2011 BMW X5 SAV

○ Not enough data
2011 BMW X5 SAV
RENDERED 2026-11-01T12:45:28.955Z

Only 24 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 24 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.

Complaints
24

Too few to rank

Recalls
3

Campaigns on file for 2011

Investigations
2

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
—

Not enough data

Complaints per year

2003: 1 complaint 2003 2004: 0 complaints 2006: 27 complaints 2006 2007: 59 complaints 2008: 20 complaints 2008 2009: 19 complaints 2010: 19 complaints 2011: 24 complaints 2011 24 2012: 21 complaints 2013: 13 complaints
2003: 1 complaint 2003 2004: 0 complaints 2004 2006: 27 complaints 2006 2007: 59 complaints 2007 2008: 20 complaints 2008 2009: 19 complaints 2009 2010: 19 complaints 2010 2011: 24 complaints 2011 24 2012: 21 complaints 2012 2013: 13 complaints 2013
2003: 1 complaint 2003 2004: 0 complaints 2004 2006: 27 complaints 2006 2007: 59 complaints 2007 2008: 20 complaints 2008 2009: 19 complaints 2009 2010: 19 complaints 2010 2011: 24 complaints 2011 24 2012: 21 complaints 2012 2013: 13 complaints 2013

2011: 24 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
20000
20010
20020
20031
20040
200627
200759
200820
200919
201019
201124
201221
201313

Known problem areas

Only 24 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

Engine

10 of 24 total reports mention: engine.

Show complaint excerpts

During hard acceleration of the car while getting on the free way ramp, the car went into limp mode. The engine performance was degraded and I had to pull on the side of the road to restart the car.

NHTSA ODI report, 2018-03-20

Also filed under Electronic stability control (esc)

This complaint specifically addresses the recall listed below. Even though this recall was issued in April, no resolution has been available. The very thing the recall was trying to prevent, happened to me and my family.

NHTSA ODI report, 2014-09-22

On December 26, 2012, while driving north at a high speed in heavy traffic in the second lane on a four lane segment of highway 11 kenoelehua highway at its merging junction with the highway 130 keaau bypass road, an engine partial malfunction...

NHTSA ODI report, 2013-03-30

Also filed under Fuel/propulsion system

Power train

7 of 24 total reports mention: power train.

Fuel/propulsion system

7 of 24 total reports mention: fuel/propulsion system.

Air bags

3 of 24 total reports mention: air bags.

Vehicle speed control

2 of 24 total reports mention: vehicle speed control.

Safety timeline

3 recalls · 2 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. 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…

  2. 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.

  3. R
    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.

  4. I
    2018-04-18Recall queryClosed 2018-12-01 Idler Pulley Bolt Failure
  5. I
    2021-09-17Engineering analysisOpen Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture

Buy-smart checklist

2011 BMW X5 SAV — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Engine: 10 reports on file for this year.
  • Power train: 7 reports on file for this year.
  • Fuel/propulsion system: 7 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 12V550000 · Engine and engine cooling, steering
  • Recall 14V176000 · Engine and engine cooling
  • Recall 16V071000 · Air bags

FAQ

Is the 2011 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 2011 BMW X5 SAV?
The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 42% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2011 BMW X5 SAV have?
3 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.