BMW X5 recalls
Recalls to 31 Oct 2026, from DVSA's file. Each recall shows its own launch date.
DVSA lists 67 safety recalls naming the BMW X5, launched from 2002 to 2026. Most recalls cover only cars built in certain dates or chassis number ranges, so check a specific car on GOV.UK's recall check.
BMW X5 recalls at a glance
- Recalls
- 67
- 2002 to 2026
- Latest recall
- 2 March 2026
- R/2026/054
Source: DVSA RecallsFile.csv, recalls launched from 1992 to October 2026, downloaded 31 October 2026. Open Government Licence v3.0.
Every BMW X5 recall
Newest first. The concern is the part or system affected, the defect is what can go wrong, and the remedy is what the manufacturer does to put it right.
Replace the Engine Starter Motor
R/2026/054, launched 2 March 2026. Also covers the 2 Series, 3 Series, 4 Series, 5 Series, 6 Series, X3, X4, Z4
Defect: The Safety Recall relates to the engine starter motor. The fault relates to the RSW22 starter RWT (reinforced water tightness). It was found that with RWT starters an increased abrasion of the magnetic contact can cause the growth of deposits at the lowest point of the relay interior. This in turn may increase the relay contact resistance resulting in false starts or even causing short circuits and possibly a thermal reaction. In case of a short circuit the possibility of a thermal event cannot be excluded. This may happen while attempting to start the vehicle or while driving due to vibrations causing a short circuit due to moving deposits.
Remedy: On the affected vehicles the starter motor will be replaced with a variant by another supplier with a different design. Until the repair has been completed it is recommended to not leave the vehicle running unattended after starting the engine.
Takata Driver and/or Passenger Airbag Recall (Global VINs)
R/2025/349, launched 18 December 2025. Also covers the 1 Series, 2 Series, 3 Series, 4 Series, 5 Series, 6 Series, X1, X3, X4, X5M, X6, X6M
Defect: Affected vehicles are already included in Safety Recalls within the markets they have previously resided in. The vehicles may be fitted with a driver and/or passenger airbag/s which if deployed may do so with excessive force causing sharp metal fragments to be released this may cause serious injury which could prove fatal to people in the vicinity.
Remedy: Vehicles will have the affected airbags checked and if necessary replaced.
Replace the Engine Starter Motor
R/2025/406, launched 7 October 2025, 4 vehicles affected across the models it covers
Defect: For affected vehicles local overheating may occur at the electrical contacts of the vehicle's engine starter motor. This may cause an increase in current flow resulting in local overheating or risk of thermal event.
Remedy: Replacement of the starter motor.
Check Windscreen Bonding reworking if necessary
R/2025/360, launched 3 September 2025, 6 vehicles affected across the models it covers
Defect: For affected vehicles there is concern that a gap in the windshield urethane seal at the right A-pillar was created. Due to the gap water can ingress with possible water contamination of the glove box and carpet area including the Body Domain Control unit (BDC) and power distribution box.
Remedy: Check bonding of windshield and for water contamination if necessary reseal windscreen and and inspect electrical components replacing if required.
Hydraulic Brake System Unit Replacement
R/2024/414, launched 24 October 2024. Also covers the 2 Series, 5 Series, 7 Series, X1, X2, X7, Xm
Defect: On affected vehicles the brake servomotor was improperly welded. The weld seam might not withstand the stresses caused under high brake pressure leading to a requirement for a higher brake effort increasing the braking distance.
Remedy: Affected vehicles will have the hydraulic unit of the brake system replaced.
Check Driver’s Airbag for Conversion Takata SDI & PSDI-5
R/2024/403, launched 21 October 2024. Also covers the 1 Series, 2 Series, 3 Series, 4 Series, 5 Series, 6 Series, X1, X3, X4, X6
Defect: Affected vehicles may have had a retrofit or conversion of the airbag using a previously recalled airbag variant which if deployed may do so with excessive force causing sharp metal fragments to be released this may cause serious injury possibly fatal to people in the vicinity. The original factory fitment airbag for the vehicle is not affected.
Remedy: Vehicles will have the airbag checked and if necessary replaced.
Integrated Braking System
R/2024/383, launched 13 September 2024. Also covers the 1 Series, 2 Series, 5 Series, 7 Series, X1, X2, X5M, X6, X6M, X7, Xm
Defect: On certain vehicles the Integrated Brake (IB) system may be impaired due to contamination between electrical contacts.
