The 2009 BMW X5 has 4 recalls, the most serious being a driver's frontal airbag inflator that can rupture during deployment and send metal fragments into the cabin, posing a serious injury risk to the driver and passengers.
A second urgent concern involves the crankcase ventilation valve heater, which can short electrically and overheat, raising the risk of a fire while driving or shortly after parking. On the mechanical side, the brake vacuum pump on 8-cylinder models can leak oil into the brake booster hose, reducing power-assisted braking and extending stopping distances. There is also a steering concern on diesel xDrive 35d models: the engine belt idler pulley bolt can loosen and break over time, causing sudden loss of power steering and making the vehicle harder to control.
At a glance
What can fail
The heater for the positive crankcase ventilation valve may short circuit, potentially causing an electrical fault.
What the fix does
Dealers will install a new electrical wiring harness with fuse protection for the PCV valve heater at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
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At a glance
What can fail
The driver's front air bag inflator may build up excessive pressure and rupture when the air bag deploys.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the driver's front air bag module or inflator at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The brake vacuum pump can leak small amounts of oil into the hose, contaminating it and reducing power brake assist.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the brake vacuum line with a new one that includes a check valve.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The bolt holding the engine belt idler pulley can loosen and break over time, potentially causing the belt to slip or fail.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the idler pulley bolt and tighten it securely.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
