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KLUNK

2010 Bmw X5

The Verdict

65 Solid Pick

The 2010 Bmw X5 has 147 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. The most reported issues are engine (87 complaints) and electrical (40 complaints). With a Klunk Score of 65/100, it earns a "Solid Pick" rating. If you're shopping for a Bmw X5, consider the 2000 model year which has 80% fewer complaints.

Safe Bet

The 2000 has 80% fewer complaints

View the 2000 Bmw X5 dashboard →

65

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 2

Active safety recalls from NHTSA for this vehicle year.

23V707000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2010-2012 1 Series Coupe, 1 Series Convertible, 3 Series Sedan, 3 Series Convertible, 2010-2011 3 Series Sportswagon, 3 Series Coupe, 5 Series S...

Risk

Loose or broken VANOS unit bolts can result in an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the four VANOS bolts, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk are expected to be mailed December 18, 2023. Owner notification letters were mailed ...

Reported Apr 10, 2026

10V152000 EXTERIOR LIGHTING

BMW IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010 X5 M SAV VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED E...

Risk

THESE VEHICLES DO NOT COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 108.

Remedy

BMW WILL INSTALL POWER SUPPLY CABLES FOR THE FRONT SIDE MARKER LAMPS. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING MAY 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BM...

Reported Apr 10, 2026

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Under the Hood

Each number is a complaint. Darker = bigger problem.

YearBodyBrakesElectricalEngineTransmission
2000143417
20016810394415
200232634358
2003242324114
2004395541415
2005191638219
200638381662413
2007162547487
200816178719518
2009141445835
201015140874
20112647216144
201625210276
20172078326
20181939305
201940859619
2020183264011
2021254213015
202221561410
2023132536
2024178013168
20251526555

By Category

Engine
87
Electrical
40
Body
15
Transmission
4
Brakes
1

By Severity

1
56
2
83
4
8

Worst Problems

Compare Against

See how the 2010 Bmw X5 stacks up against rivals.

Complaints

Engine 1

My husband and I brought our 2010 X5 (VIN ), mileage: to BMW of El Cajon on 09/29/2025 for a recall service. Before the recall repaire, the vehicale was in normal working condition: -No check engine lights or warning indicators -No unusual noises -Fully drivable on a daily basis After the recall was completed, the dealership informed me that: -multiple check engine/warning lights appeared -The vehicle developed a very loud/high pitch noise -They do not recommend driving the vehicle in its currently condition. They did not warn us about his initial, they did after informed them we do not feel safe driving the car in this condition. The dealership explained this happened because they had open a valve to perform the recall, which they claim disturbed "sludge". They are now refusing to correct the problem unless we pay out of pocket. The issue did not exist before the recall and occurred only as a direct result of the recall repair. The recall left my car unsafe and undriveable, and I am being told to pay for a problem that only arose due to a federally mandated recall work. The recall resulted in a vehicle that is no longer safe to drive, with multiple warning lights and severe engine noise. The dealers refusal to fix this without charing me undermines the purpose of a recall, which is to ensure safety at no cost to the owner. I ask NHTSA to investigate this matter and ensure BMW and its dealerships perform recall repairs properly, at no cost to consumers, and do not return vehicles in unsafe conditions.

9mo ago
Engine 2

I own a 2010 BMW X5 xDrive30i (VIN: [XXX] ) with two active recalls: the VANOS bolt recall (23V-707) and the PCV valve heater recall (22V-119). Despite these being federally mandated safety repairs, Sharpe BMW in Grand Rapids, MI refused to perform the work without a paid diagnostic and potential full repair payment upfront, stating reimbursement would be decided afterward. I was sent home in an unsafe, recalled vehicle that visibly and audibly shakes at startup and frequently stalls. Other engine components have now failed due to the VANOS issue and the vehicle is now inoperable. BMW NA has acknowledged contact, but has only redirected me back to the same dealer without offering resolution. This has created financial hardship and an ongoing safety concern. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

13mo ago
Engine 1

The contact owns a 2010 BMW X5. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, after several minutes the vehicle failed to turn off as needed. There was no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that metal shavings were found in the engine, and the oxygen heat sensor had failed. The vehicle was repaired. The contact advised the previous owner was notified of NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V746000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). The contact was not aware of the recall notification. The contact stated that the prior owner had the recall repair performed; however, the failure occurred. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 127,911.

14mo ago
Engine 1

The contact owns a 2010 BMW X5. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The contact was able to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle failed to restart. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the fuel pump. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V707000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); was included and the vehicle was repaired by the dealer. The contact stated that the vehicle operated normally prior to the repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 128,000.

15mo ago
Engine 2

The contact owns a 2010 BMW X5. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, her nephew attempted to start the vehicle, and the vehicle failed to start. The contact stated there was an abnormal odor coming from the vehicle. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact replaced the battery; however, the vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to Firestone, where it was diagnosed that the starter and fuel pump had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 116,546.

