2012 BMW X5 Sav recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-18. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
4 safety recalls, most serious first
1. Airbags
What's wrong, in plain English: The airbag system — the part that is supposed to protect you in a crash. 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, 2013-2015 X1 sDriv…
What could happen: 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.
The fix: 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.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2012 X5 SAV.
- Book a repair at any authorized BMW dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 16V071000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Manufacturer hotline: 1-800-525-7417.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Summary: 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, 2013-2015 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i and X1 xDrive35i SAVs, 2007-2010 X3 xDrive30i SAVs, 2007-2013 X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i and X5 M SAVs, 2009-2013 BMW X5 xDrive35d SAVs, 2008-2014 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i, and X6 M SACs, 2010-2011 BMW X6 xDrive50i SACs and 2008-2011 M3 Sedan vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.
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.
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.
Notes: Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
2. Engine
What's wrong, in plain English: Engine problems range from stalling to fire. 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.
What could happen: If the bolts loosen or break the engine may have reduced power or stall. An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: 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…
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2012 X5 SAV.
- Book a repair at any authorized BMW dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 14V176000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Manufacturer hotline: 1-800-525-7417.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
Summary: 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.
Consequence: If the bolts loosen or break the engine may have reduced power or stall. An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
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.
Notes: Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
3. Steering
What's wrong, in plain English: If steering fails you can lose control of the car. The engine belt idler pulley bolt could loosen and break over time.
What could happen: If the engine belt idler pulley bolt breaks, the vehicle may unexpectedly lose power-assisted steering, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: 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.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2012 X5 SAV.
- Book a repair at any authorized BMW dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 12V550000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Manufacturer hotline: 1-800-525-7417.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
Summary: 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.
Notes: Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
4. Fuel system
What's wrong, in plain English: Fuel lines, tank or pump. Fuel problems usually mean a leak, and leaks mean fire risk.
What could happen: THIS COULD LEAD TO A SMOLDERING OF THE PUMP OR AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT OR VEHICLE FIRE.
The fix: 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.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2012 X5 SAV.
- Book a repair at any authorized BMW dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 12V161000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Manufacturer hotline: 1-800-525-7417.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:OTHER FUEL TYPES:TURBO/SUPERCHARGER
Summary: 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.
Notes: THIS RECALL IS AN EXPANSION OF SAFETY RECALL 11V521. CUSTOMERS MAY CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153); OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.
Useful for owners
- OBD2 code reader — see what the car's computer is reporting
- Compact car fire extinguisher
- 2012 BMW X5 Sav owner's manual
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Transmission / drivetrain (9), Engine (6), Fuel system (3), Airbags (3), Steering (3).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (8)
03/16/2019 · Engine
EXPERIENCE GLYCOL-LEAKAGE FROM THE EGR (EXHAUST-GAS-RECIRCULATION) VALVE CAN OCCUR. IN COMBINATION WITH TYPICAL SOOT DEPOSITS AND THE HIGH TEMPERATURES NORMALLY PRESENT IN THE EGR MODULE THIS MIGHT RESULT IN SMOLDERING PARTICLES. THIS COULD LEAD TO THE MELTING OF THE INTAKE MANIFOLD AND IN EXTREMELY RARE CASES RESULT IN A FIRE. BMW EXTENDED A RECALL TO EURO…
07/24/2018 · Fuel system
I AM WRITING THIS LETTER TO SEEK HELPS ON MY 2012 BMW X5 35D (VIN#: [XXX]). I HAVE EXPERIENCED DIESEL SMELL IN THE CABIN IN THE LAST COUPLE OF MONTHS AND I GOT ENGINE CHECK LIGHT CAME ON LAST WEEK. WE CHECKED THE CODE IT SAYING THE EGR COOLER IS BAD AND EGR VALVE IS NOT OPERATING. I WANT TO KNOW IS THERE ANY RECALL OR CAMPAIGN REGARDING THIS PART. THIS IS A…
03/30/2018 · Transmission / drivetrain
THE AGENT OF BMW OF TENAFLY SAID THERE IS SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE NEED TO FIX, THE PROBLEM THEY CALL IT: FAULTY TRANSFER CASE AND EMF UNIT FAULTS FOR EMF AND TRANSFER CASE CONNECTED BATTERY CHARGER. THE SYSTEM MAY STOP WORKING SUDDENLY AND CAUSE THE VEHICLE TRANSFER POWER TO WHEELS AND ROLL OVER.
12/21/2017 · Engine
WHILE DRIVING MY CAR FOR APPROXIMATELY 3 MINUTES ENGINE SEIZED WITHOUT WARNING. I COASTED ON TO THE SHOULDER OF THE ROAD AND PUT IT IN NEUTRAL AND TRIED TO START IT.... NOTHING. OIL LEVEL WAS GOOD . I HAD IT TOWED TO BMW DEALER AND THEY TOLD ME ENGINE WAS LOCKED UP BUT COULDN'T TELL ME WHY. I JUST HAD RECALL WORK DONE ABOUT A MONTH OR TWO AGO AT THE SAME B…
10/26/2017 · Transmission / drivetrain
MY WIFE & I PURCHASED THIS 2012X5 2 YEARS AGO,LAST YEAR THE VEHICLE WAS BEING DRIVEN OFF THE DRIVEWAY WHERE THERE WAS A LOUD SNAP&BAN. THE CAR DIDN'T MOVE. WE CALLED A TOW AND HAD IT BROUGHT TO JUPITER BMW FL .WE FOUND OUT THAT THE DRIVE SHAFT SNAPPED. MILEAGE WAS 45-48K MILES. WE CALLED BMW NA IT WAS A WARRANTY RECALL PART AND THE DEALER STATED IT WAS REP…
08/10/2017 · Transmission / drivetrain
TRANSFER CASE PROBLEM. BOUGHT THE CAR NEW, AFTER THE 2ND YEAR FELT VIBRATION /SHUDDERS WHEN MAKING TURNS FROM A STOP OR LOW SPEED. DEALER REPLACED FRONT BRAKE ROTORS, CHANGED FRONT WHEELS. STILL SAME ISSUE END UP CHANGING 4 NEW TYRES AFTER A YEAR. UP UNTIL 2016 CHANGED AGAIN FRONT AND REAR BRAKE WHOLE SYSTEMS, FRONT DRIVE SHAFT REPLACED DUE TO SAFETY RECALL…
06/30/2017 · Steering
MY WIFE WAS DRIVING MY VEHICLE TO GET CAR WASH. ALL OF A SUDDEN SHE LOST POWER STEERING AND THE CAR BATTERY WARNING CAME ON. THE IDLER PULLEY BOLT SNAPPED. LUCKILY MY WIFE DID NOT CRASH. SHE WAS DRIVING 60MPH AND LOST POWER STEERING. SHE IS PREGNANT AND HAD 2 KIDS IN CAR. NOW I'VE REPLACED THIS BOLT AGAIN. I PUT PURCHASED A NEW IDLER PULLEY BOLT WITH LOC T…
04/03/2017 · Fuel system
MY FUEL PUMP HAS BEEN FAILING TO CREATE THE CORRECT AMOUNT OF PRESSURE IN THE FUEL LINE, ON AND OFF, FOR SEVERAL MONTHS, RESULTING IN THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY OPERATING AT "REDUCED POWER" WHEN DRIVING. THIS THEN CAUSES ME A SAFETY ISSUE AS I CAN NO LONGER MAINTAIN PROPER SPEEDS, ESPECIALLY WHEN ON THE HIGHWAY. IT ALSO CAUSES ME TO HAVE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE SE…