2011 BMW 5 Series, 2010–2011 BMW 5-Series Gran Turismo, 2009–2011 BMW 7-Series and 2 other models Recall: Engine and Engine Cooling
NHTSA campaign 11V521000 · Engine and Engine Cooling · filed Oct 20, 2011 · verified Jul 30, 2026
The defect
BMW IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 5-SERIES, MODEL YEAR 2010-2011 5-SERIES GRAN TURISMO, MODEL YEAR 2009-2011 7-SERIES, MODEL YEAR 2010-2011 X5 SAV, AND MODEL YEAR 2008-2011 X6 SAV VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 8- OR 12-CYLINDER, TURBOCHARGED, ENGINES BECAUSE THE CIRCUIT BOARD FOR THE ELECTRIC AUXILIARY WATER PUMP CAN OVERHEAT.
The risk
THIS COULD LEAD TO A SMOLDERING OF THE PUMP OR AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT OR VEHICLE FIRE.
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 →The fix — what to do
BMW WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE AUXILIARY WATER PUMP FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 19, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW CUSTOMER RELATIONS AND SERVICES AT 1-800-525-7417.
THIS RECALL WAS EXPANDED TO INCLUDE ADDITIONAL VEHICLES IN APRIL 2012.SEE RECALL NO. 12V161.OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO <A HREF=HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV>HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV</A> .
Affected vehicles
Related recalls
More BMW 5 Series recalls
- 2023 BMW 3 Series and 9 other models — Weld seam of the integrated transmission control unit's…
- 2010–2012 BMW 1 Series and 5 other models — Aluminum bolts that secure the housing for the variable…
- 2008–2013 BMW 128I and 5 other models — Heater for the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve…
- 2011 BMW 5 Series and 5 other models — Engine and Engine Cooling
- 2004–2010 BMW 5 Series and 3 other models — Electrical System
Other campaigns involving BMW vehicles
Source: NHTSA recall database, campaign 11V521000. Data last verified Jul 30, 2026.