2010 BMW X5: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2010 BMW X5: 14 recalls, 124 owner complaints and up to 22 mpg combined.
Recalls
14 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Visibility (wipers, glass) Vehicle recall #10V025000 · 2010 · 210 vehicles
What's wrong: In the upper right area of the windshield, bonding May be insufficient over a length of approximately 50cm.
Why it matters: In the case of a rollover, the stability of the roof could be affected increasing the risk of injuries.
The fix: Bmw will notify owners and authorized dealers will remove the windshield and then reinstall with the proper bonding free of charge. The safety recall began on March 30, 2010.
Exterior lights Vehicle recall #10V152000 · 2010 · 735 vehicles
What's wrong: 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment," these vehicle's were equipped with side marker lamps, but not the power supply cables leading to the lamps. As a result, the side marker lamps do not illuminate.
Why it matters: These vehicles do not comply with requirements of fmvss no. 108.
The fix: Bmw will install power supply cables for the front side marker lamps. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin during May 2010.
Engine & cooling Vehicle recall #11V521000 · 2011 · 32,084 vehicles
What's wrong:
Why it matters: This could lead to a smoldering of the pump or an engine compartment or vehicle fire.
The fix: Bmw will notify owners, and dealers will replace the auxiliary water pump free of charge. The safety recall began on December 19, 2011.
Fuel system (diesel) Vehicle recall #13V339000 · 2013 · 1,540 vehicles
What's wrong: The fuel filter heater, which is used for warming up the diesel fuel during vehicle operation at low outside temperatures, could experience an electrical overload condition and become permanently activated.
Why it matters: The fuel filter heater could remain activated even when the ignition is off and lead to a dead battery. The unit could also overheat, possibly resulting in a vehicle fire.
The fix: Bmw will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel filter heater, free of charge. The safety recall began on September 26, 2013.
Airbags Vehicle recall #16V364000 · 2016 · 97,738 vehicles
What's wrong: S. Virgin islands, or "zone a." additionally, unless included in "zone a" above, BMW is recalling certain model year 2007-2008 x5 xdrive30i, x5 xdrive35i, x5 xdrive48i, x5 xdrive50i and x5m vehicles, and 2008 BMW x6 xdrive35i, x6 xdrive50i and x6 m vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in arizona, arkansas, delaware, district of columbia, illinois, indiana, kansas, kentucky, maryland, missouri, nebraska,…
Why it matters: An inflator rupture May result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The fix: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until they have been repaired. Bmw will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator or air bag module, free of charge. The recall began July 28, 2017.
Fuel system Vehicle recall #16V746000 · 2016 · 136,188 vehicles
What's wrong: 0si, x5 4.8i, x5 m, x5 xdrive30i, x5 xdrive35i, x5 xdrive48i and x5 xdrive50i, 2008-2011 x6 x drive35i, x6 xdrive50i and x6 m, 2010-2011 x6 activehybrid, 535i xdrive gran turismo, 535i gran turismo, 550i xdrive gran turismo and 550i gran turismo, 2011-2012 528i, 535i, 535i xdrive, 550i and 550i xdrive and 2012 535i activehybrid, 640i convertible, 650i convertible, 650i xdrive convertible, 650i coupe and 650i coupe…
Why it matters: The loose wires May cause the connector to melt, resulting in a fuel leak. Additionally, the fuel pump May stop working, possibly causing an engine stall and increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Bmw will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump module, free of charge. The recall began February 2017.
Engine & cooling Vehicle recall #17V683000 · 2017 · 740,561 vehicles
What's wrong: 0si, x3 xdrive30i, x5 xdrive30i, z4 3.0i, z4 3.0si and z4 sdrive30i vehicles. The heater for the positive crankcase ventilation (pcv) valve May short circuit.
Why it matters: An electrical short can cause the parts within the pcv valve to melt, increasing the risk of a fire, even when the vehicle is not in use.
The fix: Bmw will notify owners, and dealers will replace the pcv valve heater, free of charge. Interim letters were mailed on November 27, 2017. Owners will receive a second notification by the end of October 2018.
