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2012 BMW X5

10 recalls Most severe issue: Critical

All recalls are free to repair at your local dealership. Contact your dealer to schedule service.

Known Safety Recalls

Critical #18V336000 Plain English
Component

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

Manufacturer
BMW of North America, LLC
What Happened
Your vehicle's engine has a small metal piece called the idler pulley bolt that helps the belts that power your car's systems. In some 2009-2013 X5 xDrive 35d diesel models, this bolt can come loose over time and break.
Risk if Unfixed
If the idler pulley bolt breaks unexpectedly, your car's power steering could fail, making it harder to control the vehicle and increasing the risk of a crash.
Free Fix
BMW will replace the faulty idler pulley bolt with a stronger one for free. Your dealer will do the repair, and you won't have to pay a thing.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
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.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
If the idler pulley bolt breaks, the vehicle may unexpectedly lose power-assisted steering, increasing the risk of a crash.
Original — 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 recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →
Critical #18V248000 Plain English
Component

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:TURBO/SUPERCHARGER

Manufacturer
BMW of North America, LLC
What Happened
The electric auxiliary water pump in your vehicle is a small pump that helps keep your engine cool. It's a critical part that could fail in certain 2011-2012 models, like the BMW 550i or X5 xDrive50i.
Risk if Unfixed
If the pump fails, the circuit board can overheat, which increases the risk of a fire. This is a serious issue that could put your safety at risk.
Free Fix
Your dealer will replace the faulty pump with a new one, free of charge. You'll be notified when the parts are available, and you should schedule the repair as soon as possible. In the meantime, it's recommended to park your vehicle outside until the repair 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.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →
Critical #17V138000 Plain English
Component

POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT

Manufacturer
BMW of North America, LLC
What Happened
The front driveshaft in your vehicle is like the long rod that connects the transmission to the front wheels, allowing them to turn when you steer. In some 2011-2014 X5 and X6 models, water and debris can get inside the front driveshaft's universal joint, wearing it down.
Risk if Unfixed
If the universal joint fails, your front wheels won't be driven, making it harder to steer and increasing the risk of a crash. Driving with a broken joint can also damage other parts, making the problem even worse.
Free Fix
Your BMW dealer will replace the front driveshaft with a new one at no cost to you. You should schedule the repair as soon as possible after receiving the recall notice.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
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.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
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.
Original — 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 recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →
Critical #12V267000 Plain English
Component

STEERING

Manufacturer
BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, LLC
What Happened
Your vehicle may have a problem with the steering gear in your diesel engine, which could cause power steering fluid to leak.
Risk if Unfixed
If the power steering fluid leaks, it could spray onto hot exhaust parts and increase the risk of an engine compartment fire.
Free Fix
BMW will contact you and let you know when to take your vehicle to the dealership, where they will inspect the steering gear and replace it for free if necessary.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
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.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
LEAKING POWER STEERING FLUID CAN SPRAY ONTO HOT EXHAUST PARTS, INCREASING THE RISK OF AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE.
Original — 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 recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →
Critical #12V019000 Plain English
Component

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

Manufacturer
BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, LLC
What Happened
Your vehicle's automatic transmission might not engage the parking lock properly, even if you think you've put it in 'park'.
Risk if Unfixed
If you don't use the parking brake, your vehicle could roll away, which could lead to a crash or injury.
Free Fix
We'll replace the transmission for you at no cost. You don't need to pay a thing. Just contact us to schedule the fix at 1-800-525-7417.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
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 TRANSMISSION’S PARKING LOCK MAY NOT OCCUR EVEN IF THE “P” POSITION HAS BEEN SELECTED AND IS DISPLAYED.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
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.
Original — 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 recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →
High Priority #20V016000 Plain English
Component

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Manufacturer
BMW of North America, LLC
What Happened
The passenger side airbag in your X5 or X6 is a safety device that protects you in a front-end crash. In some 2007-2012 models, the airbag's inflator could fail, causing a potentially deadly explosion.
Risk if Unfixed
If the airbag inflator explodes, sharp metal fragments could fly towards you or your passengers, causing serious injury or even death.
Free Fix
Your BMW dealer will replace the faulty airbag with a new, safer one at no cost to you. Don't drive your vehicle until this repair is done, and schedule it as soon as you get the recall notice.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
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 interim remedy parts for previous Takata recalls. These inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Original — 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.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →
High Priority #20V017000 Plain English
Component

