YearToAvoid

2011 BMW X5 Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls

Avoid The 2011 BMW X5 ranks 4th worst out of 21 model years, with a complaint index of 85, 287 complaints, and 17 recalls including 4 do-not-drive campaigns. It is rated Avoid relative to other X5 years, led by engine problems at 45% of complaints.

Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology

YearToAvoid Scorecard

Complaint Index
85/100
#4 of 21 X5 years
Verdict
Avoid
vs. other years of this model
Complaints
287
unique NHTSA reports
Recalls
17
4 Do Not Drive
Crashes
5
reported in complaints
Fires
15
Injuries
4
Top issue
Engine
Best nearby year
2016
rated Best
NHTSA overall rating
Not rated
EPA combined MPG
17.5
15 city / 21.5 hwy
Injuries / deaths
4 / 0

Top 2011 BMW X5 problems

Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.

  1. Engine130 (45%)
  2. Airbags70 (24%)
  3. Transmission & Powertrain65 (23%)
  4. Fuel System50 (17%)
  5. Electrical System25 (9%)
  6. Other24 (8%)
  7. Steering18 (6%)
  8. Brakes12 (4%)
  9. Suspension, Wheels & Tires8 (3%)
  10. Structure & Body6 (2%)

A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.

What owners report

  • Engine cooling failures cause overheating, coolant leaks, smoke, and sometimes fire, with water pumps replaced but failures recurring.
  • Fuel system components, including the high-pressure fuel pump and diesel heater, have been linked to under-hood fires and smoke while driving or parked.
  • Electrical shorts near tire pressure sensors and door speakers have produced smoke and visible flames.
  • Steering assist has been reported to cut out suddenly at low speed, in one case contributing to a crash and injury.
  • Brake pedals have reportedly sunk to the floor with continued acceleration during low-speed maneuvers.
  • Airbags have failed to deploy properly or fully inflate during crashes.
2011 BMW X5 complaints: complaints filed per quarter282010 Q32013 Q12015 Q22017 Q12018 Q42020 Q32022 Q32025 Q1
287 complaints filed with NHTSA from 2010 Q3 to 2026 Q2; peak 2017 Q1 (28).

2011 BMW X5 recalls

17 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.

  1. NHTSA 23V707000Oct 20, 2023Engine157,796 vehicles

    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 Sedan, X3 xDrive 28i, X3 xDrive 30i, X5 xDrive30i, and Z4 sDrive30i vehicles. The aluminum bolts that secure the housing for the variable camshaft timing adjustment (VANOS) unit can loosen over time and possibly break.

    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 June 19, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

  2. NHTSA 20V017000Jan 15, 2020Airbags59,965 vehicles

    Air bags:frontal:driver side:inflator module

    BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2013 128i and 135i Convertibles, 128i, 135i, and M Coupes, 2007-2010 X3 30si and X3 xDrive30i, 2013-2015 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i and X1 xDrive35i, 2007-2013 328i, 328i xDrive, 335i, 335is, 335i xDrive and M3 Coupes, 2006-2011 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 325i, 325xi, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi, 335i xDrive and M3, 2009-2011 335D, 2006-2012 325xi, 328i, 328xi and 328i xDrive, 2010-2011 X6 ActiveHybrid, 2007-2013 328i, 335i, 335is, M3 Coupes, X5 30si, X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 48i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i and X5 M, 2009-2013 X5 xDrive35d and 2008-2014 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6M vehicles equipped with non-desiccated driver frontal air bag inflators containing phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) that were used as interim remedy parts for previous Takata recalls. These inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.

    Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

    Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver air bag. On X5 and X6 vehicles, only the inflator will be replaced. All repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began March 11, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

  3. NHTSA 20V016000Jan 15, 2020Airbags4,007 vehiclesDo Not Drive

    Air bags:frontal:passenger side:inflator module

    BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2009-2012 X5 xDrive35d, 2008-2012 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6 M, 2007-2012 X5 30si, X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 48i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i and X5 M and 2010-2011 X6 ActiveHybrid vehicles equipped with non-desiccated, passenger frontal air bag inflators containing phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSPI-2) propellant that were used as interim remedy parts for previous Takata recalls. These inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.

    Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

    Remedy: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until this remedy is performed. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger front air bag, free of charge. The recall began March 11, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

See all 17 recalls for the 2011 BMW X5 →

2011 BMW X5 fuel economy and fuel cost

City
15 MPG
Highway
21.5 MPG
Combined
17.5 MPG
Annual fuel cost (EPA)
$4,650
15,000 mi/yr
Fuel
Premium
Current regular gas
$4.32/gal
national avg.

EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.

2011 compared with other X5 years

Complaint Index by model year (0 = fewest issues, 100 = most)0255075100’05’06’07’08’09’10’11’12’13’14’15’16’17’18’19’20’21’22’23’24’25
Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best
YearVerdictIndexComplaintsRecallsMPG
2009Avoid8015716 !18
2010Caution5514319 !17
2011Avoid8528717 !17.5
2012Avoid9029214 !17.5
2013Caution401627 !17.5

All BMW X5 years: best and worst →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2011 BMW X5 reliable?
Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2011 X5 ranks 4th worst among 21 model years, with a complaint index of 85 and 287 complaints, mostly tied to the engine.
What is the top problem area for the 2011 BMW X5?
Engine issues lead with 130 complaints, 45% of the total, including reports of overheating and fires, with a median failure mileage of 72,000.
Does the 2011 BMW X5 have a do-not-drive recall?
Yes. NHTSA lists 4 do-not-drive recalls for the 2011 X5, including two separate airbag campaigns.
How does the 2011 X5 compare to other years?
The 2011 X5's complaint index of 85 is higher than most other years; only 2012, 2024, and 2025 score worse, while 2016 through 2018 and 2023 rate Best.
What fuel economy does the 2011 BMW X5 get?
EPA rates the 2011 X5 at 17.5 mpg combined (15 city / 21.5 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $4,650.

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.