The 2009 BMW X5 has 12 safety recalls and 138 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is air bags (45 complaints).
Recalls12safety recalls
Complaints138filed by owners
Crashes · fires3 · 8reported in complaints
Injuries · deaths3 · 0reported in complaints
NHTSA crash test
5 recalls for this model year carry an NHTSA do not drive advisory. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Safety recalls
Air bagsJan 15, 2020
Frontal › Passenger side › Inflator module
Recall 20V0160004,007 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)
NHTSA advisory: do not drive affected vehicles until repaired.
Problem
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2009-2012 X5 xDrive35d, 2008-2012 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6 M, 2007-2012 X5 30si, X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 48i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i and X5 M and 2010-2011 X6 ActiveHybrid vehicles equipped with non-desiccated, passenger frontal air bag inflators containing phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSPI-2) propellant that were used as interim remedy parts for previous Takata recalls. These inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.
Risk
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix
Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until this remedy is performed. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger front air bag, free of charge. The recall began March 11, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Air bagsJan 15, 2020
Frontal › Driver side › Inflator module
Recall 20V01700059,965 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)
Problem
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2013 128i and 135i Convertibles, 128i, 135i, and M Coupes, 2007-2010 X3 30si and X3 xDrive30i, 2013-2015 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i and X1 xDrive35i, 2007-2013 328i, 328i xDrive, 335i, 335is, 335i xDrive and M3 Coupes, 2006-2011 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 325i, 325xi, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi, 335i xDrive and M3, 2009-2011 335D, 2006-2012 325xi, 328i, 328xi and 328i xDrive, 2010-2011 X6 ActiveHybrid, 2007-2013 328i, 335i, 335is, M3 Coupes, X5 30si, X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 48i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i and X5 M, 2009-2013 X5 xDrive35d and 2008-2014 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6M vehicles equipped with non-desiccated driver frontal air bag inflators containing phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) that were used as interim remedy parts for previous Takata recalls. These inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.
Risk
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix
BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver air bag. On X5 and X6 vehicles, only the inflator will be replaced. All repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began March 11, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Air bagsJan 14, 2019
Frontal › Passenger side › Inflator module
Recall 19V01700083,016 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)
NHTSA advisory: do not drive affected vehicles until repaired.
Problem
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2007-2013 X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i and X5 M vehicles, 2008-2014 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6 M vehicles, 2009-2013 X5 xDrive35d vehicles and 2010-2011 X6 ActiveHybrid vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Risk
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix
Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the remedy is performed. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag module, free of charge. The recall began March 14, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Engine and engine coolingMay 23, 2018
Engine
Recall 18V33600033,214 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)
Problem
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2009-2013 X5 xDrive 35d diesel vehicles. The engine idler pulley bolt may loosen over time and break.
Risk
If the idler pulley bolt breaks, the vehicle may unexpectedly lose power-assisted steering, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the idler pulley bolt with an improved part, free of charge. The recall began March 11, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Air bagsJan 9, 2018
Frontal › Passenger side › Inflator module
Recall 18V03000041,808 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)
NHTSA advisory: do not drive affected vehicles until repaired.
Problem
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2007-2013 X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i, X5 M, 2009-2010 X5 xDrive35d vehicles and 2009-2013 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i, and X6 M vehicles ever registered in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands or "Zone A." BMW is also recalling certain 2007-2010 X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i, X5 M, X5 xDrive35d, X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6M vehicles ever registered in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia or "Zone B." BMW is also recalling certain 2007-2009 X5 xDrive30i, X5 xdrive35i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i, X5 M, X5 xDrive35d, X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6M vehicles ever registered in the states of AK, CO, CT, ID, IA, ME, MA, MI, MN, MT, NH, NY, ND, OR, RI, SD, UT, VT, WA, WI, and WY or "Zone C." These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Risk
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix
Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the remedy is performed. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger front air bag module, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin March 2018. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Engine and engine coolingOct 30, 2017
Exhaust system › Emission control › Crankcase (pcv)
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2011 128i and 2007-2011 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 525i, 525xi, 528i, 528xi, 530i, 530xi, X3 3.0si, X3 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive30i, Z4 3.0i, Z4 3.0si and Z4 sDrive30i vehicles. The heater for the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve may short circuit.
Risk
An electrical short can cause the parts within the PCV valve to melt, increasing the risk of a fire, even when the vehicle is not in use.
Fix
BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the PCV valve heater, free of charge. Interim letters were mailed on November 27, 2017. Owners will receive a second notification by the end of October 2018. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Air bagsJan 10, 2017
Frontal › Passenger side › Inflator module
Recall 17V02000048,951 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)
NHTSA advisory: do not drive affected vehicles until repaired.
