repaired · 2018 Q1
Driver side: inflator module
Risk. 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…
2011 BMW X5 SAVProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 24 owner complaints about the 2011 BMW X5 SAV, most often about the engine. It is covered by 3 safety recalls, and for recall 16V-071 the manufacturer reports only 47% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through October 30, 2018. Updated daily.
Complaints by system
Where the 2011 BMW X5 SAV has problems
24 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
10Engine
7Power train
7Fuel/propulsion system
3Air bags
2Electronic stability control (ESC)
2Electrical system
2Vehicle speed control
1Seats
1Engine and engine cooling
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 10 | 0 |
| Power train | 7 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 7 | 0 |
| Air bags | 3 | 0 |
| Electronic stability control (ESC) | 2 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 2 | 0 |
| Vehicle speed control | 2 | 0 |
| Seats | 1 | 0 |
| Engine and engine cooling | 1 | 0 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
3 recalls
2011 BMW X5 SAV 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.
repaired · 2015 Q4
Engine and engine cooling: engine
Risk. If the bolts loosen or break the engine may have reduced power or stall.
no report yet
Engine: diesel
Risk. If the engine belt idler pulley bolt breaks, the vehicle may unexpectedly lose power-assisted steering, increasing the risk of a crash.
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
2011 vs. every other X5 SAV 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 SAV median. How we score
'00'01'02'03'04'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
2 investigations
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2011 BMW X5 SAV, and the recalls they led to.
- Desiccated Air Bag Inflator RuptureOpen
- Idler Pulley Bolt FailureLed to recall 18V-336
In owners' words
What X5 SAV owners report
Recent engine complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
THE COOLANT LINES NEEDED COMPLETELY REPLACED CAUSING THE ENGINE TO START BARRELING SMOKE AFTER ABOUT 400-500 FT. LOOKED LIKE IT WAS ON FIRE THERE WAS SO MUCH SMOKE. GOT REPAIRED AT BMW OF WESTLAKE IN OHIO. THEY TOLD ME THERE WAS NOTHING I COULD DO TO HAVE PREVENTED IT.
I WOULD LIKE TO REPORT A VANOS ISSUE THE CAMSHAFT BOLTS LOOSEN AND BREAK AND IT COULD BE CATASTROPHIC. MY BOLTS LOOSENED AND I CAUGHT IT IN TIME BUT IF I DIDN'T KNOW ANY BETTER I COULD'VE HAD A COMPLETE ENGINE FAILURE. MY CODE ORIGINALLY CAME UP AS CAMSHAFT STICKING. WHEN THE PROBLEM ORIGINATED I…
DURING HARD ACCELERATION OF THE CAR WHILE GETTING ON THE FREE WAY RAMP, THE CAR WENT INTO LIMP MODE. THE ENGINE PERFORMANCE WAS DEGRADED AND I HAD TO PULL ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD TO RESTART THE CAR. THE CAR WAS TAKEN TO BMW OF BELLEVUE NEXT WEEK AFTER INITIAL DIAGNOSIS OF A DME INTERNAL FAULT BY A…
Own a 2011 X5 SAV?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.