Known Recalls

Model year record

2009 BMW X5

12 recall campaigns on file for this model year. 207 owner complaints on file.

Recalls

Recall campaignNHTSA 20V016000

Air bags: frontal: passenger side: inflator module

Component
Air bags: frontal: passenger side: inflator module
Manufacturer
BMW of North America, LLC
Vehicles affected
4,007
Reported to NHTSA
2020-01-15
Owners notified
2020-03-11

Defect description

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.

Safety risk

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

Manufacturer 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 campaignNHTSA 20V017000

Air bags: frontal: driver side: inflator module

Component
Air bags: frontal: driver side: inflator module
Manufacturer
BMW of North America, LLC
Vehicles affected
59,965
Reported to NHTSA
2020-01-15
Owners notified
2020-03-11

Defect description

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.

Safety risk

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

Manufacturer 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 campaignNHTSA 19V017000

Air bags: frontal: passenger side: inflator module

Component
Air bags: frontal: passenger side: inflator module
Manufacturer
BMW of North America, LLC
Vehicles affected
83,016
Reported to NHTSA
2019-01-14
Owners notified
2019-03-14

Defect description

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.

Safety risk

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

Manufacturer 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 campaignNHTSA 18V336000

Engine and engine cooling: engine

Component
Engine and engine cooling: engine
Manufacturer
BMW of North America, LLC
Vehicles affected
33,214
Reported to NHTSA
2018-05-23
Owners notified
2019-03-11

Defect description

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.

Safety risk

If the idler pulley bolt breaks, the vehicle may unexpectedly lose power-assisted steering, increasing the risk of a crash.

Manufacturer 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 campaignNHTSA 18V030000

Air bags: frontal: passenger side: inflator module

Component
Air bags: frontal: passenger side: inflator module
Manufacturer
BMW of North America, LLC
Vehicles affected
41,808
Reported to NHTSA
2018-01-09
Owners notified
2018-03-09

Defect description

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.

Safety risk

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

Manufacturer 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 campaignNHTSA 17V683000

Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: emission control: crankcase (PCV)

Component
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: emission control: crankcase (PCV)
Manufacturer
BMW of North America, LLC
Vehicles affected
740,561
Reported to NHTSA
2017-10-30
Owners notified
2018-06-18

Defect description

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.

Safety 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.

Manufacturer 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 campaignNHTSA 17V020000

Air bags: frontal: passenger side: inflator module

Component
Air bags: frontal: passenger side: inflator module
Manufacturer
BMW of North America, LLC
Vehicles affected
48,951
Reported to NHTSA
2017-01-10
Owners notified
2017-12-28

Defect description

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, Virginia, and West Virginia, or "Zone B." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" or "Zone B" above, BMW is recalling certain 2007-2008 X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i and X5 M vehicles, and 2008 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i, and X6 M vehicles originally sold, or ever registered in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. 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 front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity and temperature cycling.

Safety risk

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

Manufacturer remedy

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.

Recall campaignNHTSA 16V746000

Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: fuel pump

Component
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: fuel pump
Manufacturer
BMW of North America, LLC
Vehicles affected
136,188
Reported to NHTSA
2016-10-17
Owners notified
2017-02-08

Defect description

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.

Safety 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.

Manufacturer 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 campaignNHTSA 16V364000

Air bags: frontal: passenger side: inflator module

Component
Air bags: frontal: passenger side: inflator module
Manufacturer
BMW of North America, LLC
Vehicles affected
97,738
Reported to NHTSA
2016-05-25
Owners notified
2017-07-28

Defect description

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.

Safety risk

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

Manufacturer 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 campaignNHTSA 13V339000

Fuel system, diesel: pre-heater

Component
Fuel system, diesel: pre-heater
Manufacturer
BMW of North America, LLC
Vehicles affected
1,540
Reported to NHTSA
2013-08-07
Owners notified
2013-09-26

Defect description

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.

Safety 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.

Manufacturer 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 campaignNHTSA 11V441000

Fuel system, diesel: pre-heater

Component
Fuel system, diesel: pre-heater
Manufacturer
BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, LLC
Vehicles affected
2,120
Reported to NHTSA
2011-08-19
Owners notified
2011-10-11

Defect description

BMW IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2009 X5 XDRIVE35D VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A DIESEL ENGINE AND MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 1, 2008, THROUGH JUNE 12, 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.

Safety 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 LEADING TO A VEHICLE FIRE.

Manufacturer remedy

BMW WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL FILTER HEATER FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 11, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW CUSTOMER RELATIONS AND SERVICES AT 1-800-525-7417.

Recall campaignNHTSA 09V255000

Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc

Component
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc
Manufacturer
BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, LLC
Vehicles affected
96
Reported to NHTSA
2009-07-08
Owners notified
2009-09-11

Defect description

BMW IS RECALLING MY 2009 X5 AND X6 VEHICLES. THE REAR BRAKE DISCS MAY NOT HAVE BEEN MANUFACTURED ACCORDING TO SPECIFICATIONS. AS A RESULT, A REDUCTION IN BRAKING PERFORMANCE AT THE AFFECTED REAR WHEEL COULD OCCUR.

Safety risk

IN AN EXTREME CASE, THE AFFECTED REAR BRAKE DISC COULD BREAK RESULTING IN A LOSS OF BRAKING AT THAT WHEEL INCREASING STOPPING DISTANCES AND THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Manufacturer remedy

BMW WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND WILL REPAIR THE VEHICLES BY INSPECTING THE REAR BRAKE DISCS AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THEM FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW CUSTOMER RELATIONS AND SERVICES TOLL-FREE AT 1-800-525-7417.

Owner complaints

A complaint is one person's report to a federal agency. It is not a finding.

ComponentComplaintsMedian mileage
Air bags4285,630 mi
Fuel/propulsion system3787,050 mi
Engine3085,000 mi
Electrical system1680,000 mi
Power train1093,000 mi
Seats1095,116 mi
Service brakes970,000 mi
Unknown or other976,795 mi
Engine and engine cooling7175,000 mi
Steering6101,360 mi
Exterior lighting576,795 mi
Fuel system, gasoline525,000 mi
Air bags: sensor: occupant classification395,116 mi
Suspension368,247 mi
Latches/locks/linkages218,500 mi
Seat belts268,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic247,300 mi
Visibility/wiper280,000 mi
Air bags: sensor: occupant classification: front passenger1125,000 mi
Electronic stability control (ESC)199,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: emission control: crankcase (PCV)1—
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: fuel pump1—
Structure168,000 mi
Vehicle speed control170,000 mi
Wheels: rim171,000 mi

The 2008 model has about half as many complaints as this one. The 2010 model has roughly the same number of complaints as this one. These figures reflect raw complaint counts, not failure rates. Higher-selling model years naturally receive more complaints.

Safety recall repairs are provided free of charge by franchised dealers, regardless of vehicle age or mileage. This page displays aggregated data for the model year. To check recall status for a specific vehicle, search its VIN at nhtsa.gov.