
  ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE · ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:TURBO/SUPERCHARGER

  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.

  Risk: If the circuit board were to overheat, it can increase the risk of a fire.

  Remedy: 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.

• Recall 18V030000Jan 9, 201841,808 vehiclesDo not drive
  AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

  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." BMW is also recalling certain 2007-2009 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 AK, CO, CT, ID, IA, ME, MA, MI, MN, MT, NH, NY, ND, OR, RI, SD, UT, VT, WA, WI, and WY or "Zone C." 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.

  Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

  Remedy: 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.

• Recall 17V683000Oct 30, 2017740,561 vehicles
  ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CRANKCASE (PCV)

  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.

  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.

  Remedy: 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.

• Recall 16V746000Oct 17, 2016136,188 vehicles
  FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

  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.

  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.

  Remedy: 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.

• Recall 16V364000May 25, 201697,738 vehiclesDo not drive
  AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

  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, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, or "Zone B." Vehicles of these model years and models that were not originally sold or ever registered in either Zones A or B are not subject to this safety recall. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity and temperature cycling.

  Risk: An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

  Remedy: 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.

• Recall 13V339000Aug 7, 20131,540 vehicles
  FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL: PRE-HEATER

  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.

  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.

  Remedy: 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.

• Recall 11V521000Oct 20, 201132,084 vehicles
  ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:OTHER FUEL TYPES:TURBO/SUPERCHARGER

  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.

  Risk: This could lead to a smoldering of the pump or an engine compartment or vehicle fire.

  Remedy: 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.

• Recall 10V152000Apr 15, 2010735 vehicles
  EXTERIOR LIGHTING

  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.

  Risk: These vehicles do not comply with requirements of fmvss no. 108.

  Remedy: 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.

• Recall 10V025000Jan 28, 2010210 vehicles
  VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD

  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.

  Risk: In the case of a rollover, the stability of the roof could be affected increasing the risk of injuries.

  Remedy: 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.

NHTSA defect investigations

• RQ18001Opened Apr 18, 2018Closed Dec 1, 2018led to recall 18V336000

  Idler Pulley Bolt Failure

  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…

Recent 2010 BMW X5 complaints

Excerpts of the newest owner complaints, lightly cleaned of personal details. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

1. Filed Jul 22, 2026135,000 miWAEngine

   The contact owns a 2010 BMW X5. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled and was pulled over to the side of the road. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to be repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V707000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, after the recall repair was performed, the vehicle failed to start. The contact stated that the recall repair indicated that a diagnostic test was required to…

   NHTSA complaint #11752151 · source
2. Filed Sep 30, 2025CAElectrical SystemEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

   My husband and I brought our 2010 X5 (VIN ), mileage: to BMW of El Cajon on 09/29/2025 for a recall service. Before the recall repaire, the vehicale was in normal working condition: -No check engine lights or warning indicators -No unusual noises -Fully drivable on a daily basis After the recall was completed, the dealership informed me that: -multiple check engine/warning lights appeared -The vehicle developed a very loud/high pitch noise -They do not recommend driving the…

   NHTSA complaint #11690652 · source
3. Filed Jun 9, 2025MIEngineOther / UnknownTransmission & Drivetrain

   I own a 2010 BMW X5 xDrive30i (VIN: [XXX] ) with two active recalls: the VANOS bolt recall (23V-707) and the PCV valve heater recall (22V-119). Despite these being federally mandated safety repairs, Sharpe BMW in Grand Rapids, MI refused to perform the work without a paid diagnostic and potential full repair payment upfront, stating reimbursement would be decided afterward. I was sent home in an unsafe, recalled vehicle that visibly and audibly shakes at startup and…

   NHTSA complaint #11665881 · source
4. Filed May 12, 2025127,911 miCATowedFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

   The contact owns a 2010 BMW X5. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, after several minutes the vehicle failed to turn off as needed. There was no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that metal shavings were found in the engine, and the oxygen heat sensor had failed. The vehicle was repaired. The contact advised the previous owner was notified of NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V746000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE).…

   NHTSA complaint #11660377 · source
5. Filed Apr 11, 2025128,000 miCATowedEngine

   The contact owns a 2010 BMW X5. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The contact was able to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle failed to restart. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the fuel pump. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure…

   NHTSA complaint #11654196 · source
6. Filed Mar 19, 2025116,546 miTXTowedElectrical SystemEngine

   The contact owns a 2010 BMW X5. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, her nephew attempted to start the vehicle, and the vehicle failed to start. The contact stated there was an abnormal odor coming from the vehicle. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact replaced the battery; however, the vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to Firestone, where it was diagnosed that the starter and fuel pump had failed and needed to be…

   NHTSA complaint #11649292 · source
7. Filed Dec 2, 2024148,000 miPAFireFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

   The contact owns a 2010 BMW X5. The contact stated that the vehicle had been parked and unoccupied for almost twelve hours, upon returning to the vehicle the battery was completely drained. The vehicle was jumpstarted and then driven to the residence. The contact stated that while pulling into the driveway at the residence, he smelled something hot coming from the vehicle. The contact exited the vehicle and saw flames underneath the vehicle. The contact stated that the…

   NHTSA complaint #11628276 · source
8. Filed Aug 26, 2024200,000 miWITowedEngine

   The contact owns a 2010 BMW X5. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V707000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that when the vehicle wase cold started the vehicle was idling rough and vibrating abnormally. The contact stated that…

   NHTSA complaint #11610879 · source

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Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data, as of Oct 11, 2026. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology