2013 BMW X5 transmission problems

Filed Jun 26, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · CT

My vehicle has suffered catastrophic electrical failure due to water intrusion directly into the rear cargo compartment. This water ingress has destroyed vital electronic control modules that were designed and placed in low-lying, unsealed body cavities—an engineering layout heavily documented as a design vulnerability in the E70 chassis. My safety was put at risk as this happened on the highway and threw my SUV into limp mode. I could not drive the speed limit on the highway and had to drive home with my hazard lights on while cars drove around me and almost collided with me on the highway. BMW has previously acknowledged the severe liabilities of placing sensitive electronics near drainage paths, as seen in the Catalano v. BMW of North America litigation. This is not a wear-and-tear issue; it is a design failure that leaves critical safety components swimming in water during normal rain events.

Filed Sep 3, 2024 · Engine, Transmission · NY · fire

After driving for an hour I noticed smoke coming from under the hood of the car, I opened the hood to and noticed the smoke coming from under the plastic cover which covers the turbo and catalytic converter In That area. After removing the cover I saw a bright flame coming from under the hood.

Filed Mar 27, 2024 · Engine, Transmission · 85,000 miles · CA

The contact owns a 2013 BMW X5. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was sluggish. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic for routine maintenance and to address the vehicle driving sluggish. The mechanic diagnosed the vehicle and stated that the valve-tronic camshaft needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. There was an existing for similar vehicles; however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the federal safety agency Hotline. The approximate failure mileage was 85,000.

Filed Mar 11, 2024 · Transmission · SC

While driving locally at a 20-25 mph speed my vehicle shuttered violently and a huge thunk was heard which sounded as if the engine had dropped out. I immediately pulled over to the side of the road and inspected the vehicle underneath and under hood but nothing was detected by me. Thankfully I was on a local street with grass side and not highway driving at greater speed and without location to safely park. No warning lights had flashed prior, and no warning lights came on when I restarted vehicle. I limped the vehicle a short distance to a auto repair shop for diagnosis. It was reported to me the front drive shaft had broken out and fallen down into the skid plate. It was given to me and I still have the shaft which is broken at the front fork with one fork missing. I had the 2013 BMW X5 taken to the local BMW dealer and was told this vehicle is not covered by the federal safety agency Recall 17V138000 for this model BMW due to my VIN being excluded. The vehicle is 12 years old but has only 114,000 miles. I cannot understand how such a major safety component failure for a maker and model can exclude certain VIN vehicles and that major safety component actuall fail in that excluded vehicle. At this point BMW is denying any responsibility for this issue. I feel as if I could have been killed, and possibly killed others, if this had happened in a higher speed and higher traffic situation.

Filed Mar 5, 2024 · Transmission · NY

Driving at approximately 60 mph, suddenly - a lot of vibration and an incredibly loud bang. We were able to continue driving. On investigation, confirmed that there had been a catastrophic failure of the front drive-shaft. On further investigation, this is a known issue with this make & model and there was a recall [XXX]: Replace Front Driveshaft in 2017. This recall literature describes everything in the document as to what actually happened. I called BMW of Westchester where I purchased car on [XXX] and left message, they did not return my call/message. I then proceed to call BMW USA (1‑800‑831‑1117) on [XXX] and as to how come car had not been called and concern with potential gap in their system. They explained that this recall only applied to cars produced on April-22, 2013 and my car had been produced on [XXX]. Apparently, they changed the front driveshaft part. However - as you can see, this seems to be too much of a coincidence. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Jan 6, 2023 · Transmission · 160,000 miles · NC

The contact owns a 2013 BMW X5. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the front drive shaft failed to operate as designed, rendering the vehicle undrivable. The contact stated that during the failure, the driveshaft detached, and caused damage to the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, and the front drive shaft and hydraulic steering lines were replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and the contact was informed that the VIN was not included in the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 17V138000 (Power Train). The failure mileage was 160,000.

Filed Feb 19, 2022 · Engine, Transmission · AL

Car was purchased in July of 2017. Extended warranty was purchased. Dealership says they do not have that in their records. A letter was sent to our address regarding extended coverage, but had another person's name on it. Regardless, the engine developed excessive oil leaks, and led to complete engine failure. Dealer says it would be several thousand dollars to look at it. Research indicates that this model vehicle had excessive oil leaks, but we were not apprised of this, or any of the recalls when purchased. Also, the seals were not holding oil. Dealer sold the car without disclosing of any of these defects. Further, I believe there may have been a recall on the engine, but BMW tells us that this engine is not in the recall. Additional research conforms that this is a standard practice for BMW. I can be reached any time at [XXX], or [XXX]. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

Filed Feb 14, 2022 · Engine, Transmission · CO

The Drive Shaft was replaced as part of a recall in 2017 and the damage from that drive shaft has caused an issue in the transfer case resulting in humming and other periodic noises and vibrations. The dealer asked for $5300 to replace the Transfer Case and I have stopped driving it as it could lead to an accident. Mechanics have said this is VERY COMMON in those cars with this recall. I have reached out to BMW USA who said to reach out to you as they will not honor the repair unless a BMW certified mechanic states that it is related OR the federal safety agency agrees it is a safety issue. The car has 65000 miles on it.

Filed Nov 26, 2021 · Transmission · CO

Rod bearings, got rod knock. When is bmw going to fix this? This is my second N55 engine to dies from this problem, first one being my 3 series. They should be held accountable for this problem.

Filed Apr 27, 2020 · Transmission · 101,971 miles · NM

Tl* the contacts wife owns a 2013 bmw x5. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 MPH, a loud clunking noise was heard coming from the vehicle. The contact pulled over the side of the road and discovered oil was emerging from under the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, they determined that the front drive shaft bolts failed and the oil tank was punctured. The vehicle was not repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 101,971.