2012 BMW X5 Sav: problems, recalls and reliability
4 recalls and 21 owner complaints on record; most reports concern engine.
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 21 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Experience glycol-leakage from the egr (exhaust-gas-recirculation) valve can occur. In combination with typical soot deposits and the high temperatures normally present in the egr module this might result in smoldering particles. This could lead to the melting of the intake manifold and in extremely rare cases result in a fire. Bmw extended a recall to european and asian models but not the us my car has only 51000 miles. Please see this link https://www.bmwblog.com/2018/08/14/south-korea-bans-recalled-bmw-models-from-public-roads-until-issue-is-fixed/”Owner report · Engine · Mar 2019
“The agent of bmw of tenafly said there is serious safety issue need to fix, the problem they call it: faulty transfer case and emf unit faults for emf and transfer case connected battery charger. The system may stop working suddenly and cause the vehicle transfer power to wheels and roll over.”Owner report · Power Train · Mar 2018
“While driving my car for approximately 3 minutes engine seized without warning. I coasted on to the shoulder of the road and put it in neutral and tried to start it.... Nothing. Oil level was good . I had it towed to bmw dealer and they told me engine was locked up but couldn't tell me why. I just had recall work done about a month or two ago at the same bmw dealer. They mentioned an aftermarket oil filter but that dose not make any sense to me. Has the manufacturer extended warranty covering this ?”Owner report · Engine · Dec 2017
Show 7 more owner reports
“Takata recall - it has been over one year since my vehicle was identified under this recall and I live in a zone a which is the highest risk area. The local bmw dealer has not been able to give me any idea of when my car will be repaired. This is unacceptable as people have died from this defect and I am at risk every time I drive this vehicle.”Owner report · Air Bags · Mar 2017
“The vehicle is an x5 diesel. Since purchasing the vehicle new both nox sensors (before and after catalytic) have failed. I searched the internet and found others who have had multiple nox sensor failures on other bmw diesel models. The second, most recent, nox failure happened to be immediately after the car was serviced (oil, def fluid, vehicle check) was performed. All service since new was performed by the bmw dealership. Bmw said the nox failure was not as a result of the service. Replacement of the nox sensor was $1,100. I can provide all service records from bmw if they are needed. Thank you for your assistance.”Owner report · Engine · Feb 2017
“While driving in a highway approx 70 mph, warning light came on; "engine too hot. Drive moderately". Had to be towed. Electric auxiliary pump is bad. The 6 cylinder model should also be under the same recall/warranty as the 8 cylinder x5. Please include in recall! *tr”Owner report · Engine · Jan 2017
“Problems relating to transfer case. Car vibrated on turns in steering column and the turning both on the right side and the left side is vibrating a lot.”Owner report · Power Train · Oct 2016
“Tl* the contact owns a 2012 bmw x5 sav. While driving approximately 35 mph, smoke appeared from the tail pipe and the engine coolant warning indicator illuminated. The contact drove the vehicle to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the engine mount and coolant expansion tank needed replacement along with the turbo charger water pump. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The engine was rebuilt by the dealer prior to the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 53,000.”Owner report · Engine · Jul 2016
“The universal joint on the front drive shaft sheered in half while driving my kids to school this morning. There was no warning signs or noticeable vibrations before. Towed vehicle to shop & discovered the problem. A quick google search revealed the following: bmw issued a service bulletin to "inspect" the drive shaft back in march of 2015 NHTSA id number: 10056722 / bmw sib-26-01-14 and in august of 2015 they issued a voluntary warranty extension, bmw sib-01-15-15. I will send vehicle to the local bmw dealership and ask for the repair to happen under this warranty extension......updated 06/23/16 * bf *cn”Owner report · Power Train · Sep 2015
“Tried to complete a 3-point turn into a parking space when placing vehicle from reverse into drive, the vehicle unassisted it acceleration and would not brake nor steer; thus causing myself to crash head on into a concrete barrier.”Owner report · Steering · Jun 2015
When filing, owners marked a crash in 1 of these complaints and injuries in 1 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 4 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.
BMW IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 5-SERIES, 5-SERIES GRAN TURISMO, MODEL YEAR 2012 6-SERIES CONVERTIBLE, 7-SERIES, X5 SAV, AND X6 SAV VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 8- OR 12-CYLINDER, TURBOCHARGED, ENGINES BECAUSE THE CIRCUIT BOARD FOR THE ELECTRIC AUXILIARY WATER PUMP CAN OVERHEAT.
Remedy: BMW WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE AUXILIARY WATER PUMP FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 30, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW CUSTOMER RELATIONS AND SERVICES 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 2012 BMW X5 Sav reliable?
NHTSA has 21 owner complaints and 4 recall campaigns on record for the 2012 BMW X5 Sav. The most complained-about area is engine.
Does the 2012 BMW X5 Sav have open recalls?
4 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning steering. 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.