2009 BMW X5 Sav problems & reliability
19 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2009 BMW X5 Sav, alongside 4 safety recall campaigns. Last verified Aug 7, 2026. Complaints are unverified reports submitted by owners to the federal Office of Defects Investigation.
Each complaint is counted once (by NHTSA case number), even when it names several vehicles.
Most reported problems
| Component | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel/propulsion System → | 10 | 53% |
| Air Bags | 7 | 37% |
| Engine | 3 | 16% |
| Service Brakes | 3 | 16% |
| Electrical System | 2 | 11% |
| Exterior Lighting | 2 | 11% |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 1 | 5% |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 1 | 5% |
| Wheels | 1 | 5% |
Component groups as classified by NHTSA. A complaint can name more than one component, so shares may sum to more than 100%.
Complaints by incident year
What owners report
“The contact owns a 2009 BMW X5. The contact stated that upon turning the heater on, there was a strong burning odor coming from the A/C vents. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the failure was diagnosed as a burning oil odor. The vehicle was taken to an independent…”
Engine and Engine Cooling · filed Mar 3, 2023
“Lost power while cruising at 60 m/hr. Other cars almost hit me when I was trying to move to the side for safety causing lots of traffic. Then went to the bmw dealer (patrict bmw) in schaumburg il for diagnostic and found out there was a problem in the fuel system electrically. The wiring harness were melted , blew…”
Electrical System · filed May 1, 2019
“2009 bmw x5 diesel passive tank failed. I told the dealer and called bmw customer care and told them this is emmisions related and they should have replaced it when they replaced the active tank a year ago. Bmw diesels will not pass smog due to defective designs of the active and passive tanks that contain def. The…”
Fuel/propulsion System · filed Apr 2, 2019
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Federal defect investigations
- Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
Engineering Analysis EA21002 · opened Sep 17, 2021 · open
- Idler Pulley Bolt Failure
Recall Query RQ18001 · opened Apr 18, 2018 · closed Dec 1, 2018 · led to recall 18V336000
Technical service bulletins
8 manufacturer communications (TSBs, service campaigns, warranty extensions) are on file with NHTSA for the 2009 BMW X5 Sav.
While performing a 12-Volt battery jump start, disconnect, or replacement, Vehicle test, and/or Programming procedure- the BMW Footwell Module (FRM) may become unresponsive. As a result, one or more of the following…
B611026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Apr 23, 2026
The basic conditions for initializing the power windows are not met.
B510819 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jan 16, 2024
The electrical system of BMW vehicles has been subject to an ongoing development process over the last few years. This has led to increased demands being placed on the battery. This document covers important information…
B611305 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jan 11, 2024
Discharged Battery Energy Diagnosis Must Be Performed: The electrical system of BMW vehicles has been subject to an ongoing development process over the last few years. This has led to increased demands being placed on…
B611305 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Oct 1, 2020
Bmw: warning lamps are illuminated for the dsc, abs and brake and a possible warning in control display for chassis control system failure. Models 2012 f25, 30, 01, 02, 07, 10, 12, 13, e70, 71, 84. *pe
SIB-34-06-12 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued May 1, 2013
Bmw: some vehicle engines may experience a delay in response to acceleration, after slowing down, due to an unfavorable software calibration. Models f10, 25, 07, e70, 71. No model years listed. *pe
SIB-24-03-13 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued May 1, 2013
Bmw: on some vehicles, the high pressure fuel injector, can lead to an internal failure due to incorrect operation and would need to be repaired and/or replaced. Models f01, 02, 04, 07, 10, 12, 13, e70, 71. No model…
SIB-13-07-12 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued May 1, 2013
Bmw: see document search button for owner letter. On certain model year 2008-2011 vehicles, a defect involving the electric auxiliary water pump can over heat or fail to cool engine and fire may occur in vehicle or…
RC-11V-521 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Dec 1, 2011
TSBs are repair guidance manufacturers send to dealers — they are not recalls and repairs are not automatically free. Full documents are available on NHTSA’s site.
Safety recalls
The 2009 BMW X5 Sav has 4 NHTSA recall campaigns — recall repairs are free at franchised dealers regardless of the vehicle’s age.
Check whether your specific vehicle is affected
Recall campaigns often cover only certain VIN ranges. Enter your VIN on the official NHTSA site to confirm whether your vehicle is included and whether the repair is still open.
Check VIN on NHTSA →Buying a used 2009 BMW X5 Sav?
- · Decode the seller’s VIN with our free VIN decoder to confirm the exact year, engine and trim.
- · Check for unrepaired recalls by VIN on NHTSA’s official lookup — recall repairs are free.