2012 BMW X5 Suspension Problems
- Complaints
- 6about this part
- Share
- 2%of 271 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 50,350miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 6 complaints about the suspension of the 2012 BMW X5, 2% of the 271 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 50,350 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, 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.
“Drive shaft malfunction. Was driving this morning and made a normal left turn and I heard something pop and as I continued to drive something front passenger wheel well was banging. I got the car towed to my mechanic and they discovered there was an actual recall on this same part. I never received any mail notification about this part and I am constantly receiving mail about an airbag recall that Bmw has said they have already repaired. Bmw did some repairs on my vehicle (and held it for week) less than a year ago and never mentioned repairing the recalled parts. This is horrible! …”
NHTSA complaint #11207887, filed 2019-05, 76,000 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“Was driving at 60mph on the taconic state parkway with my family on flat pavement when I heard a loud pop from the rear of my sav like tire blew out. Pulled over thinking a tire popped. Saw nothing so I kept driving, I immediately noticed something wasn't right with the suspension in the rear of the truck. Had the truck towed to a shop, both of the rear springs broke in different locations. The passenger rear spring sheered off at the bottom of the spring. The driver side sheered off at the top. I have not taken any pictures yet because it is in the shop but I can get them later this week.”
NHTSA complaint #11004180, filed 2017-07, 52,200 miles“The contact owns a 2012 Bmw X5. While driving 30 MPH, the contact noticed shaking coming from the steering wheel. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that both front control arm bushings failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 44,500.”
NHTSA complaint #11000529, filed 2017-06, 44,500 miles“Water entering into the vehicle, causing vehicle to reduce power in traffic, due to traction control issues.. Not able to drive vehicle when it’s raining., along with other issues, pls see first report..”
NHTSA complaint #11665571, filed 2025-06Related service bulletins
- 10179812Aug 1, 2020CRACKING NOISES FROM THE FRONTAXLE AREA WHILE TURNING THE WHEELS, WHEN STATION: Cracking noises are heard from the front axle area while maneuvering at low speeds (e.g., parking…
- 10138386Apr 1, 2018Cracking noises from the front axle area while turning the wheels, when stationary or parking
- 10147009Aug 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…
- 10056094Jun 1, 2014Bmw: due to guide supports being incorrect, the rear shock absorbers were assembled, which within a low mileage causes a rattling noise. Model f15 (x5).
Suspension: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 1 | 3% |
| 2022 | 3 | 4% |
| 2021 | 2 | 2% |
| 2020 | 3 | 3% |
| 2019 | 2 | 1% |
| 2018 | 6 | 8% |
| 2017 | 4 | 5% |
| 2016 | 4 | 5% |
| 2015 | 5 | 3% |
| 2014 | 2 | 2% |
| 2013 | 2 | 1% |
| 2012 | 6 | 2% |
| 2011 | 3 | 1% |
| 2009 | 3 | 2% |
| 2008 | 3 | 1% |
| 2006 | 1 | 1% |
| 2005 | 2 | 2% |
| 2004 | 3 | 5% |
| 2003 | 3 | 3% |
| 2002 | 2 | 2% |
| 2001 | 7 | 4% |
| 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 complaintsBody and structure
7 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