Remedy: Vehicles that may be affected by contamination are required to have the vehicle’s software updated which can detect signal interference before it occurs. If symptoms are detected you should refrain from use of the vehicle and the affected Integrated Brake (IB) system component will be replaced.
Engine Starter Motor / DME Software Update
R/2024/319, launched 14 August 2024, 1 vehicle affected across the models it covers
Defect: On affected vehicles the starter motor may be overloaded due to repeated lengthy attempts to start the engine as the software based overload protection is not sufficient.
Remedy: On affected vehicles improved software will be installed on the DME (engine starter motor electronics control unit)
Owners Manual G05
R/2024/269, launched 1 July 2024, 585 vehicles affected across the models it covers
Defect: On affected vehicles in the owner’s manual the maximum permissible limits of the vehicle regarding weight data/additional load values that are specified are stated too high
Remedy: On affected vehicles an updated insert sheet will be added to the owner’s manual.
Seat Belt Warning (Front Seat Belts)
R/2024/262, launched 20 May 2024. Also covers the X5M, X6, X7, Xm
Defect: On affected vehicles the hall sensor in the driver and passenger front seat belt stalks may not have been correctly installed and it may indicate the seat belt is inserted correctly when it actually is not.
Remedy: On affected vehicles the seat belt stalks will be tested and replaced if necessary.
Replace VANOS bolts N51 N52 N55
R/2024/191, launched 1 May 2024. Also covers the 1 Series, 3 Series, 5 Series, 6 Series, 7 Series, X1, X3, Z4
Defect: On affected vehicles overtime the aluminium screws can loosen or break on the adjustable variable camshaft timing (VANOS) units potentially resulting in engine emergency mode being activated.
Remedy: On affected vehicles the eight aluminium screws will be replaced if evidence of faulty screws is found then the VANOS adjustment unit will also be replaced.
Integrated Braking System
R/2024/119, launched 7 March 2024. Also covers the 2 Series, 5 Series, 7 Series, X1, X5M, X6, X6M, X7, Xm
Defect: On affected vehicles an unexpected loss of hydraulic brake assistance may occur and may result in a different pedal behaviour under specific conditions an extended braking distance may be experienced and ABS/Stability control may be impaired
Remedy: On the affected vehicles the Integrated Brake System will be replaced
On affected vehicles ingress of transmission fluid may occur to the integrated transmission control unit within the mechatronic module
R/2023/354, launched 20 December 2023, 26 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the 3 Series, X3, X3M, X4, X5M, X6M
Defect: On affected vehicles ingress of transmission fluid may occur to the integrated transmission control unit within the mechatronic module
Remedy: On affected vehicles the transmission mechatronic module will be replaced
Checking potential vehicle damage
R/2024/156, launched 20 October 2023. Also covers the X3, X3M, X4, X5M, X6, X6M, X7, Xm
Defect: On affected vehicles risk of potential flooding could have occurred leading to salt water ingress whilst parked in port awaiting shipping
Remedy: The affected vehicles will be thoroughly checked cleaned and reworked as required
The driver and front passenger airbags may deploy with too much explosive force causing sharp metal fragments to be released into the cabin.
R/2023/224, launched 31 August 2023, 44,407 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the X6
Defect: The driver and front passenger airbags may deploy with too much explosive force causing sharp metal fragments to be released into the cabin.
Remedy: Replace the driver and front passenger airbags.
A possible degradation of the propellant tablets could lead to an over-aggressive combustion in the event the airbag is activated which may cause the inflator body to rupture.
R/2023/016, launched 24 January 2023. Also covers the 1 Series, 2 Series, 3 Series, 4 Series, 5 Series, 6 Series, X1, X3, X4, X5M, X6, X6M
Defect: A possible degradation of airbag propellant tablets could lead to an over-aggressive combustion in the event the airbag is activated which may cause the inflator body to rupture.
Remedy: On affected vehicles the drivers airbag module will be replaced.
Undetected EGR System leaks may cause thermal activity in the intake manifold
R/2022/255, launched 22 August 2022, 322,745 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the 1 Series, 2 Series, 3 Series, 4 Series, 5 Series, 6 Series, 7 Series, 8 Series, X1, X3, X4, X6, X7
Defect: Undetected EGR System leaks may cause thermal activity in the intake manifold.
Remedy: The engine management control unit (DDE) will be programmed with improved software incorporating the latest OBD functionality.
