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
- 19
- Recalls
- 5
- Investigations
- 2
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 2010
Opened by NHTSA
Not enough data
Complaints per year
2010: 19 complaints
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.
Engine
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, 2017-12-13
Also filed under Fuel/propulsion system
Fuel/propulsion system
4 of 19 total reports mention: fuel/propulsion system.
Air bags
4 of 19 total reports mention: air bags.
Steering
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, 2013-11-18
Electrical system
3 of 19 total reports mention: electrical system.
Show 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, 2013-08-27
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, 2018-07-01
Safety timeline
5 recalls · 2 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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R
2013-01-15Engine and engine cooling, steering12V550000 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…
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…
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R
2013-03-29Service brakes, service brakes, hydraulic13V045000 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…
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…
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R
2014-09-24Engine and engine cooling14V176000 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.
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2016-11-01Air bags16V071000 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.
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I
2018-04-18Recall queryClosed 2018-12-01 Idler Pulley Bolt Failure
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I
2021-09-17Engineering analysisOpen Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
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2022-07-22Engine and engine cooling22V119000 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.
Buy-smart checklist
2010 BMW X5 SAV — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Engine: 8 reports on file for this year.
- Fuel/propulsion system: 4 reports on file for this year.
- Air bags: 4 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 12V550000 · Engine and engine cooling, steering
- Recall 13V045000 · Service brakes, service brakes, hydraulic
- Recall 14V176000 · Engine and engine cooling
- Recall 16V071000 · Air bags
- Recall 22V119000 · Engine and engine cooling
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 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.