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2011 BMW X5: problems, recalls and fuel economy
NHTSA has 331 owner complaints for the 2011 BMW X5, more than for any other X5 model year in our data[1][2], and 18 recalls are on file[2]. Engine problems form the largest complaint group[3], and several recalls tell owners not to drive until an air bag repair is done[4][5].
Most reported problems
NHTSA has 331 owner complaints on file for the 2011 X5[1]. Of those, 6 mention a crash, 15 a fire and 6 an injury, and no deaths are reported[1]. These are unverified owner reports, and one complaint can name more than one part of the car.
| Component group | Complaints | Median miles at failure |
|---|---|---|
| Engine[3] | 146 | 77,000 |
| Air bags[7] | 80 | 72,000 |
| Power train[8] | 70 | 74,000 |
| Fuel/propulsion system[9] | 52 | 93,000 |
| Unknown or other[10] | 28 | 88,308 |
| Electrical system[11] | 23 | 73,784 |
| Steering[12] | 21 | 63,000 |
| Brakes[13] | 9 | 50,000 |
The engine group is the largest, and 8 of its complaints mention a fire[3]. Steering has 21 complaints, including 2 crashes and 2 injuries[12].
We also read a small sample of the complaint texts in each group. These themes describe that sample only, not all owners.
- Engine. Of 12 engine complaints we read, 7 describe the car stalling, shutting off or showing a reduced-power warning while driving, and 2 mention exhaust smell in the cabin[3]. Several recalls below name a stall or lost power as a risk[14][15][16].
- Power train. Of 12 power train complaints we read, 3 describe a front driveshaft or universal joint failure[8]. Two recalls below cover the same part[17][18].
- Fuel and propulsion. Of 12 complaints we read, 3 describe a high pressure fuel pump failure with lost power, 1 describes diesel exhaust reaching the cabin, 1 suspects carbon monoxide in the cabin, and 2 come from owners waiting for recall parts[9].
- Air bags. Of 12 air bag complaints we read, 11 come from owners who had an air bag recall notice and wrote that repair parts were not yet available[7]. One other owner describes an air bag that deployed late and only partly inflated in a rear-end crash[7].
Recalls
NHTSA lists 18 recalls for the 2011 X5[2]. Several name only certain versions, build dates or regions, so a specific car may be covered by some and not by others. Newest first.
- VANOS bolts (23V707). Issued in 2023[14]. The aluminum bolts that hold the housing of the variable camshaft timing (VANOS) unit can loosen and break. That can stall the engine and raise the risk of a crash. Dealers replace the four bolts free of charge, and the recall text names the X5 xDrive30i among the covered models[14].
- Passenger air bag inflators, interim parts (20V016). Issued in 2020[4]. Some X5s received interim replacement inflators in earlier Takata recalls[4]. The propellant in these may degrade after long exposure to humidity and heat, and an inflator may explode and throw metal fragments, causing serious injury or death. The notice advises owners not to drive until the remedy is done, and and dealers fit a new passenger front air bag at no cost to the owner[4].
- Driver air bag inflators, interim parts (20V017). Issued in 2020[19]. This is the driver-side version of the same interim-parts problem, with the same risk of serious injury or death. On the X5, only the inflator is replaced, free of charge[19].
- Passenger air bag inflators (19V017). Issued in 2019[5]. In a crash, these inflators may explode after long exposure to humidity and temperature cycling, sending metal fragments toward occupants. The notice advises owners not to drive until the remedy is done, and dealers replace the passenger air bag module free of charge[5].
- Diesel idler pulley bolt (18V336). Issued in 2018 for 2009 to 2013 X5 xDrive35d diesels[20]. The bolt may loosen and break, which can cause a sudden loss of power-assisted steering and raise the risk of a crash. Dealers replace it with an improved part free of charge[20].
- Auxiliary water pump (18V248). Issued in 2018[21]. The recall text names the 2011 to 2012 X5 xDrive50i and X5 M among the covered models[21]. The electric auxiliary water pump may fail and overheat its circuit board, which raises the risk of a fire. The notice said parts were limited when it was issued and owners would get a second letter once remedy parts were available. BMW recommended parking outdoors until the repair is done[21].
