2011 BMW X5 Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 110about this part
- Share
- 42%of 263 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 73,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 110 complaints about the engine of the 2011 BMW X5, 42% of the 263 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 73,000 miles. 8 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“'takata recall' when the heat or AC is on air from vent start to burn my eyes. Whenever I'm in my vehicle I leave out feeling sleepy. Cabin filter has been changed as well as others problem continues. Also the leather on the dash board is pulling away from the vent. Plastic wood trim cracks over time leaving the vehicle looking cheaply built”
NHTSA complaint #11144616, filed 2018-11, 88,308 miles“I got an engine malfunction warning light on my 2011 Bmw X5. I brought it to a mechanic who told me the issue is the high pressure fuel pump. There is a recall for other bmws although mine is not on the list. The mechanic indicated this is an ongoing issue for my Bmw and should be covered by a recall.”
NHTSA complaint #11270841, filed 2019-10, 80,000 miles“The vehicle engine was internally knocking which one dealership told me to keep driving it and bring it back at my appointment a week later and another dealership avidsed me not to drive the car as they were having a global issue with these engines and the engine could seize up... If I were on the highway or roadway and the engine seized up it could have caused a serious accident.”
NHTSA complaint #11151903, filed 2018-11, 94,000 miles“Drove my vehicle in to the Bmw dealer for coolant leak/water pump service and oil change. The next day they inform me the car stalled during a standard test drive after the service was performed. The were unable to specify what caused the engine to stall and did not release diagnostics to me but told me that a new engine was needed. Ny state dept of vehicle forwarded a report stating vanos faults. …”
NHTSA complaint #11286694, filed 2019-12, 111,000 miles“Engine malfunction reduced power output. Driving on a highway my Bmw X5 suddenly started misfiring and heard noise from the engine. After couple of misfires it have eninge malfunction reduced power output warning. Had a vanos bolt replaced as part of recall but this is happening more often. I think there is serious issue with Bmw eninge. Can anyone help.”
NHTSA complaint #10822113, filed 2016-01, 59,100 milesRelated service bulletins
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- 10178991Jul 1, 2020N63 CLASS ACTION SETTLEMENT - BATTERY SERVICE BENEFIT - RETROFITS/ REPLACEMENTS: This Service Information bulletin applies to: Class vehicles in operation on the road (Applicable…
- 10167978Oct 1, 2019N63 ENGINE VEHICLES: CLASS ACTION SETTLEMENT FOR ENGINE OILCONSUMPTION/BATTER. What's New: The short-term extension window of one (1) year/12,000 miles from date of the…
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- 10165276Aug 1, 2019While engine oil consumption may create a customer inconvenience in the short term it should not cause any drivability problems that would prevent normal day-to-day operational…
- 10163992Jul 1, 2019N63 CLASS ACTION SETTLEMENT FOR OIL CONSUMPTION AND BATTERY DRAIN - OVERVIEW This Service Information Bulletin replaces SI B01 29 18 dated October 2018.
- 10163029Jun 1, 2019N55 ENGINE: FC 28A0 OR 101F01 THROTTLE VALVE OPENING ANGLE. The engine malfunction warning is illuminated and one of the following fault codes are stored in the DME shortly after…
- 10163026Jun 1, 2019N63 ENGINE: OIL CONSUMPTION CLASS ACTION SETTLEMENT DIAGNOSIS AND REPAIR PROCEDURES. While engine oil consumption may create a customer inconvenience in the short term it should…
- 10149564Oct 1, 2018N63 AND N63T ENGINE: ENGINE OIL CONSUMPTION, ENGINE OIL TOP-UPS AND REFILL CAPACITY. Customers with one of the vehicles above may complain that the engine's oil consumption is…
Engine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 3 | 11% |
| 2025 | 3 | 5% |
| 2024 | 13 | 9% |
| 2023 | 5 | 15% |
| 2022 | 13 | 18% |
| 2021 | 25 | 23% |
| 2020 | 33 | 29% |
| 2019 | 52 | 27% |
| 2018 | 11 | 15% |
| 2017 | 12 | 16% |
| 2016 | 14 | 19% |
| 2015 | 42 | 28% |
| 2014 | 16 | 16% |
| 2013 | 45 | 30% |
| 2012 | 92 | 34% |
| 2011 | 110 | 42% |
| 2010 | 40 | 32% |
| 2009 | 30 | 22% |
| 2008 | 66 | 31% |
| 2007 | 9 | 13% |
| 2006 | 7 | 4% |
| 2005 | 12 | 15% |
| 2004 | 9 | 14% |
| 2003 | 11 | 11% |
| 2002 | 7 | 7% |
| 2001 | 7 | 4% |
| 2000 | 1 | 3% |
Other parts of the 2011 BMW X5
67 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
58 complaintsFuel system
43 complaintsOther or unknown
20 complaintsElectrical system
19 complaintsSteering
18 complaintsEngine cooling
10 complaintsBrakes
8 complaintsVehicle speed control
7 complaintsExterior lighting
6 complaintsSeat belts
5 complaintsBody 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