2012 BMW X5 Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) Problems
- Complaints
- 3about this part
- Share
- 1%of 271 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 30,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 3 complaints about the visibility of the 2012 BMW X5, 1% of the 271 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 30,000 miles.
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“The contact owns a 2012 Bmw X5. While driving 70 MPH, the sun roof glass exploded. The sun roof was covered; therefore, the fractured glass did not penetrate the vehicle. There were no injuries. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the sun roof was replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 47,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10713140, filed 2015-04, 47,000 miles“The contact owns a 2012 Bmw X5. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 MPH, the glass sunroof spontaneously shattered with a loud booming sound. The contact indicated that the sun roof was opened when the incident occurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and diagnosed that a small rock had caused the defect. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 30,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10578372, filed 2014-04, 30,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10249437Jan 16, 2024The basic conditions for initializing the power windows are not met.
- 10244239Oct 18, 2023This situation can result in two customer complaints: 1. Wind noise 2. Excess water entry
- 10225114Sep 1, 2022The front sunroof glass seal has shrunk, creating a gap which can cause wind noise or excess water entry.
- 10162404Jul 10, 2019"Outside Door Mirror Moves when Locking or Unlocking the Vehicle. The door mirror tilts immediately after unlocking or locking. The mirror position does not correspond to the…
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors): other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 4 | 6% |
| 2024 | 5 | 3% |
| 2023 | 2 | 6% |
| 2022 | 1 | 1% |
| 2021 | 3 | 3% |
| 2020 | 2 | 2% |
| 2019 | 4 | 2% |
| 2018 | 3 | 4% |
| 2017 | 1 | 1% |
| 2016 | 5 | 7% |
| 2015 | 2 | 1% |
| 2014 | 3 | 3% |
| 2013 | 2 | 1% |
| 2012 | 3 | 1% |
| 2011 | 3 | 1% |
| 2010 | 3 | 2% |
| 2009 | 2 | 1% |
| 2008 | 5 | 2% |
| 2006 | 2 | 1% |
| 2004 | 5 | 8% |
| 2003 | 1 | 1% |
| 2002 | 14 | 14% |
| 2001 | 14 | 9% |
| 2000 | 7 | 24% |
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 complaintsSuspension
6 complaintsBrakes
4 complaintsSeat belts
4 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2012 BMW X5
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 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