This page covers 2 recalls and 24 owner complaints for the 2011 BMW X5 Sav.
Powertrain and fuel system complaints dominate what 2011 BMW X5 owners report. On the powertrain side, owners describe the vehicle dropping into limp mode or reduced power during acceleration, sometimes requiring a roadside restart to recover. Engine clicking during acceleration and deceleration comes up across multiple reports as well. A handful of owners flag camshaft-related issues, specifically bolts loosening in the variable valve timing system, which can trigger a camshaft fault code and reduced power. On the fuel and propulsion side, coolant line failures appear more than once, with owners describing heavy smoke from the engine bay after coolant lines gave out. A failed fuel tank leak detection pump is also reported, with owners noting the dealer flagged it during diagnosis rather than the owner noticing a driveability symptom first.
24
Total Complaints
By System
The 2011 BMW X5 has 2 recalls, the most serious involving the driver's frontal airbag inflator, which can rupture during deployment and send metal fragments into the cabin, potentially injuring the driver or passengers.
The second recall affects diesel xDrive 35d models only: a bolt on the engine belt idler pulley can loosen and break over time, causing sudden loss of power-assisted steering and making the vehicle significantly harder to control.
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.
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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 →
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.
