VehicleVerdict

2011 BMW X5 transmission problems

The 2011 BMW X5 has 58 transmission complaints filed with NHTSA — 15% of the year's total, and up sharply from the prior model year.

58

Transmission complaints

15%

Share of year

1

Crash-involved

2

Related recalls

Transmission complaints by year

X5 transmission complaints by model year58 complaints2000: 7 complaints2001: 15 complaints2002: 6 complaints2003: 17 complaints2004: 13 complaints2005: 9 complaints2006: 7 complaints2007: 2 complaints2008: 17 complaints2009: 10 complaints2010: 5 complaints2011: 58 complaints2012: 54 complaints2013: 36 complaints2014: 12 complaints2015: 13 complaints2016: 12 complaints2017: 9 complaints2018: 9 complaints2019: 17 complaints2020: 15 complaints2021: 23 complaints2022: 14 complaints2023: 7 complaints2024: 15 complaints2025: 7 complaints2026: 2 complaints
X5 transmission complaints by model year. Red bars are years to avoid.

Related recalls

17V138000TransmissionMarch 2, 2017 · 121,909 units

Defect

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. Water and debris may enter the front driveshaft's universal joint, causing excessive wear and possibly resulting in the joint's failure.

Consequence

If the front universal joint fails, the front wheels would not be driven, affecting vehicle traction. Additionally, continued driving of the vehicle with a broken front universal joint may damage other components. Either condition may increase the risk of a crash.

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.

16V311000TransmissionMay 17, 2016 · 21,493 units

Defect

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2011 X5 xDrive 35i, xDrive50i, X5 M, X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i, and X6 M vehicles manufactured April 5, 2010, to November 20, 2010, 2011 X5 xDrive35d diesel vehicles manufactured April 7, 2010, to November 20, 2010, and 2011 X6 Active Hybrid vehicles manufactured April 15, 2010, to November 17, 2010. The affected vehicles have a front driveshaft universal joint that may not seal out water and debris from getting in and damaging the joint, which could lead to its failure.

Consequence

If the front universal joint fails, the front wheels would not be driven, affecting vehicle traction. Additionally, continued driving of the vehicle with a broken front universal joint may damage other components. Either condition may increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front driveshaft, free of charge. The recall began on July 8, 2016. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

What owners report

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 BMW X5. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE PARKED, THE ENGINE WAS RUNNING HOWEVER, A LARGE AMOUNT OF COOLANT LEAKED ONTO THE GROUND AND THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE OIL RESERVOIR MELTED ONTO THE ENGINE. THERE WAS NO FLAME VISIBLE. IN ADDITION, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO SHIFT OUT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · February 13, 2016 · fire

Common questions

How many transmission complaints does the 2011 BMW X5 have?

NHTSA has 58 complaints about the 2011 BMW X5 transmission — 15% of all complaints filed for that model year.

Are there recalls for the 2011 BMW X5 transmission?

Yes — 2 NHTSA recall campaigns for this model year are tied to the transmission: 16V311000, 17V138000.

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.