2011 BMW X5 Diesel SAV Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 3about this part
- Share
- 7%of 44 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 120,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 3 complaints about the steering of the 2011 BMW X5 Diesel SAV, 7% of the 44 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 120,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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. …”
NHTSA complaint #11083309, filed 2018-04, 120,000 miles“When making a right hand turn the steering wheel locked and the steering wheel could not be turned, I crashed into a tree, sustaining minor injuries. Please note the Bmw assist did not work properly either! It turned on but I was placed on hold leaving the assist on hold permanently and could not turn it off or reset it. They also never called for help.”
NHTSA complaint #10487961, filed 2012-12, 23,000 miles“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. …”
NHTSA complaint #11111406, filed 2018-07, 134,133 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10142929Jan 1, 2018CRACKING 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…
Steering: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2011 | 3 | 7% |
Other parts of the 2011 BMW X5 Diesel SAV
18 complaintsAir bags
10 complaintsFuel system
9 complaintsOther or unknown
5 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
5 complaintsElectrical system
2 complaintsBody and structure
2 complaintsWheels
2 complaintsBrakes
1 complaintsSuspension
1 complaintsTires
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2011 BMW X5 Diesel SAV
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology