repaired · 2026 Q1
Engine and engine cooling: engine
Risk. Loose or broken VANOS unit bolts can result in an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
2010 BMW X5Problems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 124 owner complaints about the 2010 BMW X5, most often about the engine. It is covered by 14 safety recalls, and for recall 23V-707 the manufacturer reports only 34% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through August 21, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: IFCAR, Public domain.
Complaints by system
Where the 2010 BMW X5 has problems
124 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
40Engine2 crash/fire/injury
35Air bags1 crash/fire/injury
23Electrical system1 crash/fire/injury
19Fuel/propulsion system1 crash/fire/injury
13Engine and engine cooling
8Steering
6Power train
6Fuel system, diesel
4Fuel system, gasoline
219 other systems1 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 40 | 2 |
| Air bags | 35 | 1 |
| Electrical system | 23 | 1 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 19 | 1 |
| Engine and engine cooling | 13 | 0 |
| Steering | 8 | 0 |
| Power train | 6 | 1 |
| Fuel system, diesel | 6 | 1 |
| Fuel system, gasoline | 4 | 1 |
| 9 other systems | 21 | 1 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
14 recalls
2010 BMW X5 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 · 2021 Q2
Driver side: inflator module
Risk. An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
repaired · 2021 Q2
Passenger side: inflator module
Do not driveRisk. An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
repaired · 2020 Q2
Passenger side: inflator module
Do not driveRisk. An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Show 10 more recalls
repaired · 2020 Q2
Engine and engine cooling: engine
Risk. If the idler pulley bolt breaks, the vehicle may unexpectedly lose power-assisted steering, increasing the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2019 Q3
Engine and engine cooling: engine
Risk. If the circuit board were to overheat, it can increase the risk of a fire.
repaired · 2019 Q2
Passenger side: inflator module
Do not driveRisk. An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
repaired · 2019 Q3
Emission control: crankcase (pcv)
Risk. An electrical short can cause the parts within the PCV valve to melt, increasing the risk of a fire, even when the vehicle is not in use.
repaired · 2018 Q2
Delivery: fuel pump
Risk. The loose wires may cause the connector to melt, resulting in a fuel leak.
repaired · 2018 Q4
Passenger side: inflator module
Do not driveRisk. An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
no report yet
Fuel system, diesel: pre-heater
Risk. The fuel filter heater could remain activated even when the ignition is off and lead to a dead battery.
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.
no report yet
Exterior lighting
Risk. THESE VEHICLES DO NOT COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO.
no report yet
Visibility: windshield
Risk. IN THE CASE OF A ROLLOVER, THE STABILITY OF THE ROOF COULD BE AFFECTED INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURIES.
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.
Mileage at failure
When do engine problems start?
72kmiles, median
Based on the odometer reading in 27 engine complaints. 74% were reported before 100,000 miles.
3under 30k miles20under 100k miles7100k miles or more
Best & worst years
2010 vs. every other X5 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 median. How we score
'99'00'01'02'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19'20'21'22'23'24'25'26
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2010 BMW X5 safety ratings
2010 BMW X5 4-DR. w/SAB in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
Frontal crashNot rated
Side barrierNot rated
- Rollover: 4 stars (17.4% risk)
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: No
- Lane departure warning: No
1 investigation
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2010 BMW X5, and the recalls they led to.
- Idler Pulley Bolt FailureLed to recall 18V-336
In owners' words
What X5 owners report
Recent engine complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
My husband and I brought our 2010 X5 (VIN ), mileage: to BMW of El Cajon on 09/29/2025 for a recall service. Before the recall repaire, the vehicale was in normal working condition: -No check engine lights or warning indicators -No unusual noises -Fully drivable on a daily basis After the recall…
I own a 2010 BMW X5 xDrive30i (VIN: [XXX] ) with two active recalls: the VANOS bolt recall (23V-707) and the PCV valve heater recall (22V-119). Despite these being federally mandated safety repairs, Sharpe BMW in Grand Rapids, MI refused to perform the work without a paid diagnostic and potential…
The contact owns a 2010 BMW X5. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, her nephew attempted to start the vehicle, and the vehicle failed to start. The contact stated there was an abnormal odor coming from the vehicle. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact…
Own a 2010 X5?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.