2012 BMW X5 Body and structure Problems
- Complaints
- 7about this part
- Share
- 3%of 271 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 48,500miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 7 complaints about the body and structure of the 2012 BMW X5, 3% of the 271 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 48,500 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers.
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.
“While driving at 70 MPH on the freeway, my sunroof spontaneously shattered into a million pieces. No other vehicles were around and no falling debris was nearby. The sunroof exploded outward with a loud bang, like a gunshot. Glass rained down inside the car and my passenger and I were cut while trying to remove pieces of glass from the interior.”
NHTSA complaint #10520566, filed 2013-06, 17,350 miles“I was hit by a car turning left in front of me. Left front side and door hit. Wheel knocked at angle under car. Steering wheel airbag burned my right hand when it deployed.”
NHTSA complaint #10733400, filed 2015-07, 48,500 miles“Passenger external front and rear door handle assembly caught on fire and melted the rubber grommet. BMW said it was the comfort sensor fuse that should have blown but it did not. The rubber grommet holding the door handle melted. I had to buy two door handles that cost $250 each to replace the ones that burnt out.”
NHTSA complaint #11451903, filed 2022-02“The contact owns a 2012 BMW X5. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated temporarily. The contact stated that the failure had been reoccurring intermittently. Additionally, the contact stated that the hood warning light had been illuminated for approximately 2 months, even though the hood was securely closed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that no issues were found; however, the independent mechanic advised the contact that a hood sensor might have failed. The vehicle was not repaired. …”
NHTSA complaint #11456298, filed 2022-03, 113,951 miles“The vehicle reverse unexpectedly resulting in crashing the owner when unloading grocery. The owner of the vehicle in hospitalize and underwent surgery. The owner broke both of his femur bones and right knee cap.”
NHTSA complaint #10547317, filed 2013-10Related service bulletins
- 10244239Oct 18, 2023This situation can result in two customer complaints: 1. Wind noise 2. Excess water entry
- 10162425Jul 10, 2019Creaking Noises from the B-Pillar Trim. The lower half of the B-pillar trim can make a creaking noise when driving. CAUSE: The two upper openings for the securing tabs on the…
- 10162403Jul 10, 2019Rear Bumper Trim Warped / Distorted. The center of the rear bumper trim is warped upward and may interfere with opening of the tailgate. No outside damage or customer influence…
- 10163022Jun 1, 2019Class action settlement: x5 (e70) with comfort access.
- 10159112Mar 1, 2019Preliminary class action settlement: x5 (e70) vehicles with comfort access (option code sa0322) class vehicles.
- 10143566May 1, 2018DOOR CANNOT BE OPENED WITH COMFORT ACCESS: One or more doors are unable to be opened from the outside of the vehicle using the Comfort Access System.
Body and structure: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 3 | 11% |
| 2025 | 1 | 2% |
| 2023 | 4 | 12% |
| 2022 | 1 | 1% |
| 2021 | 4 | 4% |
| 2020 | 4 | 4% |
| 2019 | 6 | 3% |
| 2018 | 2 | 3% |
| 2017 | 5 | 7% |
| 2016 | 4 | 5% |
| 2015 | 6 | 4% |
| 2014 | 15 | 15% |
| 2013 | 5 | 3% |
| 2012 | 7 | 3% |
| 2011 | 4 | 2% |
| 2010 | 3 | 2% |
| 2009 | 1 | 1% |
| 2008 | 1 | 0% |
| 2007 | 1 | 1% |
| 2006 | 4 | 2% |
| 2005 | 5 | 6% |
| 2004 | 7 | 11% |
| 2003 | 4 | 4% |
| 2002 | 9 | 9% |
| 2001 | 10 | 6% |
| 2000 | 1 | 3% |
Other parts of the 2012 BMW X5
92 complaintsAir bags
83 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
53 complaintsElectrical system
29 complaintsFuel system
29 complaintsSteering
20 complaintsOther or unknown
14 complaintsEngine cooling
12 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 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