Representative model. Photo: IFCAR, Wikimedia Commons, Public domain

Recalls & complaints · NHTSA data

2011 BMW X5 recalls

Every recall campaign and owner complaint NHTSA has on file for the 2011 model year. Not every vehicle is affected by every campaign: check a specific car by VIN below.

Recall campaigns: 18
Park-it warnings: 4
Complaints: 331
Latest campaign: Oct 20, 2023

Recall summary by component18

NHTSA Recalls API · cached ≤24 h

Component	Campaigns	Park‑it	Latest	Campaign IDs
Engine and engine cooling	7	–	Oct 20, 2023	23V707000 18V336000 18V248000 17V683000 14V176000 11V521000 11V332000
Air bags	6	4	Jan 15, 2020	20V016000 20V017000 19V017000 18V030000 16V364000 16V071000
Power train	2	–	Mar 2, 2017	17V138000 16V311000
Fuel system, gasoline	1	–	Oct 17, 2016	16V746000
Steering	1	–	Nov 27, 2012	12V550000
Equipment	1	–	Jun 2, 2010	10V233000

Safety recalls18

NHTSA Recalls API · cached ≤24 h

4Park-it warnings

0Fixable over the air

Oct 20, 2023Latest campaign


Oct 20, 202323V707000	Engine and engine cooling: engine Loose or broken VANOS unit bolts can result in an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash. DetailsHide details for campaign 23V707000 What's wrong BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2010-2012 1 Series Coupe, 1 Series Convertible, 3 Series Sedan, 3 Series Convertible, 2010-2011 3 Series Sportswagon, 3 Series Coupe, 5 Series Sedan, X3 xDrive 28i, X3 xDrive 30i, X5 xDrive30i, and Z4 sDrive30i vehicles. The aluminum bolts that secure the housing for the variable camshaft timing adjustment (VANOS) unit can loosen over time and possibly break. Risk Loose or broken VANOS unit bolts can result in an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash. Remedy Dealers will replace the four VANOS bolts, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk are expected to be mailed December 18, 2023. Owner notification letters were mailed June 19, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. Filed under X5 Campaign NHTSA 23V707000 · Oct 20, 2023
Jan 15, 202020V016000	Air bags: frontal passenger side An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death. Do not drive until repaired DetailsHide details for campaign 20V016000 What's wrong 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. Risk 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 service at 1-800-525-7417. Filed under X5 Campaign NHTSA 20V016000 · Jan 15, 2020
Jan 15, 202020V017000	Air bags: frontal driver side An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death. DetailsHide details for campaign 20V017000 What's wrong 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. Risk 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 BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. Filed under X5 Campaign NHTSA 20V017000 · Jan 15, 2020
Jan 14, 201919V017000	Air bags: frontal passenger side An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death. Do not drive until repaired DetailsHide details for campaign 19V017000 What's wrong 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. Risk 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 customer service at 1-800-525-7417. Filed under X5 Campaign NHTSA 19V017000 · Jan 14, 2019
May 23, 201818V336000	Engine and engine cooling: engine If the idler pulley bolt breaks, the vehicle may unexpectedly lose power-assisted steering, increasing the risk of a crash. DetailsHide details for campaign 18V336000 What's wrong 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. Risk 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. Filed under X5 Campaign NHTSA 18V336000 · May 23, 2018
Apr 18, 201818V248000	Engine and engine cooling: engine gasoline If the circuit board were to overheat, it can increase the risk of a fire. DetailsHide details for campaign 18V248000 What's wrong 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. Risk 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 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. Filed under X5, X5 M Campaign NHTSA 18V248000 · Apr 18, 2018

Merged from NHTSA model names: X5, X5 M, X5 Diesel Sav, X5 Sav. Not every vehicle of a model year is affected by every campaign.

To see whether a recall is still open on your car, enter the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or the BMW recall lookup. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer (federal law; see limits).

Buying a used 2011 BMW X5? Recalls cover the model; a history report checks one car's title, odometer and accident records. VinAudit history report → Sponsored · disclosure

Owner complaints by component331

NHTSA Complaints API · cached ≤24 h

331Complaints filed

6Involving a crash

15Involving a fire

6Injuries reported

Component	Complaints	%	Crashes	Fires	Injuries
Engine	138	42	0	8	3
Air bags	80	24	2	1	1
Power train	70	21	1	1	1
Fuel/propulsion system	52	16	1	3	0
Unknown or other	28	8	0	3	0
Electrical system	23	7	0	4	0
Steering	21	6	2	0	2
Engine and engine cooling	11	3	0	0	0
Vehicle speed control	9	3	0	0	0
Service brakes	8	2	1	0	0
Fuel system	7	2	0	1	0
Gasoline	7	2	0	1	0
Exterior lighting	6	2	1	1	0
Structure	6	2	1	0	0
Seat belts	5	2	0	0	0

11 more components with fewer complaints not shown. An owner can tag several components, so percentages add up to more than 100. Complaints are unverified owner reports, de-duplicated by NHTSA ODI number, merged from NHTSA model names X5, X5 Sav, X5 XDRIVE35D, X5 XDRIVE35I, X5 XDRIVE50I.

Latest reports

Engine
“There's currently an open recall for a number of BMW engines involving aluminum bolts in the vanos assembly that shear, strip, and break off completely.”
Filed 05/09/2026 · ODI 11736796
Electrical system
“The comfort access door handle, got so hot it started to melt the plastic exterior handle and produce a lot of smoke would have caught fire if i didn't turn off car and disconnect electrical signal to the cas handle”
Filed 07/21/2025 · ODI 11675041
Electrical system
“The contact owns a 2011 BMW X5. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was towed to an unknown dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired.”
Filed 05/27/2025 · ODI 11663129

Other BMW X5 model years

All years: 2026 · 2025 · 2024 · 2023 · 2022 · 2021 · 2020 · 2019 · 2018 · 2017 · 2016 · 2015 · 2014 · 2013 · 2012 · 2011 · 2010 · 2009 · 2008 · 2007 · 2006 · 2005 · 2004 · 2003 · 2002 · 2001 · 2000

Other BMW models

All BMW models and years →

2011 BMW X5 recall questions

How many recalls does the 2011 BMW X5 have?

NHTSA lists 18 safety recall campaigns for the 2011 BMW X5. The most recent, 23V707000 (reported October 20, 2023), concerns engine and engine cooling. 4 campaigns carry a park-it or park-outside warning. Not every vehicle is covered by every campaign; check a specific car by VIN.

What are the 2011 BMW X5 recalls for?

The largest group is engine and engine cooling, with 7 campaigns. Others: air bags (6), power train (2), fuel system, gasoline (1). Each campaign below lists the defect, the risk and the free remedy.

What is the most common complaint about the 2011 BMW X5?

Engine is the most-reported component, named in 138 complaints out of 331 filed with NHTSA (42%). Across all complaints, owners reported 6 crashs and 15 fires. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

How do I check if a recall is open on my 2011 BMW X5?

Enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or the BMW recall lookup. That shows campaigns still unrepaired on that exact car. Safety recall repairs are free at a franchised BMW dealer.

Check a specific BMW by VIN

Free · No signup · US-market vehicles, 1981+

Need the factory options too? See the BMW build sheet & window sticker guide.