2011 BMW X5 Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 58about this part
- Share
- 22%of 263 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 69,094miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 58 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2011 BMW X5, 22% of the 263 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 69,094 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 1 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.
“While accelerating to enter the highway, a loud pop occurred at approx. 35mph. The pop was followed by a loss of drive torque to the front axle. I began to immediately pull over and a second loud pop was heard followed by the sound of metal crashing to the ground. I experienced a complete loss of drive torque to the front axle and coasted to relative safety on the entrance of an exit ramp. …”
NHTSA complaint #10586797, filed 2014-05, 70,000 miles“Vehicle shudders and hesitates when making a hard left of right turn from a full stop. (ie. Turning right on red or pulling out of a place of business onto an active highway.) I read about 30 other complaints about the same issue - all pointing a faulty transfer case . My vehicle 2011 bwm X5 35i has 76,000 miles. I do see a power train recall for the 2011 X5's but mine (for some unknown reason is not included and it is a 2011 (recall 17v138000) my mechanic said it was the transfer case and will cost $3,000 to repair.”
NHTSA complaint #11296776, filed 2020-01, 76,000 miles“My 2011 X5 35i has an acceleration delay. Bmw has recognized it as an issue in the 535i models, calling it an acceleration delay and have issued an sib software update to repair it, but have not done so for the X5 model. I feel this issue is dangerous and a safety issue.”
NHTSA complaint #10566454, filed 2014-02, 24,000 miles“One year ago, made a left hand turn from complete stop, accelerating to 40 MPH? Maybe? When I heard an awful crunching noise, I stopped and saw my X5's drive shift dropped down some oil came out. The problem because the front drive shifts u-joint failures.”
NHTSA complaint #10637140, filed 2014-09, 60,000 miles“Driving in the city, 20mph. I felt a slight but noticeable vibration. I stopped at a stop sign, turned right, accelerated to 10mph. At that time the front u-joint broke causing an yet to be determined amount of damage to the vehicle. Had I been traveling at highway speeds, lives would have been in danger. This appears to be a well known and well reported issue which the Bmw X5. I urge the NHTSA to take the appropriate steps to investigate the many similar complaints file with you.”
NHTSA complaint #10928904, filed 2016-11, 66,500 milesRelated recalls
- 17V138000Mar 2, 2017BMW of North America, LLC, (BMW) is recalling certain 2011-2013 X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive50i, X5 M and X5 xDrive35d vehicles, 2011-2014 X6 xDrive35i, X6…Covers: BMW X5 2011–2013, X6 2011–2014, X6 Activehybrid SAC 2011
- 16V311000May 17, 2016BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2011 X5 xDrive 35i, xDrive50i, X5 M, X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i, and X6 M vehicles…Covers: BMW X5 2011, X6 2011, X5 Diesel SAV 2011 +1 more
Related service bulletins
- 10175267Apr 1, 2020Power Reduction FC2A82 Intake VANOS and/or FC2 A87 Exhaust VANOS Camshaft Fault: The "Service Engine Soon" (MIL) lamp is illuminated and engine power reduction is perceived. This…
- 10162396Jul 9, 2019N52T / N55 with 8HP45: Delay in Engine Response. A customer may complain of a delay in engine response after decelerating at low road speeds and then reaccelerating. This can…
- 10135021Feb 1, 2018N63, N63TU, S63 and S63TU Engines: Oil Leak from the Rear: Customer complains that engine oil is leaking from the center of the vehicle. When verified, the engine oil residue can…
- 10146821Sep 1, 2016CLICKING NOISE FROM FRONT AXLE This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI 31 01 12 dated June 2015. Clicking noises are heard from the front axle area while maneuvering at…
- 10147008Aug 1, 2016"REPAIRING TRANSFER CASE ACTUATOR (VTG SERVO-MOTOR). The Anti-lock Brakes (ABS), Brakes and Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) warnings are on and there may also be a ""Drivetrain…
- 10151302May 1, 2016N63, N63TU, S63 and S63TU Engines: Oil Leak from the Rear of the Engine and Transmission Bell Housing. Customer complains that engine oil is leaking from the center of the…
- 10147241Sep 1, 2015Shudder from the Driveline on Vehicles with xDrive. There is a shudder or vibration from the driveline when taking off from a stop, or when accelerating at highway speeds. CAUSE…
- 10151404Aug 1, 2015Vibration or Shudder from Driveline when Accelerating from a Stop. Chassis stabilization warning is displayed. Vehicle may exhibit a shudder or vibration when taking off from a…
- 10151396Aug 1, 2015"Front Propeller (Drive) Shaft: Limited Warranty Extension to 10 Years/120,000 Miles. INFORMATION For the above-referenced vehicles, BMW of North America, LLC (""BMW NA"") is…
- 10147669Mar 1, 2015Driveshaft Technical Service. This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI B26 01 14 dated August 2014. PERFORM THE PROCEDURE OUTLINED IN THIS SERVICE INFORMATION ON ALL…
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 4 | 14% |
| 2025 | 7 | 11% |
| 2024 | 16 | 11% |
| 2023 | 9 | 26% |
| 2022 | 25 | 35% |
| 2021 | 31 | 28% |
| 2020 | 17 | 15% |
| 2019 | 20 | 10% |
| 2018 | 10 | 14% |
| 2017 | 10 | 13% |
| 2016 | 13 | 18% |
| 2015 | 14 | 9% |
| 2014 | 12 | 12% |
| 2013 | 36 | 24% |
| 2012 | 53 | 20% |
| 2011 | 58 | 22% |
| 2010 | 6 | 5% |
| 2009 | 10 | 7% |
| 2008 | 16 | 7% |
| 2007 | 2 | 3% |
| 2006 | 7 | 4% |
| 2005 | 9 | 11% |
| 2004 | 11 | 17% |
| 2003 | 16 | 16% |
| 2002 | 6 | 6% |
| 2001 | 15 | 9% |
| 2000 | 7 | 24% |
Other parts of the 2011 BMW X5
110 complaintsAir bags
67 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 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