Problem
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2012 X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i, X5 M, X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i, and X6 M vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" above, BMW is recalling certain 2009 X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i, and X5 M vehicles, 2008-2009 X6 xDrive 35i, X6 xDrive50i, X6 M, and 2009 X5 xDrive35d vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, or "Zone B." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" or "Zone B" above, BMW is recalling certain 2007-2008 X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i and X5 M vehicles, and 2008 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i, and X6 M vehicles originally sold, or ever registered in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Risk
An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix
Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the remedy is performed. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator or air bag module, free of charge. Interim letters were mailed March 2017. Owners will receive a second notice when remedy parts become available. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2007-2011 BMW X5 3.0si, X5 4.8i, X5 M, X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive48i and X5 xDrive50i, 2008-2011 X6 x Drive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6 M, 2010-2011 X6 ActiveHybrid, 535i xDrive Gran Turismo, 535i Gran Turismo, 550i xDrive Gran Turismo and 550i Gran Turismo, 2011-2012 528i, 535i, 535i xDrive, 550i and 550i xDrive and 2012 535i ActiveHybrid, 640i Convertible, 650i Convertible, 650i xDrive Convertible, 650i Coupe and 650i Coupe xDrive vehicles. The affected vehicles have in-tank fuel pumps that may have insufficiently crimped wire contacts.
Risk
The loose wires may cause the connector to melt, resulting in a fuel leak. Additionally, the fuel pump may stop working, possibly causing an engine stall and increase the risk of a crash.
Fix
BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump module, free of charge. The recall began February 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Air bagsMay 25, 2016
Frontal › Passenger side › Inflator module
Recall 16V36400097,738 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)
NHTSA advisory: do not drive affected vehicles until repaired.
Problem
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2007-2011 X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i and X5M vehicles, 2009-2011 X5 xDrive35d vehicles, 2008-2011 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6 M vehicles, and 2010-2011 X6 ActiveHybrid vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" above, BMW is recalling certain model year 2007-2008 X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i and X5M vehicles, and 2008 BMW X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6 M vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, or "Zone B." Vehicles of these model years and models that were not originally sold or ever registered in either Zones A or B are not subject to this safety recall. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Risk
An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix
Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until they have been repaired. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator or air bag module, free of charge. The recall began July 28, 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
BMW is recalling certain model year 2009-2010 X5 xDrive35d vehicles equipped with a diesel engine and manufactured from June 13, 2009, through November 9, 2009. The fuel filter heater, which is used for warming up the diesel fuel during vehicle operation at low outside temperatures, could experience an electrical overload condition and become permanently activated.
Risk
The fuel filter heater could remain activated even when the ignition is off and lead to a dead battery. The unit could also overheat, possibly resulting in a vehicle fire.
Fix
BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel filter heater, free of charge. The safety recall began on September 26, 2013. Owners may contact BMW customer relations at 1-800-525-7417.
BMW IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2009 X5 XDRIVE35D VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A DIESEL ENGINE AND MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 1, 2008, THROUGH JUNE 12, 2009. THE FUEL FILTER HEATER, WHICH IS USED FOR WARMING UP THE DIESEL FUEL DURING VEHICLE OPERATION AT LOW OUTSIDE TEMPERATURES, COULD EXPERIENCE AN ELECTRICAL OVERLOAD CONDITION AND BECOME PERMANENTLY ACTIVATED.
Risk
THE FUEL FILTER HEATER COULD REMAIN ACTIVATED EVEN WHEN THE IGNITION IS OFF AND LEAD TO A DEAD BATTERY. THE UNIT COULD ALSO OVERHEAT, POSSIBLY LEADING TO A VEHICLE FIRE.
Fix
BMW WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL FILTER HEATER FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 11, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW CUSTOMER RELATIONS AND SERVICES AT 1-800-525-7417.
BMW IS RECALLING MY 2009 X5 AND X6 VEHICLES. THE REAR BRAKE DISCS MAY NOT HAVE BEEN MANUFACTURED ACCORDING TO SPECIFICATIONS. AS A RESULT, A REDUCTION IN BRAKING PERFORMANCE AT THE AFFECTED REAR WHEEL COULD OCCUR.
Risk
IN AN EXTREME CASE, THE AFFECTED REAR BRAKE DISC COULD BREAK RESULTING IN A LOSS OF BRAKING AT THAT WHEEL INCREASING STOPPING DISTANCES AND THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Fix
BMW WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND WILL REPAIR THE VEHICLES BY INSPECTING THE REAR BRAKE DISCS AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THEM FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW CUSTOMER RELATIONS AND SERVICES TOLL-FREE AT 1-800-525-7417.
Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.
Crash test ratings
2009 BMW X5 4-DR. w/SAB
OverallNot Rated
Frontal crash
Not Rated
Side crash
Not Rated
Rollover
★★★★★
Rollover risk
17.4%
NHTSA side barrier crash test
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (New Car Assessment Program). Ratings are comparable only between vehicles of similar size and weight, and ratings from 2011 on use tougher tests than earlier years. Photos: NHTSA.
