2011 BMW X5 Diesel Sav
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › BMW › X5 Diesel Sav › 2011
These records cover every 2011 BMW X5 Diesel Sav. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
2 recalls name the 2011 BMW X5 Diesel Sav. Newest first.
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2011 X5 xDrive 35i, xDrive50i, X5 M, X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i, and X6 M vehicles manufactured April 5, 2010, to November 20, 2010, 2011 X5 xDrive35d diesel vehicles manufactured April 7, 2010, to November 20, 2010, and 2011 X6 Active Hybrid vehicles manufactured April 15, 2010, to November…
Risk and remedy
Risk
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 July 8, 2016. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
BMW IS recalling certain model year 2011, X5 diesel sports activity vehicles (sav) manufactured from march 31, 2011, through may 19, 2011. due to a component manufacturing error at the supplier, the welds in the belt tensioner could have incipient cracks. over time, this could lead a malfunction of the belt tensioner.
Risk and remedy
Risk
If the belt tensioner fails, there could be a sudden loss of power steering assistance, if power steering assist IS lost, manual steering capability IS still retained and could increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the engine belt tensioner free of charge. the safety recall IS expected to begin during august 2011. owners may contact BMW customer relations and services at 1-800-525-7417, or via email at customerrelations@bmwusa.com.
Owner complaints
44 complaints1 involved a crash2 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Engine · Power train
My wife was driving on the expressway with speed limit of 50 miles / per hour. Suddenly the car showed "engine malfuction - power reduced" and she couldn't keep the speed and car starting losing speed and dropped to 10 miles / hour, she had to pull off the road to avoid the danger of being hit by…
My wife was driving on the expressway with speed limit of 50 miles / per hour. Suddenly the car showed "engine malfuction - power reduced" and she couldn't keep the speed and car starting losing speed and dropped to 10 miles / hour, she had to pull off the road to avoid the danger of being hit by other cars on the busy expressway. After she pullled over and called me, I drove to the place where she parked the car and used a code reader to found some error code "47C4", but after restarted car, car seemed ok. I dropped the car at BMW mountain view dealer and they found the "low pressure egr" was bad and needed to be replaced with a cost of $1800. We feel this IS very danger to happen to any car because such an failure it's not safe to us and also to other drivers. This should be recalled!
- Air bags
The passenger restraint light IS on. Dealer reports there IS a fault stored for the passenger side seat mat. I understand that BMW has had recalls for this problem in previous model years.
- Engine
The issue started with exhaust fume in the cabin for 2-3 days. Followed by air leaking sound from the engine bay on low rpm. Vehicle went in and out of limp mode (getting "engine malfunctioned / reduced power" message) while driving which was very dangerous on highway or merging into traffic. Dealer found out that the egr cooler was cracked.
- Engine
Check engine light triggered . Two issues: - the dealer diagnosed a problem with the sensor in the diesel-exhaust-fluid passive tank. The sensor IS built into the tank, so the entire tank needs to be replaced. The vehicle IS no longer under the original warranty and there IS no warranty…
Check engine light triggered . Two issues: - the dealer diagnosed a problem with the sensor in the diesel-exhaust-fluid passive tank. The sensor IS built into the tank, so the entire tank needs to be replaced. The vehicle IS no longer under the original warranty and there IS no warranty extension on this part. - the egr cooler, which IS specific to diesel engine powered bmws has a crack. This cooler IS needed to cool the temperature of the air moving through the egr valve. This part IS not considered part of the emissions system, so not covered. There IS no warranty extension either on this part.
- Fuel/propulsion system
Leaking egr cooler. Dealer stated that if issue IS not repaired a potential fire hazard exists. A recall was issued for vin specific vehicles but others with the same issue are not covered by the recall.
