2012 BMW X5

271 complaints on file, page 1 of 14.

1. Filed Jun 15, 2026Failure Jun 13, 2026Brooklyn, NYElectrical system

   I own a 2012 BMW X5 that is experiencing a Footwell Module (FRM) failure. BMW issued an Extended Limited Warranty for the FRM extending coverage to 15 years or 186,000 miles. My vehicle falls within those limits. The FRM failure has rendered the headlights, high beams, turn signals, brake lights, and power windows inoperative. As a result, the vehicle cannot be safely operated on public roads. Other motorists may not be able to see when the vehicle is braking or turning, creating a significant safety concern. BMW of Brooklyn and BMW of North America have informed me that I must pay a $360 diagnostic fee upfront before they will determine whether the repair is covered under BMW's FRM Extended Limited Warranty. BMW's warranty letter states that the FRM warranty is subject to the same eligibility requirements and limitations as the BMW New Vehicle Limited Warranty. In my view, requiring a substantial upfront diagnostic fee to evaluate a known defect covered by an extended warranty creates an unreasonable barrier to obtaining warranty repairs. I understand diagnostic charges may be appropriate if the failure is ultimately determined to be unrelated to the FRM. However, I do not believe owners should be required to pay a significant upfront fee simply to determine whether a known and potentially covered defect qualifies for warranty coverage. I respectfully request that NHTSA review both the safety implications of FRM failures and BMW's administration of this warranty program.

   NHTSA complaint 11744308
2. Filed May 1, 2026Failure Apr 28, 2026Santa Maria, CAEngine, Steering, Unknown or other

   Two nights ago I was at Domino’s Pizza. I put my car in reverse and the car died and the steering wheel locked up like the power steering was giving out I was able to start the car again, but still with no power steering assist and drove the car home about a mile away, but every time I slowed down or came to a stop sign or a stoplight, the car would die, and the battery light would flash on the dash and it would say charging malfunction once I got home we took a look at the engine and noticed that none of the belts were working at all and then I started to google what could possibly be the problem and a couple of different recalls came up recall number 12V550000 and that is engine and engine cooling engine diesel what the name of it is and the recall date is 1127 2012 and then the next one is 2012 BMW X5 diesel SUVs from the model year 2012 923 BMW X fives have been recalled because they have defective engine belt, tensioners and cracks that develop along the welds if the belt tensioner fails there could be a sudden loss of power steering assist that is sounds like exactly what happened to my car and then there’s another one recall number B121918 which is from September 2019 and it is called idler pulley bolt and come to find out that actually was a recall on my vehicle, but the previous owner is the one that had it repaired so I’m not sure if BMW is willing to repair it again but there’s not a lot of miles on this cards a 2012 I bought it with 95,000 miles on it and it currently only has 131,000 miles on it. I’m just hoping for some kind of resolution here this is the fifth Bmw that I bought in my lifetime and I for the most part I’ve had pretty good ultimate driving experience and good customer service and some good financing but I can’t see why just recall wouldn’t cover my vehicle. It’s currently in the shop. They’re doing a diagnostic on it and I will be getting that back later on today and I can report that back to you folks, hopefully it could be recalled. M

   NHTSA complaint 11735154
3. Filed Jan 3, 2026Failure Jan 2, 2026San Diego, CAUnknown or otherFire

   My car was sitting on the driveway and spontaneously caught on fire. It has not been driven for the last week or two. Nobody was home, when it caught on fire. Our neighbors called 911

   NHTSA complaint 11708556
4. Filed Dec 12, 2025Failure Dec 12, 2023Milwaukee, WIElectrical system

   The contact owns a 2012 BMW X5. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. In addition, the interior lights flickered on and off. The failure was intermittent. The contact later received an extended warranty notification for the foot well. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a misfire in cylinders #3 and #4. The contact was informed that the failure was not related to the extended warranty program. The contact was informed that ignition coils and plugs in cylinders #3 and #4 needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

   NHTSA complaint 11704702
5. Filed Aug 14, 2025Failure Feb 20, 2023Porterville, CAAir bags, Engine, Seats

   Front passenger side occupancy seat sensor is bad and computer detected an air bag malfunction. Timing chain broke without warning.

