2012 BMW X5 Transmission & Powertrain Problems
NHTSA lists 62 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2012 BMW X5, 21% of its 292 total complaints, with a median failure mileage of 69,000 miles. Two related recalls (17V138000 and 12V019000) address driveshaft and transmission parking-lock issues.
- Transmission & Powertrain complaints
- 62
- 21% of 292
- Crashes reported
- 1
- Fires reported
- 1
- Injuries reported
- 1
- Median mileage
- 69,000 mi
- Related recalls
- 2
Typical transmission symptoms owners report
- Front driveshaft or universal joint fails and separates, sometimes producing a banging noise, smoke, and loss of drive.
- Transfer case wears out and causes steering wheel vibration during low-speed turns.
- Engine loses power and stalls suddenly during acceleration, showing an 'engine malfunction, reduced power' warning.
- Vehicle hesitates or lags noticeably when accelerating from a rolling stop.
- Abnormal clanking noise near the engine occurs when the accelerator is pressed, sometimes followed by stalling that requires a restart.
When 2012 BMW X5 transmission complaints were filed
First complaint Sep 14, 2012, latest Feb 14, 2025.
Transmission & Powertrain recalls for the 2012 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 12V019000Jan 23, 2012Transmission & Powertrain6 vehicles
Power train:automatic transmission
Bmw is recalling certain model year 2012 x5 xdrive 35i sports activity vehicles, manufactured from december 19, 2011, through december 21, 2011. Due to a manufacturing error, engagement of the transmissionâs parking lock may not occur even if the âpâ position has been selected and is displayed.
Risk: If the driver believes that the transmission is in park and does not use the parking brake, the vehicle could roll away after exiting the vehicle increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
Remedy: Bmw will notify owners, and dealers will replace the automatic transmission free of charge. The safety recall began on february 2, 2012. Owners may contact bmw customer relations and services 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.
Frequently asked questions
- How common are transmission and powertrain problems in the 2012 BMW X5?
- NHTSA has 62 complaints in this category for the 2012 X5, which is 21% of all 292 complaints filed for that model year.
- Is there a recall for the 2012 BMW X5 transmission?
- Yes. Recall 12V019000 covers a manufacturing error that could prevent the transmission's parking lock from engaging, and recall 17V138000 covers front driveshaft replacement.
- At what mileage do these transmission and powertrain problems usually show up?
- NHTSA data shows a median failure mileage of 69,000 miles for complaints in this category.
- Did the transmission and powertrain problems cause any crashes or fires?
- NHTSA records show 1 crash, 1 fire, and 1 injury among the complaints filed in this category for the 2012 X5.