2011 Bmw X5 SAV
Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report
Quick Summary
The 2011 Bmw X5 SAV has 38 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 1.3x the segment average of 29. The most common issue is engine problems (29% of all complaints), specifically: on december 26, 2012, while driving north at a high speed in heavy traffic in the second lane on a four lane segment of highway 11 kenoelehua highway at its merging junction with the highway 130 keaau bypass road, an engine partial malfunction occurred causing deceleration and a complete engine shut. There are 3 recalls issued for this model year.
38
Total Complaints
3
Recalls Issued
—/5
Safety Stars
1.3x
vs Segment Avg
Known Problems(top 5 of 8)
ENGINE
11 complaints- • ON DECEMBER 26, 2012, WHILE DRIVING NORTH AT A HIGH SPEED IN HEAVY TRAFFIC IN THE SECOND LANE ON A FOUR LANE SEGMENT OF HIGHWAY 11 KENOELEHUA HIGHWAY AT ITS MERGING JUNCTION WITH THE HIGHWAY 130 KEAAU BYPASS ROAD, AN ENGINE PARTIAL MALFUNCTION OCCURRED CAUSING DECELERATION AND A COMPLETE ENGINE SHUT
- • THIS COMPLAINT SPECIFICALLY ADDRESSES THE RECALL LISTED BELOW. EVEN THOUGH THIS RECALL WAS ISSUED IN APRIL, NO RESOLUTION HAS BEEN AVAILABLE. THE VERY THING THE RECALL WAS TRYING TO PREVENT, HAPPENED TO ME AND MY FAMILY. REPORT RECEIPT DATE: APR 10, 2014 NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V176000 I WAS
- • THIS COMPLAINT SPECIFICALLY ADDRESSES THE RECALL LISTED BELOW. EVEN THOUGH THIS RECALL WAS ISSUED IN APRIL, NO RESOLUTION HAS BEEN AVAILABLE. THE VERY THING THE RECALL WAS TRYING TO PREVENT, HAPPENED TO ME AND MY FAMILY. REPORT RECEIPT DATE: APR 10, 2014 NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V176000 I WAS
“ON DECEMBER 26, 2012, WHILE DRIVING NORTH AT A HIGH SPEED IN HEAVY TRAFFIC IN THE SECOND LANE ON A FOUR LANE SEGMENT OF HIGHWAY 11 KENOELEHUA HIGHWAY AT ITS MERGING JUNCTION WITH THE HIGHWAY 130 KEAAU BYPASS ROAD, AN ENGINE PARTIAL MALFUNCTION OCCURRED CAUSING DECELERATION AND A COMPLETE ENGINE SHUT”
— NHTSA complaint filing
When Problems Appear on the 2011 Bmw X5 SAV
Based on 33 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 79K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 60-100K miles range.
ENGINE
TRANSMISSION
FUEL SYSTEM
Mileage figures are self-reported by owners in NHTSA complaint filings. Peak bucket = the mileage range with the most complaints for that component; it reflects when owners noticed and reported problems, not necessarily when the fault first occurred.
Recalls (3)
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.
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.
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.
Estimated Insurance Cost for 2011 Bmw X5 SAV
How this estimate is calculated
Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.
Maintenance & Warranty
Recommended Bmw X5 SAV Service Intervals
Condition-Based Service (CBS) tells you exactly when service is due. Transmission fluid was labeled 'lifetime' but many owners service at 60K-100K.
"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.
Bmw New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage
Corrosion is unlimited miles for 12 years
These are the terms for a new Bmw. If you're buying a used 2011 X5 SAV, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Bmw dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.
Estimated Repair Costs
Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.
🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
Based on 38 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:
- ☐ENGINE: ON DECEMBER 26, 2012, WHILE DRIVING NORTH AT A HIGH SPEED IN HEAVY TRAFFIC IN THE SECOND LANE ON A FOUR LANE SEGMENT OF HIGHWAY 11 KENOELEHUA HIGHWAY AT ITS MERGING JUNCTION WITH THE HIGHWAY 130 KEAAU BYPASS ROAD, AN ENGINE PARTIAL MALFUNCTION OCCURRED CAUSING DECELERATION AND A COMPLETE ENGINE SHUT
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐FUEL SYSTEM: ON DECEMBER 26, 2012, WHILE DRIVING NORTH AT A HIGH SPEED IN HEAVY TRAFFIC IN THE SECOND LANE ON A FOUR LANE SEGMENT OF HIGHWAY 11 KENOELEHUA HIGHWAY AT ITS MERGING JUNCTION WITH THE HIGHWAY 130 KEAAU BYPASS ROAD, AN ENGINE PARTIAL MALFUNCTION OCCURRED CAUSING DECELERATION AND A COMPLETE ENGINE SHUT
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐TRANSMISSION: MY VEHICLES PURCHASED LAST YEAR FROM BMW LOCAL DEALER {JACKIE COOPER IMPORTS] IS EQUIPPED WITH 8- OR 12-CYLINDER, TURBOCHARGED ENGINES .THE CIRCUIT BOARD FOR THE ELECTRIC AUXILIARY WATER PUMP OVERHEATED. THIS LEAD TO A SMOLDERING OF THE PUMP AND AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT . BMW WAS SUPPOSED TO NOTI
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐OTHER: IN 5 YEARS SINCE I BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE NEW, I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE AIR CONDITIONER EVAPORATOR 4 TIMES. THE FIRST THREE TIMES WERE COVERED UNDER WARRANTY, AND THE LAST ONE I HAD TO PAY FOR OUT-OF-POCKET.
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐RECALLS: Verify all 3 recalls have been completed — free at any Bmw dealer
- ☐General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)
Bmw X5 SAV — Year Comparison
How does 2011 compare to other years? Fewer complaints = more reliable.
Full years-to-avoid analysis →NHTSA Safety Rating
No NHTSA safety rating available
At a Glance
- Complaints
- 38
- Recalls
- 3
- Fire reports
- 0
- Crash reports
- 0
- Injury reports
- 0
- Segment avg
- 29
Check a Specific VIN
See recalls for YOUR 2011 Bmw X5 SAV