10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
1 / 1
Injuries / Deaths:
1 / 0
Average Mileage:
69,601 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2011 BMW X5 drivetrain problems

drivetrain problem

Find something helpful? Spread the word.
Get notified about new defects, investigations, recalls & lawsuits for the 2011 BMW X5:

Unsubscribe any time. We don't sell/share your email.

2011 BMW X5 Owner Comments (Page 2 of 3)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #40

Feb 052016

X5

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Takata recall. The contact owns a 2011 BMW X5. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign numbers: 16V071000 (air bags) and 17V138000 (power train). The parts to do the repairs were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer (habberstad BMW of bay shore located at 600 sunrise hwy, bay shore, NY 11706; (800) 841-6950) was contacted and confirmed that the parts were not available for the recall remedy. The manufacturer was not contacted. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

- Lindenhurst, NY, USA

problem #39

Jul 242017

X5

  • 130,000 miles
It appears that the BMW X5 35I has this issue with the transfer case on a huge number of the vehicles. While there is a recall on some VIN #'s I feel that it is imperative to extend it to all of them. My X5 has an extended warranty on the front drive shaft but unfortunately it has expired because of mileage. This is a very dangerous safety issue. There may not be enough notice when it goes out to pull off the road safely. When it happens it can certainly cause injury and possibly death. Does BMW or the national safety administration really want to take a chance ? I think not only my VIN # needs to be included but all BMW 2011-2012 X5 should be included. BMW has been made aware that this is a defect and needs to do the right thing.

- Crestview, FL, USA

problem #38

May 192017

X5

  • 76,000 miles
This in regard recall number 16V311000. The driveshaft is compromised. The joints on the shaft are abraised and the car is becaming dangerous to drive as the clanking noise will get louder. Potential of not being able to move vehicle if not fixed. Symptom: Loud clanking noise when turning.

- Winnetka, CA, USA

problem #37

Feb 012016

X5

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Takata recall. The contact owns a 2011 BMW X5. The contact stated that the recall notice for NHTSA campaign numbers: 16V071000 (air bags) was received in February of 2016 and 17V138000 (power train) was received in March of 2017. After contacting the dealer and the manufacturer on multiple occasions, the contact was informed that the parts needed for the recall remedy were still not available and no estimated time for receiving the parts could be provided. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

- Carolina Beach, NC, USA

problem #36

May 062017

X5

  • 84,444 miles
On Saturday May 6th 2017. I was driving when I heard this noise to my untrained ear it seemed as if the noise was coming from my front tires? I pulled over got out to check my front tires/wheel's and there was nothing, I get back into my vehicle and start driving again after a few minutes the same noise could be heard again so once again I pulled over got out and checked my tires/wheels and undercarriage. As I am looking there is nothing hanging or loose, I get back into the vehicle and started to head towards my house I was only about 6 blocks away from home so I call my fiance and asked he to come outside (I wanted her to drive the vehicle just a little so that I could see if my wheels were doing anything strange, this would help me to better explain what I through was happing to my vehicles wheels/tires) as soon as I hang the phone up I slowed down to go over a speed hump at the time I did not notice but I had lost power in the vehicle as I tried to use my breaks the vehicle did nothing and I do mean nothing so now I am rolling straight and go through two stop signs hoping and praying that one hits me, due to the vehicle having no power. A message shows up on the screen saying 'transmission malfunction' the malfunction maybe resolved by restarting. Contract nearest BMW center if necessary. Use emerg. Release to disengage park detention prior to towing or pushing vehicle. Now mine you this message only showed after the vehicle lost all power. As I am going through the second stop sign there is a slightl/small hill that I went up and the vehicle lost enough speed that I was able to smash the brakes real hard to stop the vehicle from moving. A car all most hit me in the rest because of this action, and now I am sitting on this slight hill holding my foot on the break. Once the vehicle was towed to a BMW dealership I was told about the driveshaft recall.

- Washington, DC, USA

Search CarComplaints.com for these popular complaint phrases...

problem #35

Apr 122017

X5

  • 60,000 miles
Driveshaft recall- when operating the vehicle low and high speed, vibrations can be felt throughout the car. When taken to the mechanic, there was some foreplay in the driveshaft and could have given out at any moment. Had the driveshaft gave out while the vehicle is in motion at higher speed, results could have been fatal. The issue has already been addressed by the NHTSA for the same model of later production dates. Main concern is why are the vehicles before the covered productions dates and models that have the same issues not being covered? parking brake malfunction- parking brake motor fails which causes the parking brakes to be locked. Driver and passengers were stranded. Based on independent research, this is a common issue with BMW vehicles. This should be addressed.

