YearToAvoid

2009 BMW X5 Engine Problems

NHTSA has 42 owner complaints about engine problems in the 2009 BMW X5, 27% of all 157 complaints for this model year. That is #9 highest engine complaint count among 21 X5 model years. These complaints report 1 crash and 4 fires. Median mileage at failure: 85,000 miles.

Engine complaints
42
27% of 157
Crashes reported
1
Fires reported
4
Injuries reported
0
Median mileage
85,000 mi
Related recalls
3

When 2009 BMW X5 engine complaints were filed

First complaint Feb 4, 2010, latest Jun 20, 2025.

2009 BMW X5 engine complaints: complaints filed per month3Feb 2010Jul 2015Jan 2017Jan 2018Jan 2019Jul 2019Dec 2022Jun 2025
42 complaints filed with NHTSA from Feb 2010 to Jun 2025; peak Dec 2017 (3).

Engine recalls for the 2009 BMW X5

  1. NHTSA 22V119000Mar 2, 2022Engine917,106 vehicles

    Engine and engine cooling:exhaust system:emission control:crankcase (pcv)

    BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2013 1 Series Coupe (128i); 2007-2013 3 Series Coupe (328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive); 2007-2010 X3 SAV (X3 3.0si, 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 Roadster (Z4 3.0i, Z4 3.0si, Z4 sDrive30i) vehicles. The heater for the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve may short circuit.

    Risk: 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.

    Remedy: 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 19V-273. Vehicles previously repaired under the prior recalls will need to come back for the new recall remedy. The remedy is currently being developed. Interim owner notification letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed on April 1, 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 22, 2022. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

  2. NHTSA 18V336000May 23, 2018Engine33,214 vehicles

    Engine and engine cooling:engine

    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 1-800-525-7417.

  3. NHTSA 17V683000Oct 30, 2017Engine740,561 vehicles

    Engine and engine cooling:exhaust system:emission control:crankcase (pcv)

    BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2011 128i and 2007-2011 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 525i, 525xi, 528i, 528xi, 530i, 530xi, X3 3.0si, X3 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive30i, Z4 3.0i, Z4 3.0si and Z4 sDrive30i vehicles. The heater for the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve may short circuit.

    Risk: An electrical short can cause the parts within the PCV valve to melt, increasing the risk of a fire, even when the vehicle is not in use.

    Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the PCV valve heater, free of charge. Interim letters were mailed on November 27, 2017. Owners will receive a second notification by the end of October 2018. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Engine complaints by X5 model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

  1. 200517 (21%)
  2. 200617 (9%)
  3. 200728 (22%)
  4. 200888 (37%)
  5. 200942 (27%)
  6. 201061 (43%)
  7. 2011130 (45%)
  8. 2012111 (38%)
  9. 201357 (35%)
  10. 201425 (26%)
  11. 201551 (34%)
  12. 201623 (31%)
  13. 201717 (23%)
  14. 201821 (29%)
  15. 201966 (35%)
  16. 202049 (44%)
  17. 202133 (31%)
  18. 202220 (29%)
  19. 20235 (16%)
  20. 202418 (12%)
  21. 20258 (13%)

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2009 BMW X5 have engine problems?
NHTSA has 42 owner complaints about the engine in the 2009 BMW X5, 27% of all complaints for this model year, including 1 that report a crash. Median mileage at failure is 85,000 miles.
Which BMW X5 year has the most engine complaints?
The 2011 BMW X5 has the most engine complaints (130), compared with 42 for the 2009.
Is there a engine recall for the 2009 BMW X5?
Yes — 3 NHTSA recall campaigns for the 2009 BMW X5 concern the engine: 22V119000, 18V336000, and 17V683000.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.