How many transmission complaints does NHTSA have for the 2011 BMW X5?

NHTSA lists 65 complaints in the Transmission & Powertrain area for the 2011 X5, which is 23% of the 287 total complaints filed for that model year.

Is there a transmission or driveshaft recall for the 2011 BMW X5?

Yes. Recall 17V138000 and recall 16V311000 both involve the front driveshaft, and BMW dealers replace the front driveshaft free of charge under each campaign.

At what mileage do 2011 X5 transmission problems typically show up?

NHTSA data shows a median mileage at failure of 72,000 miles for Transmission & Powertrain complaints on the 2011 X5.

Did the 2011 X5 transmission problems cause any crashes or injuries?

Among the Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2011 X5, NHTSA records 1 crash, 1 fire, and 1 injury.

Is the 2011 X5 worse than other years for transmission complaints?

The 2011 X5's 23% share of complaints tied to Transmission & Powertrain is higher than most years except 2013 (23%) and 2022 (35%), based on NHTSA's year-by-year breakdown.

2011 BMW X5 Transmission & Powertrain Problems

NHTSA lists 65 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2011 BMW X5, 23% of that year's 287 total complaints. Two related recalls (17V138000 and 16V311000) cover front driveshaft replacement, and median mileage at failure is 72,000.

Transmission & Powertrain complaints: 65; 23% of 287
Crashes reported: 1
Fires reported: 1
Injuries reported: 1
Median mileage: 72,000 mi
Related recalls: 2

Typical transmission symptoms owners report

Front driveshaft u-joint fails while driving, sometimes producing a loud crunching or popping noise and a sudden loss of drive torque to the front axle.
Transmission malfunction warning appears and the vehicle cannot be shifted into gear, requiring dealer replacement of the mechatronic unit.
Flywheel bolts reported as incorrect, allowing the flywheel to loosen and produce a loud noise while driving.
Warning lights for 'power reduced' or 'engine malfunction' appear, followed by the engine stopping while the vehicle is moving at low speed.
Driveshaft detaches on the highway after u-joint failure, which owners describe as a known and dangerous issue.

When 2011 BMW X5 transmission complaints were filed

First complaint Aug 15, 2011, latest Jan 24, 2024.

65 complaints filed with NHTSA from Aug 2011 to Jan 2024; peak May 2017 (6).

Transmission & Powertrain recalls for the 2011 BMW X5

NHTSA 17V138000Mar 2, 2017Transmission & Powertrain121,909 vehicles
Power train:driveline:driveshaft
BMW of North America, LLC, (BMW) is recalling certain 2011-2013 X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive50i, X5 M and X5 xDrive35d vehicles, 2011-2014 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6M vehicles, and 2011 x6 ActiveHybrid Vehicles. Water and debris may enter the front driveshaft's universal joint, causing excessive wear and possibly resulting in the joint's failure.
Risk: If the front universal joint fails, the front wheels would not be driven, affecting vehicle traction. Additionally, continued driving of the vehicle with a broken front universal joint may damage other components. Either condition may increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front driveshaft, free of charge. The recall began on April 18, 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
NHTSA 16V311000May 17, 2016Transmission & Powertrain21,493 vehicles
Power train:driveline:driveshaft
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2011 X5 xDrive 35i, xDrive50i, X5 M, X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i, and X6 M vehicles manufactured April 5, 2010, to November 20, 2010, 2011 X5 xDrive35d diesel vehicles manufactured April 7, 2010, to November 20, 2010, and 2011 X6 Active Hybrid vehicles manufactured April 15, 2010, to November 17, 2010. The affected vehicles have a front driveshaft universal joint that may not seal out water and debris from getting in and damaging the joint, which could lead to its failure.
Risk: If the front universal joint fails, the front wheels would not be driven, affecting vehicle traction. Additionally, continued driving of the vehicle with a broken front universal joint may damage other components. Either condition may increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front driveshaft, free of charge. The recall began on July 8, 2016. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Transmission & Powertrain complaints by X5 model year

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

20108 (6%)
201165 (23%)
201262 (21%)
201337 (23%)
201412 (12%)
201514 (9%)
201613 (18%)
201710 (14%)
201810 (14%)
201918 (10%)
202017 (15%)
202128 (26%)
202224 (35%)
20237 (22%)
202416 (11%)
20257 (11%)

Frequently asked questions

How many transmission complaints does NHTSA have for the 2011 BMW X5?: NHTSA lists 65 complaints in the Transmission & Powertrain area for the 2011 X5, which is 23% of the 287 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a transmission or driveshaft recall for the 2011 BMW X5?: Yes. Recall 17V138000 and recall 16V311000 both involve the front driveshaft, and BMW dealers replace the front driveshaft free of charge under each campaign.
At what mileage do 2011 X5 transmission problems typically show up?: NHTSA data shows a median mileage at failure of 72,000 miles for Transmission & Powertrain complaints on the 2011 X5.
Did the 2011 X5 transmission problems cause any crashes or injuries?: Among the Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2011 X5, NHTSA records 1 crash, 1 fire, and 1 injury.
Is the 2011 X5 worse than other years for transmission complaints?: The 2011 X5's 23% share of complaints tied to Transmission & Powertrain is higher than most years except 2013 (23%) and 2022 (35%), based on NHTSA's year-by-year breakdown.