VehicleVerdict

2011 BMW X5 fuel system problems

The 2011 BMW X5 has 43 fuel system complaints filed with NHTSA — 11% of the year's total, and up sharply from the prior model year.

43

Fuel System complaints

11%

Share of year

1

Crash-involved

1

Related recalls

Fuel System complaints by year

X5 fuel system complaints by model year49 complaints2001: 8 complaints2002: 1 complaints2003: 5 complaints2004: 2 complaints2005: 8 complaints2006: 5 complaints2007: 28 complaints2008: 42 complaints2009: 43 complaints2010: 29 complaints2011: 43 complaints2012: 30 complaints2013: 9 complaints2014: 31 complaints2015: 49 complaints2016: 9 complaints2017: 20 complaints2018: 17 complaints2019: 5 complaints2020: 2 complaints2021: 3 complaints2022: 2 complaints2023: 1 complaints2024: 4 complaints2025: 1 complaints
X5 fuel system complaints by model year. Red bars are years to avoid.

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.

What owners report

“VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE ON 02/06/12 AT 0300 WHILE PARKED IN GARAGE. ACCORDING TO MIAMI'S FIRE DEPARTMENT THIS WAS NOT DEEMED ARSON/VANDALISM, NO EVIDENCE OF FORCED ENTRY OR ACCELERATE WAS NOTED. A RECALL FOR HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP HAS BEEN ISSUED FOR SUCH MODEL. *TR”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · February 6, 2012 · fire

Common questions

How many fuel system complaints does the 2011 BMW X5 have?

NHTSA has 43 complaints about the 2011 BMW X5 fuel system — 11% of all complaints filed for that model year.

Are there recalls for the 2011 BMW X5 fuel system?

Yes — 1 NHTSA recall campaign for this model year is tied to the fuel system: 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.