The 2009 BMW X6 has 10 safety recalls and 19 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is engine (8 complaints).
Recalls10safety recalls
Complaints19filed by owners
Crashes · fires0 · 1reported in complaints
Injuries · deaths0 · 0reported in complaints
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.
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2011-2012 BMW 550i, 550i xDrive, 550i Gran Turismo, 550i Gran Turismo xDrive, 750i, 750Li, 750i xDrive, 750Li xDrive, 760Li, X5 xDrive50i, X5 M, X6 xDrive50i, X6 M, ActiveHybrid7, MINI Cooper S Convertible, John Cooper Works (JCW) Convertible, Cooper S Countryman, Cooper S Countryman ALL4, Cooper S, JCW, Cooper S Clubman, JCW Clubman, Cooper S Roadster, JCW Roadster, Cooper S Coupe, JCW Coupe and Rolls-Royce Ghost, 2011 BMW X6 Hybrid and 2012 BMW 650i Coupe, 650i xDrive Coupe, 650i Convertible and 650i xDrive Convertible vehicles. The electric auxiliary water pump may fail and cause the circuit board to overheat.
Risk
If the circuit board were to overheat, it can increase the risk of a fire.
Fix
BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the electric auxiliary water pump, free of charge. Depending on the model, there are currently limited parts available, however not all parts are available at this time. Owners will be notified of the recall beginning June 11, 2018, and will receive a second notification when remedy parts become available. Owners may contact BMW customer service at BMW 1-800-525-7417, MINI at 1-866-825-1525, or Rolls-Royce at 1-877-877-3735. Note: BMW recommends that owners park their vehicle outdoors until the recall remedy has been performed.
Components: Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline › Turbo/supercharger; Engine and engine cooling › Engine
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.
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 2011 5-SERIES, MODEL YEAR 2010-2011 5-SERIES GRAN TURISMO, MODEL YEAR 2009-2011 7-SERIES, MODEL YEAR 2010-2011 X5 SAV, AND MODEL YEAR 2008-2011 X6 SAV VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 8- OR 12-CYLINDER, TURBOCHARGED, ENGINES BECAUSE THE CIRCUIT BOARD FOR THE ELECTRIC AUXILIARY WATER PUMP CAN OVERHEAT.
Risk
THIS COULD LEAD TO A SMOLDERING OF THE PUMP OR AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT OR VEHICLE FIRE.
Fix
BMW WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE AUXILIARY WATER PUMP FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 19, 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.
Fuel economy
X6 xDrive35i
17mpg combined
City / highway
15 / 20 mpg
Fuel
Premium Gasoline
3 L · 6 cyl · Automatic (S6) · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive · about $4,850/year to fuel
X6 xDrive50i
15mpg combined
City / highway
12 / 18 mpg
Fuel
Premium Gasoline
4.4 L · 8 cyl · Automatic (S6) · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive · about $5,500/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*
Engine
8
0
1
0
64,122 mi
Air bags
3
0
0
0
—
Fuel/propulsion system
2
0
1
0
—
Engine and engine cooling
2
0
0
0
—
Unknown or other
2
0
0
0
—
Latches/locks/linkages
1
0
0
0
—
Tires
1
0
0
0
—
Suspension
1
0
0
0
—
Exterior lighting
1
0
0
0
—
Electrical system
1
0
1
0
—
Fuel system, gasoline
1
0
0
0
—
Vehicle speed control
1
0
0
0
—
*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.
