2010 BMW X5 Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 8about this part
- Share
- 6%of 124 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 61,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 8 complaints about the steering of the 2010 BMW X5, 6% of the 124 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 61,000 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.
“While driving the vehicle on city streets I lost power steering and had to bring the vehicle to a stop. I was unable to steer the car and discovered the serpentine belt had come off. Bmw had already done a recall for this and I did upon dealer inspection discover the same bolt sheared causing the problem. The original recall notice was 12v550. I'm being charged 700 hundred dollars now to have the vehicle fixed.”
NHTSA complaint #10817406, filed 2016-01, 60,000 miles“A bolt connecting the alternator to the motor has broken off causing the serpentine belt to come off resulting in the loss of power steering. This issue resulted in a recall and the vehicle was allegedly repaired in california back in 2013. However, this has happened again and has put the safety of my family at risk. I am aware that there has been an investigation that has been opened in about april of 2018 and we want our circumstances to be included in this investigation. Bmw is currently refusing to cover the repairs.”
NHTSA complaint #11091513, filed 2018-05, 85,000 miles“The engine belt idler pulley bolt broke causing a sudden loss of power steering when the serpentine belt came off the alternator and power steering pump. This is the same problem associated with recall 12v550000 a few years ago. The dealer said the vehicle was fixed under the recall but it was before I owned it so I don't know for sure. I believe the recall should be reinstated. The vehicle was moving on a residential street at less than 25 MPH and my mom was driving. If she had been going any faster she would have crashed.”
NHTSA complaint #11097562, filed 2018-05, 145,000 miles“I was driving my X5, 90 minutes from home, when I noticed my steering was unusually stiff. It was 5 degrees outside, so I assumed it might have been too cold. I was able to move over to the right lane, and turn onto the nearest side street. At that point I got a code saying battery discharge . I assumed it had something to do with the keyless ignition, so I shut it off and tried to turn it back on. It didn't work, and it gave me the same warning again. …”
NHTSA complaint #10499780, filed 2013-02, 29,000 miles“In feb 2016 during driving on the highway, lost power steering and battery light come on. Car was towed to the garage to determinate cause and fix the problem. Bolt that hold pulley tensioner was broken and belt fell off. There was no easy way to remove bronek head bolt off from engine block. Car was at mechanic for a week, replacement bolt was around $6 but the labor was almost $700.”
NHTSA complaint #11128649, filed 2018-09, 61,000 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…
- 10151068Feb 1, 2016This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI B07 03 14 dated October 2015. Diagnosing Stored Fault Codes to Help Avoid Repeat Repair Visits. Fault codes stored in vehicles…
Steering: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 3 | 5% |
| 2024 | 3 | 2% |
| 2023 | 1 | 3% |
| 2022 | 5 | 7% |
| 2021 | 3 | 3% |
| 2020 | 3 | 3% |
| 2019 | 18 | 9% |
| 2018 | 2 | 3% |
| 2017 | 3 | 4% |
| 2016 | 3 | 4% |
| 2015 | 7 | 5% |
| 2014 | 1 | 1% |
| 2013 | 2 | 1% |
| 2012 | 20 | 7% |
| 2011 | 18 | 7% |
| 2010 | 8 | 6% |
| 2009 | 6 | 4% |
| 2008 | 2 | 1% |
| 2007 | 2 | 3% |
| 2006 | 2 | 1% |
| 2004 | 4 | 6% |
| 2003 | 3 | 3% |
| 2002 | 6 | 6% |
| 2001 | 11 | 7% |
| 2000 | 1 | 3% |
Other parts of the 2010 BMW X5
40 complaintsAir bags
35 complaintsFuel system
29 complaintsElectrical system
23 complaintsEngine cooling
13 complaintsOther or unknown
13 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
6 complaintsSeat belts
4 complaintsBrakes
3 complaintsBody and structure
3 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
3 complaintsExterior lighting
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2010 BMW X5
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 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