- East Meadow, NY, USA

problem #34

Feb 052016

X5

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 2011 BMW X5. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign numbers: 16V071000 (air bags) and 17V138000 (power train). The part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

- Severna Park, MD, USA

problem #33

Jan 172017

X5

  • 90,000 miles
I previously filed a complaint with you, but inadvertently said my car was mfg in March 2011, but it was actually mfg in March 2010. BMW previously recalled vehicles mfg from April 4 to Nov 30 2010. Due to continuing complaints, BMW recalled the entire model year, but only added the new recall to the previous recall, so it goes from April 2010 to 2013. Mine was one of the first mfg in 2010 and has the same issue but was not recalled. Can you please extend the recall back one month to get the first cars produced that year? mine is about the only one left out of the recall and has already failed and is in the shop but BMW denies the claim.

- Tampa, FL, USA

problem #32

Apr 262017

X5 6-cyl

  • miles
Takata recall. The contact owns a 2011 BMW X5. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign numbers: 16V071000 (air bags) and 17V138000 (power train); however the parts for the recall repairs were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The contact had not experienced a failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issues. Parts distribution disconnect. Updated 06/21/17 the consumer stated the power train was repaired. Updated 08/30/2017

- Wautoma, WI, USA

problem #31

Mar 222017

X5

  • 110,500 miles
Noise and vibration coming from drive shaft when turning and driving straight ahead.

- Kissimmee, FL, USA

problem #30

Mar 012017

X5

  • 700,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

2011 BMW X5 35I xdrive - my drive shaft broke (violent banging noise from the front of the car) while I was going 65 miles per hour on the freeway causing me to swerve to the left lane back over to the right lane. Super lucky that I barely missed hitting the cars next to me! I had hardly any control of the vehicle and the engine was still running while I coasted over to the side of the road / ditch. I lost almost 7 quarts of oil on the side of the road. My engine has a hole in it from the drive shaft. I did not receive a recall notice in the mail. The manufacture will be replacing my engine and some hoses that were destroyed. The dealer said this wasn't a recall, just an extended warranty since we have approx. 70,000 miles on the car. The dealer gave us a loaner car to use until our car is repaired. My concern is that owners should be notified immediately! had I known, I would of had my car inspected... now I'm out $325 dollars for towing expenses, a car that might not ever be quite the same, live 1hr 20 minutes from the dealer, and the memory of the dramatic event.

- Kingston, WA, USA

problem #29

Jan 192017

X5 8-cyl

  • 90,000 miles
I am requesting an emergency recall of my automobile. When crossing the gandy bridge over tampa bay in rush hour traffic a couple of weeks ago, my car emitted a very loud bang and a rapid series of shaking and extremely hard knocks. The car lost power, smoke billowed out the back and I saw a stream of oil in the mirror behind me. I was able to safely pull out of the traffic lane. The problem, I have found, was that the front drive shaft failed due to a manufacturing defect in the universal joint. When it failed, the spinning parts cracked open the transmission case, the oil pan and broke several nearby parts. The event occurred on a long bridge in heavy traffic and could have resulted in serious injury. The front end of the spinning drive shaft broke loose and fell down, parts were ejected onto the highway, the transmission was cracked open and all transmission oil discharged onto the bridge. Had this occurred, for example, while passing another car on a two lane road, there could have been a serious, perhaps fatal accident. This vehicle, from production dates beginning April 5 2011, was officially recalled in May 2016 for this exact issue. My car was manufactured in March, 2011, a couple of weeks before the apparently arbitrary recall date of April 5. I now find there have been many similar failures, with photos and descriptions exactly like mine. The BMW recall notice, which I did not receive because my vehicle was not included, states that a vibration will become noticeable, and, if it fails, power to the front wheels will be interrupted, but that the rear wheels will continue to work. That is simply not true. The transfer case had to be replaced in May 2016. Updated 03/07/17.