THE EXHAUST GAS RECIRCULATION COOLER MAY LEAK OVER TIME AND CAUSE THERMAL INCIDENT
R/2022/206, launched 1 August 2022, 319,399 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the 1 Series, 2 Series, 3 Series, 4 Series, 5 Series, 6 Series, 7 Series, X1, X3, X4, X6
Defect: The Exhaust Gas Recirculation cooler may leak over time and cause thermal incident.
Remedy: On the affected vehicles the EGR cooler module will be replaced.
THE HV BATTERIES MAY FAIL DUE TO IMPURITIES IN THE PRODUCTION PROCESS
R/2022/064, launched 14 March 2022, 411 vehicles affected across the models it covers
Defect: The HV batteries may fail due to impurities in the production process.
Remedy: The affected high-voltage cell modules will be replaced
THE OIL FILTER LINE COULD COME INTO CONTACT WITH THE BRAKE LINE
R/2021/299, launched 23 August 2021, 1 vehicle affected across the models it covers
Defect: The oil filter line may come into contact with the brake line.
Remedy: Install a modified rubber spacer and replace any brake lines showing signs of chafing.
THE STEERING COLUMN SHAFT COULD DETACH FROM THE DOUBLE JOINT
R/2021/307, launched 19 August 2021, 882 vehicles affected across the models it covers
Defect: The steering column shaft assembly may detach from the bottom double joint.
Remedy: Check the bottom end of the steering shaft and if required resecure the shaft using a new screw.
THE BRAKE PEDAL SHAFT COULD BECOME DETACHED FROM THE PEDAL CONTROLS BEARING MOUNT
R/2021/267, launched 13 July 2021, 1,963 vehicles affected across the models it covers
Defect: It is possible that the brake pedal shaft could become detached from the pedal controls bearing mount.
Remedy: On affected vehicles the brake pedal bearing shaft must be secured in the pedal controls with a roll pin.
THE REINFORCEMENT RING (THIMBLE) MAY NOT HAVE BEEN SECURELY CRIMPED ONTO THE BELT TENSIONER'S STEEL CABLE
R/2021/227, launched 21 June 2021, 8 vehicles affected across the models it covers
Defect: The reinforcement ring (thimble) may not have been securely crimped onto the belt tensioner's steel cable.
Remedy: Check the belt buckle and if necessary conduct replacement of the lower strap including belt tensioner.
THE EXHAUST GAS RECIRCULATION MODULE COULD LEAK OVER TIME
R/2021/213, launched 14 June 2021, 18,330 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the 3 Series, 4 Series, 6 Series, X3, X4, X6
Defect: The Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) Module could leak over time’and cause thermal incident.
Remedy: The EGR cooler will be internally inspected with an endoscope and replaced if evidence of leaking is found.
INCORRECT HEADREST RODS MAY HAVE BEEN INSTALLED IN THE BACKREST OF THE SECOND ROW OF SEATS ON THE OUTER SIDE
R/2021/156, launched 27 April 2021, 35 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the X7
Defect: Incorrect headrest rods may have been installed in the backrest of the second row of seats on the outer side.
Remedy: On affected vehicles the outer headrest of the second seat row will be checked and replaced if necessary.
THE INTEGRATED BRAKE SYSTEM HYDRAULIC UNIT MAY HAVE BEEN PRODUCED INCORRECTLY
R/2021/054, launched 22 February 2021, 139 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the 4 Series, 7 Series, 8 Series, X6, X7
Defect: The Integrated Brake system hydraulic unit may have been produced incorrectly
Remedy: Replace the Integrated Brake system hydraulic unit.
SOME 22 CONTINENTAL TYRES WERE PRODUCED OUT OF SPECIFICATION
R/2021/067, launched 19 February 2021, 4 vehicles affected across the models it covers
Defect: Some 22° Continental tyres were produced out of specification.
Remedy: The tyres will be inspected for a specific DOT and mould number and will be replaced if found to be within the faulty range.
THE EXHAUST GAS RECIRCULATION COOLER COULD LEAK OVER TIME
R/2021/037, launched 9 February 2021, 63,888 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the 1 Series, 2 Series, 3 Series, 4 Series, 5 Series, 7 Series, X3, X4
Defect: Leaking glycol coolant could create in combination with soot and oil sediments in the EGR module ignitable deposits.
Remedy: The EGR cooler will be internally inspected with an endoscope and replaced if evidence of leaking is found.
