VehicleVerdict

2009 BMW X5 fuel system problems

The 2009 BMW X5 has 43 fuel system complaints filed with NHTSA — 21% of the year's total, and roughly flat versus the prior model year.

43

Fuel System complaints

21%

Share of year

0

Crash-involved

3

Related recalls

Fuel System complaints by year

Related recalls

16V746000Fuel SystemOctober 17, 2016 · 136,188 units

Defect

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 Gran Turismo, 535i Gran Turismo, 550i xDrive Gran Turismo and 550i Gran Turismo, 2011-2012 528i, 535i, 535i xDrive, 550i and 550i xDrive and 2012 535i ActiveHybrid, 640i Convertible, 650i Convertible, 650i xDrive Convertible, 650i Coupe and 650i Coupe xDrive vehicles. The affected vehicles have in-tank fuel pumps that may have insufficiently crimped wire contacts.

Consequence

The loose wires may cause the connector to melt, resulting in a fuel leak. Additionally, the fuel pump may stop working, possibly causing an engine stall and increase the risk of a crash.

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.

13V339000Fuel SystemAugust 7, 2013 · 1,540 units

Defect

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. The fuel filter heater, which is used for warming up the diesel fuel during vehicle operation at low outside temperatures, could experience an electrical overload condition and become permanently activated.

Consequence

The fuel filter heater could remain activated even when the ignition is off and lead to a dead battery. The unit could also overheat, possibly resulting in a vehicle fire.

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.

11V441000Fuel SystemAugust 19, 2011 · 2,120 units

Defect

BMW IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2009 X5 XDRIVE35D VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A DIESEL ENGINE AND MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 1, 2008, THROUGH JUNE 12, 2009. THE FUEL FILTER HEATER, WHICH IS USED FOR WARMING UP THE DIESEL FUEL DURING VEHICLE OPERATION AT LOW OUTSIDE TEMPERATURES, COULD EXPERIENCE AN ELECTRICAL OVERLOAD CONDITION AND BECOME PERMANENTLY ACTIVATED.

Consequence

THE FUEL FILTER HEATER COULD REMAIN ACTIVATED EVEN WHEN THE IGNITION IS OFF AND LEAD TO A DEAD BATTERY. THE UNIT COULD ALSO OVERHEAT, POSSIBLY LEADING TO A VEHICLE FIRE.

Remedy

BMW WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL FILTER HEATER FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 11, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW CUSTOMER RELATIONS AND SERVICES 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 · Fuel System · December 31, 2016 · fire

Common questions

How many fuel system complaints does the 2009 BMW X5 have?

NHTSA has 43 complaints about the 2009 BMW X5 fuel system — 21% of all complaints filed for that model year.

Are there recalls for the 2009 BMW X5 fuel system?

Yes — 3 NHTSA recall campaigns for this model year are tied to the fuel system: 11V441000, 13V339000, 16V746000.

Related

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

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.