Airbags Vehicle recall #18V030000 · 2018 · 41,808 vehicles
What's wrong: S. Virgin islands or "zone a." BMW is also recalling certain 2007-2010 x5 xdrive30i, x5 xdrive35i, x5 xdrive48i, x5 xdrive50i, x5 m, x5 xdrive35d, x6 xdrive35i, x6 xdrive50i and x6m vehicles ever registered in the states of arizona, arkansas, delaware, district of columbia, illinois, indiana, kansas, kentucky, maryland, missouri, nebraska, nevada, new jersey, new mexico, north carolina, ohio, oklahoma, pennsylvania,…
Why it matters: An inflator explosion May result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The fix: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the remedy is performed. Bmw will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger front air bag module, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin March 2018.
Engine & cooling, Engine & cooling Vehicle recall #18V248000 · 2018 · 47,806 vehicles
What's wrong: The electric auxiliary water pump May fail and cause the circuit board to overheat.
Why it matters: If the circuit board were to overheat, it can increase the risk of a fire.
The fix: 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…
Engine & cooling Vehicle recall #18V336000 · 2018 · 33,214 vehicles
What's wrong: The engine idler pulley bolt May loosen over time and break.
Why it matters: If the 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 the idler pulley bolt with an improved part, free of charge. The recall began March 11, 2019.
Airbags Vehicle recall #19V017000 · 2019 · 83,016 vehicles
What's wrong: These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators May explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Why it matters: An inflator explosion May result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The fix: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the remedy is performed. Bmw will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag module, free of charge. The recall began March 14, 2019.
Airbags Vehicle recall #20V016000 · 2020 · 4,007 vehicles
What's wrong: These inflators May explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.
Why it matters: An inflator explosion May result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The fix: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until this remedy is performed. Bmw will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger front air bag, free of charge. The recall began March 11, 2020.
Airbags Vehicle recall #20V017000 · 2020 · 59,965 vehicles
What's wrong: These inflators May explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.
Why it matters: An inflator explosion May result in sharp 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 air bag. On x5 and x6 vehicles, only the inflator will be replaced. All repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began March 11, 2020.
Engine & cooling Vehicle recall #23V707000 · 2023 · 157,796 vehicles
What's wrong: The aluminum bolts that secure the housing for the variable camshaft timing adjustment (vanos) unit can loosen over time and possibly break.
Why it matters: Loose or broken vanos unit bolts can result in an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the four vanos bolts, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk are expected to be mailed December 18, 2023. Owner notification letters were mailed June 19, 2024.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 5 mention a fire, 2 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Engine (40): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (12), warning light on (10).
- Airbags (35): the most common themes are warning light on (7), fails to deploy (3), deploys unexpectedly / inflator (3).
- Electrical (23): the most common themes are electrical failure (12), stalls / loses power (4).
- Fuel & propulsion (19): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (4), warning light on (4), leaks (3).
The 2010 BMW X5 has 124 owner complaints, ranking #11 of 28 X5 model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 113). Complaints peaked in 2017 (24 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 7 years old, at a median of 68,900 miles. Neighboring years: 2009 (138 complaints, 12 recalls), 2011 (263 complaints, 14 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.0 L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 19 | 26 | 22 | Diesel |
| 3.0 L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 15 | 21 | 18 | Premium |
| 4.8 L 8-cyl | Automatic (S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 14 | 19 | 16 | Premium |
| 4.4 L 8-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 12 | 17 | 14 | Premium |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2010 BMW X5.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yrStep-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.
Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/moHeads up: we may earn a commission if you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you. Prices checked 2026-10 and can change. We never host or link to pirated manuals. Disclosure
FAQ
Does the 2010 BMW X5 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 14 vehicle recalls for the 2010 BMW X5. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2010 BMW X5 problems?
Owners have filed 124 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are engine (40), airbags (35), electrical (23).
What gas mileage does the 2010 BMW X5 get?
EPA ratings run up to 22 mpg combined (3.0 L, Automatic (S6)), across 4 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2010 BMW X5 repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.