MYRModel Year Report

2010 BMW X5

● Typical for this model
2010 BMW X5
RENDERED 2026-08-02T12:46:22.916Z

This year's complaint volume is within 30% of this model's typical year.

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.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, BMW X5 Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 2010 highlighted. 1999: 0 complaints 1999 2000: 29 complaints 2001: 160 complaints 2002: 102 complaints 2003: 99 complaints 2003 2004: 64 complaints 2005: 82 complaints 2006: 167 complaints 2007: 71 complaints 2007 2008: 215 complaints 2009: 138 complaints 2010: 122 complaints 2010 2011: 263 complaints 2011 2012: 271 complaints 2013: 148 complaints 2014: 98 complaints 2015: 149 complaints 2015 2016: 70 complaints 2017: 73 complaints 2018: 67 complaints 2019: 177 complaints 2019 2020: 97 complaints 2021: 95 complaints 2022: 56 complaints 2023: 29 complaints 2023 2024: 141 complaints 2025: 56 complaints 2026: 10 complaints 2026
2010: 122 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
19990
200029
2001160
2002102
200399
200464
200582
2006167
200771
2008215
2009138
2010122
2011263
2012271
2013148
201498
2015149
201670
201773
201867
2019177
202097
202195
202256
202329
2024141
202556
202610

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

ENGINE 33%

33% of complaints: engine — 40 distinct reports on file.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2010 BMW X5. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE CONTACT OBSERVED AND SMELLED SMOKE. THE CONTACT PULLED THE VEHICLE INTO A PARKING LOT WHERE IT CAUGHT FIRE. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED PRIOR TO THE FAILURE.

NHTSA ODI report, 20180207

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 BMW X5. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START AND A FUEL AND SMOKE ODOR WAS PRESENT. IN ADDITION, BLACK SMOKE EMITTED FROM THE EXHAUST PIPE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED.

NHTSA ODI report, 20170106

This is the 3rd time in 2 months that the engine just shut off driving on a highway. I have noticed that it happens if I have driving on a highway for 2 hours or more.

NHTSA ODI report, 20230911

AIR BAGS 29%

29% of complaints: air bags — 35 distinct reports on file.

CRASH INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 BMW X5. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT SUSTAINED CHEST, NECK, AND ARM INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION.

NHTSA ODI report, 20150601

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 18%

18% of complaints: electrical system — 22 distinct reports on file.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

I DROVE MY BMW X5 TO WORK WAS THERE FROM 1045 AM TO AROUND 730PM DROVE TO THE STORE ABOUT A MILE AWAY THEN DROVE TO THE GAS STATION PUT GAS IN, THEN DRIVE TO A NEAR BY OUTSIDE MALL.

NHTSA ODI report, 20191203

MY BRAND NEW 2010 BMW X5 35D HAS STALLED MULTIPLE TIMES, IN MAJOR INTERSECTIONS COMPLETELY OUT OF THE BLUE.

NHTSA ODI report, 20100211

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 16%

16% of complaints: fuel/propulsion system — 19 distinct reports on file.

FIRE
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 9%

9% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 11 distinct reports on file.

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 20100330 — visibility

BMW IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010 X5 AND X6 SPORT ACTIVITY VEHICLES MANUFACTURED BETWEEN DECEMBER 14, 2009 AND DECEMBER 16, 2009. IN THE UPPER RIGHT AREA OF THE WINDSHIELD, BONDING MAY BE INSU

Remedy: BMW WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND AUTHORIZED DEALERS WILL REMOVE THE WINDSHIELD AND THEN REINSTALL WITH THE PROPER BONDING FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 30, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW

Campaign 10V025000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20100531 — exterior lighting

BMW IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010 X5 M SAV VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUI

Remedy: BMW WILL INSTALL POWER SUPPLY CABLES FOR THE FRONT SIDE MARKER LAMPS. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING MAY 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW A

Campaign 10V152000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20111219 — engine and engine cooling

BMW IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 5-SERIES, MODEL YEAR 2010-2011 5-SERIES GRAN TURISMO, MODEL YEAR 2009-2011 7-SERIES, MODEL YEAR 2010-2011 X5 SAV, AND MODEL YEAR 2008-2011 X6 SAV VEHICLES EQU

Remedy: BMW WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE AUXILIARY WATER PUMP FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 19, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW CUSTOMER RELATIONS AND SERVICES AT 1-80

Campaign 11V521000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20130926 — fuel system, diesel

BMW is recalling certain model year 2009-2010 X5 xDrive35d vehicles equipped with a diesel engine and manufactured from June 13, 2009, through November 9, 2009.

Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel filter heater, free of charge. The safety recall began on September 26, 2013. Owners may contact BMW customer relations at 1-800-525-7417.