THE BATTERY CABLES ON THE 48V STARTER GENERATOR MAY NOT HAVE BEEN SUFFICIENTLY SECURED DURING PRODUCTION
R/2021/015, launched 25 January 2021, 388 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the 3 Series, 4 Series, 5 Series, X3, X4, X6, X7
Defect: The battery cables on the 48V starter generator may not have been sufficiently secured during the production process.
Remedy: Check the screw connection of the 48V positive / negative battery cables on the starter generator and rework if necessary.
REMAINING PARTICLES IN THE CELLS OF THE HIGH VOLTAGE BATTERY CAN CAUSE A SHORT CIRCUIT
R/2020/283, launched 14 December 2020, 2,665 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the 2 Series, 3 Series, 5 Series, 7 Series, I8, X1, X2, X3
Defect: A possibility of impurities contained in the HV batteries may cause short circuit.
Remedy: Testing of battery charge cycles and replacement of the HV cells where necessary.
AN ADDITIONAL CRASH PAD IS REQUIRED BEHIND THE AUXILIARY BATTERY
R/2020/343, launched 23 November 2020, 97 vehicles affected across the models it covers
Defect: To comply with the regulation an additional crash pad is required behind the auxiliary battery.
Remedy: On the affected vehicles the crash pad will be retrofitted.
THE FRONT AXLE SUPPORT (SUBFRAME) WELDING PROCESS HAS NOT BEEN COMPLETED ACCORDING TO SPECIFICATIONS
R/2021/072, launched 11 November 2020, 10 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the X5M, X6, X7
Defect: The front axle support (subframe) welding process has not been completed according to specifications.
Remedy: Replace the front axle support.
REMAINING PARTICLES IN THE CELLS OF THE HIGH VOLTAGE BATTERY CAN CAUSE A SHORT CIRCUIT
R/2020/298, launched 22 October 2020, 871 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the 2 Series, 3 Series, 5 Series, 7 Series, X1, X2
Defect: In very rare cases welding beads were not always completely removed in the cleaning process during battery production.
Remedy: Test and replace the High Voltage batteries if affected.
A STARTER MOTOR BOLT MAY HAVE BEEN INSTALLED INCORRECTLY AND BECOME LOST INSIDE THE TRANSMISSION BELL HOUSING
R/2020/252, launched 17 August 2020, 11 vehicles affected across the models it covers
Defect: A starter bolt may have been installed incorrectly and become lost inside the transmission bell housing.
Remedy: The starter motor will be removed and checked for a bolt that is adrift any damage found will be rectified.
THE STEERING SHAFT BEARING PLATE MAY NOT BE SCREWED TO THE ENGINE BULKHEAD CORRECTLY
R/2020/234, launched 21 July 2020, 1 vehicle affected across the models it covers
Defect: The steering shaft bearing plate may not have been screwed on correctly.
Remedy: On the affected vehicles the screw connection of the steering shaft bearing plate will be inspected and if necessary correctly attached or replaced.
WHEEL BOLTS ON LEFT SIDE MAY NOT HAVE BEEN TIGHTENED CORRECTLY
R/2019/366, launched 23 July 2019, 1 vehicle affected across the models it covers
Defect: The wheel bolts (left side) that may not have been tightened to specifications
Remedy: On the affected vehicles all wheel bolts on the left side will be replaced and tightened to specifications.
MOVEMENTS OF THE CONNECTOR OF THE BLOWER REGULATOR WIRING HARNESS COULD LEAD TO FRICTIONAL CORROSION
R/2019/192, launched 1 July 2019, 31,601 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the X6
Defect: The blower regulator wiring could be damaged increasing the risk of fire.
Remedy: The connection of the blower-regulator will be checked and reworked and if necessary the blower regulator will be replaced.
INCORRECT TIGHTENING TORQUE OF LEFT FRONT SEAT FIXING BOLTS
R/2019/091, launched 22 March 2019, 11 vehicles affected across the models it covers
Defect: An incorrect tightening torque of the fixing bolts of the left front seat.
Remedy: Affected bolts will be checked and tightened with the correct torque; if necessary the bolt will be replaced.
POTENTIAL RUPTURE OF DRIVER FRONT AIR BAG INFLATOR
R/2019/086, launched 22 March 2019. Also covers the 3 Series, 5 Series
Defect: The front drivers air bag may not deploy correctly on activation.
