NHTSA vehicle safety data
2009 BMW X5 SAV Recalls & Complaints
The 2009 BMW X5 SAV has 4 NHTSA recall campaigns and 19 owner complaints on file as of November 3, 2026. Recall repairs are usually free at an authorized BMW dealer.
NHTSA recall and complaint data for the 2009 BMW X5 SAV. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
2009 BMW X5 SAV owner complaints
Owners have filed 19 complaints with NHTSA about the 2009 BMW X5 SAV, describing incidents dated February 9, 2013 to April 30, 2019.
Most-cited components
- Fuel/Propulsion System 10 complaints
- Air Bags 7 complaints
- Engine 4 complaints
- Service Brakes 3 complaints
- Electrical System 2 complaints
- Exterior Lighting 2 complaints
Of the 19 complaints on file, 1 reports a fire (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Newest complaints
ODI #11510022 · Filed
The contact owns a 2009 BMW X5. The contact stated that upon turning the heater on, there was a strong burning odor coming from the A/C vents. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the failure was diagnosed as a burning oil odor. The vehicle was taken to…
ODI #11204941 · Filed
LOST POWER WHILE CRUISING AT 60 M/HR. OTHER CARS ALMOST HIT ME WHEN I WAS TRYING TO MOVE TO THE SIDE FOR SAFETY CAUSING LOTS OF TRAFFIC. THEN WENT TO THE BMW DEALER (PATRICT BMW) IN SCHAUMBURG IL FOR DIAGNOSTIC AND FOUND OUT THERE WAS A PROBLEM IN THE FUEL SYSTEM ELECTRICALLY. THE WIRING HARNESS…
ODI #11193272 · Filed
2009 BMW X5 DIESEL PASSIVE TANK FAILED. I TOLD THE DEALER AND CALLED BMW CUSTOMER CARE AND TOLD THEM THIS IS EMMISIONS RELATED AND THEY SHOULD HAVE REPLACED IT WHEN THEY REPLACED THE ACTIVE TANK A YEAR AGO. BMW DIESELS WILL NOT PASS SMOG DUE TO DEFECTIVE DESIGNS OF THE ACTIVE AND PASSIVE TANKS THAT…
NHTSA defect investigations
NHTSA's investigations file lists the 2009 BMW X5 SAV in 2 investigations. A listed model year means only that an investigation names it; it says nothing about any particular vehicle. An open investigation is not a finding that a safety defect exists, and NHTSA can close one without a recall.
- Engineering Analysis EA21-002: Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
Open since September 17, 2021
- Recall Query RQ18-001: Idler Pulley Bolt Failure
Closed December 1, 2018
PCV Heater May Short Circuit
NHTSA #22V119000 · Engine and Engine Cooling — Exhaust System — Emission Control — Crankcase (PCV) · NHTSA notice
Reported March 2, 2022 · BMW of North America, LLC
Potentially affected: 917,106 vehicles
Repair completion: 35.82% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)
Owners notified July 22, 2022
Defect description
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2013 1 Series Coupe (128i); 2007-2013 3 Series Coupe (328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive); 2007-2010 X3 SAV (X3 3.0si, X3 xDrive30i); 2008-2013 1 Series Convertible (128i); 2006-2011 3 Series Sedan (325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 330i, 330xi); 2006-2012 3 Series Wagon (328i, 328i xDrive); 2007-2013 3 Series Convertible (328i); 2006-2010 5 Series Sedan (525i, 525xi, 528i, 528xi, 530i, 530xi); 2006-2007 5 Series Wagon (530xi); 2007-2010 X5 SAV (X5 3.0si, X5 xDrive30i); 2006-2008 Z4 Coupe (Z4 3.0si); and 2006-2011 Z4 Roadster (Z4 3.0i, Z4 3.0si, Z4 sDrive30i) vehicles. The heater for the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve may short circuit.
Safety consequence
An electrical short can cause the PCV valve heater to overheat, increasing the risk of a fire while driving or, soon after driving when parked.
Manufacturer remedy
This recall supersedes and expands previous NHTSA recalls 17V-683 and 19V-273. Dealers will install an electrical wiring harness with fuse protection for the PCV Valve heater in potentially affected vehicles, free of charge. This recall supersedes and expands previous NHTSA recalls 17V-683 and 19V-273. Vehicles previously repaired under the prior recalls will need to come back for the new recall remedy. The remedy is currently being developed. Interim owner notification letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed on April 1, 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 22, 2022. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
Driver's Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Rupture
NHTSA #16V071000 · Air Bags — Frontal — Driver Side — Inflator Module · NHTSA notice
Reported February 5, 2016 · BMW of North America, LLC
Potentially affected: 840,000 vehicles
Repair completion: 49.28% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)
Owners notified November 1, 2016 · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation
Recall group: Takata airbag inflators
Defect description
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2008-2013 128i and 135i coupes and convertibles and 1 Series M coupes, 2006-2011 325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi, 335i xDrive Sedans, 2009-2011 335d sedans, 2006-2012 325xiT, 328i and 328xi sports wagons, 2007-2013 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 335i, 335xi, 335i xDrive, 335is and M3 Coupes and Convertibles, 2013-2015 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i and X1 xDrive35i SAVs, 2007-2010 X3 xDrive30i SAVs, 2007-2013 X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i and X5 M SAVs, 2009-2013 BMW X5 xDrive35d SAVs, 2008-2014 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i, and X6 M SACs, 2010-2011 BMW X6 xDrive50i SACs and 2008-2011 M3 Sedan vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.
Safety consequence
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Manufacturer remedy
BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag module or inflator depending on the vehicle model, free of charge. The recall began March 9, 2018. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
Leaking Brake Vacuum Pump/Loss of Power Assist
NHTSA #13V045000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic — Power Assist · NHTSA notice
Reported February 7, 2013 · BMW of North America, LLC
Potentially affected: 30,265 vehicles
Owners notified March 29, 2013 · Vehicles built September 12, 2006 – March 18, 2010 (per NHTSA)
Defect description
BMW is recalling certain model year 2007-2010 X5 SAV vehicles, manufactured September 12, 2006, through March 18, 2010 and equipped with an 8-cylinder engine. The brake vacuum pump may leak a small amount of lubricating oil into the hose. The contamination could result in a loss of power assist braking.
Safety consequence
The loss of power assist in braking could increase stopping distance and lead to a vehicle crash.
Manufacturer remedy
BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake vacuum line with one that contains a check valve, free of charge. The recall began during March 2013. Owners may call BMW at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at [email protected].
Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
Engine Belt Idler Pulley Bolt may Loosen/Break
NHTSA #12V550000 · Steering — Hydraulic Power Assist System · NHTSA notice
Reported November 27, 2012 · BMW of North America, LLC
Potentially affected: 29,800 vehicles
Owners notified January 15, 2013 · Vehicles built September 1, 2008 – November 15, 2012 (per NHTSA)
Defect description
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.
Safety consequence
If the engine belt idler pulley bolt breaks, the vehicle may unexpectedly lose power-assisted steering, increasing the risk of a crash.
Manufacturer 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 [email protected].
Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
Other BMW X5 SAV model years
Check your 2009 BMW X5 SAV VIN
Not every recall applies to every VIN in a given year. Enter the 17-character VIN from your BMW X5 SAV at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether your specific vehicle has an unrepaired recall.
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