RecallRepo

2011 BMW X5 Recalls

Recalls on record Updated July 2026

The 2011 BMW X5 has 14 NHTSA recall campaigns affecting an estimated 1,577,881 vehicles. Recall repairs are always free at any authorized dealer. Owners have filed 395 complaints with NHTSA, most often about the engine. Last updated July 5, 2026.

Recall campaigns

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 23V707000 2023-10-20 157,796 affected
Defect

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…

Consequence

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.

AIR BAGS 20V016000 2020-01-15 4,007 affected
Defect

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…

Consequence

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.

AIR BAGS 20V017000 2020-01-15 59,965 affected
Defect

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,…

Consequence

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.

AIR BAGS 19V017000 2019-01-14 83,016 affected
Defect

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…

Consequence

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.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 18V336000 2018-05-23 33,214 affected
Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 18V248000 2018-04-18 47,806 affected
Defect

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,…

Consequence

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…

AIR BAGS 18V030000 2018-01-09 41,808 affected
Defect

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,…

Consequence

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.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 17V683000 2017-10-30 740,561 affected
Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

POWER TRAIN 17V138000 2017-03-02 121,909 affected
Defect

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…

Consequence

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.

Remedy

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.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE 16V746000 2016-10-17 136,188 affected
Defect

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…

Consequence

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.

AIR BAGS 16V364000 2016-05-25 97,738 affected
Defect

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…

Consequence

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.

POWER TRAIN 16V311000 2016-05-17 21,493 affected
Defect

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…

Consequence

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.

Remedy

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.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 11V521000 2011-10-20 32,084 affected
Defect

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…

Consequence

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.

EQUIPMENT 10V233000 2010-06-02 296 affected
Defect

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…

Consequence

IMPROPER TIRE INFLATION CAN RESULT IN PREMATURE TIRE FAILURE OR REDUCED VEHICLE HANDLING PERFORMANCE, EITHER OF WHICH CAN INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy

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.

Complaints by component

ENGINE
110
8fires2injuries
AIR BAGS
67
2crashes1fires1injuries
POWER TRAIN
55
1crashes1fires1injuries
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
36
1crashes3fires
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
20
3fires
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
19
4fires
STEERING
18
1crashes1injuries
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
7
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
7
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
6
1fires
Total complaints395

What owners report

Verbatim reports filed with NHTSA, lightly edited for readability and with personal information removed.

“There's currently an open recall for a number of bmw engines involving aluminum bolts in the vanos assembly that shear, strip, and break off completely. The open recall is somehow excluding some vehicles with the same exact problem like my 2011 bmw x5 xdrive35i n55 e70 with the inline 6. Currently…”

ENGINE · reported 2026-02-28

“The comfort access door handle, got so hot it started to melt the plastic exterior handle and produce a lot of smoke would have caught fire if I didn't turn off car and disconnect electrical signal to the cas handle”

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM · reported 2025-07-19

“The comfort access door handle, got so hot it started to melt the plastic exterior handle and produce a lot of smoke would have caught fire if I didn't turn off car and disconnect electrical signal to the cas handle”

UNKNOWN OR OTHER · reported 2025-07-19

“The contact owns a 2011 bmw x5. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was towed to an unknown dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer informed the contact that the vin was not under recall. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the nhtsa…”

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM · reported 2025-05-27

“The contact owns a 2011 bmw x5. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was towed to an unknown dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer informed the contact that the vin was not under recall. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the nhtsa…”

ENGINE · reported 2025-05-27

“Was driving vehicle home from work and during the drive the engine without warning died while driving and vehicle put in neutral. Vehicle stopped in the middle of parkway on right lane, tried to restart vehicle multiple times and unsuccessful. Pulled codes and found that fuel pressure codes…”

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM · reported 2024-07-03

“Headlight wiring insulation dry rots prematurely within headlight causing system failure, which includes headlight malfunction and system shorting. Headlights are known to stop working due to wiring shorting out, issues may cause an electrical fire besides malfunction.”

EXTERIOR LIGHTING · reported 2024-02-01

“Egr failure where the diesel emissions come into the cabin via the hvac system dealer said the egr cooler needs to be replaced. This is a know problem and recall on the 2012 and 2013. This makes the fumes to the driver when first driving the car in the morning dangerous as carbon monoxide and…”

ENGINE · reported 2024-02-01

Defect investigations

Investigation RQ18001 Opened 2018-04-18 · closed 2018-12-01

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…

Investigation RQ18001 Opened 2018-04-18 · closed 2018-12-01

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…

Investigation RQ18001 Opened 2018-04-18 · closed 2018-12-01

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…

Sources & methodology

Recall, complaint, and investigation records from official NHTSA datasets (FLAT_RCL, FLAT_CMPL, FLAT_INV), synced weekly. Counts reflect NHTSA records for the 2011 BMW X5 as of July 5, 2026. Complaint narratives are consumer-submitted and unverified. This page contains ads and affiliate links. Full methodology.