2011 BMW X5 Fuel system Problems
- Complaints
- 43about this part
- Share
- 16%of 263 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 72,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 43 complaints about the fuel system of the 2011 BMW X5, 16% of the 263 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 72,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 4 a fire, according to the filers. 2 recall campaigns on record are filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Cabin has one odor of gasoline - especially noticeable on initial starting, when stopped with the engine idling, and upon accelerating from a complete stop. I noticed that Bmw has a recall for this problem, but my VIN is not included in the recall. I have spent several hundred dollars havin a mechanic isolate the leak, but it has not been found. Please help!”
NHTSA complaint #11352375, filed 2020-08, 120,000 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“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“Takata recall.......no remedy yet, I have been waiting now close to 2 years. After speaking with 3 different dealers in my area, I'm told they have no idea when either recall will be fixed because the manufacturer has no parts.....gas smell in vehicle when driving , fuel pump recall, however, no timetable for fixing.”
NHTSA complaint #10966405, filed 2017-03, 79,000 miles“Severe acceleration delay from a stop pulling out into traffic nearly caused me to be broadsided. During the first 1/2 to 1 second after depressing the accelerator there is little to no reaction from the vehicle. After this pause, which is well beyond what could cause an accident, the vehicle surges uncontrollably. I found myself sideways on a wet paved road. My natural inclination after the pause was to press for more gas, any other reaction would have left me sitting in the middle of oncoming traffic. …”
NHTSA complaint #10726951, filed 2015-06, 55,000 milesRelated recalls
- 16V746000Oct 17, 2016BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2007-2011 BMW X5 3.0si, X5 4.8i, X5 M, X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive48i and X5…Covers: BMW X5 2007–2011, X6 2008–2011, 5-SERIES Gran Turismo 2010–2011 +6 more
- 11V521000Oct 20, 2011Bmw is recalling certain model year 2011 5-series, model year 2010-2011 5-series gran turismo, model year 2009-2011 7-series, model year 2010-2011 x5 sav, and…Covers: BMW X5 2010–2011, X6 2008–2011, 7 Series 2009–2011 +2 more
Related service bulletins
- 10247567Dec 20, 2023Engine will crank but not start. There is no communication with the integrated fuel module (TFE) whendiagnosing with ISTA. The following two fault codes will be stored in the…
- 10218412Jul 1, 2022The fuel gauge may indicate the incorrect fuel level (full and reserve).
- 10200481May 1, 2021SURFACE RUST ON NEW AIR BAG INFLATORS: The technician finds that the new air bag inflator (aka: gas generator) may have surface rust on the metalhousing .
- 10199287May 1, 2021CLASS ACTION SETTLEMENT: N54/N54T/N55 ELECTRIC ENGINE COOLANT PUMP . With the court's FINAL approval, BMW of North America, LLC (BMW NA) has entered a nationwide settlement with…
- 10198894May 1, 2021CLASS ACTION SETTLEMENT: N54/N54T/N55 ELECTRIC ENGINE COOLANT PUMP . With the court's FINAL approval, BMW of North America, LLC (BMW NA) has entered a nationwide settlement with…
- 10186215Dec 1, 2020INCORRECT TORQUE SPECIFICATION FOR THE HIGH-PRESSURE PUMP IN ISTA: The current version of ISTA states the incorrect tightening torque for the High-Pressure pump M6 mounting bolts…
- 10146808Sep 1, 2016"SCR ACTIVE TANK (RESERVOIR): LIMITED WARRANTY EXTENSION TO 10 YEARS/120,000 MILES. INFORMATION For the above-referenced vehicle, BMW of North America, LLC (""BMW NA"") is…
- 10147006Aug 1, 2016Service Action: S63 Engine - Check and Replace High- Pressure Injectors This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI B13 08 15 dated January 2016. The high-pressure injectors…
- 10146988Aug 1, 2016"IN-TANK FUEL DELIVERY MODULE (PUMP): LIMITED WARRANTY EXTENSION TO 10 YEARS WITHOUT MILEAGE LIMITATION. INFORMATION On the above-referenced vehicles, BMW of North America, LLC…
- 10151248Apr 1, 2016This Service Information bulletin and attachment supersedes SI B11 08 15 dated November 2015. SUBJECT N63 and S63 Engine: Valve Seal Replacement. Refer to the following…
Fuel system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 2 | 7% |
| 2025 | 1 | 2% |
| 2024 | 4 | 3% |
| 2023 | 1 | 3% |
| 2022 | 3 | 4% |
| 2021 | 3 | 3% |
| 2020 | 2 | 2% |
| 2019 | 5 | 3% |
| 2018 | 18 | 25% |
| 2017 | 20 | 27% |
| 2016 | 12 | 16% |
| 2015 | 50 | 33% |
| 2014 | 32 | 32% |
| 2013 | 9 | 6% |
| 2012 | 29 | 11% |
| 2011 | 43 | 16% |
| 2010 | 29 | 23% |
| 2009 | 42 | 30% |
| 2008 | 41 | 19% |
| 2007 | 28 | 39% |
| 2006 | 5 | 3% |
| 2005 | 8 | 10% |
| 2004 | 2 | 3% |
| 2003 | 5 | 5% |
| 2002 | 1 | 1% |
| 2001 | 7 | 4% |
Other parts of the 2011 BMW X5
110 complaintsAir bags
67 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
58 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 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