My husband and I brought our 2010 X5 (VIN ), mileage: to BMW of El Cajon on 09/29/2025 for a recall service. Before the recall repaire, the vehicale was in normal working condition: -No check engine lights or warning indicators -No unusual noises -Fully drivable on a daily basis After the recall was completed, the dealership informed me that: -multiple check engine/warning lights appeared -The vehicle developed a very loud/high pitch noise -They do not recommend driving the vehicle in its currently condition. They did not warn us about his initial, they did after informed them we do not feel safe driving the car in this condition. The dealership explained this happened because they had open a valve to perform the recall, which they claim disturbed "sludge". They are now refusing to correct the problem unless we pay out of pocket. The issue did not exist before the recall and occurred only as a direct result of the recall repair. The recall left my car unsafe and undriveable, and I am being told to pay for a problem that only arose due to a federally mandated recall work. The recall resulted in a vehicle that is no longer safe to drive, with multiple warning lights and severe engine noise. The dealers refusal to fix this without charing me undermines the purpose of a recall, which is to ensure safety at no cost to the owner. I ask the federal safety agency to investigate this matter and ensure BMW and its dealerships perform recall repairs properly, at no cost to consumers, and do not return vehicles in unsafe conditions.
2010 BMW X5 electrical problems
23 complaints (19% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 48,000.
- owner complaints
- 23
- of this car's complaints
- 19%
- typical mileage
- 48,000
- crashes
- 0
- recalls
- 0
Which part fails
- 12v/24v/48v battery1
At what mileage
Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.
BMW X5 electrical problems in other years
Specific symptoms reported on the 2010 BMW X5 electrical
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 2010 BMW X5 owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
The contact owns a 2010 BMW X5. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, her nephew attempted to start the vehicle, and the vehicle failed to start. The contact stated there was an abnormal odor coming from the vehicle. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact replaced the battery; however, the vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to Firestone, where it was diagnosed that the starter and fuel pump had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 116,546.
Been having issues with the car for over a month, changed water pump thermostat fuel pump, but it still would crank, got another diagnostic and now I have an engine leak, and FRM ) a serious electrical problem, I feel like some of these things should have been done before the dealer sold the car, I’m asking for help, with getting my car fixed or replaced
Electric fuel going on.
Sunroof drains - front and back overflow and drone down the pillars into the front and rear electronic boxes. A KNOW PROBLEM for this BMW. I want BMW to repair and fix this problem. Water damaged control boxes are thousands of dollars. This problem should be a recall! BMW was sued in 2018 and settled the case. I am unable to file a claim for this now. I recently moved from Southern CA to New Orleans LA. There is a lot mor torrential rain here. Never had a problem in Southern CA.
Headlight wiring loom insulation on both passenger and driver sides degrading heavily to the point of disintegration on touch. My driver side headlights have stopped working despite best attempts at isolating wires. I have received multiple headlight(low/DRL) warnings and errors because of this issue. It has been verified by countless independent mechanics and hobbyists on this generation of car with no aftermarket or OE solutions. I have since almost collided with objects in the road while driving at night due to this faulty manufacturing. I also fear for an electrical fire which is bound to happen due to exposed wiring. This has been happening for a few months with no improvement and further degradation. I have not had it inspected by BMW.
My valve cover and crankcase are manufactured bad the crankcase it's cracked and licking, which it damage my valve covers, my car was driving good all of the sudden it doesn't drive smooth
I drove my bmw x5 to work was there from 1045 am to around 730pm drove to the store about a mile away then drove to the gas station put gas in, then drive to a near by outside mall. Went in for about 15 mins came out my windows were completely "fogged" open the door and smoke came rolling out. Open all the doors to locate the fire open the back and flames came shooting out from under the back panel. I open it and tried to put out the fire with some near by clothes. A bystander ran into the store to get a fire extinguisher and put out the fire. The fire department was called. Took pictures and said it was the battery that started on fire.
Engine electric recall for electric water pump. Car was brought into service at tulley bmw in nashua for issue with water pump. Service advisor said " only need to replace a few bolts " I feel the car has only 46,000 and is overheating to excess showing temperature gage. Had vehical towed over 100 miles to local service station - failed electric water pump - " recall issue " dealer failed to service. Engine is overheating - dealer wants to charge $ 1,500.00 to repair
The engine belt idler pulley bolt broke causing a sudden loss of power steering when the serpentine belt came off the alternator and power steering pump. This is the same problem associated with recall 12v550000 a few years ago. The dealer said the vehicle was fixed under the recall but it was before I owned it so I don't know for sure. I believe the recall should be reinstated. The vehicle was moving on a residential street at less than 25 MPH and my mom was driving. If she had been going any faster she would have crashed.
Questions about the 2010 BMW X5 electrical
Does the 2010 BMW X5 have electrical problems?
Owners have filed 23 complaints about the electrical of the 2010 BMW X5, 19% of all its complaints.
At what mileage do 2010 BMW X5 electrical problems start?
The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 48,000 miles.
Was there a recall on the 2010 BMW X5 electrical?
There is no recall for this problem on this model year.
What year does the BMW X5 have the most electrical problems?
The BMW X5 model years with the most electrical complaints are 2019 (72 complaints), 2020 (39 complaints) and 2021 (39 complaints).
Other 2010 BMW X5 problems
Engine 52Airbags 35Fuel system 29Steering 8Transmission 6Seat belts 4Body 3Brakes 3Visibility 3Acceleration 2Lights 2Seats 2Driver assistance 1Tires 1
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