2011 BMW X5 SAV recalls and problems

The 2011 BMW X5 SAV has 3 safety recalls and 24 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any BMW dealer.

Recalls

Complaints

Crashes / fires

0 / 0

Injuries / deaths

0 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2011 BMW X5 SAV vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2011 BMW X5 SAV recalls

Recall 16V-071: Air Bags

Reported Feb 5, 2016 · 840,000 vehicles affected · BMW of North America, LLC

Problem: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2008-2013 128i and 135i coupes and convertibles and 1 Series M coupes, 2006-2011 325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi, 335i xDrive Sedans, 2009-2011 335d sedans, 2006-2012 325xiT, 328i and 328xi sports wagons, 2007-2013 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 335i, 335xi, 335i xDrive, 335is and M3 Coupes and Convertibles, 2013-2015 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i and X1 xDrive35i SAVs, 2007-2010 X3 xDrive30i SAVs, 2007-2013 X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i and X5 M SAVs, 2009-2013 BMW X5 xDrive35d SAVs, 2008-2014 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i, and X6 M SACs, 2010-2011 BMW X6 xDrive50i SACs and 2008-2011 M3 Sedan vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.

Risk: 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.

Fix: 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.

Recall 14V-176: Engine and Engine Cooling

Reported Apr 10, 2014 · 156,137 vehicles affected · BMW of North America, LLC

Problem: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2010-2011 128i Coupe, 128i Convertible, 328i Sedan, 328i xDrive Sedan, 328i Coupe, 328i Convertible, 328i Sports Wagon and Z4 sDrive 30i, 2011-2012 135i Coupe, 135i Convertible, 335i Sedan, X5 xDrive 35i, and X6 xDrive 35i, 2011 335i xDrive Sedan, 335i Coupe, 335i Convertible, 528i Sedan, 535i Sedan, 535i xDrive Sedan, X3 xDrive 28i, and X3 xDrive 35i, 2010 X3 xDrive 30i, and X5 xDrive 30i, 2012 640i Coupe, and 640i Convertible and 2010-2012 535i Gran Turismo vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the bolts that secure the housing for the variable camshaft timing adjustment (VANOS) unit can loosen over time and may possibly break.

Risk: If the bolts loosen or break the engine may have reduced power or stall. An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.

Fix: 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.

Recall 12V-550: Engine and Engine Cooling, Steering

Reported Nov 27, 2012 · 29,800 vehicles affected · BMW of North America, LLC

Problem: BMW is recalling certain model year 2009-2012 X5 xDrive 35d SAV diesel vehicles manufactured September 1, 2008, through November 15, 2012. The engine belt idler pulley bolt could loosen and break over time.

Risk: If the engine belt 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 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].

2011 BMW X5 SAV problems reported by owners

Problem area	Reports
Engine	10
Fuel/Propulsion System	7
Power Train	7
Unknown or Other	3
Air Bags	3
Electrical System	2
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)	2
Vehicle Speed Control	2
Engine and Engine Cooling	1
Seats	1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 79,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2011 BMW X5 SAV complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Engine · at 82,000 miles · reported Oct 30, 2018

The coolant lines needed completely replaced causing the engine to start barreling smoke after about 400-500 FT. Looked like it was on fire there was so much smoke. Got repaired at bmw of westlake in ohio. They told me there was nothing I could do to have prevented it.

Engine · at 125,000 miles · reported Apr 6, 2018

I would like to report a vanos issue the camshaft bolts loosen and break and it could be catastrophic. My bolts loosened and I caught it in time but if I didn't know any better I could've had a complete engine failure. My code originally came up as camshaft sticking. When the problem originated I was traveling on a main city road and my car went into reduced power mode.

Electronic Stability Control (ESC) · at 74,500 miles · reported Mar 20, 2018

During hard acceleration of the car while getting on the free way ramp, the car went into limp mode. The engine performance was degraded and I had to pull on the side of the road to restart the car. The car was taken to bmw of bellevue next week after initial diagnosis of a dme internal fault by a signature independent kirkland. Bmw of bellevue replaced air mass filter and oil filler cap. A few weeks later the issue happening again during regular driving on the freeway. Bmw of bellevue diagnosed this as a vacuum hose leak. A few weeks later the car went into limp mode again while getting on…

Unknown or Other · at 44,063 miles · reported Feb 1, 2018

The service adviser at the bmw dealership mentioned that the dmtl pump in my vehicle has failed. I found the below document regarding the dmtl pump. Https://static.NHTSA.gov/odi/tsbs/2012/sb-10051299-3508.pdf can you please check this and let me know of my options? Thanks [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (Foia), 5 U.S.c. 552(B)(6).

Engine · at 93,000 miles · reported Oct 2, 2017

X5 xdrive 35i sav; while driving under normal street and highway conditions, vehicle speed and engine RPM have become unstable. This causes the vehicle to increase and decrease it's speed intermittently and without warning. The vehicle is not trustworthy as you may lose power, or unintentionally accelerate while trying to execute a driving maneuver, causing a dangerous condition. Check engine warning light illuminates. Vehicle was brought to bmw dealership (Zt motors) for diagnostics. Service personnel stated that the high pressure fuel pump indicated a low fuel pressure at the inlet. This…

Other BMW X5 SAV years

2013 201220112010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000

Compare all BMW X5 SAV years · All BMW models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2011 BMW X5 SAV have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2011 BMW X5 SAV: 16V-071 (air bags), 14V-176 (engine and engine cooling), 12V-550 (engine and engine cooling, steering). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2011 BMW X5 SAV?

Owners report engine problems most often (10 reports), followed by fuel/propulsion system (7). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 79,000 miles.

Are BMW recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized BMW dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.