Remedy: Check and replace the drivers front air bag if required.
AUXILIARY WATER PUMP'S ELECTRONIC CIRCUIT BOARD COULD LEAD TO A SHORT CIRCUIT
R/2019/057, launched 1 March 2019, 5,866 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the 5 Series, 6 Series, 7 Series, MINI Hatch, X6
Defect: The auxiliary water pump may short circuit causing a thermal incident.
Remedy: The Auxiliary Water Pump of the affected vehicles will be replaced.
THE IDLER PULLEY BOLT COULD BECOME LOOSENED OVER TIME
R/2019/018, launched 1 February 2019, 21,123 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the X6
Defect: The power steering idler pulley may detach.
Remedy: Replace the pulley securing bolt with an alternative component.
EXHAUST GAS RECIRCULATION MODULE COOLER COULD LEAK
R/2018/341, launched 7 December 2018, 225,449 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the 1 Series, 2 Series, 3 Series, 4 Series, 5 Series, 6 Series, 7 Series, X1, X3, X4, X6
Defect: The EGR cooler may leakpresenting a fire risk
Remedy: A visual inspection of the EGR cooler to check for leaks and excessive build-up of deposits. The EGR cooler will be replaced on all affected vehicles
EXHAUST GAS RECIRCULATION COOLER COULD POTENTIALLY LEAK OVER TIME
R/2018/258, launched 5 November 2018, 153,602 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the 1 Series, 2 Series, 3 Series, 4 Series, 5 Series, 7 Series, X3, X4
Defect: The EGR cooler may leakpresenting a fire risk.
Remedy: The EGR cooler will be replaced with an improved version.
DUE TO A FAULT AT THE VEHICLES ASSEMBLY LINE SOME WHEEL BOLTS MAY NOT HAVE BEEN TIGHTENED TO SPECIFICATION
R/2018/262, launched 8 October 2018, 19 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the X6, X6M
Defect: Due to a fault at the vehicles assembly line some wheel bolts may not have been tightened to specification.
Remedy: On the affected vehicles the wheel bolts will be replaced.
ENGINE MAY CUT OUT
R/2017/001, launched 31 December 2016, 1 vehicle affected across the models it covers
Defect: It has been identified that the bolt that connects the ground cable from the wiring harness of the Digital Motor Electronics (DME) to the engine block may not have been tightened/torqued to the correct specification. This can lead to an under voltage supply which can trigger a reset of the DME. This can result in the engine cutting out or depending on vehicle speed to restart/turn on the engine once the reset has been completed.
Remedy: Recall all affected vehicles to check and if required retorque the bolt for the ground cable on the engine block.
POWER STEERING MAY NOT PERFORM CORRECTLY
R/2016/300, launched 21 December 2016, 41 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the 1 Series, 2 Series, 3 Series, 4 Sepies, X3, X6
Defect: The electrical contact of the Electronic Control Unit (ECU) of the Electric Power Steering (EPS) is not sufficiently robust over the service life of the vehicle. As a result the power steering support may fail possibly leading to disconcerting driving situation for the driver. Additionally in a few cases a localised thermal event cannot be excluded.
Remedy: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and replace the steering gear (EPS).
DRIVERS AIRBAG MAY DEPLOY INCORRECTLY
R/2016/252, launched 1 November 2016, 218,559 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the 3 Series, 5 Series
Defect: The driver's air bag inflator may rupture during deployment. Metal shards may pass through the air bag material and cause injury to occupants.
Remedy: On affected vehicles replace air bag and inflator assemblies.
SAFETY BELT MAY NOT RESTRAIN OCCUPANT
R/2014/177, launched 10 December 2014, 5 vehicles affected across the models it covers
Defect: For the left hand rear comfort seat the bracket to which the seat belt buckle is mounted may not be correctly positioned. The incorrect positioning causes incorrect welding of the bracket to the seat frame. If a collision occurs the welding for the bracket may weaken / fail leading to increased risk for the passenger in that seat.
Remedy: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and replace the seat frame for the left hand rear comfort seat.
ENGINE EMERGENCY MODE MAY BE ACTIVATED DURING DRIVING
R/2014/068, launched 28 July 2014, 2,967 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the 1 Series, 3 Series, 5 Series, 6 Series, 7 Series, X1, X3, Z4
Defect: The screws retaining the variable camshaft timing (VANOS) housing may loosen and under certain circumstances the heads may break off. This can lead to the VANOS leaking oil internally and adversely affect the valve timing adjustment. If found to deviating from targeted data the engine emergency mode will be activated. This will be indicated by a distinct change in engine running. The orange engine management warning lamp and a check message; On vehicles with N51/N52 engines this will appear at ignition recycle on N55 engine it will display immediately.
