How many fuel system complaints does the 2010 BMW X5 have?

NHTSA lists 35 Fuel System complaints for the 2010 BMW X5, which is 24% of the 143 total complaints filed for that model year.

Is there a fuel system recall for the 2010 BMW X5?

Yes. Recall 16V746000 covers replacement of the fuel pump module, and recall 13V339000 covers replacement of the fuel filter heater on diesel models built between June and November 2009.

At what mileage do fuel system problems typically appear on the 2010 X5?

The median mileage at failure for fuel system complaints on the 2010 X5 is 66,000 miles.

Did any 2010 X5 fuel system complaints involve fires?

Yes, NHTSA records 3 fire reports among the fuel system complaints, though no crashes or injuries were reported.

2010 BMW X5 Fuel System Problems

NHTSA lists 35 Fuel System complaints for the 2010 BMW X5, 24% of all complaints for the year, with 3 fires reported and no crashes or injuries. Median mileage at failure was 66,000 miles. Two recalls (16V746000 and 13V339000) cover fuel pump and fuel filter heater defects.

Fuel System complaints: 35; 24% of 143
Crashes reported: 0
Fires reported: 3
Injuries reported: 0
Median mileage: 66,000 mi
Related recalls: 2

Typical fuel system symptoms owners report

Owners report the engine shaking, smoking, and stalling while driving, traced to failed secondary fuel pumps and fuel injectors.
Some describe fuel odor and smoke at startup, with the vehicle failing to start.
Diesel-equipped owners report the fuel filter heater failing, sometimes tied to recall 13V339000, causing check engine lights and exhaust fumes entering the cabin.
Fuel leaks were reported from the front of the vehicle, diagnosed as failed timing cover cases.
Owners report water intrusion into the engine compartment dripping onto fuel injectors, causing electrical shorts, loss of power, and loss of power steering and brakes.
Some owners report receiving notice of recall 16V746000 for the fuel system but experiencing long waits for replacement parts.

When 2010 BMW X5 fuel system complaints were filed

First complaint Feb 11, 2010, latest Sep 30, 2025.

35 complaints filed with NHTSA from Feb 2010 to Sep 2025; peak Apr 2017 (3).

Fuel System recalls for the 2010 BMW X5

NHTSA 16V746000Oct 17, 2016Fuel System136,188 vehicles
Fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pump
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2007-2011 BMW X5 3.0si, X5 4.8i, X5 M, X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive48i and X5 xDrive50i, 2008-2011 X6 x Drive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6 M, 2010-2011 X6 ActiveHybrid, 535i xDrive Gran Turismo, 535i Gran Turismo, 550i xDrive Gran Turismo and 550i Gran Turismo, 2011-2012 528i, 535i, 535i xDrive, 550i and 550i xDrive and 2012 535i ActiveHybrid, 640i Convertible, 650i Convertible, 650i xDrive Convertible, 650i Coupe and 650i Coupe xDrive vehicles. The affected vehicles have in-tank fuel pumps that may have insufficiently crimped wire contacts.
Risk: The loose wires may cause the connector to melt, resulting in a fuel leak. Additionally, the fuel pump may stop working, possibly causing an engine stall and increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump module, free of charge. The recall began February 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
NHTSA 13V339000Aug 7, 2013Fuel System1,540 vehicles
Fuel system, diesel: pre-heater
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 used for warming up the diesel fuel during vehicle operation at low outside temperatures, could experience an electrical overload condition and become permanently activated.
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.

Fuel System complaints by X5 model year

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

201035 (24%)
201150 (17%)
201232 (11%)
20139 (6%)
201431 (32%)
201550 (33%)
201612 (16%)
201720 (27%)
201818 (25%)
20195 (3%)
20202 (2%)
20213 (3%)
20223 (4%)
20231 (3%)
20244 (3%)
20251 (2%)

Frequently asked questions

How many fuel system complaints does the 2010 BMW X5 have?: NHTSA lists 35 Fuel System complaints for the 2010 BMW X5, which is 24% of the 143 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a fuel system recall for the 2010 BMW X5?: Yes. Recall 16V746000 covers replacement of the fuel pump module, and recall 13V339000 covers replacement of the fuel filter heater on diesel models built between June and November 2009.
At what mileage do fuel system problems typically appear on the 2010 X5?: The median mileage at failure for fuel system complaints on the 2010 X5 is 66,000 miles.
Did any 2010 X5 fuel system complaints involve fires?: Yes, NHTSA records 3 fire reports among the fuel system complaints, though no crashes or injuries were reported.