2009 BMW X5 — Problems, Recalls & Safety Data

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N/A

Safety Rating

203

Owner Complaints

4 Crashes 12 Fires

12

Recalls

ACTIVE RECALL

23

Service Bulletins

1

Investigation

Overview of the 2009 BMW X5

The 2009 BMW X5 has received a total of 203 safety complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). There have been 12 recall campaigns affecting this vehicle, covering issues with AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE, AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE. 23 technical service bulletins have been issued by BMW of North America, LLC for this model year. The most commonly reported problems involve the Air Bags (41 complaints), Fuelpropulsion System (37 complaints), and Engine (30 complaints).

Recalls for the 2009 BMW X5

NHTSA has recorded 12 recalls for the 2009 BMW X5, potentially affecting up to 1,249,204 vehicles.

Recall 20V016000 — AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

| 4,007 vehicles 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 inflators containing phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSPI-2) propellant that were used as...

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...

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Recall 20V017000 — AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

| 59,965 vehicles 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, 325xi, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi, 335i xDrive and M3, 2009-2011...

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...

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Recall 19V017000 — AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

| 83,016 vehicles 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 inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used...

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...

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Recall 18V336000 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

| 33,214 vehicles 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.

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Recall 17V683000 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CRANKCASE (PCV)

| 740,561 vehicles 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...

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Recall 18V030000 — AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

| 41,808 vehicles 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, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan),...

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...

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Recall 17V020000 — AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

| 48,951 vehicles affected

Defect: 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...

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 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....

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Recall 16V364000 — AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

| 97,738 vehicles 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 Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American...

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....

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Recall 16V746000 — FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

| 136,188 vehicles 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 Gran Turismo, 2011-2012 528i, 535i, 535i xDrive,...

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.

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Recall 13V339000 — FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL: PRE-HEATER

| 1,540 vehicles affected

Defect: 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.

Consequence: 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.

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Recall 11V441000 — FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL: PRE-HEATER

| 2,120 vehicles affected

Defect: 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.

Consequence: 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.

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.

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Recall 09V255000 — SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC

| 96 vehicles affected

Defect: 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.

Consequence: 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.

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...

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Owner Complaints for the 2009 BMW X5

203 complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2009 BMW X5. Below is a breakdown by vehicle component.

Most Recent Complaints

#11668182 | ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | | 175,000 miles
The contact owns a 2009 BMW X5. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, several unknown warning lights illuminated, and the engine seized. The vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who was a certified BMW mechanic, where it was diagnosed with VANOS bolts failure. The contact was informed that the VANOS bolts needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V707000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. In addition, the contact stated that the dealer confirmed the failure and declined to perform a diagnostic test due to the age of the vehicle. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 175,000.
#11645921 | ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | | 230,000 miles
The contact owns a 2009 BMW X5. The contact stated that after pulling into a parking space there was white smoke coming from underneath the hood of the vehicle and the engine started overheating. The contact added coolant immediately. There were no warning lights illuminated. The failure had occurred twice. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic who diagnosed that the water pump, thermostat, and heater hoses had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that the coolant had leaked out and the engine started overheating. The contact added more coolant to the coolant reservoir; however, the failure recurred 20 miles later. After parking the vehicle, the contact became aware that oil was leaking underneath the vehicle. The vehicle had not been returned to the mechanic. The vehicle had not been taken to the dealer. The manufacturer was informed of the failure however, the VIN was not included in a recall. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to file a complaint. The failure mileage was 230,000.
#11634799 | AIR BAGS | | N/A miles
Front Passenger occupant seat sensor failure warning code oc3
#11634799 | SEATS | | N/A miles
Front Passenger occupant seat sensor failure warning code oc3
#11602460 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | | N/A miles
Crank no start scanner saying it is in 3rd gear not park.

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Safety Rating for the 2009 BMW X5

NHTSA has not yet tested the 2009 BMW X5 in its New Car Assessment Program.

Technical Service Bulletins for the 2009 BMW X5

BMW of North America, LLC has issued 23 technical service bulletins (TSBs) for the 2009 BMW X5. TSBs are notices sent by manufacturers to their dealers describing a known issue and the recommended repair procedure.

513512 — STRUCTURE:BODY:BUMPERS

Rear Bumper Trim Warped / Distorted. The center of the rear bumper trim is warped upward and may interfere with opening of the tailgate. No outside damage or customer influence can be detected. The center securing tabs of the bumper trim cover have been dislodged or broken off from the...

B121418 — EQUIPMENT

INDIVIDUAL DRIVING CYCLES FOR OBD2 READINESS CODES (M57Y): One or more OBD readiness codes are not set to ÒreadyÓ during a state emissions inspection, with a hand-held scan tool or during an ISTA/D diagnostic session.

B180217 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

DIAGNOSING SELECTIVE CATALYST REDUCTION (SCR) EFFICIENCY FAULTS: The Service Engine Soon light is on.

B012316 — FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

"SCR ACTIVE TANK (RESERVOIR): LIMITED WARRANTY EXTENSION TO 10 YEARS/120,000 MILES. INFORMATION For the above-referenced vehicle, BMW of North America, LLC (""BMW NA"") is extending the limited warranty for the SCR Active Tank to: 10 years/120,000 miles as determined by the vehicle's original in-service date."

B010511 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

"N52K Tank Leak Diagnostic Module (DMTL) Pump: Limited Warranty Extension to 10 Years/120,000 Miles. INFORMATION For the above-referenced vehicles, BMW of North America, LLC (""BMW NA"") is extending the limited warranty for the tank leak diagnostic module (DMTL) pump to: 10 years/120,000 miles as determined by the vehicle's original in-service...

B010511 — FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

"SI B01 05 11 March 2016 Warranties This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI B01 012 11 dated December 2012. Please read this Service Information bulletin in its entirety: the part information and content format has been completely updated. designates changes to this revision SUBJECT N52K Tank Leak Diagnostic Module (DMTL)...

130714 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

DDE Fault Codes 4882 and 4B82 for EGR Air Mass Plausibility. The Service Engine Soon light is illuminated with one or both of the following fault codes stored in the DDE: 4B82 - Exhaust-gas recirculation-rate control, control deviation 4862 - Air system, air to EGR mass flow, plausibility CAUSE Air...

610314 — EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

Check Control Messages Related to Battery Charge During Cold Ambient Temperatures. On cold days with an outside ambient temperature of less than 15F, customers may notice a check control message related to the battery that is displayed on the instrument cluster and the control information display. Under these conditions, the...

180212 — ENGINE

"?Voluntary Emissions Recall Campaign 11E-A03: Check and/or Replace Emissions Monitoring Components. 1. The Selective Catalyst Reduction (SCR) catalyst has been improved to increase emissions stability over the service life of the vehicle. 2. The SCR mixer has also been improved to optimize the Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) mixture when introduced...

180512 — ENGINE

"Voluntary Emissions Recall Campaign 11E-A03: Check and/or Replace Emissions Monitoring Components. 1. Under certain driving conditions, the High-pressure (HP) EGR valve may become restricted with excessive soot. This restriction impedes the emissions performance of the HP EGR valve. This situation may lead to a Service Engine Soon lamp. An optimized...

Showing 10 of 23 technical service bulletins.

NHTSA Investigations for the 2009 BMW X5

NHTSA has opened 1 investigation into potential safety defects in the 2009 BMW X5.

Investigation RQ18001 — STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM Closed

Opened:

Idler Pulley Bolt Failure

Other Model Years of the BMW X5

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Other BMW Models

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