BMW X5 · model year

2010 BMW X5

187 NHTSA complaints, 2 crash reports, and 14 active recalls for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

Not crash-tested

New Car Assessment Program

The 2010BMWX5 carries 187 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 2 crashes, 8 fires, 2 injuries, and 0 fatalities. No NCAP 5-star crash-test rating is available for this model year in the federal database.

Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2010 X5 is engine with 40 filings, followed by air bags (35) and electrical system (22). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 14 active recall campaigns, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle, the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.

NHTSA currently has 34 investigation files overlapping the 2010 X5. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page, a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.

187
Complaints
2
Crashes
8
Fires
2
Injuries
0
Deaths

Total Complaints

187 filings

Crashes Reported

2 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

At or below the fleet median complaint volume.

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
ENGINE40
AIR BAGS35
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM22
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM19
UNKNOWN OR OTHER13
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING11
STEERING8
FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL6
POWER TRAIN5
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE4
SEAT BELTS3
SERVICE BRAKES3
VISIBILITY/WIPER3
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL2
EXTERIOR LIGHTING2

Recalls (14)

17V68300030/10/2017

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CRANKCASE (PCV)

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2011 128i and 2007-2011 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 525i, 525xi, 528i, 528xi, 530i, 530xi, X3 3.0si, X3 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive30i, Z4 3.0i, Z4 3.0si and Z4 sDrive30i vehicles. The heater for the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve may sho

10V02500028/01/2010

VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD

BMW IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010 X5 AND X6 SPORT ACTIVITY VEHICLES MANUFACTURED BETWEEN DECEMBER 14, 2009 AND DECEMBER 16, 2009. IN THE UPPER RIGHT AREA OF THE WINDSHIELD, BONDING MAY BE INSUFFICIENT OVER A LENGTH OF APPROXIMATELY 50CM.

16V36400025/05/2016

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2007-2011 X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i and X5M vehicles, 2009-2011 X5 xDrive35d vehicles, 2008-2011 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6 M vehicles, and 2010-2011 X6 ActiveHybrid vehicles originally sold, or ever

18V33600023/05/2018

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2009-2013 X5 xDrive 35d diesel vehicles. The engine idler pulley bolt may loosen over time and break.

23V70700020/10/2023

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2010-2012 1 Series Coupe, 1 Series Convertible, 3 Series Sedan, 3 Series Convertible, 2010-2011 3 Series Sportswagon, 3 Series Coupe, 5 Series Sedan, X3 xDrive 28i, X3 xDrive 30i, X5 xDrive30i, and Z4 sDrive30i vehicles. The aluminum bolts that s

11V52100020/10/2011

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:OTHER FUEL TYPES:TURBO/SUPERCHARGER

BMW IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 5-SERIES, MODEL YEAR 2010-2011 5-SERIES GRAN TURISMO, MODEL YEAR 2009-2011 7-SERIES, MODEL YEAR 2010-2011 X5 SAV, AND MODEL YEAR 2008-2011 X6 SAV VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 8- OR 12-CYLINDER, TURBOCHARGED, ENGINES BECAUSE THE CIRCUIT BOARD FOR THE ELECTRIC AUXIL

18V24800018/04/2018

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:TURBO/SUPERCHARGER

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2011-2012 BMW 550i, 550i xDrive, 550i Gran Turismo, 550i Gran Turismo xDrive, 750i, 750Li, 750i xDrive, 750Li xDrive, 760Li, X5 xDrive50i, X5 M, X6 xDrive50i, X6 M, ActiveHybrid7, MINI Cooper S Convertible, John Cooper Works (JCW) Convertible, Coo

16V74600017/10/2016

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2007-2011 BMW X5 3.0si, X5 4.8i, X5 M, X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive48i and X5 xDrive50i, 2008-2011 X6 x Drive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6 M, 2010-2011 X6 ActiveHybrid, 535i xDrive Gran Turismo, 535i Gran Turismo, 550i xDrive Gran T

10V15200015/04/2010

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

BMW IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010 X5 M SAV VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT," THESE VEHICLE'S WERE EQUIPPED WITH SIDE MARKER LAMPS, BUT NOT THE POWER SUPPLY CABLES LEADIN

