2009 Bmw X5
The Verdict
The 2009 Bmw X5 has 161 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. The most reported issues are engine (83 complaints) and electrical (45 complaints). With a Klunk Score of 62/100, it earns a "Solid Pick" rating. If you're shopping for a Bmw X5, consider the 2000 model year which has 81% fewer complaints.
Safe Bet
The 2000 has 81% fewer complaints
View the 2000 Bmw X5 dashboard →
Klunk Score: Solid Pick
Fewer complaints than most vehicles. Generally dependable, but check the top problems below.
How is this calculated?
The Klunk Score ranks this vehicle year against all others in our database based on total owner complaints filed with NHTSA. 100 = fewest complaints (top tier), 0 = most complained-about. Scores above 60 are better than average; below 40 means more problems than most.
Recalls 3
Active safety recalls from NHTSA for this vehicle year.
BMW IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2009 X5 XDRIVE35D VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A DIESEL ENGINE AND MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 1, 2008, THROUGH JUNE 12, 2009. THE FUEL FILTER HEATER, WHICH IS USED FOR...
Risk
THE FUEL FILTER HEATER COULD REMAIN ACTIVATED EVEN WHEN THE IGNITION IS OFF AND LEAD TO A DEAD BATTERY. THE UNIT COULD ALSO OVERHEAT, POSSIBLY LEADING TO A VEHICLE FIRE.
Remedy
BMW WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL FILTER HEATER FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 11, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW CUSTOMER RELATIONS AND SERVICES AT 1-80...
Reported Apr 10, 2026
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2009-2013 X5 xDrive 35d diesel vehicles. The engine idler pulley bolt may loosen over time and break.
Risk
If the idler pulley bolt breaks, the vehicle may unexpectedly lose power-assisted steering, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the idler pulley bolt with an improved part, free of charge. The recall began March 11, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525...
Reported Apr 10, 2026
BMW is recalling certain model year 2009-2010 X5 xDrive35d vehicles equipped with a diesel engine and manufactured from June 13, 2009, through November 9, 2009. The fuel filter heater, which is us...
Risk
The fuel filter heater could remain activated even when the ignition is off and lead to a dead battery. The unit could also overheat, possibly resulting in a vehicle fire.
Remedy
BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel filter heater, free of charge. The safety recall began on September 26, 2013. Owners may contact BMW customer relations at 1-800-525-7417.
Reported Jul 8, 2013
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Under the Hood
Each number is a complaint. Darker = bigger problem.
| Year | Body | Brakes | Electrical | Engine | Transmission |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2000 | 14 | 3 | 4 | 1 | 7 |
| 2001 | 68 | 10 | 39 | 44 | 15 |
| 2002 | 32 | 6 | 34 | 35 | 8 |
| 2003 | 24 | 2 | 32 | 41 | 14 |
| 2004 | 39 | 5 | 54 | 14 | 15 |
| 2005 | 19 | 16 | 38 | 21 | 9 |
| 2006 | 38 | 38 | 166 | 24 | 13 |
| 2007 | 16 | 25 | 47 | 48 | 7 |
| 2008 | 16 | 17 | 87 | 195 | 18 |
| 2009 | 14 | 14 | 45 | 83 | 5 |
| 2010 | 15 | 1 | 40 | 87 | 4 |
| 2011 | 26 | 4 | 72 | 161 | 44 |
| 2016 | 25 | 2 | 10 | 27 | 6 |
| 2017 | 20 | 7 | 8 | 32 | 6 |
| 2018 | 19 | 3 | 9 | 30 | 5 |
| 2019 | 40 | 8 | 59 | 61 | 9 |
| 2020 | 18 | 3 | 26 | 40 | 11 |
| 2021 | 25 | 4 | 21 | 30 | 15 |
| 2022 | 21 | 5 | 6 | 14 | 10 |
| 2023 | 13 | 2 | 5 | 3 | 6 |
| 2024 | 17 | 80 | 13 | 16 | 8 |
| 2025 | 15 | 26 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
By Category
By Severity
Worst Problems
Compare Against
See how the 2009 Bmw X5 stacks up against rivals.
Complaints
The contact owns a 2009 BMW X5. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, several unknown warning lights illuminated, and the engine seized. The vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who was a certified BMW mechanic, where it was diagnosed with VANOS bolts failure. The contact was informed that the VANOS bolts needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V707000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. In addition, the contact stated that the dealer confirmed the failure and declined to perform a diagnostic test due to the age of the vehicle. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 175,000.
The contact owns a 2009 BMW X5. The contact stated that after pulling into a parking space there was white smoke coming from underneath the hood of the vehicle and the engine started overheating. The contact added coolant immediately. There were no warning lights illuminated. The failure had occurred twice. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic who diagnosed that the water pump, thermostat, and heater hoses had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that the coolant had leaked out and the engine started overheating. The contact added more coolant to the coolant reservoir; however, the failure recurred 20 miles later. After parking the vehicle, the contact became aware that oil was leaking underneath the vehicle. The vehicle had not been returned to the mechanic. The vehicle had not been taken to the dealer. The manufacturer was informed of the failure however, the VIN was not included in a recall. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to file a complaint. The failure mileage was 230,000.
Front Passenger occupant seat sensor failure warning code oc3
Crank no start scanner saying it is in 3rd gear not park.
