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 2012 BMW X5 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2012 BMW X5. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, she heard a loud thumping sound underneath the vehicle. The contact then stated that the vehicle hesitated then decelerated at low speeds while the accelerator pedal was depressed. The contact stated that his wife was able to navigate the vehicle safely to the residence. The contact was unsure if any warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the front driveshaft failed and as a result the power steering hoses had ruptured and the front driveshaft and the power steering hoses needed to be replaced. The power steering hoses were replaced however, the front driveshaft had not yet been replaced. The contact referenced the NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V138000 (Power Train). …
The contact owns a 2012 BMW X5. The contact stated that upon coming to a complete stop, he heard an abnormal sound coming from the engine compartment before the vehicle lost motive power. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who determined that the driveshaft universal joint had failed, causing additional damage to the transmission and oil pan. The vehicle was repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related it to NHTSA Campaign Number 17V138000 (Power Train), but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.
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. . …
While driving on highway at 70 MPH, front AWD driveshaft failed and caused massive damage to engine and underside of car is destroyed. The flailing driveshaft punched a hole in engine and oil pan, causing all engine oil to spray on hot exhaust and the tires while driving. Luckily was able to slow car and steer it to shoulder, near miss accident. There is recall 17V-138 on this year of BMW X5 for exact issue that happened to me, but BMW states that my VIN is not affected. Yeah right.
A recall on the prop shaft was done in 2017 and today 06/24 while driving on the freeway I heard a loud clunking noise and then a huge pop and I pulled over on the side of the road to find my prop shaft had exploded and messed up everything. Now im stuck with a nonfunctional car because a part that was allegedly replaced for safety ended up exploding while I was driving.
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 BMW X5. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45 MPH, there was a loud banging noise and smoke was present coming from the engine area. After stopping the vehicle was towed to the home. Upon inspection it was discovered that the drive shaft had severed. The local dealer jacky cooper BMW located at 14201 n. Broadway ext. Oklahoma city, OK. And the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact indicated that the drive train was previously service under a manufactures service campaign. The failure mileage was 131,000.
Driveshaft failure. I was driving down the interstate on a straight and level section of the road. I heard a loud humming from the engine area so I slowed down and then I heard a loud pop and metal grinding and hitting under the car. My vehicle is out of warranty, so I had it towed to my independent mechanic that specializes in european vehicles. They said the driveshaft "fell apart" and as I was slowing down it was still spinning and banged around causing damage to my exhaust system and oil pan. I researched and found that 2011 vehicles had been recalled for a defect that could cause the driveshaft to fail, so I called BMW and they told me that since my vehicle was not listed on the recall that there was nothing they could do. …
While driving 75 MPH 250 miles away from home the drive shaft on my BMW X5 broke. I think the recall number is 17v-138. I was on a major highway in the left lane. The car was bucking around, smoking and was very very difficult to steer. Before this the car was driving perfectly. It happened in an instant. I was able to get to the side of the road without injuring myself or my passengers. I had my car towed to a local garage who said it was catastrophic. I looked up on your website and saw the drive shaft was a recall. I was never informed of this by BMW. I had my home garage go get it. They sent it to a BMW dealer who had it over 2 months. They replaced the engine. It was returned to my garage. I drove it about 10 miles before the transmission warning light came on and the car lost the inability to accelerate. I was on the thruway so this was very scary. …
I have a 2012 BMW X5 with about 70K miles on it. About 12-18 months ago, I started noticing issues with shudder/shake when turning at low speeds. I mentioned it to BMW service but they told me that they don't see any issues. About 4-5 months back when I complained again, this time they told me that there is an issue. The issue is with the transfer case. They said it's a very expensive repair and told me the original parts+labor runs at over $7,000 but I can get a refurbished part at around $3,200. For a vehicle like BMW, I didn't expect it to have such major issues soon after the warranty ended. I did some research and I see so many individuals reporting the exact same issues with BMW X5 in that time range. I hope BMW will accept the problem and issue a safety recall for it so we, the customers, don't have to pay for such a major issue with the car. …
Very well maintained and documented vehicle....engine seized at 95K miles. No codes or reason given. Vehicle has had $20-30K work done at a registered BMW dealer over the last 2 years. BMW=bring money with. I will never buy another BMW and if someone tried to give me one, I would run the other way. I've owned many cars and this is the absolute, worst purchase I've ever made. Cost to replace engine, $12K. Crooks in my opinion and do your research if you do not listen to this friendly warning. Oh and one more thing...after I spent $12K to replace engine, now they say the transfer case maybe compromised. Dare you look up what that costs to fix. I will not put one more dime into this vehicle. I am disgusted with their entire operation. The only positive is the wheels did not lock up when the engine seized, otherwise, I May not be able to file this complaint. All X5's should be recalled. …
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 › Automatic transmission
BMW is recalling certain model year 2012 x5 xdrive 35i sports activity vehicles, manufactured from December 19, 2011, through December 21, 2011. Due to a manufacturing error, engagement of the transmission's parking lock May not occur even if the "p" position has been selected and is displayed.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the automatic transmission free of charge. The safety recall began on February 2, 2012. Owners May contact BMW customer relations and services at 1-800-525-7417.
Transmission complaints in other X5 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2012 BMW X5?
NHTSA has 62 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2012 BMW X5, 21% of the model year's 292 complaints. The component named most often is transfer case (4-wheel drive) (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2012 BMW X5 transmission problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 17V-138 (driveshaft, Mar 2, 2017); NHTSA recall 12V-019 (automatic transmission, Jan 23, 2012). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2012 BMW X5 transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 69,000 miles, and 13% 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.