- Structure › Body
Sunroof drain line twisting causes water to back-up into the passenger compartment and cause electrical faults as confirmed by former BMW franchisee mechanic and as noted widely throughout bwm owner forums. This known issue for model has no repair option other than cutting into a pillar to replace…
Sunroof drain line twisting causes water to back-up into the passenger compartment and cause electrical faults as confirmed by former BMW franchisee mechanic and as noted widely throughout bwm owner forums. This known issue for model has no repair option other than cutting into a pillar to replace defective (self kinking) line. Vehicle stationary in the rain at time of harmful water intrusion. Fault codes occurred at ignition. Floorboards filled with water. Mildew occurred in carpets. Extension to warranty warranted (like defective nox sensors).
- Engine · Fuel/propulsion system
2016, march 03 - diesel exhaust fumes in cabin. mag BMW dealer replaced faulty: intake temp sensor fault # 004bc6 and fuel presuply line: faults #004bda and 004bdc. scr tank fault 0046f9 was not repaired by BMW.
- Engine · Fuel/propulsion system
2017 july - diesel exhaust fumes in cabin. Mag BMW dealer replaced faulty egr cooler and egr valve second time.
- Engine · Fuel/propulsion system
2017 dec - diesel exhaust fumes in cabin. Mag BMW dealer replaced egr pre-cooler, and intake turbo line.
- Fuel/propulsion system
2018 march - diesel exhaust fumes in cabin. Mag BMW dealer replaced intake turbo line, second time.
- Fuel/propulsion system
2018 dec 14 - diesel exhaust fumes in cabin. Mag BMW dealer found faulty intake manifold and oil turbo line.
- Electrical system
While driving the vehicle on a local road at 40 mph in a straight line, there was a loud, very short lived noise in the engine and I immediately lost power steering. my serpentine belt failed and I limped home without power steering, battery charging, etc.... upon inspection by my local…
While driving the vehicle on a local road at 40 mph in a straight line, there was a loud, very short lived noise in the engine and I immediately lost power steering. my serpentine belt failed and I limped home without power steering, battery charging, etc.... upon inspection by my local mechanic (not a BMW service center), the reason for the serpentine belt system failing was the alternator idler pulley bolt had failed in the block. he had to take out the condenser, radiator, etc. In order to drill the bolt out. the bolt sheared inside the engine block and had to be drilled out. this IS the bolt for which there was a past recall and my mechanic has been having difficulty getting a replacement bolt from BMW for 2 days now. I had not received any notice from BMW about this potentially serious defect and how the past recall had not effectively corrected the problem. I discovered the problem yesterday when I was searching BMW fora to see why BMW was asking my mechanic for details about the bolt when he was trying to order a replacement and still has not offered to ship the bolt to my mechanic.
- Engine
TL* the contact owns a 2011 BMW X5. The contact received a recall notification for nhtsa campaign number: 18v336000 (engine and engine cooling) and stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time to repair the vehicle. The dealer (century BMW, 2934 laurence road, greenville, sc…
TL* the contact owns a 2011 BMW X5. The contact received a recall notification for nhtsa campaign number: 18v336000 (engine and engine cooling) and stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time to repair the vehicle. The dealer (century BMW, 2934 laurence road, greenville, sc 29607) confirmed that parts were not available to perform the recall repairs. In addition, the contact stated that the engine belt idler pulley bolt fractured. The vehicle was towed to the dealer (century BMW, 2934 laurence road, greenville, sc 29607) and was awaiting repairs. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown. Vin tool confirms parts not available.
- Fuel/propulsion system
Dtc p20ee: fault for fuel filter heater (replace heater). similar recall to 2009 diesel X5 faulty fuel filter heater, which could remain on after engine was shut off leading to a potential fire.
- Power train · Suspension
1. "Idler pulley bolt failed" - while driving on the freeway, the pulley bolt failed. when this happened, I lost power to the steering wheel and the message "charging malfunction" appeared. I opened the hood and pulled out the broken belts. the car had to be towed to the garage and it cost me…
1. "Idler pulley bolt failed" - while driving on the freeway, the pulley bolt failed. when this happened, I lost power to the steering wheel and the message "charging malfunction" appeared. I opened the hood and pulled out the broken belts. the car had to be towed to the garage and it cost me roughly $900 to fix + the towing fee. 2. Car had rattle sounds. I had to have the "stabilizer bar/control arm/shock n strut assembly" replaced at 75,141 miles.......
