2010 BMW X5 SAV
Only 19 complaints on file — too few 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.
Only 19 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2000 | 0 |
| 2001 | 0 |
| 2002 | 0 |
| 2003 | 1 |
| 2004 | 0 |
| 2006 | 27 |
| 2007 | 59 |
| 2008 | 20 |
| 2009 | 19 |
| 2010 | 19 |
| 2011 | 24 |
| 2012 | 21 |
| 2013 | 13 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 19 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
8 of 19 total reports mention: engine.
Show complaint excerpts
REPAIRING THE TWIN-TURBO IN MY CAR AGAIN IN LESS THAN A YEAR. LAST YEAR THE HOSES WERE ALL REPLACED THIS YEAR THE DEALER SAYS ONE OF THE TWO TURBO UNITS IN THE VEHICLE NEEDS TO BE REPLACED (SMALLER ONE).
NHTSA ODI report, 20171213
4 of 19 total reports mention: fuel/propulsion system.
Show complaint excerpts
REPAIRING THE TWIN-TURBO IN MY CAR AGAIN IN LESS THAN A YEAR. LAST YEAR THE HOSES WERE ALL REPLACED THIS YEAR THE DEALER SAYS ONE OF THE TWO TURBO UNITS IN THE VEHICLE NEEDS TO BE REPLACED (SMALLER ONE).
NHTSA ODI report, 20171213
4 of 19 total reports mention: air bags.
3 of 19 total reports mention: steering.
Show complaint excerpts
VEHICLE LOST STEERING CONTROL. ON THE NIGHT OF JULY 12 I WAS MAKING A LEFT TURN AND ALL OF A SUDDEN STEERING BECOME EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO TURN AND EXTREMELY STIFF.
NHTSA ODI report, 20131118
3 of 19 total reports mention: electrical system.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
MY BMW 2010 X5 DIESEL CAUGHT ON FIRE IN THE CENTER CONSOLE AREA AFTER ONLY A FEW MINUTES AFTER DRIVING CAR.
NHTSA ODI report, 20130827
LOST POWER STEERING AS CAR WAS DRIVING APPROX 50 MPH ON GARDEN STATE PARKWAY AT TOP OF BRIDGE OVER THE RARITAN RIVER. BATTERY WARNING CAME ON DASH, CAR LOST POWER AND THEN STOPPED. NO COLLISION OR INJURY.
NHTSA ODI report, 20180701
SAFETY TIMELINE
BMW is recalling certain model year 2009-2012 X5 xDrive 35d SAV diesel vehicles manufactured September 1, 2008, through November 15, 2012. The engine belt idler pulley bolt could loosen and break over
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace and tighten the idler pulley bolt. The recall began on January 15, 2013. Owners may call BMW at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at CustomerRelations@bmwu
Campaign 12V550000 — check if this car was fixed
BMW is recalling certain model year 2007-2010 X5 SAV vehicles, manufactured September 12, 2006, through March 18, 2010 and equipped with an 8-cylinder engine. The brake vacuum pump may leak a small a
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake vacuum line with one that contains a check valve, free of charge. The recall began during March 2013. Owners may call BMW at 1-800-525-7417
Campaign 13V045000 — check if this car was fixed
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2010-2011 128i Coupe, 128i Convertible, 328i Sedan, 328i xDrive Sedan, 328i Coupe, 328i Convertible, 328i Sports Wagon and Z4 sDrive 30i, 2011-2012 135i Coupe, 135i Convertible, 335i...
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the four VANOS housing bolts for both VANOS units (intake and exhaust), free of charge.
Campaign 14V176000 — check if this car was fixed
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2008-2013 128i and 135i coupes and convertibles and 1 Series M coupes, 2006-2011 325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi, 335i xDrive Sedans, 2009-2011 335d...
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag module or inflator depending on the vehicle model, free of charge. The recall began March 9, 2018. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Campaign 16V071000 — check if this car was fixed
Idler Pulley Bolt Failure
Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2013 1 Series Coupe (128i); 2007-2013 3 Series Coupe (328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive); 2007-2010 X3 SAV (X3 3.0si, X3 xDrive30i); 2008-2013 1 Series Convertible (128i); 2006-2011 3 Series Sedan...
Remedy: This recall supersedes and expands previous NHTSA recalls 17V-683 and 19V-273. Dealers will install an electrical wiring harness with fuse protection for the PCV Valve heater in potentially affected vehicles, free of charge.
Campaign 22V119000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2010 BMW X5 SAV — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for engine issues (8 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for fuel/propulsion system issues (4 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (4 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 12V550000 (engine and engine cooling, steering) has been completed.
- Verify recall 13V045000 (service brakes, service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
- Verify recall 14V176000 (engine and engine cooling) has been completed.
- Verify recall 16V071000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 22V119000 (engine and engine cooling) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 2010 BMW X5 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 2010 BMW X5 SAV?
The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 42% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2010 BMW X5 SAV have?
5 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.