Is the 2009 BMW X6 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 2009 BMW X6?

The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 42% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2009 BMW X6 have?

10 recalls on file for this model year.

2009 BMW X6

○ Not enough data

2009 BMW X6
RENDERED 2026-11-01T13:34:53.978Z

Only 19 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 19 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.

How is this computed?

Complaints: 19
Recalls: 10
Investigations: 0
Top problem: —

Complaints per year

2009: 19 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
2006	1
2007	1
2008	4
2009	19
2010	15
2011	31
2012	32
2013	25
2014	11
2015	9
2016	9
2017	3
2018	4
2019	5
2020	9
2021	7
2022	3
2023	1
2024	9
2025	1
2026	3

Known problem areas

Only 19 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

Engine

8 of 19 total reports mention: engine.

FIRE

Show complaint excerpts

Tl* the contact owns a 2009 BMW X6. While driving approximately 20 MPH, the vehicle suddenly stalled and shut off. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and repaired, but the failure continued.

NHTSA ODI report, 2016-12-29

Also filed under Fuel/propulsion system and electrical system

Vanos camshaft fault. Fc 2A82 and fc 2A87. I was driving at a speed of 25MPH the reduced engine power light comes on.

NHTSA ODI report, 2018-05-25

Engine is leaking oil and it's a fire hazard... Google search for exactly the same issue indicates that this is a very common with BMW.

NHTSA ODI report, 2018-02-11

Air bags

3 of 19 total reports mention: air bags.

Show complaint excerpts

Takata recall

NHTSA ODI report, 2017-11-07

Fuel/propulsion system

2 of 19 total reports mention: fuel/propulsion system.

FIRE

Engine and engine cooling

2 of 19 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling.

Vehicle speed control

1 of 19 total reports mentions: vehicle speed control.

Safety timeline

10 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first

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

R

2009-09-11Service brakes, hydraulic09V255000 BMW is recalling my 2009 X5 and X6 vehicles. The rear brake discs may not have been manufactured according to specifications. As a result, a reduction in braking performance at the affected rear…

Remedy: BMW will notify owners and will repair the vehicles by inspecting the rear brake discs and, if necessary, replace them free of charge. The safety recall began on September 11, 2009. Owners may…

Check if this car was fixed →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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

2019-03-14Air 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

2009 BMW X6 — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Engine: 8 reports on file for this year.
Air bags: 3 reports on file for this year.
Fuel/propulsion system: 2 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 09V255000 · Service brakes, hydraulic
Recall 11V521000 · Engine and engine cooling
Recall 16V746000 · Fuel system, gasoline
Recall 16V364000 · Air bags
Recall 17V020000 · Air bags
Recall 18V030000 · Air bags
Recall 18V248000 · Engine and engine cooling
Recall 19V017000 · Air bags
Recall 20V016000 · Air bags
Recall 20V017000 · Air bags

FAQ

Is the 2009 BMW X6 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 2009 BMW X6?: The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 42% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2009 BMW X6 have?: 10 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.