MYRModel Year Report

2012 BMW X5 SAV

○ Not enough data
2012 BMW X5 SAV
RENDERED 2026-11-01T15:54:29.634Z

Only 21 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 21 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.

How is this computed?

Complaints
21

Too few to rank

Recalls
4

Campaigns on file for 2012

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 2010 2011: 24 complaints 2012: 21 complaints 2012 21 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 2012: 21 complaints 2012 21 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 2012: 21 complaints 2012 21 2013: 13 complaints 2013

2012: 21 complaints

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

Known problem areas

Only 21 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

Power train

9 of 21 total reports mention: power train.

Show complaint excerpts

The agent of BMW of tenafly said there is serious safety issue need to fix, the problem they call it: faulty transfer case and emf unit faults for emf and transfer case connected battery charger.

NHTSA ODI report, 2018-03-30

Also filed under Electronic stability control (esc)

Engine

6 of 21 total reports mention: engine.

Show complaint excerpts

While driving my car for approximately 3 minutes engine seized without warning. I coasted on to the shoulder of the road and put it in neutral and tried to start it.... Nothing. Oil level was good .

NHTSA ODI report, 2017-12-21

Steering

3 of 21 total reports mention: steering.

CRASHINJURY

Fuel/propulsion system

3 of 21 total reports mention: fuel/propulsion system.

Air bags

3 of 21 total reports mention: air bags.

Safety timeline

4 recalls · 2 investigations · oldest first

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

  1. R
    2012-04-30Engine and engine cooling12V161000 BMW is recalling certain model year 2011 5-Series, 5-Series Gran Turismo, model year 2012 6-Series convertible, 7-series, X5 SAV, and X6 sav vehicles equipped with 8- or 12-cylinder, turbocharged…

    Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the auxiliary water pump free of charge. The safety recall began on April 30, 2012. Owners may contact BMW customer relations and services at…

    Check if this car was fixed →

  2. 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…

    Check if this car was fixed →

  3. 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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  4. 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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

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

Buy-smart checklist

2012 BMW X5 SAV — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Power train: 9 reports on file for this year.
  • Engine: 6 reports on file for this year.
  • Steering: 3 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 12V161000 · Engine and engine cooling
  • Recall 12V550000 · Engine and engine cooling, steering
  • Recall 14V176000 · Engine and engine cooling
  • Recall 16V071000 · Air bags
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

FAQ

Is the 2012 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 2012 BMW X5 SAV?
The most-reported component is power train, accounting for 43% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2012 BMW X5 SAV have?
4 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.