2012 BMW X5 Fuel system Problems
- Complaints
- 29about this part
- Share
- 11%of 271 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 75,070miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 29 complaints about the fuel system of the 2012 BMW X5, 11% of the 271 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 75,070 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Engine malfunction light and car overheating caused by water pump, there's no recall for my VIN but it seems this is an ongoing issue with Bmw X5 models... The Bmw did a recall on my X5 and after they finished the recall the transfer case stopped working properly, however, the transfer case was working perfectly before the recalled. The Bmw power train recall damage the transfer case”
NHTSA complaint #11366858, filed 2020-10, 91,000 miles“Shortly after starting the car it went into safe mode when I was on a busy road with a 55 MPH speed limit which was under construction and reduced to one lane with no shoulder or place to safely pull over. Thus, I was in a dangerous situation and also obstructing traffic and putting other drivers at risk as well.”
NHTSA complaint #10597319, filed 2014-06, 56,000 miles“The diesel exhaust fluid passive tank in my Bmw X5 has failed, which from what I've read in many forums is an unacceptably common occurrence. While taking the car into the dealership to have three other recalls addressed I asked about the tank being covered in the extended emmissions warranty on the car. They informed me that the main diesel exhaust fluid tank is covered (which they replaced because it had failed too), but the reserve or passive tank was not covered under the warranty. …”
NHTSA complaint #11081572, filed 2018-03, 60,000 miles“My car has pcv heater check engine light code coming on and off. Bmw is forced by NHTSA to do recall on Bmw car fire but only cover up to production model thru december 2011. My car has june 2012 production, the pcv heater valve check engine light has been on and off from last year, I had replaced HVAC heater valve (wrong diagnose for part specific from my mechanic) but now I find out there is a recall for it, but not covering my year. Please advise me if NHTSA can make Bmw extend the recall year coverage? Thank you.”
NHTSA complaint #11243024, filed 2019-08, 97,000 miles“I was driving my car at 35 miles per hour suddenly the car lost power steering wheel locked so it was hard to keep control of the vehicle. I tried restarting the car but with no results. A policeman had to stay behind me all the time for over an hour until a towing truck came to tow the car. Bmw diagnoste the car before with a fuel rail regulator. So I went and replaced that component still the car did not want to start!?. So I towed it to Bmw after 4 days of diagnostics that they said the diagnostics itself is $1900! …”
NHTSA complaint #11186360, filed 2019-03, 74,000 milesRelated 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…
- 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…
- 10150904Jan 1, 2016The high-pressure injectors may fail, resulting in an engine malfunction warning and reduced engine output.
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 2012 BMW X5
92 complaintsAir bags
83 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
53 complaintsElectrical system
29 complaintsSteering
20 complaintsOther or unknown
14 complaintsEngine cooling
12 complaintsBody and structure
7 complaintsSuspension
6 complaintsBrakes
4 complaintsSeat belts
4 complaintsExterior lighting
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2012 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