Remedy: Repalce bolted connection of the VANOS adjustment unit
CHILD SAFETY LOCK MAY NOT ACTIVATE
R/2014/054, launched 9 May 2014, 131 vehicles affected across the models it covers
Defect: It is possible that vehicles fitted with Automatic Soft-Closure Feature (SCA) rear doors may have an issue with out of tolerance on the SCA mechanism which can result in the deactivation of the child locks when they are activated. This could result in a child unintentionally opening the door and exiting the vehicle. The driver is informed that the rear door is open by a warning on the instrument panel and an acoustic (noise) warning.
Remedy: Recall all affected vehicles to check the locks and replace them if required.
POSSIBILITY OF FIRE
R/2013/095, launched 10 September 2013, 21,502 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the 1 Series, 5 Series, 7 Series, X3, X6
Defect: Due to a fault with an internal connection within the Fuel Filter Heater (FFH) it is possible that during temperatures below freezing the FFH can remain permanently activated. This will normally cause the FFH to overheat which will result in the inability to start the vehicle due to a flat battery. This can occur even when the ignition is turned off. However in extreme cases it could cause a vehicle fire.
Remedy: Recall all affected vehicles to replace the FFH.
BRAKE POWER ASSISTANCE MAY BE AFFECTED
R/2013/023, launched 10 April 2013, 759 vehicles affected across the models it covers
Defect: Brake performance may be affected as a result of oil contamination of the brake servo. The servo membrane could over a period of time soften and fail causing lower levels of servo assistance for the brakes.
Remedy: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to replace the vacuum hose and fit a non-return valve (oil stop) between the booster and servo. Where necessary the servo and master cylinder will be replaced.
DRIVE MAY FAIL
R/2012/150, launched 6 December 2012, 22,737 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the X6
Defect: The power steering pump drive belt tensioner pulley securing bolt may fail which will lead to the loss of power steering assistance and the necessity for the driver to supply additional input to steering the vehicle.
Remedy: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to replace the steering pump drive belt tensioner pulley securing bolt with a more robust version.
POTENTIAL FIRE RISK
R/2012/078, launched 18 July 2012, 5 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the X6
Defect: The power steering box housing may not be machined to the correct specification. This could cause an over pressurisation of bellows due to the insecurity of a snap ring and result in a sudden loss of hydraulic pressure. Oil will then be sprayed onto hot engine components and may ignite.
Remedy: Affected vehicles will be recalled to have the steering box replaced.
FIRE MAY OCCUR
R/2012/049, launched 27 April 2012, 21 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the 5 Series, 6 Series, 7 Series, Alpina, X6
Defect: Some engines are fitted with an additional water pump for the turbo charger. In some circumstances a crack may develop which then leads to melting of the plug connections and the housing. Further heat development may then lead to scorch damage. In exceptional cases such overheating can lead to smouldering of the water pump. If smouldering occurs an engine compartment fire and vehicle fire cannot be excluded.
Remedy: The water pump will be replaced for a new more robust version.
SHORT CIRCUIT MAY OCCUR
R/2011/147, launched 17 November 2011, 557 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the 5 Series, 6 Series, 7 Series, Alpina, X6
Defect: Due to the ingress of moisture it is possible that a short circuit can occur in the additional coolant pump for the exhaust turbocharger. The driver will be informed of the issue by a warning message on the display in the instrument panel. If not addressed it is possible for further heat build up in the pump which may cause the plug connection and housing to melt and in extreme cases a localised fire in the engine compartment or vehicle.
Remedy: Recall all affected vehicles for the replacement of the additional coolant pump.
RISK OF FIRE
R/2011/123, launched 5 October 2011, 21,923 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the 1 Series, 5 Series, 7 Series, X3, X6
Defect: Moisture may enter the fuel filter heater at an electrical connection. Should this occur it can cause a discharge of the battery causing non starting of the vehicle. Also if it occurs whilst the vehicle is in motion it could result in a fire when the vehicle is left unattended.
Remedy: Recall all affected vehicles and replace the fuel filter heater.
