Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2010 BMW X5 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2010 BMW X5. The contact stated that the vehicle had been parked and unoccupied for almost twelve hours, upon returning to the vehicle the battery was completely drained. The vehicle was jumpstarted and then driven to the residence. The contact stated that while pulling into the driveway at the residence, he smelled something hot coming from the vehicle. The contact exited the vehicle and saw flames underneath the vehicle. The contact stated that the flames were coming from the fuel filter heater. The contact removed several items from the vehicle before connecting a nearby garden house and extinguished the fire. No injuries were sustained. The Fire Department was not notified of the fire. A Police report was not filed. The contact stated that the vehicle was no longer drivable. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. …
The contact owns a 2010 BMW X5. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, after several minutes the vehicle failed to turn off as needed. There was no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that metal shavings were found in the engine, and the oxygen heat sensor had failed. The vehicle was repaired. The contact advised the previous owner was notified of NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V746000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). The contact was not aware of the recall notification. The contact stated that the prior owner had the recall repair performed; however, the failure occurred. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 127,911.
My husband and I brought our 2010 X5 (VIN ), mileage: to BMW of El Cajon on 09/29/2025 for a recall service. Before the recall repaire, the vehicale was in normal working condition: -No check engine lights or warning indicators -No unusual noises -Fully drivable on a daily basis After the recall was completed, the dealership informed me that: -multiple check engine/warning lights appeared -The vehicle developed a very loud/high pitch noise -They do not recommend driving the vehicle in its currently condition. They did not warn us about his initial, they did after informed them we do not feel safe driving the car in this condition. The dealership explained this happened because they had open a valve to perform the recall, which they claim disturbed "sludge". They are now refusing to correct the problem unless we pay out of pocket. …
Ongoing issues with the engine and turbochargers in this SUV. Give no warning of an issue and lose power while driving. Replaced one of the turbocharges in 2017. The car is now smoking, smells like something is burning, using a lot of oil, and losing power, and now being told both turbocharges need to be replaced. Dealer, Downtown BMW in Denver, CO who did repairs in 2017 on turbo did not report the previous repairs in car repair history.
Been having issues with the car for over a month, changed water pump thermostat fuel pump, but it still would crank, got another diagnostic and now I have an engine leak, and FRM ) a serious electrical problem, I feel like some of these things should have been done before the dealer sold the car, I'm asking for help, with getting my car fixed or replaced
Tl* the contact owns a 2010 BMW X5. While driving 30 MPH, the engine shook, smoke appeared, and the engine stalled. There was no fire. The engine malfunction indicator illuminated. The vehicle was towed to BMW of denver downtown (1040 s colorado blvd, denver, co 80246 [phone]) where it diagnosed that the secondary fuel pump and the fuel injectors needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 53,220.
Tl* the contact owns a 2010 BMW X5. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start and a fuel and smoke odor was present. In addition, black smoke emitted from the exhaust pipe. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 89,000.
Tl* Takata recall. The contact owns a 2010 BMW X5. While driving at low speeds, the vehicle stalled without warning. When the ignition key was turned to the on position, the vehicle hesitated to start. The failures recurred intermittently. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the intake fuel pump failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign numbers: 16V071000 (air bags), 16V364000 (air bags), and 16V746000 (fuel system, gasoline); however, 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 manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 69,800. VIN tool confirms parts not available and parts distribution disconnect.
Tl* Takata recall. The contact owns a 2010 BMW X5. While driving various speeds, abnormal fumes entered the vehicle and the check engine warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was taken to autogermana BMW (located at 298 calle carlos f chardon, hato rey, pr 00919), but was not repaired due to lack of parts. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign numbers: 16V071000 (air bags), 16V364000 (air bags), and 16V746000 (fuel system, gasoline); however, the parts needed for the repairs were not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The manufacturer was not notified. The approximate failure mileage was 48,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
I had the fuel heater replaced and battery on my BMW X5-35d a couple of months ago at considerable cost. The engine was also throwing the fuel heater activation code. I have documentation of the repair. I have recently learned of recall 13v-339 that covers this part for this exact reason with a build date window mere weeks from the build date of my vehicle. The build date range on this recall is June 13, 2009- November 9, 2009. The build date for my VIN is listed as December 2009. BMW did not cover despite the proximity of the build date and the exact same problem. I can see that there are other complaints on the NHTSA.dot.gov website for this problem for vehicles with a December 2009 build date'
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 2010 BMW X5?
NHTSA has 35 complaints about the fuel & propulsion system of the 2010 BMW X5, 24% of the model year's 143 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2010 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 2010 BMW X5 fuel system problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 66,000 miles, and 16% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 3 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.