20V01600015/01/2020

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2009-2012 X5 xDrive35d, 2008-2012 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6 M, 2007-2012 X5 30si, X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 48i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i and X5 M and 2010-2011 X6 ActiveHybrid vehicles equipped with non-desiccated, passenger fronta

20V01700015/01/2020

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2013 128i and 135i Convertibles, 128i, 135i, and M Coupes, 2007-2010 X3 30si and X3 xDrive30i, 2013-2015 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i and X1 xDrive35i, 2007-2013 328i, 328i xDrive, 335i, 335is, 335i xDrive and M3 Coupes, 2006-2011 328i, 328xi,

19V01700014/01/2019

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2007-2013 X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i and X5 M vehicles, 2008-2014 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6 M vehicles, 2009-2013 X5 xDrive35d vehicles and 2010-2011 X6 ActiveHybrid vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with c

18V03000009/01/2018

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2007-2013 X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i, X5 M, 2009-2010 X5 xDrive35d vehicles and 2009-2013 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i, and X6 M vehicles ever registered in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Lou

13V33900007/08/2013

FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL: PRE-HEATER

BMW is recalling certain model year 2009-2010 X5 xDrive35d vehicles equipped with a diesel engine and manufactured from June 13, 2009, through November 9, 2009. The fuel filter heater, which is used for warming up the diesel fuel during vehicle operation at low outside temperatures, could experienc

Recent Complaints

20250930ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

My husband and I brought our 2010 X5 (VIN ), mileage: to BMW of El Cajon on 09/29/2025 for a recall service. Before the recall repaire, the vehicale was in normal working condition: -No check engine lights or warning indicators -No unusual noises -Fully drivable on a daily basis After the recall was completed, the dealership informed me that: -multiple check engine/warning lights appeared -The vehicle developed a very loud/high pitch noise -They do not recommend driving the vehicle in its currently condition. They did not warn us about his initial, they did after informed them we do not feel safe driving the car in this condition. The dealership explained this happened because they had open a valve to perform the recall, which they claim disturbed "sludge". They are now refusing to correct the problem unless we pay out of pocket. The issue did not exist before the recall and occurred only as a direct result of the recall repair. The recall left my car unsafe and undriveable, and I

20250930ENGINE

My husband and I brought our 2010 X5 (VIN ), mileage: to BMW of El Cajon on 09/29/2025 for a recall service. Before the recall repaire, the vehicale was in normal working condition: -No check engine lights or warning indicators -No unusual noises -Fully drivable on a daily basis After the recall was completed, the dealership informed me that: -multiple check engine/warning lights appeared -The vehicle developed a very loud/high pitch noise -They do not recommend driving the vehicle in its currently condition. They did not warn us about his initial, they did after informed them we do not feel safe driving the car in this condition. The dealership explained this happened because they had open a valve to perform the recall, which they claim disturbed "sludge". They are now refusing to correct the problem unless we pay out of pocket. The issue did not exist before the recall and occurred only as a direct result of the recall repair. The recall left my car unsafe and undriveable, and I

20250930FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

My husband and I brought our 2010 X5 (VIN ), mileage: to BMW of El Cajon on 09/29/2025 for a recall service. Before the recall repaire, the vehicale was in normal working condition: -No check engine lights or warning indicators -No unusual noises -Fully drivable on a daily basis After the recall was completed, the dealership informed me that: -multiple check engine/warning lights appeared -The vehicle developed a very loud/high pitch noise -They do not recommend driving the vehicle in its currently condition. They did not warn us about his initial, they did after informed them we do not feel safe driving the car in this condition. The dealership explained this happened because they had open a valve to perform the recall, which they claim disturbed "sludge". They are now refusing to correct the problem unless we pay out of pocket. The issue did not exist before the recall and occurred only as a direct result of the recall repair. The recall left my car unsafe and undriveable, and I