ELECTRIC FUEL PUMP MAY FAIL
R/2010/197, launched 8 November 2010, 4 vehicles affected across the models it covers
Defect: Due to a manufacturing defect which causes premature wear of the fuel pump commutator it is possible that the engine might cut out whilst driving.
Remedy: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to replace the fuel pump.
BRAKES MAY FAIL
R/2009/074, launched 21 July 2009, 53 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the X6
Defect: It has been identified that during the manufacturing process cracks may have formed in the area of the brake disc body. Subsequent surface treatment means that any such crack will not be detectable at a later date. Should a crack have formed this may cause the brake disc to fail whilst the vehicle is in motion causing the affected brake to become inoperative.
Remedy: Recalled vehicles will have the rear axle brake discs checked for the affected production date. The brake discs will be checked if necessary.
AIRBAG MAY DEPLOY INADVERTENTLY
R/2008/179, launched 25 November 2008, 6,240 vehicles affected across the models it covers
Defect: The front air bags may trigger unnecessarily and the possibility of occupant injury cannot be excluded.
Remedy: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to recode the air bag control unit.
BRAKE FLUID MAY LEAK
R/2007/122, launched 14 August 2007, 1,887 vehicles affected across the models it covers
Defect: If a brake fluid leak occurs the brake fluid low level warning may be given too late.
Remedy: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to check the serial number of the brake servo and where necessary replace the cap for the expansion tank which includes the warning switch.
DRIVER'S SEAT BELT MAY DE-LATCH
R/2007/106, launched 16 July 2007, 1,606 vehicles affected across the models it covers
Defect: It has been identified that in the event of a situation which requires activation of the driver's seat belt tensioner. The possibility exists that due to an unfavourable pulse within the seatbelt buckle tensioner mechanism the buckle may open inadvertently.
Remedy: Recalled vehicles will have the relevant electronic control units reprogrammed.
THE BEARINGS OF THE FUEL INJECTION PUMP MAY FAIL
R/2005/022, launched 8 February 2005, 697 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the 3 Series, 5 Series, 7 Series, E46, E53, E60, E61, E65
Defect: The bearings of the high pressure fuel injector pump may fail after a short travelled distance (approximately 3000 to 6000 miles) This leads to a total failure of the engine's fuel supply which results in the engine stalling.
Remedy: Recall likely to be affected vehicles and replace the fuel injector pump.
POSSIBILITY OF INADVERTNENT LOSS OF ENGINE POWER
R/2004/131, launched 14 July 2004, 231 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the 5 Series, 6 Series, 7 Series
Defect: Due to a hardware fault within the digital engine electronic control unit the possibility exists that the unit could fail completely resulting in loss of engine power.
Remedy: Recall likely to be affected vehicles and replace the control unit with a quality assured item.
SEAT BELT TENSIONERS
R/2003/039, launched 24 February 2003, 445 vehicles affected across the models it covers
Defect: It is possible that the reinforcement ring in the front seat belt tensioner has not been securely crimped onto the belt tensioner's steel cable. This connection could give in the event of a severe collision and could work loose in extreme cases.
Remedy: Check the production date on both front seat belt tensioners and replace if they fall within the affected production period.
FRONT BRAKE HOSE COULD RUB ON TYRE
R/2003/026, launched 3 February 2003, 9,090 vehicles affected across the models it covers
Defect: The securing grommet for the front brake hose onto the suspension strut may become detached. In this situation it is possible that the hose could rub against the inside of the front tyre causing consequential damage to the hose. In extreme cases brake fluid could leak causing loss of braking action on the front axle.
Remedy: The repair will involve fitting a securing clip to the hose and grommet and checking the hose for damage.
BRAKE PEDAL MAY BECOME DETACHED
R/2002/106, launched 31 July 2002, 1,971 vehicles affected across the models it covers
Defect: The brake pedal mounting shaft may have been incorrectly manufactured. In this situation the bush may become loose and in very extreme situations the brake pedal can become detached.
Remedy: Check the brake pedal shaft in the bearing mount and secure it with a new roll pin.
Source: DVSA RecallsFile.csv, recalls launched from 1992 to October 2026, downloaded 31 October 2026. Open Government Licence v3.0.
What to do next
If you own a BMW X5, check its registration on GOV.UK and ask a BMW dealer whether any recall work is outstanding. If you are buying one, ask the seller for proof the work was done, and run a Motoring Insider history check for finance, write-offs and the MOT history.