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Manufacturer
BMW of North America, LLC
What Happened
The driver's side airbag in your vehicle has a part called an inflator module that helps it deploy properly in a crash. In some models, this part was replaced with a less reliable version that could rupture and shoot metal shards at you and your passengers, causing serious injury or death.
Risk if Unfixed
If the inflator ruptures, you could be hit by sharp metal fragments while driving, which could cause serious harm or even be fatal.
Free Fix
Your BMW dealer will replace the faulty airbag inflator with a safer one, free of charge. This repair is complimentary, and you should schedule it as soon as possible.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
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 325xi, 328i, 328xi and 328i xDrive, 2010-2011 X6 ActiveHybrid, 2007-2013 328i, 335i, 335is, M3 Coupes, X5 30si, X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 48i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i and X5 M, 2009-2013 X5 xDrive35d and 2008-2014 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6M vehicles equipped with non-desiccated driver frontal air bag inflators containing phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) that were used as interim remedy parts for previous Takata recalls. These inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Original — 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.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →
High Priority #19V017000 Plain English
Component

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Manufacturer
BMW of North America, LLC
What Happened
The airbag inflator in your vehicle is a critical safety component that deploys the passenger airbag in the event of a crash. In certain 2007-2014 models, this inflator can burst and send sharp metal fragments flying, causing serious injury or even death.
Risk if Unfixed
If the inflator explodes, metal shards could hit you or your passengers, leading to severe injuries or even fatal consequences.
Free Fix
Your BMW dealer will replace the faulty airbag inflator with a safe one at no cost to you. Don't drive your vehicle until you've scheduled this repair, and then bring it in for the fix.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
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 equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Original — 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.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →
High Priority #18V030000 Plain English
Component

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Manufacturer
BMW of North America, LLC
What Happened
Your passenger airbag is a critical safety feature designed to protect you in a front-end collision. In your 2007-2013 X5 or X6, the inflator module might be prone to explosion when deployed due to age and environmental factors.
Risk if Unfixed
If the inflator explodes, sharp metal fragments could fly towards you or other passengers, causing severe injury or even death. This is a life-threatening situation, and you should take immediate action.
Free Fix
Your BMW dealer will swap out the faulty airbag module for a new, safer one, completely free of charge. Do not drive your vehicle until the repair is done. Schedule an appointment as soon as you get the recall notice, and BMW will cover all costs.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
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), and the U.S. Virgin Islands or "Zone A." BMW is also recalling certain 2007-2010 X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i, X5 M, X5 xDrive35d, X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6M vehicles ever registered in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia or "Zone B." BMW is also recalling certain 2007-2009 X5 xDrive30i, X5 xdrive35i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i, X5 M, X5 xDrive35d, X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6M vehicles ever registered in the states of AK, CO, CT, ID, IA, ME, MA, MI, MN, MT, NH, NY, ND, OR, RI, SD, UT, VT, WA, WI, and WY or "Zone C." These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Original — 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.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →
High Priority #17V020000 Plain English
Component

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Manufacturer
BMW of North America, LLC
What Happened
The airbag module in your vehicle contains the part that inflates the passenger side airbag. Over time, this part could break apart and send sharp metal fragments flying if you're in a crash, which could cause serious injury or death.
Risk if Unfixed
If the airbag inflator ruptures in a crash, metal shards could hit you or your passengers, leading to severe injuries or even fatal consequences.
Free Fix
BMW will replace the faulty airbag module with a new, safe one – free of charge. Do not drive your vehicle until the repair is done. You'll get a second notice when the new parts are ready, and you can schedule the fix at your local BMW dealership.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
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 "Zone A." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" above, BMW is recalling certain 2009 X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i, and X5 M vehicles, 2008-2009 X6 xDrive 35i, X6 xDrive50i, X6 M, and 2009 X5 xDrive35d vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, or "Zone B." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" or "Zone B" above, BMW is recalling certain 2007-2008 X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i and X5 M vehicles, and 2008 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i, and X6 M vehicles originally sold, or ever registered in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Original — 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.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →

Browse by Component

AIR BAGS
5 recalls
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
2 recalls
POWER TRAIN
2 recalls
STEERING
1 recall

Other BMW X5 Years

2026
2 recalls
2025
4 recalls
2024
7 recalls
2023
4 recalls
2022
1 recall
2021
12 recalls
2020
11 recalls
2019
13 recalls
2018
5 recalls
2017
6 recalls
2016
5 recalls
2015
6 recalls
2014
8 recalls
2013
6 recalls
2011
14 recalls
2010
14 recalls
2009
12 recalls
2008
10 recalls
2007
8 recalls
2006
2 recalls
2005
3 recalls
2004
4 recalls
2003
3 recalls
2002
3 recalls
2001
12 recalls
2000
6 recalls

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