2011 BMW X5 Diesel SAV
Not enough comparison years on file yet for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2011 | 44 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
41% of complaints: engine — 18 distinct reports on file.
INJURYShow complaint excerpts
THIS CAR HAS BEEN TAKEN IN 3 TIMES NOW FOR THE SAME ISSUES. ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND SMELL OF EXHAUST IN CABIN. THIS SMELL STARTED AT AROUND 30,000 MILES, BUT AT THAT TIME IT WAS MINOR, AND WOULD GO AWAY QUICKLY.
NHTSA ODI report, 20131022
ENGINE DRIVE BELT IDLER PULLEY BOLT SNAPPED WHILE VEHICLE WAS IDLING. LOST POWER STEERING, WATER PUMP, AND ALTERNATOR DUE TO DRIVE BELT BEING DISCONNECTED. THIS BOLT WAS REPLACED AS PART OF RECALL CAMPAIGN #12V550.
NHTSA ODI report, 20171101
23% of complaints: air bags — 10 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
I HAVE RECEIVED SEVERAL LETTERS ABOUT THE AIRBAG RECALL IN THE PAST YEAR A COUPLE OF MONTHS AGO JACKIE COOPER OF EDMOND OK SAID THEY HAD THE PART I TOOK MY X5D IN FOR 3 DAYS BUT WHEN I PICKED IT UP THEY HAD NOT REPLACED EITHER AIRBAG.
NHTSA ODI report, 20171107
RECALL HAS BEEN IN AFFECT SINCE MAY 2016 AND I STILL HAVE NOT RECEIVED A PASSENGER AIR BAG MAY 25, 2016 | RECALL CAMPAIGN NO. 16V-364. I'VE BEEN TO TWO LOCAL DEALERSHIPS AND ADDED MY NAME TO A LIST BUT NOTHING.
NHTSA ODI report, 20171107
20% of complaints: fuel/propulsion system — 9 distinct reports on file.
11% of complaints: power train — 5 distinct reports on file.
7% of complaints: steering — 3 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
WHEN MAKING A RIGHT HAND TURN THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED AND THE STEERING WHEEL COULD NOT BE TURNED, I CRASHED INTO A TREE, SUSTAINING MINOR INJURIES. PLEASE NOTE THE BMW ASSIST DID NOT WORK PROPERLY EITHER!
NHTSA ODI report, 20121211
SAFETY TIMELINE
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
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
Campaign 11V332000 — check if this car was fixed
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2011 X5 xDrive 35i, xDrive50i, X5 M, X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i, and X6 M vehicles manufactured April 5, 2010, to November 20, 2010, 2011 X5 xDrive35d diesel vehicles manufactured April...
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front driveshaft, free of charge. The recall began on July 8, 2016. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Campaign 16V311000 — check if this car was fixed
Idler Pulley Bolt Failure
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2011 BMW X5 Diesel SAV — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for engine issues (18 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (10 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for fuel/propulsion system issues (9 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 11V332000 (engine and engine cooling) has been completed.
- Verify recall 16V311000 (power train) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 2011 BMW X5 Diesel SAV reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 2011 BMW X5 Diesel SAV?
The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 41% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2011 BMW X5 Diesel SAV have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.