2009 BMW X5 engine problems

The 2009 BMW X5 has 36 engine complaints filed with NHTSA — 18% of the year's total, and down from the prior model year.

Engine complaints

18%

Share of year

Crash-involved

Related recalls

Engine complaints by year

X5 engine complaints by model year. Red bars are years to avoid.

Related recalls

18V336000EngineMay 23, 2018 · 33,214 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

If the idler pulley bolt breaks, the vehicle may unexpectedly lose power-assisted steering, increasing the risk of a crash.

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.

17V683000EngineOctober 30, 2017 · 740,561 units

Defect

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. The heater for the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve may short circuit.

Consequence

An electrical short can cause the parts within the PCV valve to melt, increasing the risk of a fire, even when the vehicle is not in use.

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. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

What owners report

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 BMW X5. WHILE DRIVING, AN ODOR OF FUEL EMITTED INTO THE VEHICLE. WHILE IN TRAFFIC, SMOKE APPEARED UNDER THE HOOD. THE CONTACT COASTED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND NOTICED ANTIFREEZE LEAKING INTO THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · December 31, 2016 · fire

Common questions

How many engine complaints does the 2009 BMW X5 have?

NHTSA has 36 complaints about the 2009 BMW X5 engine — 18% of all complaints filed for that model year.

Are there recalls for the 2009 BMW X5 engine?

Yes — 2 NHTSA recall campaigns for this model year are tied to the engine: 17V683000, 18V336000.

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.