16mo ago
Engine 4

The contact owns a 2010 BMW X5. The contact stated that the vehicle had been parked and unoccupied for almost twelve hours, upon returning to the vehicle the battery was completely drained. The vehicle was jumpstarted and then driven to the residence. The contact stated that while pulling into the driveway at the residence, he smelled something hot coming from the vehicle. The contact exited the vehicle and saw flames underneath the vehicle. The contact stated that the flames were coming from the fuel filter heater. The contact removed several items from the vehicle before connecting a nearby garden house and extinguished the fire. No injuries were sustained. The Fire Department was not notified of the fire. A Police report was not filed. The contact stated that the vehicle was no longer drivable. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V339000 (FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 148,000.

19mo ago
Engine 2

The contact owns a 2010 BMW X5. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V707000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that when the vehicle wase cold started the vehicle was idling rough and vibrating abnormally. The contact stated that check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle was running rough, with abnormal sounds coming from underneath the floor. The contact stopped the vehicle and towed the vehicle to residence. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or independent mechanic. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was 200,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

23mo ago
Engine 1

There is a recall for the VANOS variable camshaft timing somehow my vehicle although listed has not received a recall and this is the exact problem I am having with my 2010 x5 BMW 4.8

23mo ago
Engine 1

See attached document for complaint

23mo ago
Engine 2

Hello. I am reporting the remedy that is still not available for my car. It effects the VANOS bolts which you know is a big part of how the car engine works and can end up allowing my car to stall mid trip. This recall began in October, and I have yet to see a remedy. I understand this process takes time, but it is affecting my day to day driving and I feel unsafe. I am hoping to put more pressure to provide us with a remedy soon.

26mo ago
Engine 1

The contact owns a 2010 BMW X5. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V707000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

26mo ago
Engine 1

The contact owns a 2010 BMW X5. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V707000 (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 contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle idled unusually rough. The check engine warning light was illuminated. Additionally, the vehicle was leaking oil. The vehicle was taken to the dealer twice where it was diagnosed with failed VANOS bolts and valve cover gasket. The contact was informed that the VANOS bolts, and valve cover gaskets needed to be replaced. The dealer was made aware of the failure but confirmed that parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 149,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

28mo ago
Body 2

Since October 2023, the BMW vehicles of the 2010-2012 1 Series, 3 Series, 5 Series, X3 SAV, X5 SAV, X6 SAC, AND Z4 have an open recall. According to their own acknowledgment, this recall poses a safety risk to the passengers of the vehicle. I am the owner of a BMW X5, and after several emails expressing my fear of using my car, and pointing out that in its current state, the vehicle cannot be sold. Additionally, it has caused me difficulties as I've had to use Uber and rely on my husband for transportation when he's not working. The only response I received was a phone call informing me that they are trying to find a solution. However, they suggested that if I detect a burning smell or experience any unusual symptoms while using the vehicle, I should take it for a diagnostic check. After that, they would order the necessary parts for the repair. In other words, they have a solution, but they seem to be waiting for something bad to happen before implementing the repair.

28mo ago
Engine 1

This is the 3rd time in 2 months that the engine just shut off driving on a highway. I have noticed that it happens if I have driving on a highway for 2 hours or more. The car does not show any sign of issues and does not have any code or check engine light. All of a sudden the engine shuts down and it loses all power, power steering does not work, and brake does not work. It makes for very dangerous condition with traffic coming behind me at 70 miles an hour. I pulled over and tried to start it. It would just crank but not start. All 3 times, after waiting for 30 minutes, it would start just fine and won’t have any further issue. I got the code scanned and it came clean. There is no check engine light either. It just happens all of a sudden without any warning and car shops can’t figure out what’s wrong because every time they test drive it , it works fine.

34mo ago
Engine 1

Been having issues with the car for over a month, changed water pump thermostat fuel pump, but it still would crank, got another diagnostic and now I have an engine leak, and FRM ) a serious electrical problem, I feel like some of these things should have been done before the dealer sold the car, I’m asking for help, with getting my car fixed or replaced

36mo ago
Engine 1

Electric fuel going on.

37mo ago
Engine 1

The contact owns a 2010 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 local dealer was contacted several times. The contact stated that white smoke was coming from underneath the hood. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the issue. The failure mileage was 107,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

43mo ago
Electrical 2

Sunroof drains - front and back overflow and drone down the pillars into the front and rear electronic boxes. A KNOW PROBLEM for this BMW. I want BMW to repair and fix this problem. Water damaged control boxes are thousands of dollars. This problem should be a recall! BMW was sued in 2018 and settled the case. I am unable to file a claim for this now. I recently moved from Southern CA to New Orleans LA. There is a lot mor torrential rain here. Never had a problem in Southern CA.

44mo ago
Engine 2

The contact owns a 2010 BMW X5. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH, the odor of burning oil or plastic started entering the vehicle through the vents. The contact stated engine overheating warning light was illuminated. The contact pulled off the road and turned the vehicle off. The contact made several attempts to drive the vehicle back to his residence; however, he eventually had the vehicle towed to an independent mechanic. The mechanic determined that the accumulator needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired, and the overheating failure reoccurred. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V119000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 138,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

44mo ago
Engine 1

Ongoing issues with the engine and turbochargers in this SUV. Give no warning of an issue and lose power while driving. Replaced one of the turbocharges in 2017. The car is now smoking, smells like something is burning, using a lot of oil, and losing power, and now being told both turbocharges need to be replaced. Dealer, Downtown BMW in Denver, CO who did repairs in 2017 on turbo did not report the previous repairs in car repair history.

46mo ago

147 total

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