- Passenger air bag modules by region (18V030). Issued in 2018[22]. In a crash, the inflators may explode after long exposure to humidity and temperature cycling, with a risk of serious injury or death. The notice splits cars into Zones A, B and C by where they were ever registered, and the model years differ by zone[22]. It advises owners not to drive until the remedy is done, and and dealers fit a new passenger front air bag module at no cost to the owner[22].
- PCV valve heater (17V683). Issued in 2017[23]. The heater for the crankcase ventilation valve may short circuit and melt parts in the valve, which raises the risk of a fire even when the car is not in use. Dealers replace the heater free of charge, and the recall text names the X5 xDrive30i[23].
- Front driveshaft (17V138). Issued in 2017 for certain 2011 to 2013 X5 xDrive35i, xDrive50i, X5 M and xDrive35d models[17]. Water and debris can get into the front universal joint and wear it out. If it fails, the front wheels are no longer driven, which hurts traction, and driving on may damage other parts. Dealers replace the front driveshaft free of charge[17].
- Fuel pump (16V746). Issued in 2016[15]. The in-tank fuel pump may have poorly crimped wire contacts. Loose wires may melt the connector and cause a fuel leak, and the pump may stop and stall the engine, which raises the risk of a crash. Dealers replace the fuel pump module free of charge[15].
- Passenger air bag inflators by region (16V364). Issued in 2016[24]. In a crash, the inflators may rupture after long exposure to humidity and temperature cycling, and metal fragments may cause serious injury or death. Only cars originally sold or ever registered in the listed Zone A or Zone B states and territories are covered[24]. The notice advises owners not to drive until repaired, and and dealers fit a new passenger inflator or air bag module at no cost to the owner. Repairs began in July 2017[24].
- Front driveshaft, early builds (16V311). Issued in 2016 for 2011 X5 xDrive35i, xDrive50i and X5 M built from April 5 to November 20, 2010, and xDrive35d diesels built from April 7 to November 20, 2010[18]. The front universal joint may not keep water and debris out, which can lead to failure and a crash risk. Dealers replace the front driveshaft free of charge[18].
- Driver air bag inflator (16V071). Issued in 2016 for a wide range of BMW models that includes the X5[25]. When the driver air bag deploys, excess pressure inside the inflator may make it rupture and throw metal fragments, with a risk of serious injury or death. Dealers replace the driver air bag module or the inflator, depending on the model, free of charge. The recall began in March 2018[25].
- VANOS bolts (14V176). Issued in 2014 and naming the 2011 to 2012 X5 xDrive35i among the covered models[16]. The bolts that hold the VANOS housing can loosen and may break, which can reduce engine power or stall the engine and raise the risk of a crash. Dealers replace the four housing bolts on both VANOS units free of charge[16].
- Diesel idler pulley bolt (12V550). Issued in 2012 for 2009 to 2012 X5 xDrive35d diesels built from September 1, 2008 to November 15, 2012[26]. The bolt could loosen and break, which can cause a sudden loss of power-assisted steering and raise the risk of a crash. Dealers replace and tighten the bolt[26].
- Auxiliary water pump (11V521). Issued in 2011 for 2010 to 2011 X5 models with turbocharged 8-cylinder or 12-cylinder engines[27]. The electric auxiliary water pump has a circuit board that can get too hot, which could cause smoldering or a fire in the engine compartment or the vehicle, which could cause smoldering or a fire in the engine compartment or the vehicle. Dealers replace the pump free of charge[27].
- Diesel belt tensioner (11V332). Issued in 2011 for 2011 X5 diesels built from March 31 to May 19, 2011[28]. A supplier error may have left cracks in the welds of the belt tensioner. If it fails, power steering assist may be lost suddenly, though manual steering remains, and the risk of a crash goes up. Dealers replace the tensioner free of charge[28].
- Tire label (10V233). Issued in 2010 for 2011 X5 and X6 models built from April 1 to May 8, 2010[29]. The label says 19-inch wheels and gives the wrong tire pressure for the 20-inch wheels the cars have[29]. Wrong inflation can cause early tire failure or poorer handling. BMW sends a correct label free of charge, and the owner can attach it or have a dealer do it[29].
