2012 BMW X5 Sav: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2012 BMW X5 Sav: 4 recalls, 21 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 Vehicle recall #12V161000 · 2012 · 2,846 vehicles
What's wrong:
Why it matters: This could lead to a smoldering of the pump or an engine compartment or vehicle fire.
The fix: Bmw will notify owners, and dealers will replace the auxiliary water pump free of charge. The safety recall began on April 30, 2012.
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.
Engine & cooling Vehicle recall #14V176000 · 2014 · 156,137 vehicles
What's wrong: In the affected vehicles, the bolts that secure the housing for the variable camshaft timing adjustment (vanos) unit can loosen over time and May possibly break.
Why it matters: If the bolts loosen or break the engine May have reduced power or stall. An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Bmw will notify owners, and dealers will replace the four vanos housing bolts for both vanos units (intake and exhaust), free of charge. In addition, owners of approximately 170,172 model year 2010-2012 BMW vehicles equipped with inline 6 cylinder engines not covered by this recall, will receive an…
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.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 1 mention a fire, 1 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Transmission & drivetrain (9): the most common themes are noise or vibration (6), stalls / loses power (3).
- Engine (6): the most common themes are warning light on (2), fire / smoke (2).
- Steering (3): the most common themes are steering problems (2).
- Airbags (3): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
The 2012 BMW X5 Sav has 21 owner complaints, ranking #4 of 13 X5 Sav model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 16). Complaints peaked in 2017 (8 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 5 years old, at a median of 54,250 miles. Neighboring years: 2011 (24 complaints, 3 recalls), 2013 (13 complaints, 1 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 2012 BMW X5 Sav.
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FAQ
Does the 2012 BMW X5 Sav have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 4 vehicle recalls for the 2012 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 2012 BMW X5 Sav problems?
Owners have filed 21 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are transmission & drivetrain (9), engine (6), steering (3).
Where can I get a 2012 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.