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…
2012 BMW X5 SAVProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 21 owner complaints about the 2012 BMW X5 SAV, most often about the power train. It is covered by 4 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 March 16, 2019. Updated daily.
Complaints by system
Where the 2012 BMW X5 SAV has problems
21 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
9Power train
6Engine
3Air bags
3Fuel/propulsion system
3Steering1 crash/fire/injury
2Electrical system1 crash/fire/injury
1Service brakes
1Electronic stability control (ESC)
1Vehicle speed control
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Power train | 9 | 0 |
| Engine | 6 | 0 |
| Air bags | 3 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 3 | 0 |
| Steering | 3 | 1 |
| Electrical system | 2 | 1 |
| Service brakes | 1 | 1 |
| Electronic stability control (ESC) | 1 | 0 |
| Vehicle speed control | 1 | 1 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
4 recalls
2012 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.
no report yet
Other fuel types: turbo/supercharger
Risk. THIS COULD LEAD TO A SMOLDERING OF THE PUMP OR AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT OR VEHICLE FIRE.
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 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 2012 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 power train complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
THE AGENT OF BMW OF TENAFLY SAID THERE IS SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE NEED TO FIX, THE PROBLEM THEY CALL IT: FAULTY TRANSFER CASE AND EMF UNIT FAULTS FOR EMF AND TRANSFER CASE CONNECTED BATTERY CHARGER. THE SYSTEM MAY STOP WORKING SUDDENLY AND CAUSE THE VEHICLE TRANSFER POWER TO WHEELS AND ROLL OVER.
MY WIFE & I PURCHASED THIS 2012X5 2 YEARS AGO,LAST YEAR THE VEHICLE WAS BEING DRIVEN OFF THE DRIVEWAY WHERE THERE WAS A LOUD SNAP&BAN. THE CAR DIDN'T MOVE. WE CALLED A TOW AND HAD IT BROUGHT TO JUPITER BMW FL.WE FOUND OUT THAT THE DRIVE SHAFT SNAPPED. MILEAGE WAS 45-48K MILES. WE CALLED BMW NA IT…
TRANSFER CASE PROBLEM. BOUGHT THE CAR NEW, AFTER THE 2ND YEAR FELT VIBRATION /SHUDDERS WHEN MAKING TURNS FROM A STOP OR LOW SPEED. DEALER REPLACED FRONT BRAKE ROTORS, CHANGED FRONT WHEELS. STILL SAME ISSUE END UP CHANGING 4 NEW TYRES AFTER A YEAR. UP UNTIL 2016 CHANGED AGAIN FRONT AND REAR BRAKE…
Own a 2012 X5 SAV?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.