All recalls are free to repair at your local dealership. Contact your dealer to schedule service.
Recall & Buyer Checklist
2011 BMW 5 Series · 6 recorded campaigns · Prepared 2026-11-08
Model-year records do not confirm VIN eligibility or completed repairs. Ask your dealer to check your VIN and the original filing's safety instructions.
Done
NHTSA Campaign
OEM Recall
Component
☐
18V248000
Ask dealer
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:TURBO/SUPERCHARGER
☐
17V683000
Ask dealer
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CRANKCA
☐
17V067000
Ask dealer
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:CONSTANT VELOCITY JOINT
☐
16V746000
Ask dealer
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
☐
14V176000
Ask dealer
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
☐
16V832000
Ask dealer
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE-INACTIVE
☐ Confirm open recalls by VIN ☐ Schedule free repairs ☐ Keep completed repair orders
Buying used? ☐ Check title / accident / odometer history ☐ Arrange an independent inspection
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:TURBO/SUPERCHARGER
Manufacturer
BMW of North America, LLC
What Happened
The electric auxiliary water pump in your BMW is a small motor that helps keep your engine cool. In certain 2011-2012 models, this pump could fail, causing the circuit board to overheat.
Risk if Unfixed
If the circuit board overheats, there's a risk of a fire, which could cause serious damage to your vehicle and possibly harm you or others nearby.
Free Fix
Your BMW dealer will replace the faulty electric auxiliary water pump with a new one, free of charge. You'll get a notice when the repair is available, and it's recommended that you park your vehicle outside until the fix is done.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
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 Roadster, JCW Roadster, Cooper S Coupe, JCW Coupe and Rolls-Royce Ghost, 2011 BMW X6 Hybrid and 2012 BMW 650i Coupe, 650i xDrive Coupe, 650i Convertible and 650i xDrive Convertible vehicles. The electric auxiliary water pump may fail and cause the circuit board to overheat.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
If the circuit board were to overheat, it can increase the risk of a fire.
Original — 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 at BMW 1-800-525-7417, MINI at 1-866-825-1525, or Rolls-Royce at 1-877-877-3735. Note: BMW recommends that owners park their vehicle outdoors until the recall remedy has been performed.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CRANKCASE (PCV)
Manufacturer
BMW of North America, LLC
What Happened
The PCV valve in your engine helps control the air pressure inside your engine. It has a small heater that could short circuit and cause a fire, even when your car is turned off.
Risk if Unfixed
If the PCV valve heater shorts, it can melt critical components and increase the risk of a fire, even if your car is parked and turned off. This is a serious safety risk.
Free Fix
Your BMW dealer will replace the faulty PCV valve heater for free. You'll get a notice with a scheduled date for the repair, and it's essential to have it done as after confirming availability with your dealer as possible to ensure your safety. This timing describes the original 2017 filing; contact your dealer now to confirm the free repair is available.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
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.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
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.
Original — 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.
The constant velocity (CV) joint in your vehicle's drivetrain is like a flexible elbow that connects your transmission to your wheels. It allows your wheels to move up and down as you drive, but in your 2011-2012 BMW, it could wear out and break.
Risk if Unfixed
If the CV joint breaks, you could lose power and have trouble controlling your vehicle, especially when driving on the highway or at high speeds. This could increase the risk of a crash.
Free Fix
BMW will inspect the CV joint and replace it if necessary, at no cost to you. Your dealer will contact you when it's time to schedule the repair, and you should follow their instructions to have it done as after confirming availability with your dealer as possible. This timing describes the original 2017 filing; contact your dealer now to confirm the free repair is available.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2011-2012 135i Coupe, 1 Series M Coupe and 135i Convertible vehicles, 2011 Z4 sDrive 35i, 335i, 335d, 335i Coupe, 335is Coupe, 335i Convertible, 335is Convertible, 535i, 535i xDrive, 535i Gran Turismo and 550i xDrive Gran Turismo vehicles and 2012 740i and 740Li vehicles. The rear driveshaft constant velocity (CV) joint on the affected vehicles may fatigue and break.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
If the CV joint breaks, the vehicle may have a loss of propulsion, increasing the risk of a crash.
Original — Remedy
BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rear driveshaft CV joint and, based on its production date, will replace it, free of charge. The recall began April 21, 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
The in-tank fuel pump in your vehicle is a critical part that sends gasoline from the tank to your engine. In some 2007-2012 BMW models, the wires that connect to this pump might not be crimped tightly enough.
Risk if Unfixed
If the wires melt, you could get a fuel leak, and if the pump fails, your engine might stall while driving, which could increase the risk of a collision.
Free Fix
Your BMW dealer will replace the faulty fuel pump module with a new one, free of charge. You'll get a notification from BMW, and you should schedule the repair as after confirming availability with your dealer as possible. This timing describes the original 2016 filing; contact your dealer now to confirm the free repair is available.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
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.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
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.
Original — 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.
The VANOS unit in your engine helps control timing for your engine's valves. The bolts holding it in place can loosen over time and potentially break.
Risk if Unfixed
If the bolts break, your engine may lose power or stall while you're driving. A sudden engine stall increases the risk of a crash, which could put you and others in harm's way.
Free Fix
Your BMW dealer will replace the four VANOS housing bolts at no cost to you. This repair is free, and you should schedule it after checking repair availability with your dealer. This timing describes the original 2014 filing; contact your dealer now to confirm the free repair is available.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
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, and X3 xDrive 35i, 2010 X3 xDrive 30i, and X5 xDrive 30i, 2012 640i Coupe, and 640i Convertible and 2010-2012 535i Gran Turismo vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the bolts that secure the housing for the variable camshaft timing adjustment (VANOS) unit can loosen over time and may possibly break.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
If the bolts loosen or break the engine may have reduced power or stall. An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
Original — 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 contact BMW at 1-800-525-7417.
