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.
2012 BMW X5Problems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 271 owner complaints about the 2012 BMW X5, most often about the engine. It is covered by 10 safety recalls, and for recall 17V-020 the manufacturer reports only 57% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through June 15, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: IFCAR, Public domain.
Complaints by system
Where the 2012 BMW X5 has problems
271 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
92Engine4 crash/fire/injury
83Air bags3 crash/fire/injury
53Power train2 crash/fire/injury
29Electrical system5 crash/fire/injury
24Fuel/propulsion system
20Steering
12Engine and engine cooling
7Structure
6Suspension
2811 other systems2 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 92 | 4 |
| Air bags | 83 | 3 |
| Power train | 53 | 2 |
| Electrical system | 29 | 5 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 24 | 0 |
| Steering | 20 | 1 |
| Engine and engine cooling | 12 | 0 |
| Structure | 7 | 4 |
| Suspension | 6 | 1 |
| 11 other systems | 28 | 2 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
10 recalls
2012 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
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.
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.
Show 6 more recalls
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 · 2018 Q3
Driveline: driveshaft
Risk. If the front universal joint fails, the front wheels would not be driven, affecting vehicle traction.
repaired · 2019 Q1
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
Steering
Risk. LEAKING POWER STEERING FLUID CAN SPRAY ONTO HOT EXHAUST PARTS, INCREASING THE RISK OF AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE.
no report yet
Power train: automatic transmission
Risk. IF THE DRIVER BELIEVES THAT THE TRANSMISSION IS IN PARK AND DOES NOT USE THE PARKING BRAKE, THE VEHICLE COULD ROLL AWAY AFTER EXITING THE VEHICLE INCREASING…
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?
70kmiles, median
Based on the odometer reading in 69 engine complaints. 83% were reported before 100,000 miles.
10under 30k miles57under 100k miles12100k miles or more
Owner-reported costs
What owners say repairs cost
Dollar amounts owners wrote in their complaints when describing a repair or a quote. These are not price estimates; a system is shown only when at least 8 owners mentioned a cost.
Engine
10 owners mentioned a cost$2,543median
Middle half: $1,500 – $3,757
If a problem is covered by a recall, the dealer fixes it for free. Some manufacturers also reimburse owners who paid for a repair before a recall was announced.
Best & worst years
2012 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
1 investigation
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2012 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.
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…
Front passenger side occupancy seat sensor is bad and computer detected an air bag malfunction. Timing chain broke without warning.
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..
Own a 2012 X5?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.