20250609ENGINE

I own a 2010 BMW X5 xDrive30i (VIN: [XXX] ) with two active recalls: the VANOS bolt recall (23V-707) and the PCV valve heater recall (22V-119). Despite these being federally mandated safety repairs, Sharpe BMW in Grand Rapids, MI refused to perform the work without a paid diagnostic and potential full repair payment upfront, stating reimbursement would be decided afterward. I was sent home in an unsafe, recalled vehicle that visibly and audibly shakes at startup and frequently stalls. Other engine components have now failed due to the VANOS issue and the vehicle is now inoperable. BMW NA has acknowledged contact, but has only redirected me back to the same dealer without offering resolution. This has created financial hardship and an ongoing safety concern. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

20250609POWER TRAIN

I own a 2010 BMW X5 xDrive30i (VIN: [XXX] ) with two active recalls: the VANOS bolt recall (23V-707) and the PCV valve heater recall (22V-119). Despite these being federally mandated safety repairs, Sharpe BMW in Grand Rapids, MI refused to perform the work without a paid diagnostic and potential full repair payment upfront, stating reimbursement would be decided afterward. I was sent home in an unsafe, recalled vehicle that visibly and audibly shakes at startup and frequently stalls. Other engine components have now failed due to the VANOS issue and the vehicle is now inoperable. BMW NA has acknowledged contact, but has only redirected me back to the same dealer without offering resolution. This has created financial hardship and an ongoing safety concern. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

20250609UNKNOWN OR OTHER

I own a 2010 BMW X5 xDrive30i (VIN: [XXX] ) with two active recalls: the VANOS bolt recall (23V-707) and the PCV valve heater recall (22V-119). Despite these being federally mandated safety repairs, Sharpe BMW in Grand Rapids, MI refused to perform the work without a paid diagnostic and potential full repair payment upfront, stating reimbursement would be decided afterward. I was sent home in an unsafe, recalled vehicle that visibly and audibly shakes at startup and frequently stalls. Other engine components have now failed due to the VANOS issue and the vehicle is now inoperable. BMW NA has acknowledged contact, but has only redirected me back to the same dealer without offering resolution. This has created financial hardship and an ongoing safety concern. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

20250512FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

The contact owns a 2010 BMW X5. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, after several minutes the vehicle failed to turn off as needed. There was no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that metal shavings were found in the engine, and the oxygen heat sensor had failed. The vehicle was repaired. The contact advised the previous owner was notified of NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V746000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). The contact was not aware of the recall notification. The contact stated that the prior owner had the recall repair performed; however, the failure occurred. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 127,911.

Mileage: 127,911

20250411ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

The contact owns a 2010 BMW X5. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The contact was able to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle failed to restart. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the fuel pump. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V707000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); was included and the vehicle was repaired by the dealer. The contact stated that the vehicle operated normally prior to the repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 128,000.

Mileage: 128,000

20250319ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY

The contact owns a 2010 BMW X5. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, her nephew attempted to start the vehicle, and the vehicle failed to start. The contact stated there was an abnormal odor coming from the vehicle. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact replaced the battery; however, the vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to Firestone, where it was diagnosed that the starter and fuel pump had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 116,546.

Mileage: 116,546

20250319ENGINE

The contact owns a 2010 BMW X5. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, her nephew attempted to start the vehicle, and the vehicle failed to start. The contact stated there was an abnormal odor coming from the vehicle. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact replaced the battery; however, the vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to Firestone, where it was diagnosed that the starter and fuel pump had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 116,546.

Mileage: 116,546

20241202FireFUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL

The contact owns a 2010 BMW X5. The contact stated that the vehicle had been parked and unoccupied for almost twelve hours, upon returning to the vehicle the battery was completely drained. The vehicle was jumpstarted and then driven to the residence. The contact stated that while pulling into the driveway at the residence, he smelled something hot coming from the vehicle. The contact exited the vehicle and saw flames underneath the vehicle. The contact stated that the flames were coming from the fuel filter heater. The contact removed several items from the vehicle before connecting a nearby garden house and extinguished the fire. No injuries were sustained. The Fire Department was not notified of the fire. A Police report was not filed. The contact stated that the vehicle was no longer drivable. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V339000 (FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manu

