The Used Car Index

2012 BMW X5 problems

NHTSA lists 271 complaints for the 2012 BMW X5, 4 of them mention a crash and 10 mention a fire. 4 complaints mention an injury, with 6 injuries and 0 deaths reported.

Data build 2026-10-08.

NHTSA lists this vehicle as BMW X5.

At a glance

Complaints
271
With crash
4
With fire
10
With injury (complaints)
4
Injuries
6
Deaths
0
Recalls
10
Do not drive recalls
4
Park outside recalls
0
Recall potential units (maximum)
121,909
Investigations
1
Open investigations
0
Manufacturer communications
280

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
ENGINE9233.9%
AIR BAGS8330.6%
POWER TRAIN5319.6%
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2910.7%
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM248.9%
STEERING207.4%
UNKNOWN OR OTHER145.2%
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING124.4%
STRUCTURE72.6%
SUSPENSION62.2%
Top subsystems
SystemSubsystemComplaints
STRUCTUREBODY7
AIR BAGSSENSOR4
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGENGINE3
VISIBILITYSUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY3
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINEDELIVERY1
POWER TRAINAUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION1
POWER TRAINDRIVELINE1
POWER TRAINTRANSFER CASE (4-WHEEL DRIVE)1
STEERINGHYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST1
SUSPENSIONFRONT1

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 failure7833.5%0.79
restraint or airbag6427.5%0.90
electrical electronic2812.0%0.84
loss of control2510.7%0.73
fire or overheating125.2%0.76
unclear125.2%0.82
noise or comfort93.9%0.74
fluid or fuel leak41.7%0.74
visibility or lighting10.4%0.82
Severities
LabelCountShare of taggedMean confidence
low11248.1%0.70
moderate10846.4%0.80
high104.3%0.80
critical20.9%0.72
none10.4%0.69

Model: typesafe/jev-1.13-20260917; schema version: tag-v1. 233 tagged complaints of 271 complaints (86.0%).

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.

10 recalls.

20V017000

Date: 2020-01-15. Systems: AIR BAGS.

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 335D, 2006-2012 3 (excerpt)

Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp 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 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. (excerpt)

Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.

20V016000

Date: 2020-01-15. Systems: AIR BAGS.

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 (excerpt)

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

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. (excerpt)

Do not drive: Yes. Park outside: No.

19V017000

Date: 2019-01-14. Systems: AIR BAGS.

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 as original (excerpt)

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

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. (excerpt)

Do not drive: Yes. Park outside: No.

18V336000

Date: 2018-05-23. Systems: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING.

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.

Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.

18V248000

Date: 2018-04-18. Systems: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING.

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 Clubman, Cooper S R (excerpt)

Consequence: If the circuit board were to overheat, it can increase the risk of a fire. (excerpt)

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 the recall beginning June 11, 2018, and will receive a second notification when remedy parts become available. Owners may contact BMW customer service (excerpt)

Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.

18V030000

Date: 2018-01-09. Systems: AIR BAGS.

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 (excerpt)

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

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. (excerpt)

Do not drive: Yes. Park outside: No.

17V138000

Date: 2017-03-02. Systems: POWER TRAIN.

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.

Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.

17V020000

Date: 2017-01-10. Systems: AIR BAGS.

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 Island (excerpt)

Consequence: An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death. (excerpt)

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. (excerpt)

Do not drive: Yes. Park outside: No.

12V267000

Date: 2012-06-13. Systems: STEERING.

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.

Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.

12V019000

Date: 2012-01-23. Systems: POWER TRAIN.

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 TRANSMISSIONA S PARKING LOCK MAY NOT OCCUR EVEN IF THE A PA 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.

Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.

Investigations

1 investigations; 0 open.

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

280 manufacturer communications.

Communications by system
SystemCount
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM80
ENGINE69
EQUIPMENT62
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING38
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE24
POWER TRAIN23
VISIBILITY12
AIR BAGS10

11037510

Date: 2026-09-21. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.

While performing a 12-Volt battery jump start, disconnect, or replacement, Vehicle test, and/or Programmingprocedure- 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 beams

11032735

Date: 2026-05-06. Type: Warranty Program/Extension. Systems: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.

The Footwell Module (FRM) limited warranty for defects in materials and / or workmanship has been supplementarily increased to 15 years / 186,000 miles as determined from the original first in-service / delivery date.

11016414

Date: 2025-03-27. Type: Service Campaign. Systems: ENGINE.

This bulletin outlines the Customer Care Package program that has been designed exclusively for BMWvehicles with the N63 engine. Vehicles with the N63 high performance engine are engineered with EfficientDynamics that provides fueleconomy without compromising on its a class leadinga power and per

11015849

Date: 2025-03-13. Type: Warranty Program/Extension. Systems: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.

The Footwell Module (FRM) limited warranty for defects in materials and / or workmanship has been supplementarily increased to 15 years / 186,000 miles as determined from the original first in-service / delivery date.

11014417

Date: 2025-02-20. Type: Warranty Program/Extension. Systems: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.

The Footwell Module (FRM) limited warranty for defects in materials and / or workmanship has been supplementarily increased to 15 years / 240,000 miles as determined from the original first in-service / delivery date.

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

10247567

Date: 2023-12-20. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE.

Engine will crank but not start. There is no communication with the integrated fuel module (TFE) whendiagnosing with ISTA. The following two fault codes will be stored in the DME: 032B43 - Low fuel pressure system, electric fuel pump: pressure value too low CDA594 - Message (- 0x33E) missing, rec

10245422

Date: 2023-11-22. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, EQUIPMENT.

Customers may state that the alarm system (DWA) is not active after locking their unoccupied vehicle. Depending on the vehicleA A?A A A A s equipment and settings, no acoustic or optical confirmation (folding the mirrors/blinking confirmation) is noticeable. Additionally, the red anti-theft alarm L

10244258

Date: 2023-10-20. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: SEATS.

Second seat row blocking access to third seat row, program seat modules. Visible stitching on first row sport seat. Third seat row backrest Bowden cable routing and length change.

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
X5271

Same model, other years

All model years | All BMW models

Other BMW models, 2012

Sources

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