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Engine coolingPart report

2011 BMW X5 Engine cooling Problems

Complaints
10about this part
Share
4%of 263 total for the year
Median mileage
39,900miles
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 10 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2011 BMW X5, 4% of the 263 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 39,900 miles. 5 recall campaigns on record are filed under a similar system.

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.

“Only after about 10 minutes of driving in the neighborhood, we got a warning engine hot, drive moderately then a few minutes later, it said to engine hot, and to stop the car immediately. We had to pull the car over and after engine cooled a bit, take our 2011 X5 to the nearest shop in an emergency. The shop mechanic had to replace the water pump and said that it is a common problem with Bmw X5, even though we only had 71,000 miles. …”

NHTSA complaint #10619011, filed 2014-08, 71,000 miles

“Hi, I just purchased the above vehicle on 5/13/14 and about two weeks later my car started overheating. I kind of knew that there is a problem with water pump so I started doing some research online to see if Bmw X5 was any recalls and to my surprise they recalled numerous X5's due to water pump. I also called their customer service to see if there was a recall on my car and unfortunately I was told that there isn't. I took my car to international autos on 6/9/14 for a diagnostics check and they have confirmed that water pump needs to be replaced. …”

NHTSA complaint #10597364, filed 2014-06, 71,000 miles

“2012 Bmw X5. Upon engine start up when cold, the engine surges excessively. If the transmission is engaged during the surging (fluctuating RPM) the vehicle lurches forward/reverse causing a dangerous situation and potential accident.”

NHTSA complaint #10420072, filed 2011-08, 1,300 miles

“Engine stalled while driving. Warning lamps indicated reduced power. Several occurrences were at speed on the interstate. Car would restart after sitting for several hours. Car was left with Bmw for service. However, Bmw said they could not replicate the problem and did not perform any repairs the first time. Car again died while driving at speed on highway several weeks later. Bmw stated that there was loss of engine compression. Then, stated that fuel injectors were faulty. Then, claimed that it was due to bad gas and/or sugar in the gas tank.”

NHTSA complaint #10438826, filed 2011-12, 17,800 miles

“The contact owns a 2011 Bmw X5. While driving 60 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed, but the vehicle failed to accelerate and lost power. The engine temperature warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for routine service and the technician stated that there was a failure with the engine fan. The vehicle was diagnosed and produced diagnostic code 3792. The contact was unsure about what parts needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. …”

NHTSA complaint #10925872, filed 2016-11, 62,000 miles

Related recalls

Related service bulletins

Engine cooling: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
202512%
202234%
202176%
20201513%
2019126%
2018912%
201745%
201679%
201596%
201455%
201364%
2012124%
2011104%
20101310%
200964%
2008167%
200734%
200674%
200556%
200423%
20032424%
20022121%
20013119%

Other parts of the 2011 BMW X5

Engine
110 complaints
Air bags
67 complaints
Transmission and drivetrain
58 complaints
Fuel system
43 complaints
Other or unknown
20 complaints
Electrical system
19 complaints
Steering
18 complaints
Brakes
8 complaints
Vehicle speed control
7 complaints
Exterior lighting
6 complaints
Seat belts
5 complaints
Body and structure
4 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2011 BMW X5

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 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