2012 BMW X5 — Problems, Recalls & Safety Data
N/A
Safety Rating
370
Owner Complaints
10
Recalls
13
Service Bulletins
0
Investigations
Overview of the 2012 BMW X5
The 2012 BMW X5 has received a total of 370 safety complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). There have been 11 recall campaigns affecting this vehicle, covering issues with AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE, AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE. 13 technical service bulletins have been issued by BMW of North America, LLC for this model year. The most commonly reported problems involve the Engine (91 complaints), Air Bags (83 complaints), and Power Train (51 complaints).
Recalls for the 2012 BMW X5
NHTSA has recorded 11 recalls for the 2012 BMW X5, potentially affecting up to 491,130 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...
View full details →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...
View full details →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...
View full details →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.
View full details →Recall 18V248000 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:TURBO/SUPERCHARGER
| 47,806 vehicles 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, Cooper S Countryman ALL4, Cooper S, JCW, Cooper S Clubman, JCW...
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...
View full details →Recall 18V248000 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
| 47,806 vehicles 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, Cooper S Countryman ALL4, Cooper S, JCW, Cooper S Clubman, JCW...
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...
View full details →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...
View full details →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....
View full details →Recall 17V138000 — POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT
| 121,909 vehicles 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 resulting in the joint's failure.
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.
View full details →Recall 12V267000 — STEERING
| 2,642 vehicles affected
Defect: BMW IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 X5 VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A DIESEL ENGINE AND 2013 X5 AND X6 VEHICLES. DUE TO A MACHINING ERROR OF THE STEERING GEAR SURFACE, POWER STEERING FLUID MAY LEAK.
Consequence: LEAKING POWER STEERING FLUID CAN SPRAY ONTO HOT EXHAUST PARTS, INCREASING THE RISK OF AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE.
Remedy: BMW WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL INSPECT, AND IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE STEERING GEAR FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 20, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW CUSTOMER RELATIONS AND SERVICES AT 1-800-525-7417.
View full details →Recall 12V019000 — POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
| 6 vehicles affected
Defect: BMW IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 X5 XDRIVE 35I SPORTS ACTIVITY VEHICLES, MANUFACTURED FROM DECEMBER 19, 2011, THROUGH DECEMBER 21, 2011. DUE TO A MANUFACTURING ERROR, ENGAGEMENT OF THE TRANSMISSIONS PARKING LOCK MAY NOT OCCUR EVEN IF THE P POSITION HAS BEEN SELECTED AND IS DISPLAYED.
Consequence: IF THE DRIVER BELIEVES THAT THE TRANSMISSION IS IN PARK AND DOES NOT USE THE PARKING BRAKE, THE VEHICLE COULD ROLL AWAY AFTER EXITING THE VEHICLE INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH OR INJURY.
Remedy: BMW WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 2, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW CUSTOMER RELATIONS AND SERVICES AT 1-800-525-7417.
View full details →Owner Complaints for the 2012 BMW X5
370 complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2012 BMW X5. Below is a breakdown by vehicle component.
Most Recent Complaints
My car was sitting on the driveway and spontaneously caught on fire. It has not been driven for the last week or two. Nobody was home, when it caught on fire. Our neighbors called 911
The contact owns a 2012 BMW X5. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. In addition, the interior lights flickered on and off. The failure was intermittent. The contact later received an extended warranty notification for the foot well. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a misfire in cylinders #3 and #4. The contact was informed that the failure was not related to the extended warranty program. The contact was informed that ignition coils and plugs in cylinders #3 and #4 needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Front passenger side occupancy seat sensor is bad and computer detected an air bag malfunction. Timing chain broke without warning.
Front passenger side occupancy seat sensor is bad and computer detected an air bag malfunction. Timing chain broke without warning.
Front passenger side occupancy seat sensor is bad and computer detected an air bag malfunction. Timing chain broke without warning.
Safety Rating for the 2012 BMW X5
NHTSA has not yet tested the 2012 BMW X5 in its New Car Assessment Program.
