The Used Car Index

2012 BMW X5 SAV problems

NHTSA lists 21 complaints for the 2012 BMW X5 SAV, 1 of them mention a crash and 1 mention a fire. 1 complaints mention an injury, with 1 injuries and 0 deaths reported.

Data build 2026-10-08.

NHTSA lists this vehicle as BMW X5 SAV.

At a glance

Complaints
21
With crash
1
With fire
1
With injury (complaints)
1
Injuries
1
Deaths
0
Recalls
4
Do not drive recalls
0
Park outside recalls
0
Recall potential units (maximum)
840,000
Investigations
2
Open investigations
1
Manufacturer communications
11

Complaints per 100k sold unavailable. No sales source is available for this record.

Where the complaints are

Top systems
SystemComplaintsShare of this vehicle's complaints
POWER TRAIN942.9%
ENGINE628.6%
AIR BAGS314.3%
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM314.3%
STEERING314.3%
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM29.5%
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)14.8%
SERVICE BRAKES14.8%
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL14.8%
Top subsystems
SystemSubsystemComplaints

One complaint can name several systems, so shares can add to more than 100 percent.

Model-generated complaint tags

These labels are model-generated, not NHTSA data.

Failure modes
LabelCountShare of taggedMean confidence
mechanical failure733.3%0.96
fire or overheating419.0%0.71
loss of control314.3%0.83
noise or comfort314.3%0.80
electrical electronic29.5%0.97
restraint or airbag29.5%0.92
Severities
LabelCountShare of taggedMean confidence
moderate1781.0%0.74
high29.5%0.90
low29.5%0.67

Model: typesafe/jev-1.13-20260917; schema version: tag-v1. 21 tagged complaints of 21 complaints (100.0%).

Confidence is the model's own probability for the label it chose (0 to 1), not accuracy.

Model-generated labels on tagged complaints only. Model years 2013 and newer are tagged in full; 2012 in part (see tagged_share); earlier model years have no tags. NHTSA's own flags remain separate in the complaints block.

Recalls

See new recalls and investigations this week.

4 recalls.

16V071000

Date: 2016-02-05. Systems: AIR BAGS.

Defect: 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, (excerpt)

Consequence: 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. (excerpt)

Remedy: 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. (excerpt)

Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.

14V176000

Date: 2014-04-10. Systems: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING.

Defect: 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, (excerpt)

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

Remedy: 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 c (excerpt)

Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.

12V550000

Date: 2012-11-27. Systems: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, STEERING.

Defect: 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.

Consequence: If the engine belt 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 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 CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.

Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.

12V161000

Date: 2012-04-10. Systems: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING.

Defect: BMW IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 5-SERIES, 5-SERIES GRAN TURISMO, MODEL YEAR 2012 6-SERIES CONVERTIBLE, 7-SERIES, X5 SAV, AND X6 SAV VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 8- OR 12-CYLINDER, TURBOCHARGED, ENGINES BECAUSE THE CIRCUIT BOARD FOR THE ELECTRIC AUXILIARY WATER PUMP CAN OVERHEAT.

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 APRIL 30, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW CUSTOMER RELATIONS AND SERVICES AT 1-800-525-7417.

Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.

Investigations

2 investigations; 1 open.

EA21002

Opened: 2021-09-17. Closed: Not listed.

Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture

From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupt

Systems: AIR BAGS.

Linked campaign numbers: None listed.

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 approximately 33,214 vehicles built from March 12, 2008 through June 27, 2013, corrects

Systems: STEERING.

Linked campaign numbers: 18V336000.

Manufacturer communications

11 manufacturer communications.

Communications by system
SystemCount
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM4
ENGINE4
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE2
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING1
EQUIPMENT1
EXTERIOR LIGHTING1
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER1
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR1

11031570

Date: 2026-04-23. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.

While performing a 12-Volt battery jump start, disconnect, or replacement, Vehicle test, and/or Programming procedure- the BMW Footwell Module (FRM) may become unresponsive. As a result, one or more of the following vehicle electric system-related issues may occur: Headlights including the high beam

10249437

Date: 2024-01-16. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, VISIBILITY.

