MYRModel Year Report

2010 BMW X5

● Typical for this model
2010 BMW X5
RENDERED 2026-11-01T12:41:18.874Z

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
124
Recalls
14

Campaigns on file for 2010

Investigations
1

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Engine

32% of complaints

Complaints per year

2000: 29 complaints 2000 2001: 160 complaints 2002: 102 complaints 2003: 99 complaints 2004: 64 complaints 2004 2005: 82 complaints 2006: 168 complaints 2007: 71 complaints 2008: 215 complaints 2009: 138 complaints 2010: 124 complaints 2010 124 2011: 263 complaints 2012: 271 complaints 2013: 149 complaints 2014: 99 complaints 2015: 152 complaints 2016: 74 complaints 2016 2017: 75 complaints 2018: 73 complaints 2019: 192 complaints 2020: 112 complaints 2020 2021: 109 complaints 2022: 70 complaints 2023: 34 complaints 2024: 145 complaints 2024 2025: 62 complaints 2026: 28 complaints
2000: 29 complaints 2000 2001: 160 complaints 2002: 102 complaints 2002 2003: 99 complaints 2004: 64 complaints 2004 2005: 82 complaints 2006: 168 complaints 2006 2007: 71 complaints 2008: 215 complaints 2008 2009: 138 complaints 2010: 124 complaints 2010 124 2011: 263 complaints 2012: 271 complaints 2012 2013: 149 complaints 2014: 99 complaints 2014 2015: 152 complaints 2016: 74 complaints 2016 2017: 75 complaints 2018: 73 complaints 2018 2019: 192 complaints 2020: 112 complaints 2020 2021: 109 complaints 2022: 70 complaints 2022 2023: 34 complaints 2024: 145 complaints 2024 2025: 62 complaints 2026: 28 complaints 2026
2000: 29 complaints 2000 2001: 160 complaints 2002: 102 complaints 2002 2003: 99 complaints 2004: 64 complaints 2004 2005: 82 complaints 2006: 168 complaints 2006 2007: 71 complaints 2008: 215 complaints 2008 2009: 138 complaints 2010: 124 complaints 2010 124 2011: 263 complaints 2012: 271 complaints 2012 2013: 149 complaints 2014: 99 complaints 2014 2015: 152 complaints 2016: 74 complaints 2016 2017: 75 complaints 2018: 73 complaints 2018 2019: 192 complaints 2020: 112 complaints 2020 2021: 109 complaints 2022: 70 complaints 2022 2023: 34 complaints 2024: 145 complaints 2024 2025: 62 complaints 2026: 28 complaints 2026

2010: 124 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
19990
200029
2001160
2002102
200399
200464
200582
2006168
200771
2008215
2009138
2010124
2011263
2012271
2013149
201499
2015152
201674
201775
201873
2019192
2020112
2021109
202270
202334
2024145
202562
202628

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Engine

32% · 40 reports
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, 2018-02-07

Also filed under Power train

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, 2017-01-06

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, 2023-09-11

Air bags

30% · 37 reports

Most commonly citing occupant classification.

CRASHINJURY
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, 2015-06-01

Electrical system

19% · 23 reports

Most commonly citing 12v/24v/48v battery.

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, 2019-12-03

My brand new 2010 BMW X5 35D has stalled multiple times, in major intersections completely out of the blue.

NHTSA ODI report, 2010-02-11

Also filed under Fuel system, diesel

Fuel/propulsion system

15% · 19 reports
FIRE

Engine and engine cooling

10% · 13 reports
Show complaint excerpts

See attached document for complaint

NHTSA ODI report, 2026-08-21

Also filed under Power train

The contact owns a 2010 BMW X5. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled and was pulled over to the side of the road. There was no warning light illuminated.

NHTSA ODI report, 2026-07-22

Safety timeline

14 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first

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

  1. R
    2010-03-30Visibility10V025000 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…

    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…

    Check if this car was fixed →

  2. R
    2010-05-31Exterior lighting10V152000 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…

    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…

    Check if this car was fixed →

  3. R
    2011-12-19Engine and engine cooling11V521000 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…

    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…

    Check if this car was fixed →

  4. R
    2013-09-26Fuel system, diesel13V339000 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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  5. R
    2017-02-08Fuel system, gasoline16V746000 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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  6. R
    2017-07-28Air bags16V364000 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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  7. R
    2018-03-09Air bags18V030000 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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  8. I
    2018-04-18Recall queryClosed 2018-12-01 Idler Pulley Bolt Failure
  9. R
    2018-06-15Engine and engine cooling18V248000 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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  10. R
    2018-06-18Engine and engine cooling17V683000 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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  11. R
    2019-03-11Engine and engine cooling18V336000 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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  12. R
    2019-03-14Air bags19V017000 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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  13. R
    2020-03-11Air bags20V016000 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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  14. R
    2020-03-11Air bags20V017000 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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  15. R
    2024-06-19Engine and engine cooling23V707000 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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2010 BMW X5 — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Engine: 40 reports on file for this year.
  • Air bags: 37 reports on file for this year.
  • Electrical system: 23 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 10V025000 · Visibility
  • Recall 10V152000 · Exterior lighting
  • Recall 11V521000 · Engine and engine cooling
  • Recall 13V339000 · Fuel system, diesel
  • Recall 16V746000 · Fuel system, gasoline
  • Recall 16V364000 · Air bags
  • Recall 18V030000 · Air bags
  • Recall 18V248000 · Engine and engine cooling
  • Recall 17V683000 · Engine and engine cooling
  • Recall 18V336000 · Engine and engine cooling
  • Recall 19V017000 · Air bags
  • Recall 20V016000 · Air bags
  • Recall 20V017000 · Air bags
  • Recall 23V707000 · Engine and engine cooling
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

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 32% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2010 BMW X5 have?
14 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.