Technical Service Bulletins for the 2012 BMW X5
BMW of North America, LLC has issued 13 technical service bulletins (TSBs) for the 2012 BMW X5. TSBs are notices sent by manufacturers to their dealers describing a known issue and the recommended repair procedure.
B123915 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Delivery Stop: Program Electronic Control Unit. A Delivery Stop has been issued on F15 PHEV vehicles produced from July 6, 2015 to October 21, 2015. These vehicles require programming of the Electric Machine Electronics (EME) Control Unit. The software will be available with ISTA/P 3.57.1 as of November 6, 2015....
B123915 — ENGINE
Delivery Stop: Program Electronic Control Unit. A Delivery Stop has been issued on F15 PHEV vehicles produced from July 6, 2015 to October 21, 2015. These vehicles require programming of the Electric Machine Electronics (EME) Control Unit. The software will be available with ISTA/P 3.57.1 as of November 6, 2015....
B270415 — POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE
Shudder from the Driveline on Vehicles with xDrive. There is a shudder or vibration from the driveline when taking off from a stop, or when accelerating at highway speeds. CAUSE Possible multiple root causes related to the engine, wheels & tires, suspension components or internal wear on the clutch plates...
110613 — FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Service Action: Retrofit Bracket for EGR Cooler. The flexible pipe on the high-pressure Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) cooler may leak. CAUSE Excessive vibration and/or tension at the flexible elbow of the EGR cooler can cause it to leak.
110613 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
"Service Action: Retrofit Bracket for EGR Cooler. The flexible pipe on the high-pressure Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) cooler may leak. CAUSE Excessive vibration and/or tension at the flexible elbow of the EGR cooler can cause it to leak. VEHICLES AFFECTED This Service Action involves certain E70 vehicles with the M57Y...
170209 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
"Oil Leak from Turbocharger Charge Air Hose. The customer may complain of an oil leak from the engine area. The ""Service Engine Soon"" lamp may also be illuminated with fault code ""4674 - FMO injection quantities-observer"" stored. CAUSE The molded seal in the charge air pipe may have been cut...
120512 — STEERING
N63: Drop in Engine Speed While Turning at Low Speeds. The engine speed may drop significantly below normal idling speed if the steering wheel is turned sharply at lower road speeds. Unfavorable DME software
515210 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Various Faults Concerning the Automatic Tailgate Operation. Complaints of sporadic or permanent faults may exist with the automatic tailgate function. One or more of the following fault codes have been stored: A2AB, A2B1, A2B2, A2B3, A2B4, A2B5, A2B6, A2B7, A2B8, A2B9, A2BA, A2BC, A2BE, and A6E2. CAUSE The following four...
180712 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM
Incorrect Exhaust Tips Installed. The M Performance option calls for chrome black exhaust tips. Certain E70 and E71 vehicles with the M Performance option were incorrectly built with chrome exhaust tips.
SIB-710212 — EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
BMW: INCORRECT MODEL YEAR LABEL (2013) FOR EMISSIONS RECALL CAMPAIGN, ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, WAS INSTALLED UNDER THE HOOD AND NEEDS TO BE REMOVED AND REPLACED WITH CORRECT MODEL YEAR LABEL (2012). MODEL 2012 X5. *PE
Showing 10 of 13 technical service bulletins.
NHTSA Investigations for the 2012 BMW X5
There are no NHTSA defect investigations on record for this vehicle.
Other Model Years of the BMW X5
- 2007 BMW X5 — 119 complaints
- 2008 BMW X5 — 319 complaints
- 2009 BMW X5 — 203 complaints
- 2010 BMW X5 — 187 complaints
- 2011 BMW X5 — 394 complaints
- 2012 BMW X5 (current)
- 2013 BMW X5 — 210 complaints
- 2014 BMW X5 — 128 complaints
- 2015 BMW X5 — 197 complaints
- 2016 BMW X5 — 100 complaints
- 2017 BMW X5 — 111 complaints