- Steering
Idler pulley bolt broke for second time in 5 months. in february, first occurrence, car was stationary. Car was repaired under recall by local mechanic. Second occurrence on june 29, car was in motion entering a traffic rotary. bolt audibly snapped just prior to entering rotary. all power…
Idler pulley bolt broke for second time in 5 months. in february, first occurrence, car was stationary. Car was repaired under recall by local mechanic. Second occurrence on june 29, car was in motion entering a traffic rotary. bolt audibly snapped just prior to entering rotary. all power steering was lost. car was safely navigated through rotary and 1/4 mile down road to a safe parking spot. car repaired at dealer with knowledge the replacement bolt was the same faulty bolt. New recall currently under development, but no fix available. the bolt that broke in february 2018 was the replacement bolt installed during the original recall in 2012. it was replaced before it failed. nhtsa campaign number 12v550000 nhtsa campaign number 18v336000
- Unknown or other
Takata recall: restraint system malfunction. Error message says fault in passenger restraint system affecting the the airbag, belt tensioner or belt force limiter. happened a few days after the recall on airbags and drive shaft was performed at the dealership. They only replaced the driver side…
Takata recall: restraint system malfunction. Error message says fault in passenger restraint system affecting the the airbag, belt tensioner or belt force limiter. happened a few days after the recall on airbags and drive shaft was performed at the dealership. They only replaced the driver side airbags even thiughnit was advised that passaenger might be affected. I was told that for this particular vin passenger side was not affected. If not then why am I not getting this error message?? I feel highly unsafe traveling in the vehicle with my children as passenger in the car now. I was told by the dealership that that repairs do not fall under the recall purview and therefore will require a diagnostic fee to figure out what actually may be the issue and then I will have to pay the cause to further rectify what ever may the cause. I have never been in a crash or accident in this car that affect any thing of this sort with car so this IS highly dosappojnting!!!
- Electrical system · Power train · Steering
Per nhtsa campaign ID number: 12v550000 a replacement of the idler pulley bolt recall was conducted due to grave public safety concerns. I consulted both BMW of north america and my local dealership about this repair, and of course I am told the only recall outstanding for my vehicle IS related to…
Per nhtsa campaign ID number: 12v550000 a replacement of the idler pulley bolt recall was conducted due to grave public safety concerns. I consulted both BMW of north america and my local dealership about this repair, and of course I am told the only recall outstanding for my vehicle IS related to airbags and this fix was already implemented. Attached to this safety report IS a diagram of the crankcase pulley design. Item '2' in the attached diagram was the part replaced to correct the issue.despite this 'fix' I have recently experienced a complete loss of steering and electric power at highway speeds, in excess of 70 mph, as well as the engine operating at or above normal range. This of course IS due to the fact that the primary crankcase pulley affects all of these systems instantly if this rotating mass comes to a halt. Initial thoughts and inspection one would assume a loose, slipping serpentine belt or tensioner pulley being the fault for the instant multiple system failures, however further inspection reveals a complete failure of the 'vibration' damper pulley. the torque from this diesel engine shreds this rubber pulley, completely ripping it off its metal sleeve, despite the reinforcement of the hardened steel 'bolt' replacement. in all my days of owning a vehicle, I have never heard of such 'maintenance' repair work of replacing the primary crankcase pulley as it IS seen by the manufacturer as a 'wear and tear' item. in my experience, replacing the crankcase pulley was deliberate to gain an edge at the drag strip, not for my families safety.
- Engine · Unknown or other
Engine malfunction light reduced power to engine in the city while at light. Also you can hear a flapping sound coming from front of vehicle. dealer reports after diagnostic that the exhaust cooler IS cracked. previously the car was serviced for metering valve leak which was under scr extended warranty and front drive shaft recall with bushing replacement with was covered under extended warranty.