Fuel economy
X5 xDrive35d Diesel
22mpg combined
City / highway
19 / 26 mpg
Fuel
Diesel
3 L · 6 cyl · Automatic (S6) · All-Wheel Drive · about $4,350/year to fuel
X5 xDrive30i
18mpg combined
City / highway
15 / 21 mpg
Fuel
Premium Gasoline
3 L · 6 cyl · Automatic (S6) · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive · about $4,550/year to fuel
X5 xDrive48i
16mpg combined
City / highway
14 / 19 mpg
Fuel
Premium Gasoline
4.8 L · 8 cyl · Automatic (S6) · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive · about $5,150/year to fuel
EPA estimates from fueleconomy.gov for each engine and transmission sold. Annual cost is the EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year at its current fuel and electricity price assumptions. Your results will vary.
What owners report
Problem area
Complaints
Crashes
Fires
Injuries
Typical mileage*
Air bagsSensor › Occupant classification; Sensor › Occupant classification › Front passenger
45
1
0
1
92,558 mi
Fuel/propulsion system
37
0
3
0
96,000 mi
Engine
30
1
4
0
85,500 mi
Electrical system
16
0
2
0
82,154 mi
Power train
10
2
1
0
93,000 mi
Service brakes
9
0
0
0
74,000 mi
Unknown or other
9
0
1
0
81,212 mi
Seats
9
0
0
0
95,116 mi
Fuel system, gasolineDelivery › Fuel pump
6
0
0
0
56,025 mi
Engine and engine coolingExhaust system › Emission control › Crankcase (pcv)
6
0
0
0
94,500 mi
Steering
6
0
0
0
101,360 mi
Exterior lighting
5
0
0
0
76,795 mi
*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.
Recent owner complaints
Engine and engine cooling
The contact owns a 2009 BMW X5. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, several unknown warning lights illuminated, and the engine seized. The vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who was a certified BMW mechanic, where it was diagnosed with VANOS bolts failure. The contact was informed that the VANOS bolts needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V707000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. In addition, the contact stated that the dealer confirmed the failure and…
Jun 16, 2025 · 175,000 miles
Engine and engine cooling
The contact owns a 2009 BMW X5. The contact stated that after pulling into a parking space there was white smoke coming from underneath the hood of the vehicle and the engine started overheating. The contact added coolant immediately. There were no warning lights illuminated. The failure had occurred twice. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic who diagnosed that the water pump, thermostat, and heater hoses had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that the coolant had leaked out and the engine started overheating. The contact added more coolant to the coolant reservoir; however, the failure recurred 20 miles later. After parking the vehicle,…
Jun 3, 2024 · 230,000 miles
Air bags
Front Passenger occupant seat sensor failure warning code oc3
Jan 10, 2024
Electrical system
Crank no start scanner saying it is in 3rd gear not park.
Jul 29, 2022
Fuel system, gasoline
The contactâs son owns a 2009 BMW X5. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 30 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact was able to veer the vehicle off the road. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the fuel pump module failed and needed to be replaced. The contact was then informed by the mechanic of NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V746000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The dealer was notified of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was included in the NHTSA Campaign Number 16V746000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The vehicle was then towed to the dealer where the contact was informed that the VIN was included NHTSA…
Jun 6, 2023 · 140,000 miles
Power train
My vehicles serpentine belt broke twice and my A.C. belt broke once due to the tensioner pulley bolt loosening over time. I lost power steering and power of the over all vehicle. I was driving at 60 miles per hour, there has been a recall on this part for this exact same model but BMW is saying it is vin specific. This is very unsafe.
May 1, 2023
Fuel/propulsion system
The vehicle backfires and stalls on the road due to BMWs defective pcv crankcase valve. The valve put pressure inside engine which it couldn't handle causing a blown gasket and oil leak, the leak fell on the serpentine belt and AC belt and they slipped off. Causing the power steering to lock up on me while driving. The engine has a whistling noise coming from it. I'm parking and towing to bmw. I can diagnose it without there scanner. This is crazy and very dangerous.
May 1, 2023
Electrical system
The contact owns a 2009 BMW X5. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60 MPH, smoke was suddenly coming through the air vents and vehicle started losing motive power before stalling. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer who diagnosed that the passengerâs side main wiring harness was charred and melted and needed to be replaced. The wiring harness was replaced but the failure immediately reoccurred. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 140,000.
Mar 15, 2023 · 140,000 miles
Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.
NHTSA defect investigations
Idler Pulley Bolt FailureClosedLed to recall 18V336000
In a May 23, 2018 letter, BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) notified the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) of a safety defect that may result in the loss of power steering assist in certain model year (MY) 2009 through 2013 BMW X5 xDrive35d vehicles (Recall 18V-336). The recall, which affects approximately 33,214 vehicles built from March 12, 2008 through June 27, 2013, corrects the remedy and expands the scope of a prior BMW recall (12V-550) which addressed idle pulley bolt failure in approximately 29,800 MY 2009 through 2012 BMW X5 xDrive35d vehicles built from September 1, 2008 through November 15, 2012. BMW's analysis indicates that due to a number of contributing factors it is possible that the bolt's pre-stressing force could drop to an extent that it results in the bolt becoming loosened over time. A loosening of the bolt could cause additional bending stress…
RQ18001 · opened Apr 18, 2018 · closed Dec 1, 2018
