Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2012 BMW X5 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2012 BMW X5. The contact stated that when the vehicle was parked, the contact noticed coolant leaking on the ground underneath the vehicle. The contact stated that the low coolant warning light was illuminated. The contact refilled the coolant reservoir. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with coolant pump failure. The contact was informed that the coolant pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System); however, the VIN was not associated with the recall. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 98,744.
The contact owns a 2012 BMW X5. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated temporarily. The contact stated that the failure had been reoccurring intermittently. Additionally, the contact stated that the hood warning light had been illuminated for approximately 2 months, even though the hood was securely closed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that no issues were found; however, the independent mechanic advised the contact that a hood sensor might have failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 113,951.
The contact owns a 2012 BMW X5. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the contact noticed coolant leaking from the lower end of the engine compartment with the check engine warning light illuminated. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for further assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 115,000.
Pulley bolts for power steering, water pump and I believe alternator broke and I lost power steering function which almost caused me to crash into another car and guard rail. I have seen many reports of this problem on social media with other X5 owners. Car has 139k in miles.
Ever since the rain starter my aux water pump don't work and brake light too. And it seems like something has been draining my battery because battery discharge comes up. And I think the idle idle pulley issue affects almost most of that year bmw X5 because my serpentine belt only installed 10,000 miles ago and already see threads being worn out. Unless that's how long they last. I had to bring the car back in multiple times to get it adjusted because kept making squealing noise. They blamed it on water pump and didn't change the thermostat. Water even leak into front passenger side where all the fuses were. When I connected the battery charger I could hear the pump all of sudden working and the radiator tank sputter water out. …
The DPF exhaust emissions system failed. BMW dealership refused to replace only replaced a holding tank. That code was not shown. The x5 left shop with a engine light and emissions failure. Independent shop scanned car explained diesel dpf system has failed and is under warranty.. dealership refused to fix. Car runs sluggish, engine warning keeps coming on and take to service. ... The egr cooler failed. The independent shop confirmed codes. Exhaust smell in cabin, reduced power, sluggish, and car goes into LIMP mode while I was driving on the freeway. The shut down of power caused me to almost crash into on coming lane of vehicles at highway speed. Engine light on and warning of engine failure and car stuck in limp mode . System says to take to dealer. . …
After accelerating normally on the highway the vehicle shut off completely, without warning, and put itself into neutral in the middle of a busy freeway. (No warning lights, no smoke or smell of any kind). The Car would not start despite multiple attempts using a jump start from the tow company. I could have been hit by another vehicle while stopped. The car was then towed to a BMW dealership where they determined an engine replacement was probably necessary because it appeared seized. (they could not turn the engine using a breaker bar with the belt off. ) No further investigation was done. The car was running: - castrol 5w-30, -regular oil & filter changes every 5,000 miles -was never modified -all the fuel injectors changed by the dealership under a recall 1 year before the vehicle died
Egr cooler broken and leaking exhaust gas to cabin making all passengers drousy, a/c vents pulls outside air. Making it a lot worse egr will be replaced and save for warranty inspection etc.. My safety was affected sue to carbon monoxide emissions, others were affected due to the drowsiness effects of the exhaust making the drive drousy at the wheel . No reproductions know. Inspection by owner No inspection yet due to the need of vehicle had to replace asap to keep using part saved for inspection. Engine light due to glow plugs, non related to egr cooler, and brakes lights due to sensor not replace yet.
Vehical randomly shuts off, it all safety systems warning lamps come on l, like ABS, Airbag, and traction control. Found wiring harness laying in a pool of water in the rear right cargo compartment. Rain water leaking from sunroof collected in compartment. The harness contains wires for the the vehicles CAN buss systems the water causes corrosion in the harness, which causes all sorts of problems that could happen at any time like the vehicle shutting off or the airbag or abs warning light coming on.
My BMW X5 is experiencing the exact safety issues that the NHTSA campaign number: 21V907000 was published for (September 12, 2012 - Jun 29, 2017). I was told that since my vehicle was manufactured on 08/2012 it was not eligible for the NHTSA dealer recall and repair. I was told that the vehicle was in risk of fire with the repair cost upwards of $5,000. This seems to be a much larger issue than the year groups NHTSA has selected.
Related recalls
Engine and engine cooling › Engine
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2009-2013 X5 xDrive 35d diesel vehicles. The engine idler pulley bolt may loosen over time and break.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the idler pulley bolt with an improved part, free of charge. The recall began March 11, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Engine and engine cooling › Engine
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2011-2012 BMW 550i, 550i xDrive, 550i Gran Turismo, 550i Gran Turismo xDrive, 750i, 750Li, 750i xDrive, 750Li xDrive, 760Li, X5 xDrive50i, X5 M, X6 xDrive50i, X6 M, ActiveHybrid7, MINI Cooper S Convertible, John Cooper Works (JCW) Convertible, Cooper S Countryman, Cooper S…
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the electric auxiliary water pump, free of charge. Depending on the model, there are currently limited parts available, however not all parts are available at this time.
Engine and engine cooling › Engine
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2010-2011 128i Coupe, 128i Convertible, 328i Sedan, 328i xDrive Sedan, 328i Coupe, 328i Convertible, 328i Sports Wagon and Z4 sDrive 30i, 2011-2012 135i Coupe, 135i Convertible, 335i Sedan, X5 xDrive 35i, and X6 xDrive 35i, 2011 335i xDrive Sedan, 335i Coupe, 335i…
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the four VANOS housing bolts for both VANOS units (intake and exhaust), free of charge.
Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Diesel
BMW is recalling certain model year 2009-2012 X5 xDrive 35d SAV diesel vehicles manufactured September 1, 2008, through November 15, 2012. The engine belt idler pulley bolt could loosen and break over time.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace and tighten the idler pulley bolt. The recall began on January 15, 2013. Owners may call BMW at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.
Show 1 more recall
Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Other fuel types › Turbo/supercharger
BMW is recalling certain model year 2011 5-series, 5-series gran turismo, model year 2012 6-series convertible, 7-series, x5 sav, and x6 sav vehicles equipped with 8- or 12-cylinder, turbocharged, engines because the circuit board for the electric auxiliary water pump can overheat.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the auxiliary water pump free of charge. The safety recall began on April 30, 2012. Owners May contact BMW customer relations and services at 1-800-525-7417.
Engine complaints in other X5 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2012 BMW X5?
NHTSA has 110 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2012 BMW X5, 38% of the model year's 292 complaints. The component named most often is engine › gasoline › belts and associated pulleys (3 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2012 BMW X5 engine problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 18V-336 (engine, May 23, 2018); NHTSA recall 18V-248 (engine, Apr 18, 2018); NHTSA recall 14V-176 (engine, Apr 10, 2014). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2012 BMW X5 engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 72,000 miles, and 14% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 4 fires and 0 injuries to engine & cooling 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.