Also recalled in CanadaThe official notice
Defect
BMW IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011, X5 DIESEL SPORTS ACTIVITY VEHICLES (SAV) MANUFACTURED FROM MARCH 31, 2011, THROUGH MAY 19, 2011. DUE TO A COMPONENT MANUFACTURING ERROR AT THE SUPPLIER, THE WELDS IN THE BELT TENSIONER COULD HAVE INCIPIENT CRACKS. OVER TIME, THIS COULD LEAD A MALFUNCTION OF THE BELT TENSIONER.
Safety Risk
IF THE BELT TENSIONER FAILS, THERE COULD BE A SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER STEERING ASSISTANCE, IF POWER STEERING ASSIST IS LOST, MANUAL STEERING CAPABILITY IS STILL RETAINED AND COULD INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ENGINE BELT TENSIONER FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING AUGUST 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW CUSTOMER RELATIONS AND SERVICES AT 1-800-525-7417, OR VIA EMAIL AT CUSTOMERRELATIONS@BMWUSA.COM.