- Unknown or other
The vehicle emission system IS clogging up due to the diesel emissions set up in the BMW diesel engines. Where most car manufacturers emission warrenties are 80-85kmi BMW IS 70kmi. Even though there are numerous complaints BMW IS not doing anything unless your willing to pay $$$$$$. The #1…
The vehicle emission system IS clogging up due to the diesel emissions set up in the BMW diesel engines. Where most car manufacturers emission warrenties are 80-85kmi BMW IS 70kmi. Even though there are numerous complaints BMW IS not doing anything unless your willing to pay $$$$$$. The #1 problem IS the egr cooler.,causing some people to install aftermarket [illegal] kits to avoid these problems.the vehicle runs almost normal but it suffers in fuel economy.
- Air bags
Recall has been in affect since may 2016 and I still have not received a passenger air bag may 25, 2016 | recall campaign no. 16V-364. I've been to two local dealerships and added my name to a list but nothing.
- Air bags
I have received several letters about the airbag recall in the past year a couple of months ago jackie cooper of edmond ok said they had the part I took my X5D in for 3 days but when I picked it up they had not replaced either airbag. I received another notice parts are available but the dealership says they only have the drivers side bag parts!
- Engine
Engine drive belt idler pulley bolt snapped while vehicle was idling. Lost power steering, water pump, and alternator due to drive belt being disconnected. this bolt was replaced as part of recall campaign #12v550. However, the recalled part has now failed, and there are many online reports of…
Engine drive belt idler pulley bolt snapped while vehicle was idling. Lost power steering, water pump, and alternator due to drive belt being disconnected. this bolt was replaced as part of recall campaign #12v550. However, the recalled part has now failed, and there are many online reports of failures of the new recalled part. Part was replaced according to the dealer at 13,000 miles, and subsequent failure occurred at 77,000.
- Engine
TL* the contact owns a 2011 BMW X5. While driving or idling, there was an abnormal odor inside the cabin of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the egr cooler fractured, which caused the exhaust odor to enter the cabin of the vehicle. BMW of…
TL* the contact owns a 2011 BMW X5. While driving or idling, there was an abnormal odor inside the cabin of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the egr cooler fractured, which caused the exhaust odor to enter the cabin of the vehicle. BMW of sterling (21710 auto world cir, sterling, va 20166, (571) 434-1944) was contacted, but was unable to locate the fracture. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 77,000.
- Engine
I received an engine malfunction reduced power warning on my vehicle. When this happens I loss power an cannot go over 20 mph. I was on the highway when this happened .i took it to the dealer and found out that it was an egr and vacuum line problem. Doing a simple search on the web thousands of…
I received an engine malfunction reduced power warning on my vehicle. When this happens I loss power an cannot go over 20 mph. I was on the highway when this happened .i took it to the dealer and found out that it was an egr and vacuum line problem. Doing a simple search on the web thousands of other X5 diesel owners are experiencing the same issue. I contacted BMW north america told them of the issue, after a week they got back to me and said the parts were not covered even though they get many complaints.
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- 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…
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 the remedy and expands the scope of a prior BMW recall (12V-550) which addressed idle pulley bolt failure in approximately 29,800 MY 2009 through 2012 BMW X5 xDrive35d vehicles built from September 1, 2008 through November 15, 2012. BMW's analysis indicates that due to a number of contributing factors it is possible that the bolt's pre-stressing force could drop to an extent that it results in the bolt becoming loosened over time. A loosening of the bolt could cause additional bending stress on top of the bolt. As a result, the bolt could break. If this were to happen, then a sudden loss of power steering assist could occur.If there were a loss of power steering assist, manual steering capability would be retained, although the effort required to steer the vehicle would be greater, and therefore may increase the risk of crash.ODI's analysis of the complaints it has received from the public (VOQ's) and BMW complaint data submitted in response to the information request letter for RQ18-001 identified a total of 93 unique VIN reports alleging failure of the idler pulley bolt after recall 12V-550 was completed on the vehicle, including 31 VOQ's and 72 BMW consumer complaints (5 complaints received by NHTSA and BMW, 3 unique VIN's submitted multiple complaints to BMW, and 1 unique VIN submitted multiple complaints to NHTSA).BMW is developing a new idler pulley fastening system as the remedy for 18V-336.The remedy is planned to begin in February 2019.Based on BMW's safety recall, this recall query is closed.The 31 VOQ's referenced in this resume are: 10499780, 10559422, 10579534, 10655424, 10661614, 10702323, 10819617, 10903433, 10948014, 10984353, 11002447, 11010667, 11013643, 11041551, 11054759, 11054909, 11066063, 11083479, 11097562, 11098865, 11113332, 11128649, 11130277, 10552773, 10817406, 10937632, 10956710, 11032006, 11042259, 11063010, 11091513.
