2010 BMW X5 SAV Problems
- Complaints
- 19filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 64,000miles, 14 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 5campaigns on record
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2010 BMW X5 SAV (complaints, recalls, investigations). Report an error
NHTSA recorded 19 consumer complaints for the 2010 BMW X5 SAV. The part named most often is engine, with 8 complaints (42% of the total), followed by fuel system (6) and air bags (4). 14 of the complaints include a mileage, and 43% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 64,000 miles. Of all complaints, 1 a fire, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns and 8 technical service bulletins for this model year. Engine complaints overlap with 2 technical service bulletins filed under the same part. Fuel system complaints overlap with 1 technical service bulletin filed under the same part.
This model year has fewer than 25 complaints on record, so the numbers below can change a lot with a few new reports.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Engine8 42%
- Fuel system6 32%
- Air bags4 21%
- Electrical system3 16%
- Steering3 16%
- Seats1 5.3%
Example complaints
Engine: “I had this problem with my 2010 Bmw x5 35d breakdown. It said the charging malfunction on the screen. Power steering was lost. Wheel steer was hard to maneuver. Hard to move. I almost got in an accident. The battery died. Everything just not function bc of lost in power steering. When I towed my car to Bmw manhattan, the service advisor told me there was no recall for my Bmw x5 35 d. She told me the dealer would charge me about $900 to replace pulley belt bolt and battery and etc . I told her it's one of recall. …”
NHTSA complaint #10702323, filed 2015-03, 48,009 milesFuel system: “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 a block for it to accelerate to normal speed. I ended up having the care towed to the Bmw dealer because it was not safe to drive in traffic. After doing some research, the turbo has been an ongoing problem in the x5d. …”
NHTSA complaint #11054582, filed 2017-12, 84,000 milesAir bags: “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 make some progress and the consumers are being informed and provided some actual proof this recall is going to be fixed within a reasonable timeframe. …”
NHTSA complaint #10907454, filed 2016-09, 150,000 milesElectrical system: “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. Repair included replacement of drive belt, a.c. Stretch belt, idler pulley, drive belt tensioner and serpentine tensioner.”
NHTSA complaint #11104935, filed 2018-07, 122,440 milesMileage when problems were reported
43% of the 14 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 40,000 and 84,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: stable. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
Recalls and investigations
- 22V119000Mar 2, 2022Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Emission control › Crankcase (pcv)Covers: BMW X5 SAV 2007–2010, 3 Series 2006–2012, Z4 2006–2011 +3 more
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…
- 16V071000Feb 5, 2016Air bags › Frontal › Driver side › Inflator moduleCovers: BMW X5 SAV 2007–2013, 328 2006–2013, 335 2006–2013 +10 more
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…
- 14V176000Apr 10, 2014Engine and engine cooling › EngineCovers: BMW X5 SAV 2010–2012, 535I Gran Turismo 2010–2012, Z4 2010–2011 +9 more
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…
- 13V045000Feb 7, 2013Service brakesCovers: BMW X5 SAV 2007–2010
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…
- 12V550000Nov 27, 2012Engine and engine cooling › Engine › DieselCovers: BMW X5 SAV 2009–2012
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.
Recall details for the 2010 BMW X5 SAV → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 8 on record; the latest 8 are shown.
- 11031570Apr 23, 2026Electrical system. 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.
- 10249437Jan 16, 2024Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors), Electrical system. The basic conditions for initializing the power windows are not met.
- 10249027Jan 11, 2024Electrical system. 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…
- 10182619Oct 1, 2020Electrical system, Equipment. 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…
- 10052365May 1, 2013Exterior lighting, Brakes. 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.
- 10052360May 1, 2013Engine. 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.
- 10052359May 1, 2013Engine, Fuel system. Bmw: on some vehicles, the high pressure fuel injector, can lead to an internal failure due to incorrect operation and would need to be repaired and/or replaced. Models f01, 02, 04, 07, 10, 12, 13…
- 10044281Dec 1, 2011Engine cooling. Bmw: see document search button for owner letter. On certain model year 2008-2011 vehicles, a defect involving the electric auxiliary water pump can over heat or fail to cool engine and fire may…
Other model years of the BMW X5 SAV
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 13 | 45,000 | 1 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 2012 | 21 | 54,250 | 4 | — | — | — | Stable |
| 2011 | 24 | 78,620 | 3 | — | — | — | Stable |
| 2010 | 19 | 64,000 | 5 | — | — | — | Stable |
| 2009 | 19 | 80,000 | 4 | — | — | — | Rising |
| 2008 | 20 | 70,049 | 3 | — | — | — | Stable |
| 2007 | 59 | 67,000 | 5 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2006 | 27 | 96,000 | 0 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
Frequently asked questions
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2010 BMW X5 SAV have?
NHTSA recorded 19 consumer complaints for the 2010 BMW X5 SAV as of Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2010 BMW X5 SAV is reported most often?
Engine is named most often, in 8 complaints (42% of the total), followed by fuel system with 6.
Has the 2010 BMW X5 SAV been recalled?
NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
At what mileage are problems with the 2010 BMW X5 SAV reported?
Among the 14 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 64,000 miles and the middle half falls between 40,000 and 84,000 miles; 43% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.