   NHTSA complaint 11680551
6. Filed Aug 6, 2025Failure Jun 20, 2025St. Augustine, FLAir bags, Seat belts

   I received a message of Restraint system malfunction and when I called the local dealer I was told the part is not availabel anywhere in the USA. What am I supposed to do with this. I was told the air bags and seatbelts may malfunction. The vehicle only has 85k miles. its a 2012. At this point who will take the car as a trade? It's not safe and they don't have an answer except to say I'm [XXX] and i guess you need to get a new vehicle!! Can you believe this? I have to get a whole new vehicle because they don't have a part! You can't make this stuff up. I spoke with BMW USA and was told they only honor 4yr and 50k miles and after 10years they are not responsible for parts to be made. The I was told to get it further diagnosed to the tune of 250.00 so they can "MAYBE" have the parts manufactured. What the heck! this company is saying our cars are garbage after 10yrs! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

   NHTSA complaint 11678691
7. Filed Jul 7, 2025Failure Jul 4, 202598,744 milesBeavercreek, OHElectrical system, Engine and engine cooling

   The contact owns a 2012 BMW X5. The contact stated that when the vehicle was parked, the contact noticed coolant leaking on the ground underneath the vehicle. The contact stated that the low coolant warning light was illuminated. The contact refilled the coolant reservoir. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with coolant pump failure. The contact was informed that the coolant pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System); however, the VIN was not associated with the recall. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 98,744.

   NHTSA complaint 11671552
8. Filed Jun 8, 2025Failure Feb 10, 2025Suitland, MDElectrical system, Engine, Suspension

   Water entering into the vehicle, causing vehicle to reduce power in traffic, due to traction control issues.. Not able to drive vehicle when it’s raining., along with other issues, pls see first report..

   NHTSA complaint 11665571
9. Filed Jun 8, 2025Failure Jun 5, 2025Suitland, MDFuel/propulsion system

   Dear Sir/Madam, I am writing to you today to report a potential issue with my 2012 BMW X5 3.5i, VIN [XXX] . My vehicle appears to be experiencing fuel wire problems , along with the smell of gas, consistent with those described in recall number 16V-746000. I would appreciate it if you would investigate this matter further and advise on the appropriate course of action to address this concern. I have spent too much money on having the car towed around town.. Thank you for your time and attention to this matter. Sincerely, [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

   NHTSA complaint 11665570
10. Filed Mar 13, 2025Failure Mar 13, 2025115,000 milesCharlotte, NCEngine and engine cooling

    The contact owns a 2012 BMW X5. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the contact noticed coolant leaking from the lower end of the engine compartment with the check engine warning light illuminated. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for further assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 115,000.

    NHTSA complaint 11648196
11. Filed Feb 14, 2025Failure Feb 2, 2025Franklin, INPower train

    While driving on highway at 70 MPH, front AWD driveshaft failed and caused massive damage to engine and underside of car is destroyed. The flailing driveshaft punched a hole in engine and oil pan, causing all engine oil to spray on hot exhaust and the tires while driving. Luckily was able to slow car and steer it to shoulder, near miss accident. There is recall 17V-138 on this year of BMW X5 for exact issue that happened to me, but BMW states that my VIN is not affected. Yeah right.

    NHTSA complaint 11642851
12. Filed Sep 15, 2024Failure Sep 15, 2024Oldsmar, FLSteering

    It suddenly became very, very difficult and almost impossible to steer.

    NHTSA complaint 11614658
13. Filed Jun 3, 2024Failure Jun 3, 2024Modesto, CAPower train

    A recall on the prop shaft was done in 2017 and today 06/24 while driving on the freeway I heard a loud clunking noise and then a huge pop and I pulled over on the side of the road to find my prop shaft had exploded and messed up everything. Now im stuck with a nonfunctional car because a part that was allegedly replaced for safety ended up exploding while I was driving.