- St. Petersburg, FL, USA

problem #28

Nov 022016

X5 6-cyl

  • miles
Very disappointing. My pampered BMW X5 2011 mileage only 38200. I went to the dealer for driveshaft recall fix. Dealer told me that in my BMW transfer case has gone bad and needs replacement soon. Cost is $6000+. they also told me that I should sell it if I don't want to get this fixed. But after that recall fix, I hear some weird sound coming whenever I am driving. Don't know what to do" spent so much money to buy this car and now this" not ready to spend this big amount because of poor part quality by BMW. Car is in the garage now and I am scared to drive :-(

- Newark, DE, USA

problem #27

Oct 152015

X5

  • miles
Takata recall. The contact owns a 2011 BMW X5. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign numbers: 16V071000 (air bags), 16V3110090 (power train), 16V364000 (air bags) and 16V746000 (air bags, fuel/propulsion). However, the parts to do the repairs were not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

- New Braunfels, TX, USA

problem #26

Nov 302016

X5 8-cyl

  • 66,500 miles
Driving in the city, 20mph. I felt a slight but noticeable vibration. I stopped at a stop sign, turned right, accelerated to 10mph. At that time the front U-joint broke causing an yet to be determined amount of damage to the vehicle. Had I been traveling at highway speeds, lives would have been in danger. This appears to be a well known and well reported issue which the BMW X5. I urge the NHTSA to take the appropriate steps to investigate the many similar complaints file with you.

- Sheboygan, WI, USA

problem #25

Nov 212016

X5

  • 80,886 miles
My vehicle has 80,886 miles and just had oil changed at BMW dealership, fields BMW winter park fl. I requested a check on the vehicle as there has been a grinding/vibration noise on turning left and right at intersections or moving from a parked position. The dealership said the transfer case is failing and to replace it would be $6,666.40. I am shocked to hear this diagnosis for a vehicle that has less than 81,000 miles on the odometer. I am really concerned about the gearbox failing while driving and this could be a high safety hazard for myself and the family. I certainly think that BMW gearbox should last longer, however the vehicle is out of warranty and the dealer said I really cannot afford to pay another ~$7000 and wondered if this is a recall issue?

- Orlando, FL, USA

problem #24

Nov 142016

X5 6-cyl

  • 62,000 miles
The contact owns a 2011 BMW X5. While driving 60 mph, the accelerator pedal was depressed, but the vehicle failed to accelerate and lost power. The engine temperature warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for routine service and the technician stated that there was a failure with the engine fan. The vehicle was diagnosed and produced diagnostic code 3792. The contact was unsure about what parts needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was aware of NHTSA campaign number: 11V521000 (engine and engine cooling), but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 62,000. Updated 01/04/17 updated 7/5/18

- Philadelphia, PA, USA

problem #23

Oct 212016

X5 6-cyl

  • 91,000 miles
On 21 Oct 16 at approximately 3:10 pm, while driving on route 30 in hampstead, md and approaching a roundabout at 30 miles per hour, the vehicle stalled without any warning lights on the dashboard. Lights were operable, but the vehicle would not restart or disengage out of park to move the vehicle from oncoming traffic. The vehicle was towed to the BMW dealership. If this had happened just 30 minutes before, we would have been on an interstate 795 traveling at 60 mph. There was not collision. At the BMW dealership, the service department stated it was the starter. The starter was replaced but the vehicle still would not start. The service manager stated that the 'engine has seized up' and the cost would be $17,000 to take out the engine and replace the engine. The vehicle was less than two months out of an extended warranty. We are contacting BMW as the vehicle was traded because of the prohibited cost of repairs. The symptoms displayed match the part 573 safety recall report 16V-746.

- Hanover, PA, USA

problem #22

Aug 192016

X5

  • 55,000 miles
After driving for an extened period of time, I pulled over to place a new destination in my gps. I noticed as I was positioning my vehicle perpendicular to the road, I felt a shuttering in my traction. It felt like a locked differential 4X4. I placed my new address and proceeded to turn right onto the roadway with heavy traffic. I felt a huge hesitation in my acceleration nearly causing my vehicle to be broad sided (T-boned). At that point, I had to floor the vehicle, which caused me to shoot across the road into on-coming traffic. Luckily, the vehicles were far enough to avoid a major accident. My whole family could have been severely injured. I brought my vehicle to BMW to have it diagnosed. They found a faulty transfer case as they were replacing my front drive shaft under a recall.

- Madawaska, ME, USA

problem #21

Jul 262016

X5

  • 84,500 miles
At 84,500 miles, during front driveshaft recall service, the vehicle was diagnosed with a failed transfer case. Symptoms include vibration during acceleration, and turning.

- Woodbridge, CT, USA

Read the next 20 complaints »

Search CarComplaints.com for these popular complaint phrases...

Not what you are looking for?