Fuel economy
EPA lists four versions of the 2011 X5[6][30][31][32]. All are all-wheel drive.
| Version | City / highway / combined MPG | EPA annual fuel cost |
|---|---|---|
| xDrive35d, 3.0L 6-cyl turbo, diesel, Automatic (S6)[6] | 19 / 26 / 22 | $4,350 |
| xDrive35i, 3.0L 6-cyl turbo, premium, Automatic (S8)[30] | 16 / 23 / 19 | $4,350 |
| xDrive50i, 4.4L 8-cyl turbo, premium, Automatic (S8)[31] | 14 / 20 / 16 | $5,150 |
| X5 M, 4.4L 8-cyl turbo, premium, Automatic (S6)[32] | 12 / 17 / 14 | $5,850 |
The diesel xDrive35d has the best combined rating at 22 MPG, and the X5 M has the lowest at 14[6][32]. EPA's fuel cost estimate uses its current fuel price assumptions, not the prices when the car was new.
Safety ratings
NHTSA gives the 2011 X5 a 4-star rollover rating, with a rollover risk of 17.4%[33]. That is the only NHTSA star rating in our data for this car.
Engine and size
EPA lists the 3.0L six-cylinder versions (xDrive35d and xDrive35i) at 265 to 300 hp, depending on version[34][6][30]. The 4.4L eight-cylinder versions (xDrive50i and X5 M) are listed at 400 to 555 hp, depending on version[35][31][32].
The sizes below are Canadian-market specifications from Transport Canada via NHTSA vPIC, converted to inches and pounds. They can differ slightly from US models.
How 2011 compares with other years
Show the numbers
| Model year | Complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2000 | 29 | 7 |
| 2001 | 160 | 13 |
| 2002 | 102 | 4 |
| 2003 | 100 | 4 |
| 2004 | 64 | 5 |
| 2005 | 82 | 2 |
| 2006 | 195 | 2 |
| 2007 | 130 | 13 |
| 2008 | 235 | 13 |
| 2009 | 157 | 16 |
| 2010 | 143 | 19 |
| 2011 | 331 | 18 |
| 2012 | 292 | 14 |
| 2013 | 162 | 7 |
| 2014 | 99 | 8 |
| 2015 | 152 | 6 |
| 2016 | 74 | 5 |
| 2017 | 75 | 6 |
| 2018 | 73 | 5 |
| 2019 | 193 | 13 |
| 2020 | 113 | 11 |
| 2021 | 111 | 12 |
| 2022 | 75 | 1 |
| 2023 | 33 | 4 |
| 2024 | 145 | 8 |
| 2025 | 63 | 5 |
| 2026 | 27 | 2 |
Among the X5 model years in the NHTSA counts, 2011 has the most complaints at 331[2]. The next highest are 2012 with 292 and 2008 with 235[2]. For recalls, 2011 has 18, which is second to 2010 with 19 and ahead of 2009 with 16[2].
These are counts on file, not adjusted for how many cars were sold. They are only a fair comparison between years of the same model.
Should you buy a used 2011 X5?
The 2011 X5 has a heavy record in NHTSA's data, with the most complaints of any X5 year listed and 18 recalls[2]. Four of those recalls are air bag notices that advise owners not to drive until the remedy is done[4][5][22][24]. The air bag, driveshaft and fuel pump recall texts say dealers do the repair free of charge, so a car with its recalls completed is in a different position from one without[5][17][15]. Fuel is also a running cost, with EPA's annual estimates running from $4,350 to $5,850 depending on version[6][32]. Complaint counts are unverified owner reports that are not adjusted for sales, so use them to ask questions, not as a final verdict.
Frequently asked questions
- What are the most common problems with the 2011 BMW X5?
- In NHTSA complaints, the engine group is the largest with 146 of 331 complaints, followed by air bags with 80 and power train with 70[1][3][7][8]. One complaint can name more than one group.
- Does the 2011 BMW X5 have recalls?
- Yes. NHTSA lists 18 recalls, covering air bag inflators, engine parts, the front driveshaft, the fuel pump and a tire label[2][4][14][17][15][29]. Which ones apply depends on the version, build date and region.
- How many miles per gallon does a 2011 BMW X5 get?
- EPA combined ratings run from 14 MPG for the X5 M to 22 MPG for the xDrive35d diesel[32][6]. The xDrive35i is rated 19 and the xDrive50i 16[30][31].
- Is the 2011 BMW X5 reliable?
