VehicleVerdict

2012 BMW X5 engine problems

The 2012 BMW X5 has 104 engine complaints filed with NHTSA — 28% of the year's total, and roughly flat versus the prior model year.

104

Engine complaints

28%

Share of year

0

Crash-involved

2

Related recalls

Engine complaints by year

X5 engine complaints by model year120 complaints2000: 1 complaints2001: 42 complaints2002: 28 complaints2003: 36 complaints2004: 11 complaints2005: 17 complaints2006: 14 complaints2007: 12 complaints2008: 83 complaints2009: 36 complaints2010: 51 complaints2011: 120 complaints2012: 104 complaints2013: 50 complaints2014: 21 complaints2015: 50 complaints2016: 20 complaints2017: 16 complaints2018: 19 complaints2019: 57 complaints2020: 38 complaints2021: 28 complaints2022: 13 complaints2023: 3 complaints2024: 13 complaints2025: 4 complaints
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.

18V248000EngineApril 18, 2018 · 47,806 units

Defect

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 Convertible, John Cooper Works (JCW) Convertible, Cooper S Countryman, Cooper S Countryman ALL4, Cooper S, JCW, Cooper S Clubman, JCW Clubman, Cooper S Roadster, JCW Roadster, Cooper S Coupe, JCW Coupe and Rolls-Royce Ghost, 2011 BMW X6 Hybrid and 2012 BMW 650i Coupe, 650i xDrive Coupe, 650i Convertible and 650i xDrive Convertible vehicles. The electric auxiliary water pump may fail and cause the circuit board to overheat.

Consequence

If the circuit board were to overheat, it can increase the risk of a fire.

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. Owners will be notified of the recall beginning June 11, 2018, and will receive a second notification when remedy parts become available. Owners may contact BMW customer service at BMW 1-800-525-7417, MINI at 1-866-825-1525, or Rolls-Royce at 1-877-877-3735. Note: BMW recommends that owners park their vehicle outdoors until the recall remedy has been performed.

What owners report

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 BMW X5. THE CONTACT WAS ALERTED TO AN ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FROM THE VEHICLE WHILE IT WAS PARKED AT HER HOME. UPON INSPECTION, THE CONTACT'S HUSBAND NOTICED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS FILLED WITH SMOKE. TEN MINUTES LATER, THE VEHICLE WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · June 13, 2018 · fire

Common questions

How many engine complaints does the 2012 BMW X5 have?

NHTSA has 104 complaints about the 2012 BMW X5 engine — 28% of all complaints filed for that model year.

Are there recalls for the 2012 BMW X5 engine?

Yes — 2 NHTSA recall campaigns for this model year are tied to the engine: 18V248000, 18V336000.

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.