2009 BMW X5: fire, smoke or burning smell

Filed Mar 3, 2025 · Engine · 230,000 miles · AL

The contact owns a 2009 BMW X5. The contact stated that after pulling into a parking space there was white smoke coming from underneath the hood of the vehicle and the engine started overheating. The contact added coolant immediately. There were no warning lights illuminated. The failure had occurred twice. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic who diagnosed that the water pump, thermostat, and heater hoses had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that the coolant had leaked out and the engine started overheating. The contact added more coolant to the coolant reservoir; however, the failure recurred 20 miles later. After parking the vehicle, the contact became aware that oil was leaking underneath the vehicle. The vehicle had not been returned to the mechanic. The vehicle had not been taken to the dealer. The manufacturer was informed of the failure however, the VIN was not included in a recall. The manufacturer referred the contact to the federal safety agency Hotline to file a complaint. The failure mileage was 230,000.

Filed Jan 12, 2023 · Electrical, Engine · AZ

My engine is being effected by the recall. There is smoke and a burning smell coming from my engine. The Recall was issued March 2 2002 and today is January 11, 2022. My truck is driving worse daily and I can not get it inspected because it will not read my system.

Filed Aug 7, 2022 · Electrical · AL · fire

While parked in my driveway, the car by it self caught fire and melted the entire fusebox, major wire harness, entire right rear panel was burnt and melted, rear headliner, and rear light housing. When I opened the door there was a huge black cloud of smoke inside.

Filed Aug 31, 2019 · Steering · 104,000 miles · NY

After sitting idle in the car for 5 minutes I decided to drive off, the steering wheel started to lock and a burning smell came from the AC, after turning off the AC the steering wheel worked normal but when turning it back on the smell came and the steering wheel locked.

Filed Apr 10, 2018 · Fuel system · 132,000 miles · CA · fire

My car caught fire while driving under my passenger backseat where the fuel pump is located up under. The fire department came, snatched out seat and put the flame out.

Filed Mar 1, 2018 · Seats · MN

The heated seats in my 2009 bmw x5 got so hot that it burned a hole through my leather seat and my clothing. There is a burning smell when I turn it on. I'm unable to use it now.

Filed Dec 28, 2017 · Engine, Transmission · 160,000 miles · GA · crash · fire

Tl* the contact owns a 2009 bmw x5. While driving, the contact smelled something burning from the air conditioning vents and smoke began to fill the vehicle. There were no warning indicators illuminated prior to the failure. The failure occurred numerous times, which resulted in a crash. A police report was filed. There were no injuries. The contact received a notice for the federal safety agency campaign number: 17v683000 (engine and engine cooling). The vehicle was taken to the dealer (bmw of south atlanta, 4171 jonesboro rd, union city, ga 30291 (770) 969-0755). The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed that parts were not available. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The VIN was unknown. The failure mileage was 160,000. Vin tool confirms parts not available.

Filed Sep 16, 2015 · Fuel system · 77,000 miles · PA

The power cable going to the in-tank fuel pump burnt up, melting the pump housing and melting the insulation on the wires in the tank. When I took it to the dealer they said it was a known issue and that new firmware will fix the issue to reduce how much current the pump draws, they said there was no recall or warranty on this item. The vehicle could have caught on fire with wires getting hot enough to melt the insulation in the fuel tank! How could this not have been a recall?

Filed Feb 16, 2012 · Brakes · 47,300 miles · PA · fire

Tl* the contact owns a 2009 bmw x5. The contact stated that while driving approximately 5 MPH, a vehicle pulled up and advised him that the vehicle was on fire. He managed to pull to the side of the road and saw that the rear driver's side was on fire. The fire was able to be extinguished using snow and water. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer where they advised him that the caliper was hanging and caused a brake failure, which ultimately LED to the fire. The vehicle was repaired for the calipers, rotors, brake pads, shocks, axle and brake lines. The manufacturer was contacted and they offered no assistance. The failure and the current mileages were approximately 47,300. The VIN was unavailable.