The contact’s son owns a 2009 BMW X5. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 30 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact was able to veer the vehicle off the road. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the fuel pump module failed and needed to be replaced. The contact was then informed by the mechanic of NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V746000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The dealer was notified of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was included in the NHTSA Campaign Number 16V746000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The vehicle was then towed to the dealer where the contact was informed that the VIN was included NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V119000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) but not the recall related to the failure. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was not included in the recall and advised the contact to call the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.
My vehicles serpentine belt broke twice and my A.C. belt broke once due to the tensioner pulley bolt loosening over time. I lost power steering and power of the over all vehicle. I was driving at 60 miles per hour, there has been a recall on this part for this exact same model but BMW is saying it is vin specific. This is very unsafe.
The vehicle backfires and stalls on the road due to BMWs defective pcv crankcase valve. The valve put pressure inside engine which it couldn't handle causing a blown gasket and oil leak, the leak fell on the serpentine belt and AC belt and they slipped off. Causing the power steering to lock up on me while driving. The engine has a whistling noise coming from it. I'm parking and towing to bmw. I can diagnose it without there scanner. This is crazy and very dangerous.
The contact owns a 2009 BMW X5. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60 MPH, smoke was suddenly coming through the air vents and vehicle started losing motive power before stalling. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer who diagnosed that the passenger’s side main wiring harness was charred and melted and needed to be replaced. The wiring harness was replaced but the failure immediately reoccurred. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 140,000.
More than one time I have been traveling at regular speed and the vehicle will suddenly power off and shift into Park. While I’m driving, the battery still has power but the engine shuts off. I am suddenly stopped in the middle of the highway, turning in an intersection, going up a incline. I then try to start the vehicle and it will not turn over. The car remains stuck in park. Eventually the battery wears down and will not even engage the starter. But the lights and flashers will still be on. I have taken the car in multiple times to the bmw dealership telling them of the situation and they tell me it is not showing any problem. The vehicle does not give any warning and there are no engine or warning lights that appear. This happens at any time of day. There are constant complaints of these issues happening with multiple models of bmw.
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 an independent mechanic, where the intake gasket was replaced; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the failure was related to the fan relay. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact later received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V119000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact contacted the local dealer and a second dealer, Hansel BMW of Santa Rosa (2925 Corby Ave, Santa Rosa, CA 95407), and was informed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The mileage was approximately 103,000. The VIN was not available. The consumer stated the dealer replaced the fuel pump under the recall.
My engine is being effected by the recall. There is smoke and a burning smell coming from my engine. The Recall was issued March 2 2002 and today is January 11, 2022. My truck is driving worse daily and I can not get it inspected because it will not read my system.
The contact owns a 2009 BMW X5. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V119000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer and manufacturer were made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
While parked in my driveway, the car by it self caught fire and melted the entire fusebox, major wire harness, entire right rear panel was burnt and melted, rear headliner, and rear light housing. When I opened the door there was a huge black cloud of smoke inside.
I just went to Union Park Bmw about my car, they stated that my car fuel pump was recalled in 2017 so it was fixed, in 2021 l was stranded twice in 100 degree weather on the side road when the fuel pump went out, so this is the third time this vehicle has had new fuel pumps, now this month on Tuesday 7 /19 when it was hot as hades it stopped again same way it did prior , had it towed and they stated it was wiring that leads to the engine from the fuel pump. They made sure as part of there man made 358.00$ diagnosis that it was not related to the fuel pum.
During extreme hot days car has just stopped without warning three times. Fuel pump has been replaced twice , now they are saying wiring from the fuel pump to the computer system the wiring bad? No warning ever!
Headlight wires are made poorly. Susceptible to heat damage. The wire insulation cracks off, leaving bare copper wires to touch. Therefore, the low beams, etc will no longer function. The only solution is $3,000+ on new headlights.
I was returning home from work and the engine started to sputter/vibrate. I was right next to a gas station and as I was pulling into the gas station, the engine died and would not restart. I had the car towed and then I proceeded to troubleshoot the problem. I did a fuel pressure test and found that there was no fuel pressure. I tested the fuel pump relay and found it to be operational. I accessed the primary fuel pump to check power and found the fuel pump wiring to be missing an inch of insulation on both wires and the insulation is brittle for another inch or two. There were two splices on the fuel pump wiring where recall #16V746000 was performed and a new connector was spliced in. Those two splices were melted together. Recall #16V746000 was a problem with the fuel pump connector melting due to loose wiring. I have concern that there is still an issue with the fuel system wiring overheating or the repair process is not adequate to solve the issue.
EGR Cooler leaking soot/exhaust into engine compartment.
The contact owns a 2009 BMW X5. The contact stated that while approaching a stop, the vehicle would continue to accelerate upon the depression of the brake pedal. The contact also stated that the parking brake failure warning message would appear on the instrument panel. The contact had taken the vehicle to a dealer where they replaced both front and rear brake pads; however, the failure persisted soon after repair. The dealer was notified of the failure and the contact was given a second appointment. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000. The VIN was not available.
CAR STUCK IN PARK AND IS IN FAIL SAFE MODE ALSO WHEN TRYING TO CHARGE BATTERY WHILE IT'S DEAD IT SOUNDS LIKE THE WHOLE CAR IS CLICKING
161 total