VehicleVerdict

2012 BMW X5 transmission problems

The 2012 BMW X5 has 54 transmission complaints filed with NHTSA — 14% of the year's total, and roughly flat versus the prior model year.

54

Transmission complaints

14%

Share of year

1

Crash-involved

2

Related recalls

Transmission complaints by year

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.

12V019000TransmissionJanuary 23, 2012 · 6 units

Defect

BMW IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 X5 XDRIVE 35I SPORTS ACTIVITY VEHICLES, MANUFACTURED FROM DECEMBER 19, 2011, THROUGH DECEMBER 21, 2011. DUE TO A MANUFACTURING ERROR, ENGAGEMENT OF THE TRANSMISSION’S PARKING LOCK MAY NOT OCCUR EVEN IF THE “P” POSITION HAS BEEN SELECTED AND IS DISPLAYED.

Consequence

IF THE DRIVER BELIEVES THAT THE TRANSMISSION IS IN PARK AND DOES NOT USE THE PARKING BRAKE, THE VEHICLE COULD ROLL AWAY AFTER EXITING THE VEHICLE INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH OR INJURY.

Remedy

BMW WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 2, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW CUSTOMER RELATIONS AND SERVICES AT 1-800-525-7417.

What owners report

THE VEHICLE REVERSE UNEXPECTEDLY RESULTING IN CRASHING THE OWNER WHEN UNLOADING GROCERY. THE OWNER OF THE VEHICLE IN HOSPITALIZE AND UNDERWENT SURGERY. THE OWNER BROKE BOTH OF HIS FEMUR BONES AND RIGHT KNEE CAP. *TR

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · October 5, 2013 · crash

Common questions

How many transmission complaints does the 2012 BMW X5 have?

NHTSA has 54 complaints about the 2012 BMW X5 transmission — 14% of all complaints filed for that model year.

Are there recalls for the 2012 BMW X5 transmission?

Yes — 2 NHTSA recall campaigns for this model year are tied to the transmission: 12V019000, 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.