2011 BMW X5 Sav: problems, recalls and reliability
3 recalls and 24 owner complaints on record; most reports concern engine; the 2013 model year looks more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Feb 2016
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 24 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“I would like to report a vanos issue the camshaft bolts loosen and break and it could be catastrophic. My bolts loosened and I caught it in time but if I didn't know any better I could've had a complete engine failure. My code originally came up as camshaft sticking. When the problem originated I was traveling on a main city road and my car went into reduced power mode.”Owner report · Engine · Mar 2018
“The coolant lines needed completely replaced causing the engine to start barreling smoke after about 400-500 ft. Looked like it was on fire there was so much smoke. Got repaired at bmw of westlake in ohio. They told me there was nothing I could do to have prevented it.”Owner report · Engine · Feb 2018
“The service adviser at the bmw dealership mentioned that the dmtl pump in my vehicle has failed. I found the below document regarding the dmtl pump. Https://static.NHTSA.gov/odi/tsbs/2012/sb-10051299-3508.pdf can you please check this and let me know of my options? Thanks [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6). *tr”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Oct 2017
Show 7 more owner reports
“Drive the vehicle on vacation and the engine would studder and stall on the highway and an error prompted on the vehicle dashboard that displayed "engine malfunction" reduced power. Occasionally the vehicle engine would cut off while on the road and needed to be towed to the dealership. The dealer diagnosed that it has a high pressure fuel pump malfunction that needed to be replaced and although the vehicle is not part of the recall it showed the same symptoms as some problematic models. This occurred while driving the vehicle on both local roads and the highway. In one occasion, I needed to restart the car to get it to a safe location.”Owner report · Engine · Aug 2017
“Water pump I was driving down the highway when I got the signal to drive slow or moderate because the engine it's getting hot I pulled over turn off the car got outside to smoke a cigarette and I could smell something burning more like wire burning”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Jul 2017
“Warning message appeared: restraint system malfunction! Fault in passenger restraint system affecting airbag, belt tensioner or belt-force limiter. Also driver's electric seat control not working.”Owner report · Seats · Mar 2017
“I previously filed a complaint with you, but inadvertently said my car was mfg in march 2011, but it was actually mfg in march 2010. Bmw previously recalled vehicles mfg from april 4 to nov 30 2010. Due to continuing complaints, bmw recalled the entire model year, but only added the new recall to the previous recall, so it goes from april 2010 to 2013. Mine was one of the first mfg in 2010 and has the same issue but was not recalled. Can you please extend the recall back one month to get the first cars produced that year? Mine is about the only one left out of the recall and has already failed and is in the shop but bmw denies the claim.”Owner report · Power Train · Jan 2017
“At 84,500 miles, during front driveshaft recall service, the vehicle was diagnosed with a failed transfer case. Symptoms include vibration during acceleration, and turning.”Owner report · Power Train · Jul 2016
“The vehicle experienced a high pressure fuel pump failure. Upon merging on to a highway the following symptoms occurred: backfiring, loss of power, misfires, and reduced engine performance. The vehicle was unable to maintain nominal fuel pressure in the fuel rail. The high pressure fuel pump was replaced as per bmw service documentation which required the replacement of the throttle body gasket, and 2 aluminum bolts securing wiring harness to the engine block. There were numerous fault codes present. All were consequential except for "002c01 high pressure fuel, plausibility pressure too low".”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Apr 2016
“Driver side airbag recall in february and we still have not received the part. 6 months is unacceptable when it comes to the safety of myself and my family.”Owner report · Air Bags · Feb 2016
Recalls - 3 campaigns
BMW is recalling certain model year 2009-2012 X5 xDrive 35d SAV diesel vehicles manufactured September 1, 2008, through November 15, 2012. The engine belt idler pulley bolt could loosen and break over time.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace and tighten the idler pulley bolt. The recall began on January 15, 2013. Owners may call BMW at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2008-2013 128i and 135i coupes and convertibles and 1 Series M coupes, 2006-2011 325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi, 335i xDrive Sedans, 2009-2011 335d sedans, 2006-2012 325xiT, 328i and 328xi sports wagons, 2007-2013 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 335i, 335xi, 335i xDrive, 335is and M3 Coupes and Convertibles, 2013-2015 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i and X1 xDrive35i SAVs, 2007-2010 X3 xDrive30i SAVs, 2007-2013 X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i and X5 M SAVs, 2009-2013 BMW X5 xDrive35d SAVs, 2008-2014 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i, and X6 M SACs, 2010-2011 BMW X6 xDrive50i SACs and 2008-2011 M3 Sedan vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag module or inflator depending on the vehicle model, free of charge. The recall began March 9, 2018. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2010-2011 128i Coupe, 128i Convertible, 328i Sedan, 328i xDrive Sedan, 328i Coupe, 328i Convertible, 328i Sports Wagon and Z4 sDrive 30i, 2011-2012 135i Coupe, 135i Convertible, 335i Sedan, X5 xDrive 35i, and X6 xDrive 35i, 2011 335i xDrive Sedan, 335i Coupe, 335i Convertible, 528i Sedan, 535i Sedan, 535i xDrive Sedan, X3 xDrive 28i, and X3 xDrive 35i, 2010 X3 xDrive 30i, and X5 xDrive 30i, 2012 640i Coupe, and 640i Convertible and 2010-2012 535i Gran Turismo vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the bolts that secure the housing for the variable camshaft timing adjustment (VANOS) unit can loosen over time and may possibly break.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the four VANOS housing bolts for both VANOS units (intake and exhaust), free of charge. In addition, owners of approximately 170,172 model year 2010-2012 BMW vehicles equipped with inline 6 cylinder engines not covered by this recall, will receive an extended warranty to address this condition. The recall began on September 24, 2014. Owners may contact BMW at 1-800-525-7417.
How other years compare
Counts are not adjusted for time on the road here - see all X5 Sav years ranked fairly for the age-adjusted comparison.
Check your exact X5 Sav by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2011 BMW X5 Sav reliable?
NHTSA has 24 owner complaints and 3 recall campaigns on record for the 2011 BMW X5 Sav. The most complained-about area is engine.
Does the 2011 BMW X5 Sav have open recalls?
3 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning engine and engine cooling. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.