Mileage: 148,000

20240826ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

The contact owns a 2010 BMW X5. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V707000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that when the vehicle wase cold started the vehicle was idling rough and vibrating abnormally. The contact stated that check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle was running rough, with abnormal sounds coming from underneath the floor. The contact stopped the vehicle and towed the vehicle to residence. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or independent mechanic. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was 200,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

Mileage: 200,000

20240820ENGINE

There is a recall for the VANOS variable camshaft timing somehow my vehicle although listed has not received a recall and this is the exact problem I am having with my 2010 x5 BMW 4.8

20240813ENGINE

See attached document for complaint

20240524ENGINE

Hello. I am reporting the remedy that is still not available for my car. It effects the VANOS bolts which you know is a big part of how the car engine works and can end up allowing my car to stall mid trip. This recall began in October, and I have yet to see a remedy. I understand this process takes time, but it is affecting my day to day driving and I feel unsafe. I am hoping to put more pressure to provide us with a remedy soon.

20240516ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

The contact owns a 2010 BMW X5. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V707000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

20240318ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

The contact owns a 2010 BMW X5. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V707000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle idled unusually rough. The check engine warning light was illuminated. Additionally, the vehicle was leaking oil. The vehicle was taken to the dealer twice where it was diagnosed with failed VANOS bolts and valve cover gasket. The contact was informed that the VANOS bolts, and valve cover gaskets needed to be replaced. The dealer was made aware of the failure but confirmed that parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 149,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Mileage: 149,000

20240301UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Since October 2023, the BMW vehicles of the 2010-2012 1 Series, 3 Series, 5 Series, X3 SAV, X5 SAV, X6 SAC, AND Z4 have an open recall. According to their own acknowledgment, this recall poses a safety risk to the passengers of the vehicle. I am the owner of a BMW X5, and after several emails expressing my fear of using my car, and pointing out that in its current state, the vehicle cannot be sold. Additionally, it has caused me difficulties as I've had to use Uber and rely on my husband for transportation when he's not working. The only response I received was a phone call informing me that they are trying to find a solution. However, they suggested that if I detect a burning smell or experience any unusual symptoms while using the vehicle, I should take it for a diagnostic check. After that, they would order the necessary parts for the repair. In other words, they have a solution, but they seem to be waiting for something bad to happen before implementing the repair.

20230911ENGINE

This is the 3rd time in 2 months that the engine just shut off driving on a highway. I have noticed that it happens if I have driving on a highway for 2 hours or more. The car does not show any sign of issues and does not have any code or check engine light. All of a sudden the engine shuts down and it loses all power, power steering does not work, and brake does not work. It makes for very dangerous condition with traffic coming behind me at 70 miles an hour. I pulled over and tried to start it. It would just crank but not start. All 3 times, after waiting for 30 minutes, it would start just fine and won’t have any further issue. I got the code scanned and it came clean. There is no check engine light either. It just happens all of a sudden without any warning and car shops can’t figure out what’s wrong because every time they test drive it , it works fine.

20230709ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Been having issues with the car for over a month, changed water pump thermostat fuel pump, but it still would crank, got another diagnostic and now I have an engine leak, and FRM ) a serious electrical problem, I feel like some of these things should have been done before the dealer sold the car, I’m asking for help, with getting my car fixed or replaced

Compare 2010BMWX5 to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations

View all investigations

Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2010 BMW X5 have?
The 2010 BMW X5 has 187 NHTSA complaints, 2 crashes, 8 fires, 2 injuries, and 0 deaths reported.
Are there any recalls for the 2010 BMW X5?
Yes, the 2010 BMW X5 has 14 recall(s). The most common affected component is ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CRANKCASE (PCV). Recalls are issued by NHTSA and manufacturers must provide a free remedy.
What are the most common problems with the 2010 BMW X5?
The most-complained component for the 2010 BMW X5 is ENGINE with 40 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include AIR BAGS and ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.
Is the 2010 BMW X5 safe to buy?
Review the complaint history, crash and fire reports, safety ratings, and recall status on this page to make an informed decision. No NHTSA crash test rating is available for this model year. Compare with other model years using the links above.
Where does this data come from?
All complaint, recall, and safety rating data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are filed by vehicle owners through NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation.

Vehicle Safety Guides

Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.