- Our data has no reliability score. It shows 331 NHTSA complaints and 18 recalls, and 2011 has the most complaints of any X5 model year listed[1][2].
- How does the 2011 X5 compare with the 2010 and 2012 models?
- In NHTSA counts, 2010 has 143 complaints and 19 recalls, 2011 has 331 and 18, and 2012 has 292 and 14[2]. The counts are not adjusted for sales.
Facts and sources
- NHTSA has 331 owner complaints on file for the 2011 BMW X5 (6 mention a crash, 15 a fire, 6 injuries, 0 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
- Owner complaints and recalls for every BMW X5 model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
- 146 complaints name the engine component group (0 crashes, 8 fires, 3 injuries, median mileage at failure 77,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- Recall 20V016, filed January 15, 2020: Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 19V017, filed January 14, 2019: Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module. NHTSA recall database
- EPA rating for X5 xDrive35d, 3.0L 6-cyl turbo, Automatic (S6), Diesel, All-Wheel Drive: 19 city / 26 highway / 22 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,350. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- 80 complaints name the air bags component group (2 crashes, 1 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 72,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 70 complaints name the power train component group (1 crashes, 1 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 74,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 52 complaints name the fuel/propulsion system component group (1 crashes, 3 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 93,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 28 complaints name the unknown or other component group (0 crashes, 3 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 88,308). NHTSA vehicle records
- 23 complaints name the electrical system component group (0 crashes, 4 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 73,784). NHTSA vehicle records
- 21 complaints name the steering component group (2 crashes, 0 fires, 2 injuries, median mileage at failure 63,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 9 complaints name the brakes component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 50,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- Recall 23V707, filed October 20, 2023: Engine And Engine Cooling › Engine. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 16V746, filed October 17, 2016: Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 14V176, filed April 10, 2014: Engine And Engine Cooling › Engine. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 17V138, filed March 2, 2017: Power Train › Driveline › Driveshaft. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 16V311, filed May 17, 2016: Power Train › Driveline › Driveshaft. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 20V017, filed January 15, 2020: Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 18V336, filed May 23, 2018: Engine And Engine Cooling › Engine. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 18V248, filed April 18, 2018: Engine And Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline › Turbo / Supercharger. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 18V030, filed January 9, 2018: Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 17V683, filed October 30, 2017: Engine And Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Emission Control › Crankcase (Pcv). NHTSA recall database
- Recall 16V364, filed May 25, 2016: Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 16V071, filed February 5, 2016: Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 12V550, filed November 27, 2012: Engine And Engine Cooling › Engine › Diesel. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 11V521, filed October 20, 2011: Engine And Engine Cooling › Engine › Other Fuel Types › Turbo / Supercharger. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 11V332, filed June 23, 2011: Engine And Engine Cooling › Engine › Diesel. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 10V233, filed June 2, 2010: Equipment › Other › Labels. NHTSA recall database
- EPA rating for X5 xDrive35i, 3.0L 6-cyl turbo, Automatic (S8), Premium, All-Wheel Drive: 16 city / 23 highway / 19 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,350. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for X5 xDrive50i, 4.4L 8-cyl turbo, Automatic (S8), Premium, All-Wheel Drive: 14 city / 20 highway / 16 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $5,150. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for X5 xDriveM, 4.4L 8-cyl turbo, Automatic (S6), Premium, All-Wheel Drive: 12 city / 17 highway / 14 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $5,850. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, SUV 4WD: rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 17.4%. NHTSA vehicle records
- EPA Test Car List, 2011 BMW X5 with 3.0L 6-cylinder: rated 265 to 300 hp depending on version. www.epa.gov
- EPA Test Car List, 2011 BMW X5 with 4.4L 8-cylinder: rated 400 to 555 hp depending on version. www.epa.gov
- Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, X5 xDrive35d 4DR SUV AWD: length 191 in, width 76 in, height 70 in, wheelbase 115 in, curb weight 5,192 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
- Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, X5 xDrive35i 4DR SUV AWD: length 191 in, width 76 in, height 70 in, wheelbase 115 in, curb weight 4,960 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
- Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, X5 xDrive50i 4DR SUV AWD: length 191 in, width 76 in, height 70 in, wheelbase 115 in, curb weight 5,379 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
- Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, X5M 4DR SUV AWD: length 191 in, width 78 in, height 70 in, wheelbase 115 in, curb weight 5,368 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov