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NHTSA recalls & complaints · 2000–2013

BMW X5 SAV recalls, complaints and VIN decoding

NHTSA lists 9 recall campaigns and 203 owner complaints for the BMW X5 SAV, covering model years 2000 to 2013. The 2007 model year drew the most complaints (59), and Air Bags is the component owners name most often.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint flat files, updated September 25, 2026.

Decode your BMW X5 SAV VIN

See the model year, plant and build details of one vehicle, then the recalls for its exact year.

  • 9 recall campaigns on file
  • 203 owner complaints (unverified reports to NHTSA)
  • 13 model years with data (2000–2013)
  • most complaints: 2007 (59 for that model year)
  • top component: Air Bags (54 complaints)
  • latest recall 22V119000 (reported Mar 2, 2022)
  • 8 complaints reporting a crash (3.9%)
  • 4 complaints reporting a fire (2.0%)
  • 7 complaints reporting an injury (3.4%)
  • 0 complaints reporting a death (0.0%)

BMW X5 SAV complaints by model year

9 model years · NHTSA complaints

The 2007 model year has the most complaints: 59 of 203, or 29.1%. Next come 2006 (27) and 2011 (24). The fewest are for 2003, with 1 complaint.

Owner complaints per model yearHighest yearOther years
BMW X5 SAV owner complaints to NHTSA by model year, 2003–2013Column chart of 203 complaints across 11 model years. The highest is 2007 with 59. The full figures are in the table below the chart.2003: 1 complaint120032004: 0 complaints20042005: 0 complaints20052006: 27 complaints2720062007: 59 complaints5920072008: 20 complaints2020082009: 19 complaints1920092010: 19 complaints1920102011: 24 complaints2420112012: 21 complaints2120122013: 13 complaints132013
BMW X5 SAV complaints by model year, with complaints reporting a crash, fire, injury or death
BMW X5 SAV complaints by model year, with complaints reporting a crash, fire, injury or death
Model yearComplaintsReporting a crashReporting a fireReporting an injuryReporting a death
200310000
2006271110
2007595040
2008201010
2009190100
2010190100
2011240000
2012211110
2013130000
All model years2038470

Crash, fire, injury and death columns count complaints that report at least one of them, not people.

Most-reported BMW X5 SAV components

top 15 · NHTSA categories

Air Bags is the component named most often, in 54 complaints (26.6% of all 203), followed by Engine (41) and Electrical System (28).

Components named most often in BMW X5 SAV complaints (top 15)
Components named most often in BMW X5 SAV complaints (top 15)
ComponentComplaintsShare of complaints
Air Bags5426.6%
Engine4120.2%
Electrical System2813.8%
Fuel/Propulsion System2813.8%
Power Train2813.8%
Service Brakes2612.8%
Seats136.4%
Vehicle Speed Control104.9%
Structure83.9%
Engine and Engine Cooling73.4%
Exterior Lighting73.4%
Steering63.0%
Unknown or Other63.0%
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)52.5%
Seat Belts52.5%

One complaint can name several components, so the shares add up to more than 100%. Component names are NHTSA’s top-level categories.

What NHTSA owner complaints mean

These figures count complaints that vehicle owners and other members of the public have submitted to NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation. NHTSA uses complaints, together with other data, to spot safety issues that may warrant an investigation and to check whether existing recalls go far enough.

  • They are reports, not findings. Each complaint is the submitter's own account. Its presence in the database does not mean NHTSA has confirmed a defect.
  • Counts are not defect rates. The data doesn't say how many vehicles were sold, so a raw count can't tell you what share of vehicles had a problem.
  • Popular models collect more complaints. A model sold in large numbers will usually gather more complaints than a rare one, simply because more people own it.
  • One complaint can name several components. Totals by component can therefore add up to more than the number of complaints.
  • Coverage starts in 1995. NHTSA's complaint file contains complaints received since January 1, 1995.

Use complaint patterns as a prompt for questions: whether a recall covers the issue, whether the vehicle you are considering has had the fix, and what a mechanic finds on inspection. For confirmed safety defects, see the recall list for this model.

BMW X5 SAV recalls

9 campaigns · newest first

Every vehicle recall campaign NHTSA lists under the model name X5 SAV, newest first. The 9 campaigns cover model years 2000 to 2013. The 2007 and 2010 model years appear in the most campaigns (5 each).

  • 9 recall campaigns
  • 1 “Do Not Drive” advisory
BMW X5 SAV recall campaigns covering each model year
DecadeYears ending in 0Years ending in 1Years ending in 2Years ending in 3Years ending in 4Years ending in 5Years ending in 6Years ending in 7Years ending in 8Years ending in 9
2000: 1 campaign2001: 1 campaign2002: 1 campaign2003: 1 campaign2004: 1 campaign2005: no campaigns2006: no campaigns2007: 5 campaigns2008: 3 campaigns2009: 4 campaigns
2010: 5 campaigns2011: 3 campaigns2012: 4 campaigns2013: 1 campaign
Highlighted: the model years with the most campaigns.

  1. NHTSA campaign 22V119000

    Reported

    Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Emission Control › Crankcase (PCV)

    Model years 2007–2010

    BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2013 1 Series Coupe (128i); 2007-2013 3 Series Coupe (328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive); 2007-2010 X3 SAV (X3 3.0si, X3 xDrive30i); 2008-2013 1 Series Convertible (128i); 2006-2011 3 Series Sedan (325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 330i, 330xi); 2006-2012 3 Series Wagon (328i, 328i xDrive); 2007-2013 3 Series Convertible (328i); 2006-2010 5 Series Sedan (525i, 525xi, 528i, 528xi, 530i, 530xi); 2006-2007 5 Series Wagon (530xi); 2007-2010 X5 SAV (X5 3.0si, X5 xDrive30i); 2006-2008 Z4 Coupe (Z4 3.0si); and 2006-2011 Z4 Roadster (Z4 3.0i, Z4 3.0si, Z4 sDrive30i) vehicles. The heater for the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve may short circuit.

    Consequence:
    An electrical short can cause the PCV valve heater to overheat, increasing the risk of a fire while driving or, soon after driving when parked.
    Remedy:
    This recall supersedes and expands previous NHTSA recalls 17V-683 and 19V-273. Dealers will install an electrical wiring harness with fuse protection for the PCV Valve heater in potentially affected vehicles, free of charge. This recall supersedes and expands previous NHTSA recalls 17V-683 and 19V-273. Vehicles previously repaired under the prior recalls will need to come back for the new recall remedy. The remedy is currently being developed. Interim owner notification letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed on April 1, 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 22, 2022. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

    Filed by BMW of North America, LLC

  2. NHTSA campaign 19V015000

    Reported

    Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module

    Model years 2000–2004

    NHTSA “Do Not Drive” advisory: affected vehicles should not be driven until the recall repair is done.

    BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2000-2003 525i Sedan, 530i Sedan, 540i Sedan, 2001-2003 525i Sports Wagon and 540i Sports Wagon vehicles, and 2000-2004 X5 SAV 3.0i, X5 SAV 4.4i, and X5 SAV 4.6is vehicles. This recall affects certain vehicles where the original steering wheel has been replaced with the optional sports steering wheel. The sports steering wheel has a frontal air bag inflator that may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.

    Consequence:
    An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
    Remedy:
    Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the vehicle has been remedied. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicle for an optional sports steering wheel with an affected inflator. Dealers will replace the air bag module as necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 14, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

    Filed by BMW of North America, LLC

  3. NHTSA campaign 16V071000

    Reported

    Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module

    Model years 2007–2013

    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.

    Consequence:
    In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
    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.

    Filed by BMW of North America, LLC

  4. NHTSA campaign 14V176000

    Reported

    Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine

    Model years 2010–2012

    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.

    Consequence:
    If the bolts loosen or break the engine may have reduced power or stall. An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
    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.

    Filed by BMW of North America, LLC

  5. NHTSA campaign 13V045000

    Reported

    Service Brakes; Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Power Assist

    Model years 2007–2010

    BMW is recalling certain model year 2007-2010 X5 SAV vehicles, manufactured September 12, 2006, through March 18, 2010 and equipped with an 8-cylinder engine. The brake vacuum pump may leak a small amount of lubricating oil into the hose. The contamination could result in a loss of power assist braking.

    Consequence:
    The loss of power assist in braking could increase stopping distance and lead to a vehicle crash.
    Remedy:
    BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake vacuum line with one that contains a check valve, free of charge. The recall began during March 2013. Owners may call BMW at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.

    Filed by BMW of North America, LLC

  6. NHTSA campaign 12V550000

    Reported

    Steering › Hydraulic Power Assist System; Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Diesel

    Model years 2009–2012

    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.

    Consequence:
    If the engine belt idler pulley bolt breaks, the vehicle may unexpectedly lose power-assisted steering, increasing the risk of a crash.
    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.

    Filed by BMW of North America, LLC

  7. NHTSA campaign 12V161000

    Reported

    Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Other Fuel Types › Turbo/Supercharger

    Model year 2012

    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.

    Consequence:
    This could lead to a smoldering of the pump or an engine compartment or vehicle fire.
    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.

    Filed by BMW of North America, LLC

  8. NHTSA campaign 07V479000

    Reported

    Engine and Engine Cooling

    Model year 2007

    On certain vehicles equipped with V8 engines, in conditions of below freezing temperatures combined with low humidity, it is possible for electrostatic discharge to occur at the fuel rails. If this were to occur, the engine electronic control unit (ECU) could be affected so that engine stalling could result.

    Consequence:
    If stalling were to occur, the driver may not be able to maintain vehicle speed or accelerate and the power steering could fail increasing the risk of a crash.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will attach two ground cables in the engine compartment free of charge. The recall began on October 29, 2007. Owners may contact BMW at 1-800-831-1117.

    Filed by BMW of North America, LLC

  9. NHTSA campaign 07V391000

    Reported

    Service Brakes, Hydraulic

    Model year 2007

    Certain passenger vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 135, "passenger car brake systems." The cap of the brake fluid reservoir has been designed in orderto recognize a low fluid level of the hydraulic brake system by triggering a red warning lamp in the instrument cluster. A switch that is attached to this cap could malfunction at high temperatures.

    Consequence:
    If this happened, the red warning lamp in the instrument cluster would not be activated. Loss of the hydraulic brake system may cause increased stopping distances which could result in a crash.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will replace the brake fluid reservoir cap free of charge. The recall began on September 20, 2007. Owners may contact BMW at 1-800-831-1117.

    Filed by BMW of North America, LLC

Recall text is shown as NHTSA publishes it; older campaigns, which NHTSA stores in capital letters, are shown in sentence case. NHTSA’s Vehicle Safety Hotline, 1-888-327-4236, also answers recall questions.

How to read this recall list

This list shows every safety recall campaign NHTSA has on file for this make, model and model year. It is not specific to one vehicle: a recall often covers only vehicles built in a certain date range or with a certain part, and many of the vehicles it covers will already have been repaired.

What each recall field means
What each recall field means
FieldWhat it tells you
Campaign numberNHTSA's unique ID for the recall, such as 20V771000. Quote it to a dealer or when searching NHTSA's site.
ComponentThe system or part involved, for example air bags, brakes or electrical software.
SummaryWhat the defect or non-compliance is and which vehicles are covered.
ConsequenceThe safety risk if the problem isn't fixed.
RemedyWhat the manufacturer will do, such as a repair, replacement or software update, and whether it is free.
  • Some recalls carry an NHTSA consumer advisory, “Do Not Drive” or “Park Outside”. Follow it until the repair is done.
  • A single campaign often covers several models or model years, so the same campaign number can appear in more than one list.
  • Recalls are shown as NHTSA publishes them. Very recent campaigns may take time to appear.

Does your vehicle have an open recall? Only a VIN check can tell you. Enter the VIN at NHTSA's recall lookup (opens in a new tab) or on the manufacturer's website. Our VIN recall check guide explains what each option covers.

BMW X5 SAV questions

5 questions

How many recalls does the BMW X5 SAV have?

NHTSA lists 9 vehicle recall campaigns for the BMW X5 SAV, covering model years 2000 to 2013. The most recent, 22V119000, was reported on March 2, 2022 and is filed under “Engine and engine cooling”. The 2007 and 2010 model years are covered by the most campaigns (5 each).

Which BMW X5 SAV model year has the most complaints?

The 2007 model year, with 59 of the 203 complaints in NHTSA’s file (29.1%). The next are 2006 (27) and 2011 (24). Complaint counts also reflect how many vehicles of each year were sold and how long they have been on the road, so they are not a reliability ranking.

What is the most common BMW X5 SAV complaint?

Air Bags is the component named most often: 54 complaints, or 26.6% of all 203. Engine (41) and Electrical System (28) follow. Complaints are unverified reports from owners, not confirmed defects, and one complaint can name several components.

Does every recall on this page apply to my BMW X5 SAV?

Not necessarily. Each campaign lists specific model years, and many cover only vehicles built in a certain period or fitted with a certain part; repairs already carried out aren’t shown. To see whether a recall is open on your vehicle, enter its VIN at NHTSA’s recall lookup (opens in a new tab) or ask a BMW dealer.

How many BMW X5 SAV complaints report a crash, fire, injury or death?

Of the 203 complaints, 8 report a crash, 4 a fire, 7 at least one injury and 0 at least one death. These figures count complaints, not people, and each complaint is the submitter’s own unverified account.

Other BMW models

8 models · most complaints first

The BMW models with the most NHTSA complaints, and the BMW VIN decoder with every BMW model page, WMI code and VIN note.

  • BMW X5 1999–2026 · 103 recalls · 3,138 complaints
  • BMW 328i 1996–2016 · 27 recalls · 2,576 complaints
  • BMW X3 2004–2026 · 60 recalls · 1,989 complaints
  • BMW 325i 1995–2012 · 20 recalls · 1,281 complaints
  • BMW Z4 2002–2023 · 28 recalls · 1,280 complaints
  • BMW 3 Series 1995–2023 · 8 recalls · 841 complaints
  • BMW 528i 1997–2016 · 14 recalls · 831 complaints
  • BMW 330i 1999–2026 · 38 recalls · 813 complaints

All BMW models and WMI codesLook up recalls by year

Data: NHTSA recalls and complaints flat files, updated September 25, 2026. Recall campaigns are vehicle (V) campaigns listed for this model name; complaints are counted once per NHTSA ODI number and model year.