The Sensor Cluster Unit in your BMW is a critical computer that helps control your airbags, safety belt pre-tensioners, and head restraints. Unfortunately, some of these units may have been installed incorrectly, which could lead to problems in a crash.
Risk if Unfixed
If there's a severe collision, your airbags, safety belts, and head restraints might not deploy properly, which could increase the risk of serious injury.
Free Fix
Your BMW dealer will replace the faulty Sensor Cluster Unit with a new one, free of charge. You'll receive a notification, and you should schedule the repair as after confirming availability with your dealer as possible. This timing describes the original 2016 filing; contact your dealer now to confirm the free repair is available.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2011 BMW 528i, 528xi, 535i, 535xi, 550i and 550xi vehicles manufactured March 1, 2010, through August 31, 2011. The affected vehicles may have received a replacement Sensor Cluster Unit (SCU) during a service visit. These SCUs have an acceleration sensor that may have been incorrectly programmed and, as a result, the SCU may not accurately determine if activation and deployment of the air bags, safety belt pre-tensioners and head restraints is necessary in the event of a crash.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
Depending on the severity of the crash, inadequate activation of the driver and/or passenger air bags, safety belt pre-tensioners and active head restraints may increase the risk of injury.
Original — Remedy
BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the SCU, free of charge. The recall began on December 16, 2016. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
What is the overall risk grade for the 2011 BMW 5 Series?
The 2011 BMW 5 Series has a risk grade of F. This grade is calculated from 6 NHTSA safety recalls, weighted by severity, recency, and temporal decay. Grades range from A+ (excellent) to F (avoid).
How many safety recalls does the 2011 BMW 5 Series have?
The 2011 BMW 5 Series has 6 known safety recalls on record. All recalls are repaired free of charge at authorized dealerships.
What is the most severe recall for the 2011 BMW 5 Series?
The most severe recall for the 2011 BMW 5 Series is classified as critical. This indicates a life-threatening safety issue that should be addressed promptly.
Is the 2011 BMW 5 Series safe to drive?
This model year has 6 recorded safety recalls. Model-level listings do not establish VIN-specific open recalls or whether this vehicle is safe to drive. Check your VIN and contact the manufacturer for recall instructions.
What is the ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:TURBO/SUPERCHARGER recall for the 2011 BMW 5 Series? (Campaign #18V248000)
The electric auxiliary water pump in your BMW is a small motor that helps keep your engine cool. In certain 2011-2012 models, this pump could fail, causing the circuit board to overheat. If the circuit board overheats, there's a risk of a fire, which could cause serious damage to your vehicle and possibly harm you or others nearby. Your BMW dealer will replace the faulty electric auxiliary water pump with a new one, free of charge. You'll get a notice when the repair is available, and it's recommended that you park your vehicle outside until the fix is done.
What is the ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CRANKCASE (PCV) recall for the 2011 BMW 5 Series? (Campaign #17V683000)
The PCV valve in your engine helps control the air pressure inside your engine. It has a small heater that could short circuit and cause a fire, even when your car is turned off. If the PCV valve heater shorts, it can melt critical components and increase the risk of a fire, even if your car is parked and turned off. This is a serious safety risk. Your BMW dealer will replace the faulty PCV valve heater for free. You'll get a notice with a scheduled date for the repair, and it's essential to have it done as after confirming availability with your dealer as possible to ensure your safety. This timing describes the original 2017 filing; contact your dealer now to confirm the free repair is available.
What is the POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:CONSTANT VELOCITY JOINT recall for the 2011 BMW 5 Series? (Campaign #17V067000)
The constant velocity (CV) joint in your vehicle's drivetrain is like a flexible elbow that connects your transmission to your wheels. It allows your wheels to move up and down as you drive, but in your 2011-2012 BMW, it could wear out and break. If the CV joint breaks, you could lose power and have trouble controlling your vehicle, especially when driving on the highway or at high speeds. This could increase the risk of a crash. BMW will inspect the CV joint and replace it if necessary, at no cost to you. Your dealer will contact you when it's time to schedule the repair, and you should follow their instructions to have it done as after confirming availability with your dealer as possible. This timing describes the original 2017 filing; contact your dealer now to confirm the free repair is available.
What is the FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP recall for the 2011 BMW 5 Series? (Campaign #16V746000)
The in-tank fuel pump in your vehicle is a critical part that sends gasoline from the tank to your engine. In some 2007-2012 BMW models, the wires that connect to this pump might not be crimped tightly enough. If the wires melt, you could get a fuel leak, and if the pump fails, your engine might stall while driving, which could increase the risk of a collision. Your BMW dealer will replace the faulty fuel pump module with a new one, free of charge. You'll get a notification from BMW, and you should schedule the repair as after confirming availability with your dealer as possible. This timing describes the original 2016 filing; contact your dealer now to confirm the free repair is available.
What is the ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE recall for the 2011 BMW 5 Series? (Campaign #14V176000)
The VANOS unit in your engine helps control timing for your engine's valves. The bolts holding it in place can loosen over time and potentially break. If the bolts break, your engine may lose power or stall while you're driving. A sudden engine stall increases the risk of a crash, which could put you and others in harm's way. Your BMW dealer will replace the four VANOS housing bolts at no cost to you. This repair is free, and you should schedule it after checking repair availability with your dealer. This timing describes the original 2014 filing; contact your dealer now to confirm the free repair is available.
