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2012 BMW X5 MProblems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 3 owner complaints about the 2012 BMW X5 M, most often about the engine. It is covered by 1 safety recall, and for recall 18V-248 the manufacturer reports only 66% of affected cars repaired.

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CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls1Lowest repair rate 66%Owner complaints30 with a crash, fire or injuryTop problem2Engine

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through May 15, 2019. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 2012 BMW X5 M has problems

3 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.

Box size = number of complaints naming that system. Darker = larger share. One complaint can name more than one system.
Complaints by system
SystemComplaintsCrash, fire or injury
Engine20
Electrical system10

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.

1 recall

2012 BMW X5 M recalls and how many were fixed

Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

66%repaired · 2019 Q3

Engine and engine cooling: engine

Recall 18V-248 · Apr 18, 2018 · 47,806 vehicles · 31,460 repaired

Risk. If the circuit board were to overheat, it can increase the risk of a fire.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with BMW.

Best & worst years

2012 vs. every other X5 M year

Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the X5 M median. How we score

'10'11'12'18
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
NHTSA crash tests

2012 BMW X5 M safety ratings

2012 BMW X5 M SUV AWD in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.

  • Rollover: 4 stars (17.4% risk)
  • Stability control: Standard
  • Forward collision warning: No
  • Lane departure warning: No
In owners' words

What X5 M owners report

Recent engine complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

CAR HAS 62000KMS, FULLY SERVICED AT DEALER ONLY! ENGINE RUMBLED TO A HALT WHILE I WAS ON THE HIGHWAY. SEVERAL PEOPLE REPORTING SAME ISSUE. DEALER CLAIMS SEIZED ENGINE/TIMING CHAIN. THESE SAME MODEL CARS WITH THE N63 ENGINES HAVE A RECALL, THIS MODEL HAS A TURBO ATTACHED FROM FACTORY AND WASNT…
Complaint 11207647 · May 15, 2019
"ELECTRIC AUXILIARY WATER PUMP FOR TURBOCHARGER RECALL" AFTER I'VE SHUT THE ENGINE OFF THERE IS A LOUD GURGLING, BUBBLING NOISE UNDER THE HOOD. OVER THE PAST 7 WEEKS THE NOISE HAS PROGRESSIVELY GOTTEN WORSE. A LOCAL BMW MECHANIC EXPLAINED IT IS AN AUXILIARY WATER PUMP FOR THE TURBOS. I WENT TO MY…
Complaint 11130534 · Sep 21, 2018

Own a 2012 X5 M?

Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.