2011 BMW X5 SAV Problems
- Complaints
- 24filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 78,620miles, 20 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 3campaigns 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 2011 BMW X5 SAV (complaints, recalls, investigations). Report an error
NHTSA recorded 24 consumer complaints for the 2011 BMW X5 SAV. The part named most often is engine, with 10 complaints (42% of the total), followed by fuel system (7) and transmission and drivetrain (7). 20 of the complaints include a mileage, and 15% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 78,620 miles. NHTSA lists 3 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.
- Engine10 42%
- Fuel system7 29%
- Air bags3 13%
- Other or unknown3 13%
- Electrical system2 8.3%
- Vehicle speed control2 8.3%
- Engine cooling1 4.2%
- Seats1 4.2%
Example complaints
Engine: “I would like to report a vanos issue the camshaft bolts loosen and break and it could be catastrophic. My bolts loosened and I caught it in time but if I didn't know any better I could've had a complete engine failure. My code originally came up as camshaft sticking. When the problem originated I was traveling on a main city road and my car went into reduced power mode.”
NHTSA complaint #11083702, filed 2018-04, 125,000 milesFuel system: “My vehicle is having a recall regarding the in-tank fuel pump since october 2016 Bmw of san diego has failed to provide a replacement part in a timely manner and Bmw of el cajon has just provided the necessary part for my personal vehicle I have waited almost a year for a part to be provided for my vehicle. Moreover, the car has been experiencing failures in ignition and stalling due to this particular issue and possibly other issues that are derived from this specific recall. …”
NHTSA complaint #11024054, filed 2017-09, 74,000 milesTransmission and drivetrain: “On saturday may 6th 2017. I was driving when I heard this noise to my untrained ear it seemed as if the noise was coming from my front tires? I pulled over got out to check my front tires/wheel's and there was nothing, I get back into my vehicle and start driving again after a few minutes the same noise could be heard again so once again I pulled over got out and checked my tires/wheels and undercarriage. …”
NHTSA complaint #10985577, filed 2017-05, 84,444 milesAir bags: “Warning message appeared: restraint system malfunction! Fault in passenger restraint system affecting airbag, belt tensioner or belt-force limiter. Also driver's electric seat control not working.”
NHTSA complaint #10960363, filed 2017-03, 78,240 milesMileage when problems were reported
15% of the 20 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 68,300 and 90,000 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
- 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…
- 12V550000Nov 27, 2012Steering › Hydraulic power assist systemCovers: 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 2011 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…
- 10215024Jun 1, 2017Engine cooling. The engine?s intake charge-air duct limited warranty extension to 10 years/120,000 miles applies to ?eligible USspecification
- 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 2011 BMW X5 SAV have?
NHTSA recorded 24 consumer complaints for the 2011 BMW X5 SAV as of Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2011 BMW X5 SAV is reported most often?
Engine is named most often, in 10 complaints (42% of the total), followed by fuel system with 7.
Has the 2011 BMW X5 SAV been recalled?
NHTSA lists 3 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 2011 BMW X5 SAV reported?
Among the 20 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 78,620 miles and the middle half falls between 68,300 and 90,000 miles; 15% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 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.