Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.
2009 BMW X5 SAV recalls
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system, emission control, crankcase (pcv)
NHTSA campaign 22V119000 · reported March 2, 2022 · BMW of North America, LLC · 917,106 vehicles potentially affected
- The problem
- BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2013 1 Series Coupe (128i); 2007-2013 3 Series Coupe (328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive); 2007-2010 X3 SAV (X3 3.0si, X3 xDrive30i); 2008-2013 1 Series Convertible (128i); 2006-2011 3 Series Sedan (325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 330i, 330xi); 2006-2012 3 Series Wagon (328i, 328i xDrive); 2007-2013 3 Series Convertible (328i); 2006-2010 5 Series Sedan (525i, 525xi, 528i, 528xi, 530i, 530xi); 2006-2007 5 Series Wagon (530xi); 2007-2010 X5 SAV (X5 3.0si, X5 xDrive30i); 2006-2008 Z4 Coupe (Z4 3.0si); and 2006-2011 Z4 Roadster (Z4 3.0i, Z4 3.0si, Z4 sDrive30i) vehicles. The heater for the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve may short circuit.
- The risk
- An electrical short can cause the PCV valve heater to overheat, increasing the risk of a fire while driving or, soon after driving when parked.
- The fix
- This recall supersedes and expands previous NHTSA recalls 17V-683 and 19V-273. Dealers will install an electrical wiring harness with fuse protection for the PCV Valve heater in potentially affected vehicles, free of charge. This recall supersedes and expands previous NHTSA recalls 17V-683 and 19V-273. Vehicles previously repaired under the prior recalls will need to come back for the new recall remedy. The remedy is currently being developed. Interim owner notification letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed on April 1, 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 22, 2022. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Air bags: frontal, driver side, inflator module
NHTSA campaign 16V071000 · reported February 5, 2016 · BMW of North America, LLC · 840,000 vehicles potentially affected
- The problem
- BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2008-2013 128i and 135i coupes and convertibles and 1 Series M coupes, 2006-2011 325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi, 335i xDrive Sedans, 2009-2011 335d sedans, 2006-2012 325xiT, 328i and 328xi sports wagons, 2007-2013 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 335i, 335xi, 335i xDrive, 335is and M3 Coupes and Convertibles, 2013-2015 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i and X1 xDrive35i SAVs, 2007-2010 X3 xDrive30i SAVs, 2007-2013 X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i and X5 M SAVs, 2009-2013 BMW X5 xDrive35d SAVs, 2008-2014 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i, and X6 M SACs, 2010-2011 BMW X6 xDrive50i SACs and 2008-2011 M3 Sedan vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.
- The risk
- In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- The fix
- BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag module or inflator depending on the vehicle model, free of charge. The recall began March 9, 2018. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Service brakes · Service brakes, hydraulic: power assist
NHTSA campaign 13V045000 · reported February 7, 2013 · BMW of North America, LLC · 30,265 vehicles potentially affected
- The problem
- BMW is recalling certain model year 2007-2010 X5 SAV vehicles, manufactured September 12, 2006, through March 18, 2010 and equipped with an 8-cylinder engine. The brake vacuum pump may leak a small amount of lubricating oil into the hose. The contamination could result in a loss of power assist braking.
- The risk
- The loss of power assist in braking could increase stopping distance and lead to a vehicle crash.
- The fix
- BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake vacuum line with one that contains a check valve, free of charge. The recall began during March 2013. Owners may call BMW at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at [email protected].
Engine and engine cooling: engine, diesel · Steering: hydraulic power assist system
NHTSA campaign 12V550000 · reported November 27, 2012 · BMW of North America, LLC · 29,800 vehicles potentially affected
- The problem
- BMW is recalling certain model year 2009-2012 X5 xDrive 35d SAV diesel vehicles manufactured September 1, 2008, through November 15, 2012. The engine belt idler pulley bolt could loosen and break over time.
- The risk
- If the engine belt idler pulley bolt breaks, the vehicle may unexpectedly lose power-assisted steering, increasing the risk of a crash.
- The fix
- BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace and tighten the idler pulley bolt. The recall began on January 15, 2013. Owners may call BMW at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at [email protected].
What owners report
Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.
Mar 3, 2023 · Engine and engine cooling · 103,000 miles
The contact owns a 2009 BMW X5. The contact stated that upon turning the heater on, there was a strong burning odor coming from the A/C vents. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the failure was diagnosed as a burning oil odor. The vehicle was taken to an independent…
May 1, 2019 · Electrical system
LOST POWER WHILE CRUISING AT 60 M/HR. OTHER CARS ALMOST HIT ME WHEN I WAS TRYING TO MOVE TO THE SIDE FOR SAFETY CAUSING LOTS OF TRAFFIC. THEN WENT TO THE BMW DEALER (PATRICT BMW) IN SCHAUMBURG IL FOR DIAGNOSTIC AND FOUND OUT THERE WAS A PROBLEM IN THE FUEL SYSTEM ELECTRICALLY. THE WIRING HARNESS WERE MELTED , BLEW…
Apr 2, 2019 · Fuel/propulsion system · 119,992 miles
2009 BMW X5 DIESEL PASSIVE TANK FAILED. I TOLD THE DEALER AND CALLED BMW CUSTOMER CARE AND TOLD THEM THIS IS EMMISIONS RELATED AND THEY SHOULD HAVE REPLACED IT WHEN THEY REPLACED THE ACTIVE TANK A YEAR AGO. BMW DIESELS WILL NOT PASS SMOG DUE TO DEFECTIVE DESIGNS OF THE ACTIVE AND PASSIVE TANKS THAT CONTAIN DEF. THE…
Jul 2, 2018 · Service brakes · 135,000 miles
BRAKE LIGHTS ARE FAILING CAUSING A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE. BMW ISSUED A SERVICE BULLETIN ON THIS PROBLEM (SB-10[phone removed] / SI B63 10 09) IN MARCH 2011. THIS VEHICLE HAS BEEN SERVICED BY THE BMW DEALERSHIP MANY MANY TIMES, BUT THE SERVICE BULLETIN WAS NEVER MENTIONED OR EXECUTED. WARNING LIGHTS APPEAR ON THE DASH…
May 26, 2018 · Wheels · 80,000 miles
SIR, BMW INSTALLS RUNFLATS ON ALL THEIR CARS. ON THIS X5 I'VE REPLACED THESE TIRES 3 OR 4 TIMES AT MY OWN EXPENSE AS RUNFLATS EITHER GET PUNCTURE OR LEAK AND ONE CAN'T REPLACE @3/32 OLY ONE.THESE TIRES ARE DEFECTIVE AND HAVE NOT SERVED THIS SUV WELL. IN FACT, MY WIFE'S BM@ 535XI I DID THE SAME AND THREW OUT OEM TIRES…
Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received March 3, 2023.