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10249437The basic conditions for initializing the power windows are not met.
- 10249027The 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 discharged battery complaints.
- 10215024The engine?s intake charge-air duct limited warranty extension to 10 years/120,000 miles applies to ?eligible USspecification
- 10145320CONNECTEDDRIVE/BMW ASSIST SYSTEM DIAGNOSIS INFORMATION: ConnectedDrive/BMW Assist features are partially or completely inoperative.
- 10145306NAVIGATION SYSTEM: REPORTING MISSING OR INCORRECT ROAD MAP DATA: The route guidance is inaccurate and therefore irritating to the customer; or it is not possible to locate certain addresses, for instance:
- 10143566DOOR CANNOT BE OPENED WITH COMFORT ACCESS: One or more doors are unable to be opened from the outside of the vehicle using the Comfort Access System.
- 10143564NAVIGATION SYSTEM: REPORTING MISSING OR INCORRECT ROAD MAP DATA: The route guidance is inaccurate and therefore irritating to the customer; or it is not possible to locate certain addresses, for instance:
- 10142945Bluetooth Connection Failures: There are various connectivity failures with the following devices: Apple iPhones: Samsung S6 and the S6 Edge.
- 10142943Side View Camera Does Not Display Picture.
- 10142929CRACKING NOISES FROM THE FRONT AXLE AREA WHILE TURNING THE WHEELS, WHEN STATIONARY OR PARKING: Cracking noises are heard from the front axle area while maneuvering at low speeds (e.g., parking lot maneuvers) or when turning the steering wheel while stationary.
- 10138386Cracking noises from the front axle area while turning the wheels, when stationary or parking
- 10138381INDIVIDUAL DRIVING CYCLES FOR OBD2 READINESS CODES (M57Y): One or more OBD readiness codes are not set to ready during a state emissions inspection, with a hand-held scan tool or during an ISTA/D diagnostic session.
- 10136745ConnectedDrive/BMW Assist System Diagnosis Information
- 10136718Diagnosing selective catalyst reduction (scr) efficiency faults: the service engine soon light is on.
- 10136352BMW Maintenance Program: 12-Volt Battery Replacement Measure: This bulletin outlines a customer satisfaction measure that has been designed exclusively for the BMW vehicles listed above.
- 10135021N63, N63TU, S63 and S63TU Engines: Oil Leak from the Rear: Customer complains that engine oil is leaking from the center of the vehicle. When verified, the engine oil residue can be seen leaking from between the engine and the transmission bell housing.
- 10135019Engine Oil Quick Reference Chart and Drain Plug Torque: The current version of ISTA/D has an error in the engine oil capacity specification for all vehicles with the N63R engine and xDrive.
- 10041408BMW: changes have been made to the vehicles display elements of the tire pressure monitor system.
- 10041395BMW: there may be multiple electrical malfunctions such as: high-beam headlight switches on when using the one-touch directional. Turn signal indicator works only when the high-beam headlight IS on. Turn signal indicator cannot be switched off. Glove compartment button IS not working. Interior light dimming IS inoperative. Horn IS not working. Central locking for fuel filler door IS inoperative.