The brake vacuum pump has leaked a small amount of lubricating oil into the hose. This contamination resulted in a loss of power assist braking. The loss of power assist in braking has increased stopping distance and lead to a near vehicle crash. No indicator lights were present. Repair: Replacement of the brake vacuum line with one that contains a check valve, eliminating the possibility that oil will reach the brake booster; as well as the brake booster and brake master cylinder will also be replaced.
2006 BMW X5 brakes problems
29 complaints (17% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 95,000. 3 crashes reported.
- owner complaints
- 29
- of this car's complaints
- 17%
- typical mileage
- 95,000
- crashes
- 3
- recalls
- 0
Which part fails
- Foundation components: disc: rotor1
- Foundation components: disc: pads1
- Drum1
At what mileage
Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.
BMW X5 brakes problems in other years
Specific symptoms reported on the 2006 BMW X5 brakes
Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.
Related recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
What 2006 BMW X5 owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 bmw x5. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed however, the vehicle failed to respond properly. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to richmond bmw (8710 w broad st, richmond, va 23294) to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the brakes needed to be replaced. The brake master cylinder and the brake booster were replaced. The contact related the failure to the federal safety agency campaign number: 10v446000 (service brakes, hydraulic) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 214,000.
The brakes pedal becomes hard and is unable to stop vehicle. This occur while the vehicle is moving. In addition the brake pedal is hard while stationary as well
Sudden loss of brake function and leaking brake fluid during normal weather ad road operations. After doing research there is a large group of similar year make and model with this same issue.
Brake booster failed while stopped without any warning lights
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 bmw x5. While driving 65 MPH, the brakes failed without warning. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the brake booster, cylinder, and vacuum failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The VIN was not included in the federal safety agency campaign number: 10v446000 (service brakes). In addition, the brake pads were replaced a year ago. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was included in the VIN and that it would be an out of pocket expense. The failure mileage was unknown.
2006 x5 VIN [xxx] while in motion on a city street and hwy! 1. Brake booster / vacuum line failure same as recalled 2007-2010 issue. Why is my 2006 x5 bmw not covered when there is clearly a systemic failure of this same system? I seek immediate relief and demand upon you a recall for my specific bmw now today. [xxx] call me! 2. Alternator failure x5 acted possessed with all lights going on and off before shutting the car down on a freeway while at max legal speed. Alternator is placed low on the left side where oil leaks into it causing a failure mode. The same oil leaks cause other rubber components to swell up crack and fail such as boots and rubber bushings on arms. Where is the recall?? 2006 where is it?? 3. Brake light system failure back r/h and changing light bulbs didn't bring it to working condition. Bmw used a screw driver to make it work again after the airbag and alternator repair they did..I paid for the alternator but it should have been a recall item! Now my brake lights don't work back r/h side. 5. 1 head light out 6. Engine leaks oil on the side onto my x5 rubber components and I already had to pay for a new boot and arm! Other rubber items are all bad and getting worse! Where is the recall? Why are these safety items not being recalled by your governmental organization? Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).
The issue is specifically with the braking system. The car developed a sudden dangerous loss of braking power. One moment the brakes were working correctly and the next they were not. Bmw has 2 recalls for this issue but for unknown reasons my car is not included in either recall. The recall campaigns are 10v‑446 & 13v‑045. The description of the problem is the following: "this recall involves the power assist braking function. A small amount of oil could leak from the brake vacuum pump into the brake vacuum hose. Over time, contamination of the brake booster could occur. This could affect the power assist braking function. In certain cases, loss of power brake assist could occur. If this happened, it would require greater brake pedal force, increase the stopping distance, and increase the risk of a crash. " my car has the exact issue as described in the recalls. There is no warning light to indicate there are any issues with the brakes. I called bmw na and described the issue to them and they told me to take it to my local bmw dealership to have the issue diagnosed. The local dealership determined my car had the issue as detailed in both bmw recalls. As instructed by bmw I reported this back to them and after several weeks they followed up with me (2/10/15 to be exact) only to tell me they will not fix the issue as part of the recall and thus I would have to pay for it out of my own pocket. This decision was made despite the fact that my car meets nearly all parameters of the recalls (my exact model is not listed as part of the recall but the model of braking system and engine matches the recall details). This is a serious safety issue and one that I do not believe bmw should be overlooking or denying coverage for. This brake issue affects more than just the cars listed in the two bmw recalls.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 bmw x5. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 MPH, the brakes upon engaging for a brief moment. After coming to a stop, the contact was able to resume driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who informed that the power assist was faulty. The brake booster, vacuum pump and power assist would need to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 143,000.
Brake warning light came on, went to my repairman who added brake fluid and said to watch for brake fluid spots on garage floor. Found spots coming from area behind front wheel on drivers side. Took it back for check and it was determined that line had rotted through. Hard to understand this was in enclosed protected area.
Questions about the 2006 BMW X5 brakes
Does the 2006 BMW X5 have brakes problems?
Owners have filed 29 complaints about the brakes of the 2006 BMW X5, 17% of all its complaints.
At what mileage do 2006 BMW X5 brakes problems start?
The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 95,000 miles.
Was there a recall on the 2006 BMW X5 brakes?
There is no recall for this problem on this model year.
What year does the BMW X5 have bad brakes?
The BMW X5 model years with the most brakes complaints are 2024 (90 complaints), 2025 (30 complaints) and 2006 (29 complaints).
Other 2006 BMW X5 problems
Airbags 83Seats 25Electrical 20Engine 14Seat belts 8Transmission 7Body 5Fuel system 5Lights 4Acceleration 3Steering 2Visibility 2Suspension 1
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