Is the 2012 BMW X5 reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2012 BMW X5 is rated "significantly worse".

What are the most common problems with the 2012 BMW X5?

The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 34% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2012 BMW X5 have?

10 recalls on file for this model year.

2012 BMW X5

■ Significantly worse — known issue year

2012 BMW X5
BUILT 2026-10-10

This year had more than double the complaints 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: 271
Recalls: 10
Investigations: 1
Top problem: Engine

Complaints per year

2012: 271 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
1999	0
2000	29
2001	160
2002	102
2003	99
2004	64
2005	82
2006	168
2007	71
2008	215
2009	138
2010	124
2011	263
2012	271
2013	149
2014	99
2015	152
2016	74
2017	75
2018	72
2019	189
2020	112
2021	107
2022	68
2023	33
2024	145
2025	62
2026	25

Known problem areas

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

Engine

34% · 92 reports

FIRE

Show complaint excerpts

Tl* the contact owned a 2012 BMW X5. While driving 65 MPH, the engine malfunction and reduce speed warning indicators illuminated. The contact was able to pull the vehicle off the roadway and it caught fire.

NHTSA ODI report, 2019-01-02

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 BMW X5. The contact was alerted to an abnormal noise coming from the vehicle while it was parked at her home. Upon inspection, the contact's husband noticed that the vehicle was filled with smoke.

NHTSA ODI report, 2018-06-13

Also filed under Electrical system

Air bags

32% · 88 reports

Most commonly citing occupant classification and front passenger.

CRASHINJURY

Show complaint excerpts

We hit a deer while driving at 55 MPH. We were wearing seatbelts and not injured, it was a major frontal impact, the car is probably totalled.

NHTSA ODI report, 2023-11-30

I was rear ended on the interstate and pushed into a truck in front of me ,but my airbags did not deploy . I struck my head on the steering wheel. There is significant damage to the front end of the car and the rear end is also damaged.

NHTSA ODI report, 2013-09-17

Power train

20% · 54 reports

Most commonly citing transfer case (4-wheel drive) and driveshaft.

CRASHFIREINJURY

Show complaint excerpts

The contact owns a 2012 BMW X5. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, she heard a loud thumping sound underneath the vehicle.

NHTSA ODI report, 2023-09-05

Electrical system

11% · 29 reports

FIRE

Fuel/propulsion system

9% · 24 reports

Safety timeline

10 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first

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

▮
2012Complaint volume 271 complaints filed for this model year.
R

2012-02-02Power train12V019000 BMW is recalling certain model year 2012 X5 xdrive 35I sports activity vehicles, manufactured from December 19, 2011, through December 21, 2011. Due to a manufacturing error, engagement of the…

Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the automatic transmission free of charge. The safety recall began on February 2, 2012. Owners may contact BMW customer relations and services at…

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2012-07-20Steering12V267000 BMW is recalling certain model year 2012 X5 vehicles equipped with a diesel engine and 2013 X5 and X6 vehicles. Due to a machining error of the steering gear surface, power steering fluid may leak.

Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect, and if necessary, replace the steering gear free of charge. The safety recall began on July 20, 2012. Owners may contact BMW customer relations…

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2017-04-18Power train17V138000 BMW of North America, LLC, (BMW) is recalling certain 2011-2013 X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive50i, X5 M and X5 xDrive35d vehicles, 2011-2014 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6M vehicles, and 2011 x6 ActiveHybrid Vehicles.

Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front driveshaft, free of charge. The recall began on April 18, 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2017-12-28Air bags17V020000 BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2012 X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i, X5 M, X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i, and X6 M vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia,...

Remedy: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the remedy is performed. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator or air bag module, free of charge. Interim letters were mailed March 2017.

Check if this car was fixed →
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 →
I
2018-04-18Recall queryClosed 2018-12-01 Idler Pulley Bolt Failure
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →

Buy-smart checklist

2012 BMW X5 — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Engine: 92 reports on file for this year.
Air bags: 88 reports on file for this year.
Power train: 54 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 12V019000 · Power train
Recall 12V267000 · Steering
Recall 17V138000 · Power train
Recall 17V020000 · Air bags
Recall 18V030000 · Air bags
Recall 18V248000 · Engine and engine cooling
Recall 18V336000 · Engine and engine cooling
Recall 19V017000 · Air bags
Recall 20V016000 · Air bags
Recall 20V017000 · Air bags

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 2012 BMW X5 reliable?: Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2012 BMW X5 is rated "significantly worse".
What are the most common problems with the 2012 BMW X5?: The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 34% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2012 BMW X5 have?: 10 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.

2012 BMW X5

Complaints per year

Known problem areas

Engine

Air bags

Power train

Electrical system

Fuel/propulsion system

Safety timeline

Buy-smart checklist

Inspect

Verify these recalls were completed

Other years of this model

▲Best years3 years

■Worst years3 years

FAQ

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years