Campaign 13V339000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20170208 — fuel system, gasoline

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2007-2011 BMW X5 3.0si, X5 4.8i, X5 M, X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive48i and X5 xDrive50i, 2008-2011 X6 x Drive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6 M, 2010-2011 X6 ActiveHybrid, 535i xDrive...

Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump module, free of charge. The recall began February 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Campaign 16V746000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20170728 — air bags

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2007-2011 X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i and X5M vehicles, 2009-2011 X5 xDrive35d vehicles, 2008-2011 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6 M vehicles, and 2010-2011...

Remedy: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until they have been repaired. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator or air bag module, free of charge. The recall began July 28, 2017.

Campaign 16V364000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20180309 — air bags

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2007-2013 X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i, X5 M, 2009-2010 X5 xDrive35d vehicles and 2009-2013 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i, and X6 M vehicles ever registered in the states of...

Remedy: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the remedy is performed. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger front air bag module, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin March 2018.

Campaign 18V030000 — check if this car was fixed

I 20180418 — RQ (closed 20181201)

Idler Pulley Bolt Failure

R 20180615 — engine and engine cooling

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2011-2012 BMW 550i, 550i xDrive, 550i Gran Turismo, 550i Gran Turismo xDrive, 750i, 750Li, 750i xDrive, 750Li xDrive, 760Li, X5 xDrive50i, X5 M, X6 xDrive50i, X6 M, ActiveHybrid7, MINI Cooper S...

Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the electric auxiliary water pump, free of charge. Depending on the model, there are currently limited parts available, however not all parts are available at this time.

Campaign 18V248000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20180618 — engine and engine cooling

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2011 128i and 2007-2011 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 525i, 525xi, 528i, 528xi, 530i, 530xi, X3 3.0si, X3 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive30i, Z4 3.0i, Z4 3.0si and Z4 sDrive30i vehicles.

Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the PCV valve heater, free of charge. Interim letters were mailed on November 27, 2017. Owners will receive a second notification by the end of October 2018.

Campaign 17V683000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20190311 — engine and engine cooling

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2009-2013 X5 xDrive 35d diesel vehicles. The engine idler pulley bolt may loosen over time and break.

Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the idler pulley bolt with an improved part, free of charge. The recall began March 11, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Campaign 18V336000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20190314 — air bags

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2007-2013 X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i and X5 M vehicles, 2008-2014 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6 M vehicles, 2009-2013 X5 xDrive35d vehicles and 2010-2011 X6...

Remedy: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the remedy is performed. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag module, free of charge. The recall began March 14, 2019.

Campaign 19V017000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20200311 — air bags

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2009-2012 X5 xDrive35d, 2008-2012 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6 M, 2007-2012 X5 30si, X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 48i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i and X5 M and 2010-2011 X6 ActiveHybrid...

Remedy: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until this remedy is performed. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger front air bag, free of charge. The recall began March 11, 2020.

Campaign 20V016000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20200311 — air bags

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2013 128i and 135i Convertibles, 128i, 135i, and M Coupes, 2007-2010 X3 30si and X3 xDrive30i, 2013-2015 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i and X1 xDrive35i, 2007-2013 328i, 328i xDrive, 335i, 335is,...

Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver air bag. On X5 and X6 vehicles, only the inflator will be replaced. All repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began March 11, 2020.

Campaign 20V017000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20240619 — engine and engine cooling

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2010-2012 1 Series Coupe, 1 Series Convertible, 3 Series Sedan, 3 Series Convertible, 2010-2011 3 Series Sportswagon, 3 Series Coupe, 5 Series Sedan, X3 xDrive 28i, X3 xDrive 30i, X5 xDrive30i,...

Remedy: Dealers will replace the four VANOS bolts, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk are expected to be mailed December 18, 2023. Owner notification letters were mailed June 19, 2024.

Campaign 23V707000 — check if this car was fixed

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

2010 BMW X5 — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for engine issues (40 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for air bags issues (35 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for electrical system issues (22 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 10V025000 (visibility) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 10V152000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 11V521000 (engine and engine cooling) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 13V339000 (fuel system, diesel) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 16V746000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 16V364000 (air bags) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 18V030000 (air bags) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 18V248000 (engine and engine cooling) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 17V683000 (engine and engine cooling) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 18V336000 (engine and engine cooling) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 19V017000 (air bags) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 20V016000 (air bags) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 20V017000 (air bags) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 23V707000 (engine and engine cooling) has been completed.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 2025 ▲ 2022 ▲ 2004

WORST YEARS

■ 2012 ■ 2011 ■ 2008

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 2010 BMW X5 reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2010 BMW X5 is rated "typical".

What are the most common problems with the 2010 BMW X5?

The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 33% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2010 BMW X5 have?

14 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.