    NHTSA complaint 11592244
14. Filed Mar 7, 2024Failure Oct 16, 202385,000 milesBellingham, MAAir bags

    The contact owns a 2012 BMW X5. The contact stated that the air bag restraint malfunction message was displayed, and the air bag warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic but was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The approximate failure mileage was 85,000.

    NHTSA complaint 11576087
15. Filed Feb 9, 2024Failure Feb 2, 2024Killeen, TXEngine

    To my understanding BMW agreed to honor the N63 Customer Care Package voluntarily regardless of mileage or age of the engine as referred to BMW bulletins SIB[XXX], [XXX], and [XXX]. My local dealer did not know anything about the [XXX] and when I called BMW USA I was told that they not honor the package any more even though the bulletin says they will take care of it regardless of engine mileage or age. To my understanding that should have been a recall but BMW negotiated to call it Customer Care Package as an initiative to police itself instead of having a mandated action by a recall. My local BMW dealer is in Temple Texas. Please advice me on how to proceed to service my engine as promised for free based on these bulletins. Thank you. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

    NHTSA complaint 11571114
16. Filed Jan 21, 2024Failure Nov 15, 2023Roanoke, VAAir bags, Electrical system, Engine

    Vehical randomly shuts off, it all safety systems warning lamps come on l, like ABS, Airbag, and traction control. Found wiring harness laying in a pool of water in the rear right cargo compartment. Rain water leaking from sunroof collected in compartment. The harness contains wires for the the vehicles CAN buss systems the water causes corrosion in the harness, which causes all sorts of problems that could happen at any time like the vehicle shutting off or the airbag or abs warning light coming on.

    NHTSA complaint 11566753
17. Filed Nov 30, 2023Failure Nov 29, 2023Ellensburg, WAAir bagsCrash

    We hit a deer while driving at 55 MPH. We were wearing seatbelts and not injured, it was a major frontal impact, the car is probably totalled. When we stopped we noticed multiple warning messages on the display: * restraint system failure * passenger airbag failure * pre-tensioner failure It appears that the car detected the collision and tried to activate the restraint systems, but nothing activated. No air bags deployed, and we did not feel the pre-tensioners activate.

    NHTSA complaint 11557763
18. Filed Sep 20, 2023Failure Aug 30, 202365,000 milesAntioch, CAAir bags, Front passenger

    The contact owns a 2012 BMW X5. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the message "Passenger Restraint System Malfunction" was displayed. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring while driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who informed the contact that the passenger restraint system had failed, and an unknown repair needed to be completed. The contact was charged a repair cost. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to TSB Number: 10056703-9690. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.

    NHTSA complaint 11545582
19. Filed Sep 15, 2023Failure Dec 14, 202260,000 milesTacoma, WAPower train

    The contact owns a 2012 BMW X5. The contact stated that upon coming to a complete stop, he heard an abnormal sound coming from the engine compartment before the vehicle lost motive power. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who determined that the driveshaft universal joint had failed, causing additional damage to the transmission and oil pan. The vehicle was repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related it to NHTSA Campaign Number 17V138000 (Power Train), but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.

    NHTSA complaint 11544815
20. Filed Sep 5, 2023Failure Jun 5, 2023210,000 milesRound Rock, TXPower train, Hose, Piping, And connections

    The contact owns a 2012 BMW X5. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, she heard a loud thumping sound underneath the vehicle. The contact then stated that the vehicle hesitated then decelerated at low speeds while the accelerator pedal was depressed. The contact stated that his wife was able to navigate the vehicle safely to the residence. The contact was unsure if any warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the front driveshaft failed and as a result the power steering hoses had ruptured and the front driveshaft and the power steering hoses needed to be replaced. The power steering hoses were replaced however, the front driveshaft had not yet been replaced. The contact referenced the NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V138000 (Power Train). The manufacture was notified of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 210,000.

    NHTSA complaint 11542756