2009 BMW X5 Sav: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2009 BMW X5 Sav: 4 recalls, 19 owner complaints.

Recalls
4 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Engine & cooling, Steering Vehicle recall #12V550000 · 2012 · 29,800 vehicles
What's wrong: The engine belt idler pulley bolt could loosen and break over time.
Why it matters: If the engine belt idler pulley bolt breaks, the vehicle May unexpectedly lose power-assisted steering, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: 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.
Brakes, Brakes (hydraulic) Vehicle recall #13V045000 · 2013 · 30,265 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: The loss of power assist in braking could increase stopping distance and lead to a vehicle crash.
The fix: 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 customerrelations@bmwusa.com.
Airbags Vehicle recall #16V071000 · 2016 · 840,000 vehicles
What's wrong: Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure May cause the inflator to rupture.
Why it matters: 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.
The fix: 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.
Engine & cooling Vehicle recall #22V119000 · 2022 · 917,106 vehicles
What's wrong: 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…
Why it matters: 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.
The fix: 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…
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 1 mention a fire, 0 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Fuel & propulsion (10): the most common themes are electrical failure (2), stalls / loses power (2).
- Airbags (7): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Engine (3): the most common themes are electrical failure (2).
- Brakes (3): the most common themes are warning light on (3).
The 2009 BMW X5 Sav has 19 owner complaints, ranking #6 of 13 X5 Sav model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 16). Complaints peaked in 2017 (6 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 8 years old, at a median of 80,000 miles. Neighboring years: 2008 (20 complaints, 3 recalls), 2010 (19 complaints, 5 recalls).
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2009 BMW X5 Sav.
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Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
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FAQ
Does the 2009 BMW X5 Sav have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 4 vehicle recalls for the 2009 BMW X5 Sav. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2009 BMW X5 Sav problems?
Owners have filed 19 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are fuel & propulsion (10), airbags (7), engine (3).
Where can I get a 2009 BMW X5 Sav repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.