The basic conditions for initializing the power windows are not met.

10249027

Date: 2024-01-11. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.

The electrical system of BMW vehicles has been subject to an ongoing development process over the last few years. This has led to increased demands being placed on the battery. This document covers important information for the dealer on how to handle A A?A A A A discharged batteryA A?A A A A compl

10215024

Date: 2017-06-01. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING.

The engine?s intake charge-air duct limited warranty extension to 10 years/120,000 miles applies to ?eligible USspecification

10215025

Date: 2017-06-01. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: EQUIPMENT.

Shipping specific non-deployed vehicle safety devices to lighting resources, llc. This service Information bulletin provides information on shipping "specific" noin-deployed vehicle safety devices that are classified as Dangerous Goods (DG) to Lighting resources, LLC

10052359

Date: 2013-05-01. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: ENGINE, FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE.

BMW: ON SOME VEHICLES, THE HIGH PRESSURE FUEL INJECTOR, CAN LEAD TO AN INTERNAL FAILURE DUE TO INCORRECT OPERATION AND WOULD NEED TO BE REPAIRED AND/OR REPLACED. MODELS F01, 02, 04, 07, 10, 12, 13, E70, 71. NO MODEL YEARS LISTED. *PE

10052360

Date: 2013-05-01. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: ENGINE.

BMW: SOME VEHICLE ENGINES MAY EXPERIENCE A DELAY IN RESPONSE TO ACCELERATION, AFTER SLOWING DOWN, DUE TO AN UNFAVORABLE SOFTWARE CALIBRATION. MODELS F10, 25, 07, E70, 71. NO MODEL YEARS LISTED. *PE

10052365

Date: 2013-05-01. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: EXTERIOR LIGHTING, SERVICE BRAKES, AIR.

BMW: WARNING LAMPS ARE ILLUMINATED FOR THE DSC, ABS AND BRAKE AND A POSSIBLE WARNING IN CONTROL DISPLAY FOR CHASSIS CONTROL SYSTEM FAILURE. MODELS 2012 F25, 30, 01, 02, 07, 10, 12, 13, E70, 71, 84. *PE

10049679

Date: 2012-11-01. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE.

BMW: IF BSD COMMUNICATION IS DISRUPTED, OIL LEVEL SENSOR DATA IS NO LONGER RECEIVED BY DME. BSD COMMUNICATION FAULT(S), AFTER REPAIRS ARE SHORTLY SET, REQUIRES REMOVAL OF IGNITION HARNESS FROM CYLINDER HEAD COVER. ALL MODELS. NO MODEL YEARS LISTED. *PE

10049439

Date: 2012-10-12. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: ENGINE, FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE.

BMW: VEHICLES NEEDS DIAGNOSING FOR N63 MISFIRE FAULTS WHEN SERVICE ENGINE SOON LAMP IS ILLUMINATED. LACK OF DIAGNOSING ENGINE OR FUEL SYSTEM COULD CAUSE INCORRECT DIAGNOSIS AND REPEATED REPAIR ATTEMPTS. NO MODELS OR MODEL YEARS LISTED. *PE

Notes on this record

  • Complaints from the API and bulk file are merged and deduplicated by ODI number; the API alone misses records.
  • System and subsystem counts are numbers of distinct complaints, recalls or communications that name them. One record can name several systems, so shares across systems can add to more than 100 percent; a single share never exceeds 100 percent.
  • Recalls are counted once per campaign, investigations once per action and manufacturer communications once per NHTSA id, even when NHTSA lists several model names for the same record.
  • A sales denominator is a calendar-year proxy, not the population of vehicles still in use. Rates are copied from verified pipeline output.

Other names NHTSA uses

None listed.

Matched NHTSA models

Matched labels and complaints
NHTSA model labelComplaints
X5 SAV21

Same model, other years

All model years | All BMW models

Other BMW models, 2012

Sources

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