NHTSA (USA)Critical
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
This page covers 4 recalls and 19 owner complaints for the 2010 BMW X5 Sav.
For the 2010 BMW X5, the heaviest concentration of complaints centers on the engine and fuel system. Owners frequently report sudden power loss while driving, sometimes accompanied by the engine shutting off entirely, which also kills power steering and brake assist. A recurring theme involves the twin-turbo system, owners describe repeated turbo failures causing sluggish acceleration and a dangerous lag when trying to get up to speed from a stop. On the fuel side, multiple owners describe what appears to be water intrusion near the fuel injectors leading to electrical shorts and complete loss of power. A handful of complaints also reference the drive belt and idler pulley failing, with one pattern involving the battery warning illuminating before the engine cuts out. Airbags account for the third-largest complaint category, though the reports there are fewer and less consistent in their described symptoms.
19
Total Complaints
1
Fire-Related
By System
The 2010 BMW X5 has 4 recalls, the most serious being a driver's frontal airbag inflator that can rupture in a crash and send metal fragments into the cabin, posing a serious injury risk to the driver and passengers.
The crankcase ventilation valve contains an electric heater that can short circuit and overheat, creating a fire risk both while the vehicle is moving and shortly after it has been parked. On the braking side, a recall affects X5 models with an 8-cylinder engine: the brake vacuum pump can leak small amounts of oil into the brake booster hose, contaminating the system and reducing power-assisted braking. When this happens, the brake pedal becomes noticeably harder to press and stopping distances increase. There is also a steering concern specific to X5 xDrive 35d diesel models, where a bolt on the engine belt idler pulley can loosen and break over time. If it fails, the power steering system stops working, requiring significantly more effort to turn the wheel, particularly at lower speeds.
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
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Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
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.
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.