Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2011 BMW X5 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Transfer case actuators plastic gear(s) might be worn out due to bad quality of the material used. On some of the BMW X5 models there was a problem with the differentials and a recall was issued to fix those. But some how some cars with particular VINs went missing in that. Codes thrown by my system are : 005219, 005F3A, 006EC4 Code 005F3A signifies that the Transfer case actuator is not engaging properly. This problem put me at risk when taking a U-turn as the gears did not engage properly and my car did not accelerate on time. The on coming traffic came very close and I somehow avoided a T-bone Collison. My cars dashboard produces warning signs occasionally when the actuator does not engage. This is a big problem as the 4x4 system stops working and puts the car in RWD mode. In winters this could be dangerous to people driving as it happens without the driver's attention. …
As I was slowing down to make a turn, the vehicle went into neutral and shut off. I immediately turned it back on and put it in drive and the same thing occurred moments later. I start it again and drove away enough to safely park. I let the car rest in the off position for 30 minutes and it drove fine. There were no warning lights and the vehicle is well maintained with scheduled services. I contacted the nearest reputable mechanic and explained the situation. I drove it there. They found no faulty codes when they plugged in the computer and the battery has no issues. The vehicle drives fine now, but this is very concerning especially since this took place in local traffic.
Under normal driving conditions on city roads the universal joint literally shattered. There is no aftermarket upgrades and no unlicensed work done the vehicle. I had just got it back from the dealership and they checked over it and it checked out good. This is outlandish I don't understand why my vehicle is not within the recall.
The SUVs drive belt has come loose and was ingested through the front crankshaft seal, causing engine issues such as oil starvation leading to engine damage and unknown check engine codes. The SUV has been confirmed to have belt fragments inside the engine. I have video documentation.
I own a 2011 BMW x5. The NHTSA shows 15 recalls for my vehicle type; however, NHTSA must be relying upon BMW for the VIN numbers as: 1.) my vehicle doesn't show up for recalls; 2.) I have never been contacted by BMW for many of those recalls - in fact, I have not received a letter from BMW in many many years, and among the 15 recalls above, I have never received any notification of for at least October 20, 2023 NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 23V707000 Camshaft Timing Bolts May Loosen Causing Stall Loose or broken VANOS unit bolts can result in an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 BMW X5. The contact stated that while parked, the engine was running however, a large amount of coolant leaked onto the ground and the engine compartment. The oil reservoir melted onto the engine. There was no flame visible. In addition, the vehicle failed to shift out of the park position. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the water pump would need to be replaced. The VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 11V521000 (engine and engine cooling). The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 61,400.
Our 2011 BMW x5d (diesel) started having steering issues in jun of 2012. Multiple repair attempts have been unsuccessful. Later it was involved in a low speed crash, injuring the driver in dec 2012 due to a sudden loss of power steering. This was just months before issuing a recall for the identical problem although BMW identified problems before the initial problem was noticed. The vehicle still to this day has a problem with the sudden loss of power steering, difficult low speed maneuvers and unusual tire wear. We do have a recording of a BMW of north America master technician admitting to the problem that BMW refuses to correct. In fact BMW refuses to even perform work on our vehicle even though it's advertised as "no maintenance for 4years/50,000 miles" this is at any dealership we have gone to due to a note in the database from BMW of north America. …
During hard acceleration of the car while getting on the free way ramp, the car went into limp mode. The engine performance was degraded and I had to pull on the side of the road to restart the car. The car was taken to BMW of bellevue next week after initial diagnosis of a dme internal fault by a signature independent kirkland. BMW of bellevue replaced air mass filter and oil filler cap. A few weeks later the issue happening again during regular driving on the freeway. BMW of bellevue diagnosed this as a vacuum hose leak. A few weeks later the car went into limp mode again while getting on the freeway, BMW of bellevue diagnosed this as a high pressure fuel sensor short, BMW of north America opened a puma case, but did not recommend replacing the dme yet. Right after picking up the car I hit the issue again where the car went into limp mode while accelerating on the freeway ramp. …
Vehicle is having issue with front driveshaft universal joints. Shaking, and loss of power while driving on highway, transmission malfunction light comes on. Vehicle is not stationary at any time this problem occurs. Took vehicle to nearest mechanic, who is ase certified and BMW . Said that vehicle needs front drive shaft. Explained that there is recall 17v-138 on my vehicle. Recommended contacting local BMW service for replacement. Technician states that driveshaft is failing at same area as recall explains. When contacting tom hesser BMW of scranton, pa, was told vehicle had service action performed in 2015 (prior to si b26 02 17) under previous owner at around 57,000 miles. Extended warranty covers 10 years or 120,000 miles. Vehicle has 137,000. Asked if vehicle could be covered under BMW customer goodwill. Was denied for not being a regular customer. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 BMW X5. While accelerating from a red light, the contact heard a loud noise and the ABS and four wheel traction warning indicators illuminated. Also, "transmission malfunction" displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle lost power and had to be maneuvered to the side of the road. The contact exited the vehicle and looked underneath, and noticed oil all over the road. The contact also noticed a u-shaped piece sticking out of the under carriage shield. The contact engaged the electronic parking brake because the vehicle was on an incline and called roadside assistance. When the tow truck arrived, the mechanic could not disengage the electronic parking brake and had to cut the cable. The vehicle was towed to BMW of arlington in arlington, texas where it was diagnosed that the transmission, front drive shaft, and electronic parking brake failed. …
Related recalls
Power train › Driveline › Driveshaft
BMW of North America, LLC, (BMW) is recalling certain 2011-2013 X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive50i, X5 M and X5 xDrive35d vehicles, 2011-2014 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6M vehicles, and 2011 x6 ActiveHybrid Vehicles.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front driveshaft, free of charge. The recall began on April 18, 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Power train › Driveline › Driveshaft
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2011 X5 xDrive 35i, xDrive50i, X5 M, X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i, and X6 M vehicles manufactured April 5, 2010, to November 20, 2010, 2011 X5 xDrive35d diesel vehicles manufactured April 7, 2010, to November 20, 2010, and 2011 X6 Active Hybrid vehicles manufactured…
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front driveshaft, free of charge. The recall began on July 8, 2016. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Transmission complaints in other X5 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2011 BMW X5?
NHTSA has 65 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2011 BMW X5, 23% of the model year's 287 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (2 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2011 BMW X5 transmission problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 17V-138 (driveshaft, Mar 2, 2017); NHTSA recall 16V-311 (driveshaft, May 17, 2016). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2011 BMW X5 transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 70,000 miles, and 12% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 1 fire and 1 injury to transmission & drivetrain 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.