Recent owner complaints
Service brakes
I WAS DRIVING HOME I LOST POWER IN MY ENGINE MY RADIATOR FAN WAS EXTREMELY HIGH THE GATE IS GOING UP AND DOWN WHEN THE CAR WAS COLD AND MY OBD GOT BURN OUT
Jul 18, 2020 · 80 miles
Engine
I TOOK MY 2009 BMW X6 TO THE BMW DEALER, ADVANTAGE BMW MIDTOWN (HOUSTON, TEXAS) FOR SUSPECTED OIL LEAK AND EXCESSIVE WHITE SMOKE COMING FROM BOTH EXHAUST PIPES. I REQUESTED MULTI-POINT INSPECTION INCLUDING THE ENGINE. THE COMPLETE MULTI-POINT INSPECTION RESULTS ALONG WITH FINDINGS AND AN ESTIMATE CAN BE FOUND IN THE ATTACHED REPORT. WHICH INCLUDE: REPLACE VALVE SEALS, OIL RETURN COVER AND REAR MAIN SEAL (VALVE SEAL LEAKING AND MULTIPLE OIL LEAKS) REPLACE UPPER OIL PAN GASKET (UPPER OIL PAN GASKET LEAKING) REPLACE BULKHEAD COVERS (BULKHEAD COVERS COMING APART) REPLACE BOTH POST CAT O2 SENSORS (FAULTS STORED FOR POST-CAT O2 SENSORS) SPOKE WITH/COMMUNICATED WITH BMW SERVICE ADVISOR REP, BMW…
Jul 6, 2020 · 58,244 miles
Engine
THE CAR WOULD SHAKE UNCONTROLLABLY AND WON'T ACCELERATE . IT STUTTERS AND READS REDUCE ENGINE POWER. THE CAR WAS IN MOTION AT THE TIME ON A CITY STREET. IT ALMOST STOPPED COMPLETELY. *TR
Jun 5, 2020 · 105,004 miles
Engine
I TOOK MY 2009 BMW X6 TO THE BMW DEALER, UNION CITY GA FOR 3 PURPOSES: SUSPECTED LEAK OF COOLANT; CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON; AND EXCESSIVE SMOKE COMING FROM BOTH EXHAUST PIPES. SPOKE WITH/COMMUNICATED VIA EMAIL WITH BMW SVC REP, WENT OVER DOCUMENTED CONCERNS...TO INCLUDE SMOKE FROM BOTH EXHAUST PIPES; RECEIVED DOCUMENT FOR APPROVAL; WHICH I APPROVED. RECEIVED VEHICLE 3 DAYS LATER, RETURNING HOME WITH VEHICLE TO OBSERVE SMOKE 'EXCESSIVE' FROM BOTH EXHAUST PIPES. RETURNED VEHICLE, TO BE TOLD BY SVC MGR, "I'M SORRY, I CAN ONLY REPRIMAND SVC REP, AS THE WORK THAT WAS DONE WOULD NOT CORRECT SMOKE FROM EXHAUST." THEN, SVC MGR WENT ON TO SPEAK OF THE CLASS ACTION LAW SUIT THAT ADDRESSED THIS PROBLEM,…
Mar 31, 2020 · 105,000 miles
Engine
VANOS CAMSHAFT FAULT. FC 2A82 AND FC 2A87. I WAS DRIVING AT A SPEED OF 25MPH THE REDUCED ENGINE POWER LIGHT COMES ON. I STOP TURN THE CAR OFF AND RESTART IT THE LIGHT IS NOW OFF AFTER DRIVING FOR 10MINS THE LIGHT COMES BACK ON THERE IS A LOSS OF POWER I'M STEPPING ON THE GAS AND THE CAR IS NOT GOING THIS HAS HAPPENED NEARLY EACH TIME I'VE DRIVEN THE CAR LATELY. I TAKE THE CAR TO A SHOP SPENDING ALMOST $1000 TO TELL ME THE VANOS OR CAMSHAFT ITSELF IS THE PROBLEM THIS REPAIR IS CLOSE TO $4000. I SEE THAT THIS IS BINDER RECALL FOR 2010 TO 2014 MODELS I'M THINKING YOU JUST FORGOT US. HELP THANK YOU.
Apr 6, 2018 · 134,000 miles
Engine
ENGINE IS LEAKING OIL AND IT'S A FIRE HAZARD... GOOGLE SEARCH FOR EXACTLY THE SAME ISSUE INDICATES THAT THIS IS A VERY COMMON WITH BMW. CAR HAS 25K MILES AND OIL FILTER GASKET AND CYLINDER HEAD ARE LEAKING OIL INTO ENGINE, THIS SHOULD NEVER HAPPEN ON A HARDLY DRIVEN CAR. SUSPECT BMW IS INTENTIONALLY USING DEFECTIVE PARTS TO CHARGE OUTRAGEOUS REPAIR FEES. OTHER MANUFACTURES RECALL THIS TYPE OF ISSUE, WHY IS BMW GETTING AWAY WITH THIS? SEE EXAMPLE YOUTUBE VIDEOS AT HTTPS://M.YOUTUBE.COM/WATCH?V=5CO92U-WA94 AND HTTPS://M.YOUTUBE.COM/WATCH?V=RYJLM5VEMMO
Jan 24, 2018 · 25,000 miles
Air bags
TAKATA RECALL
Aug 3, 2017
Fuel system, gasoline
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 BMW X6. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V746000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). THE PART NEEDED WAS UNAVAILABLE TO PERFORM THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
Dec 19, 2016
Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.