2009 BMW X5: sudden loss of power

Filed May 13, 2023 · Transmission · NV

My vehicles serpentine belt broke twice and my A.C. belt broke once due to the tensioner pulley bolt loosening over time. I lost power steering and power of the over all vehicle. I was driving at 60 miles per hour, there has been a recall on this part for this exact same model but BMW is saying it is vin specific. This is very unsafe.

Filed Feb 9, 2018 · Fuel system · 96,000 miles · GA

In heavy traffic, the vehicle lost power unexpectedly. The fuel injector malfunctioned. This was due to water leaking to this area as it is not properly protected.

Filed Jan 31, 2018 · Electrical, Engine · 125,000 miles · MN

Vehicle is subject to recall 12v550000 due to idler pulley bolt which can break, causing accessory drive bet to dislodge and loss of power steering, alternator, etc. This vehicle's idler pulley and bolt were replaced as part of the recall 2.5 years and 35,000 miles ago, but experienced the exact same failure, again, last month. Bmw USA and the local dealer were contacted, both refused to fix the issue, stating that the repair is only valid for two years. The new idler pulley bolt that was installed sheared off at its mounting point, just as the original bolt that was subject to recall did. It is clear that the replacement bolt is subject to the same failure as the original - worse, as this failure occurred in under 3 years and 40,000 miles, it appears that the "fix" is worse and more dangerous than the originally recalled part. In my vehicle, the pulley bolt snapped while the vehicle was being driven on a city street, causing a "bang" noise and the complete loss of power steering.

Filed Jul 26, 2017 · Transmission · 121,000 miles · CA

I was driving on the freeway and suddenly I felt a power loss. Shortly after I realized I had no power steering. Immediately, I pulled over and looked under the hood and saw the drive belt tensioner pulley was broken and was out of place.

Filed Sep 19, 2016 · Airbags, Electrical · 72,000 miles · CA

Sudden failure of water pump at 72k miles without warning while driving at 35 MPH. Vehicle lost power steering, became impossible to drive. Pulled over. Bmw said well known issue but bmw not willing to provide any assistance. Very dangerous defect. Takata air bag recall - listed on bmws website as available but bmw service center said still not available. Want to sell the car but cannot because buyers are aware of the recall and do not wish to purchase the vehicle. Bmw also refuses to purchase the vehicle as a trade in. Will owners be compensated? Rear air springs failed at 72k miles. Bmw said known issue but not willing to provide any assistance.

Filed May 19, 2013 · Transmission · 640,000 miles · MA · crash

I was driving on the 95 south, between exit 28 to 39( willmington area, ma) yesterday ( 5/18/13) about 6:30pm. I was on fast lane, driving about 70 MPH, suddenly the car lost power, the dashboard warning sign showing power output down. The speed of car suddenly dropped, I had to pull over to breakdown lane, but the cars behind me could not stop quick enough, it collided with my back bumper, luckily no personal injury, and the car only got slight scratch. Thanks to the cars behind me slowed down in time. It was so scare for me, never had such thing as loss of power before on highway. There must be something wrong with the bmw electronic design. To avoid other accidents, please investigate this thoroughly. It could cause fatal results if happens to someone else. Thanks.