Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (fuel pump, injectors, fuel tank, hybrid and EV propulsion).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2009 BMW X5 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact's son owns a 2009 BMW X5. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 30 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact was able to veer the vehicle off the road. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the fuel pump module failed and needed to be replaced. The contact was then informed by the mechanic of NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V746000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The dealer was notified of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was included in the NHTSA Campaign Number 16V746000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The vehicle was then towed to the dealer where the contact was informed that the VIN was included NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V119000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) but not the recall related to the failure. The vehicle had not been repaired. …
I was returning home from work and the engine started to sputter/vibrate. I was right next to a gas station and as I was pulling into the gas station, the engine died and would not restart. I had the car towed and then I proceeded to troubleshoot the problem. I did a fuel pressure test and found that there was no fuel pressure. I tested the fuel pump relay and found it to be operational. I accessed the primary fuel pump to check power and found the fuel pump wiring to be missing an inch of insulation on both wires and the insulation is brittle for another inch or two. There were two splices on the fuel pump wiring where recall #16V746000 was performed and a new connector was spliced in. Those two splices were melted together. Recall #16V746000 was a problem with the fuel pump connector melting due to loose wiring. …
I just went to Union Park Bmw about my car, they stated that my car fuel pump was recalled in 2017 so it was fixed, in 2021 l was stranded twice in 100 degree weather on the side road when the fuel pump went out, so this is the third time this vehicle has had new fuel pumps, now this month on Tuesday 7 /19 when it was hot as hades it stopped again same way it did prior , had it towed and they stated it was wiring that leads to the engine from the fuel pump. They made sure as part of there man made 358.00$ diagnosis that it was not related to the fuel pum.
The vehicle backfires and stalls on the road due to BMWs defective pcv crankcase valve. The valve put pressure inside engine which it couldn't handle causing a blown gasket and oil leak, the leak fell on the serpentine belt and AC belt and they slipped off. Causing the power steering to lock up on me while driving. The engine has a whistling noise coming from it. I'm parking and towing to bmw. I can diagnose it without there scanner. This is crazy and very dangerous.
My engine is being effected by the recall. There is smoke and a burning smell coming from my engine. The Recall was issued March 2 2002 and today is January 11, 2022. My truck is driving worse daily and I can not get it inspected because it will not read my system.
During extreme hot days car has just stopped without warning three times. Fuel pump has been replaced twice , now they are saying wiring from the fuel pump to the computer system the wiring bad? No warning ever!
This SUV has 3 safety recalls. Both the airbags are in the Takata and the fuel pump creates and extreme risk to me and my family's life. I do not understand why BMW is as a company is keeping these faulty cars on the road. Every time I get in it I am nervous and afraid for my life. Now my wife and kids do not drive with me in the car. It has become a huge burden. It is shameful that BMW but even more so that our government will allow these unsafe cars on the roads. Every time I talked to BMW they try to down play the issue. But I simply can't continue to drive this car and it's unfair to me because dealerships won't even take it due to the safety recalls. I keep smelling fumes from the car and I believe these cars also have additional defects with the radiator to add to the issues already explained above. Today the car stalled and I saw smoke from the hood. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 BMW X5. The contact stated that when starting the vehicle to drive, a burning odor emitted into the vehicle vent. The vehicle was taken to lauderdale BMW of pembroke pines dealer, located on 14800 sheridan pines, fl 33028, phone: [phone], where it was rejected to be serviced due to the remedy part for the recall repair was not available. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: (fuel system, gasoline) and 17V683000 (engine and engine cooling) however, the part needed for the repair was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was contacted and made aware of the failure and informed that the part was not available for the repair. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000. Part distribution disconnect and VIN tool confirms part not available.
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 BMW X5. While driving, an odor of fuel emitted into the vehicle. While in traffic, smoke appeared under the hood. The contact coasted over to the side of the road and noticed antifreeze leaking into the engine. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but was not diagnosed or repaired. The VIN was included in NHTSA campaign number: 16V746000 (fuel system, gasoline). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 145,000. - (recall related incident) ts
I received a recall notice about air bags in August. I have still not received notification of parts. My BMW X5 is now having another very debilitating problem. It shuts off, stalls, won't start, emits very toxic and strong fumes of burning gas when I start my car and when im idling. The engine light up then , it shakes, it has no punch. I felt as though it was part of the other recall with the fuel pump and I took it to my local BMW dealership for diagnostics and they dismissed me, told me I had to pay more for more tests and that it absolutely was not the fuel pump recall. In the meantime I asked about the air bag recall and they said no they couldn't help. I complained and [redacted] of parts and service said fine, they would fix the airbags right then, but couldn't offer me a rental. …
Related recalls
Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Fuel pump
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2007-2011 BMW X5 3.0si, 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,…
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump module, free of charge. The recall began February 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Fuel System complaints in other X5 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are fuel system problems on the 2009 BMW X5?
NHTSA has 52 complaints about the fuel & propulsion system of the 2009 BMW X5, 33% of the model year's 157 complaints. The component named most often is delivery › fuel pump (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2009 BMW X5 fuel system problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 16V-746 (fuel pump, Oct 17, 2016). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2009 BMW X5 fuel system problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 96,000 miles, and 4% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 4 fires and 0 injuries to fuel & propulsion system problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.