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Transmission and drivetrainPart report

2012 BMW X5 SAV Transmission and drivetrain Problems

Complaints
9about this part
Share
43%of 21 total for the year
Median mileage
61,105miles
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 9 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2012 BMW X5 SAV, 43% of the 21 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 61,105 miles.

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.

“Driveshaft failure. I was driving down the interstate on a straight and level section of the road. I heard a loud humming from the engine area so I slowed down and then I heard a loud pop and metal grinding and hitting under the car. My vehicle is out of warranty, so I had it towed to my independent mechanic that specializes in european vehicles. They said the driveshaft fell apart and as I was slowing down it was still spinning and banged around causing damage to my exhaust system and oil pan. …”

NHTSA complaint #10924069, filed 2016-11, 78,000 miles

“My wife was driving my vehicle to get car wash. All of a sudden she lost power steering and the car battery warning came on. The idler pulley bolt snapped. Luckily my wife did not crash. She was driving 60mph and lost power steering. She is pregnant and had 2 kids in car. Now I've replaced this bolt again. I put purchased a new idler pulley bolt with loc tite. I replaced it and met every specification that NHTSA required. Basically it only require more torque and loc tite. This time it snapped in my drive way thank goodness. …”

NHTSA complaint #11002447, filed 2017-06, 119,000 miles

“My wife & I purchased this 2012x5 2 years ago,last year the vehicle was being driven off the driveway where there was a loud snap&ban. The car didn't move. We called a tow and had it brought to jupiter Bmw fl .we found out that the drive shaft snapped. Mileage was 45-48k miles. We called Bmw na it was a warranty recall part and the dealer stated it was replaced. After that in the last 10 months we have experienced many strange movements in the rear and in turns. We called the dealership and spoke to a tech where they stated it was tires in the rear. …”

NHTSA complaint #11039973, filed 2017-10, 40 miles

“After replacement of brakes on my 2012 Bmw x5, upon return, I started to feel a vibration while turning in the parking lot. After two visits to the dealership, I was informed that the transfer case box (associated with the transmission) has failed. This occurs 5000miles after the warranty on the transmission and engine expire. I have done a google search on this part on x5 models, and others have reported similar experiences. This includes reports of faulty parts installed at the manufacture. Bmw has agreed to cover 60% of the repair bill. …”

NHTSA complaint #10628580, filed 2014-08, 55,000 miles

“The agent of Bmw of tenafly said there is serious safety issue need to fix, the problem they call it: faulty transfer case and emf unit faults for emf and transfer case connected battery charger. The system may stop working suddenly and cause the vehicle transfer power to wheels and roll over.”

NHTSA complaint #11082245, filed 2018-03, 62,210 miles

Transmission and drivetrain: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
201318%
2012943%
2011729%
2010211%
2008210%
2007712%

Other parts of the 2012 BMW X5 SAV

Engine
6 complaints
Air bags
3 complaints
Fuel system
3 complaints
Steering
3 complaints
Electrical system
2 complaints
Brakes
1 complaints
Electronic stability control
1 complaints
Vehicle speed control
1 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2012 BMW X5 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