2010 Bmw X5 Sav problems, complaints & recalls
Most-reported problem areas: Fuel/Propulsion System (4) · Engine (4) · Steering (3)
🧭 Reliability snapshot
Compared against other Bmw X5 Sav model years — complaint volume vs the model's median year, recalls and severity. How we score →
Safety recalls (5)
Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System:emission Control:crankcase (Pcv) 2022-03-02 · campaign 22V119000 · 917,106 vehicles
Defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2013 1 Series Coupe (128i); 2007-2013 3 Series Coupe (328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive); 2007-2010 X3 SAV (X3 3.0si, X3 xDrive30i); 2008-2013 1 Series Convertible (128i); 2006-2011 3 Series Sedan (325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 330i, 330xi); 2006-2012 3 Series Wagon (328i, 328i xDrive); 2007-2013 3 Series Convertible (328i); 2006-2010 5 Series Sedan (525i, 525xi, 528i, 528xi, 530i, 530xi); 2006-2007 5 Series Wagon (530xi); 2007-2010 X5 SA
Risk: An electrical short can cause the PCV valve heater to overheat, increasing the risk of a fire while driving or, soon after driving when parked.
Fix: This recall supersedes and expands previous NHTSA recalls 17V-683 and 19V-273. Dealers will install an electrical wiring harness with fuse protection for the PCV Valve heater in potentially affected vehicles, free of charge. This recall supersedes and expands previous NHTSA recalls 17V-683 and 19V-273. Vehicles previously repaired under the prior recalls will need to come back for the new recall remedy. The remedy is currently being developed. Interim owner notification letters informing ow
Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module 2016-02-05 · campaign 16V071000 · 840,000 vehicles
Defect: 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
Risk: 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.
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.
Engine And Engine Cooling:engine 2014-04-10 · campaign 14V176000 · 156,137 vehicles
Defect: 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
Risk: If the bolts loosen or break the engine may have reduced power or stall. An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
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 to address this condition. The recall began on September 24, 2014. Owners may contact BMW at 1-800-525-7417.
Service Brakes 2013-02-07 · campaign 13V045000 · 30,265 vehicles
Defect: BMW is recalling certain model year 2007-2010 X5 SAV vehicles, manufactured September 12, 2006, through March 18, 2010 and equipped with an 8-cylinder engine. The brake vacuum pump may leak a small amount of lubricating oil into the hose. The contamination could result in a loss of power assist braking.
Risk: The loss of power assist in braking could increase stopping distance and lead to a vehicle crash.
Fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake vacuum line with one that contains a check valve, free of charge. The recall began during March 2013. Owners may call BMW at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.
Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:diesel 2012-11-27 · campaign 12V550000 · 29,800 vehicles
Defect: 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.
Risk: If the engine belt idler pulley bolt breaks, the vehicle may unexpectedly lose power-assisted steering, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
Service bulletins (8)
Technical service bulletins are repair instructions manufacturers send dealers for known issues. Unlike recalls, the fix is not automatically free — but naming the bulletin at the service desk can save diagnosis time and support goodwill repairs.
Electrical System 2026-04-23 · B611026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
while performing a 12-volt battery jump start, disconnect, or replacement, vehicle test, and/or programming procedure- the bmw footwell module (frm) may become unresponsive. as a result, one or more of the following vehicle electric system-related issues may occur: headlights including the high beam
Electrical System 2024-01-16 · B510819 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
the basic conditions for initializing the power windows are not met.
Electrical System 2024-01-11 · B611305 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
the 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 ã¢ââdischarged batteryã¢ââ complaints.
Equipment Adaptive/Mobility 2020-10-01 · B611305 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
discharged battery energy diagnosis must be performed: the 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
Service Brakes, Air:disc 2013-05-01 · SIB-34-06-12 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
bmw: warning lamps are illuminated for the dsc, abs and brake and a possible warning in control display for chassis control system failure. models 2012 f25, 30, 01, 02, 07, 10, 12, 13, e70, 71, 84. *pe
Engine 2013-05-01 · SIB-24-03-13 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
bmw: some vehicle engines may experience a delay in response to acceleration, after slowing down, due to an unfavorable software calibration. models f10, 25, 07, e70, 71. no model years listed. *pe
Showing the 6 most recent of 8 bulletins. Search all of them free at nhtsa.gov.
What owners report
2019-02-22 · Fuel/Propulsion System“this vehicle has had an open recall 18v-336 since may of 2018 . the vehicle manufacturer has yet to provide a remedy to correct this dangerous defect in the vehicle. when will a remedy be provided? it seem almost a year would be enough time to fix this defect .…”
2018-07-01 · Steering · 122,440 mi“lost power steering as car was driving approx 50 mph on garden state parkway at top of bridge over the raritan river. battery warning came on dash, car lost power and then stopped. no collision or injury. car was towed and repaired by c&t towing and auto repair, rahway nj. damage observed was partially melted idler pulley and shredded drive belt. …”
2017-12-13 · Fuel/Propulsion System · 84,000 mi“repairing the twin-turbo in my car again in less than a year. last year the hoses were all replaced this year the dealer says one of the two turbo units in the vehicle needs to be replaced (smaller one). the car is doing the same thing it did last year losing power and making it dangerous to drive in traffic. if i am at a light, it takes about half…”
2017-07-18 · Fuel System, Gasoline“tl* the contact owns a 2010 bmw x5. the contact received a recall notification for nhtsa campaign numbers: 16v071000 (air bags) and 16v071000 (air bags); however, the parts to do the repair were unavailable. the contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. the dealer (critz bmw of savannah, georgi…”
2017-01-09 · Air Bags · 85,000 mi“takata recall as stated in the notice, "if the manufacturer has failed or is unable to remedy this safety recall for your vehicle in a timely manner...file an online complaint with nhtsa." the recall is coming up on a one-year anniversary. alternative transportation is not available, and now have a teenage driver with learner's permit, in…”
2016-12-19 · Fuel System, Diesel · 66,000 mi“a known defect of an engine compartment partition/seal caused outside water to enter the engine compartment. the water drips and accumulates over the last fuel injectors, leading to an eventual short. when the short occurs, the vehicle looses all power. the engine shuts off preventing acceleration, power steering no longer functional, power brakes …”
2016-11-18 · Seats“i am the owner of the bmw x5 2010 with sport seat, i hardly seat any passenger in there, and a couple months ago the passenger seat trigger the screen to show message of restrain airbag error on screen, however i though this have something to do with the airbag recall, i diagnose my car with my mechanic, the conclusion was the "seat mat sensor pass…”
2016-09-18 · Air Bags · 150,000 mi“takata inflators/air bags - except for receiving a couple generic letters about the recall absolutely nothing seems to be happening to expediently resolve the issue. seems like lawyers have done the paperwork to comply with recall but the process is in stall mode now and nothing is being done? it would be nice if there was some accountability to…”
2016-08-19 · Fuel/Propulsion System · 80,000 mi“i had the fuel heater replaced and battery on my bmw x5-35d a couple of months ago at considerable cost. the engine was also throwing the fuel heater activation code. i have documentation of the repair. i have recently learned of recall 13v-339 that covers this part for this exact reason with a build date window mere weeks from the build date of…”
2016-04-28 · Fuel/Propulsion System“the fuel filter heater was recalled (recall no. 13v-339). we had to have our fuel filter heater replaced and was not covered under warranty because the recall was for vehicles produced from 6/2009 - 11/2009 and our car was produced in 12/2009. we had our fuel filter heater replaced because we had a check engine light on and when we took to deale…”
Excerpts of consumer complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly truncated. They are owner statements, not verified findings.