Engine oil pump failure. The housing for the oil pump is made out of plastic and know to fail due to the part turning brittle in the engine surrounded by oil and heat. The oil pump housing has cracked causing a failure at the pump housing. The results are catastrophic engine failure as well as not being able to read engine oil levels on bmw idrive system.
BMW X5 engine failure problems
97 of the 3,177 owner complaints about the BMW X5 describe engine failure, most of them for the 2012 model year.
- owner complaints
- 97
- worst model year
- 2012
- typical repair cost reported
- $7,500
- typical mileage
- 88,000
By model year
Often reported together
Stalling 21Loss of power 16Overheating 11Check engine light 9Steering lock-up 8Won't start 7Oil consumption 7Power steering loss 6
What owners say
The oil level reading is failing at 16% due to an oil pump malfunction. BMW has addressed this on all 2022+ b58 engine but all prior years have the plastic failing oil pump. The had to upgrade it because it cause catastrophic failure to the engine. It creates oil pressure with plastic parts and was upgraded to all metal in 2022. There should be a recall for this part since it can cause catastrophic engine failure at any point anywhere while driving at any speed, slow, fast, speed limit. Doesn’t matter the part can fail and injure or kill people
The contact owns a 2010 BMW X5. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled and was pulled over to the side of the road. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to be repaired under the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 23V707000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, after the recall repair was performed, the vehicle failed to start. The contact stated that the recall repair indicated that a diagnostic test was required to determine that an engine failure was a direct result of a fractured VANOS bolt. The contact stated that the dealer declined a diagnostic test or the repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 135,000.
It’s a common issue between 2019-2020 where the oil pump which came from factory has plastic impellers which crack/disintegrate causing catastrophic failure to the engine disabling the vehicle the only warning signs before this happens is you cant read oil level and or the car prompts with a warning low oil messages if untreated the car will have catastrophic engine failure with little to no warning the car was mass produced and this is a common issue therefore should be recalled
The contact owns a 2026 BMW X5. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, several warning lights illuminated, and the steering wheel seized. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with an incomplete software update. The contact was informed that the software update needed to be performed. The vehicle was repaired. The contact was dissatisfied with the failure and the diagnostic result. In addition, the contact stated that the system should have reverted to the original software. In addition, the contact stated that if the vehicle was in drive, the failure could have resulted in a serious situation. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 3,000.
The engine oil pump failed internally. The vehicle is equipped with a factory-installed variable-displacement oil pump that utilizes an internal thermoplastic adjusting ring. Due to heat cycles and mechanical stress, this plastic component degrades, becomes brittle, and catastrophically shatters or cracks.The first symptom appeared when the vehicle became entirely unable to complete an electronic engine oil level measurement via the iDrive system, consistently freezing and aborting the test at approximately 15% to 20%. This defect directly compromises road safety. A sudden drop in oil pressure causes severe internal engine friction, leading to immediate engine seizure or a total loss of motive power without adequate warning. Experiencing a sudden engine stall while driving at highway speeds places the driver, passengers, and surrounding motorists at extreme risk of a high-speed rear-end collision. Furthermore, a total engine shutdown disables power-assist steering and braking, making the vehicle incredibly difficult to control and maneuver to safety. Catastrophic mechanical failure from oil starvation also presents a severe under-hood fire hazard if oil leaks onto hot exhaust components.The problem has been officially reproduced and confirmed. The vehicle was brought to Bavarian Werkstatte, where certified technicians diagnosed the issue as an internal structural failure of the variable-displacement oil pump's plastic adjusting ring. The component is currently available for inspection upon request. BMW is fully aware of this defective design. They updated this exact component in mid-2020 to an all-metal oil pump to prevent plastic fragmentation. Despite knowing that the 2019 thermoplastic rings degrade, become brittle, and shatter under normal operating heat cycles, the manufacturer has failed to issue a safety recall in the United States, leaving drivers exposed to dangerous sudden engine failure.
I am reporting a safety concern involving a 2019 BMW X5 that experienced a sudden and catastrophic engine failure at approximately 75,000–80,000 miles. The failure occurred without any prior warning indicators, dashboard alerts, or fault codes. The vehicle lost engine function and required inspection by an authorized BMW dealership. The dealership documented internal engine damage, including metallic debris in the oil system, oil contamination, and bottom-end engine knocking. A full engine replacement was recommended. This raises safety concerns because: The failure occurred without warning Sudden engine failure could create hazardous driving conditions depending on speed and location There may be a broader pattern of similar failures BMW of North America has denied assistance and has not provided any explanation for the cause of the failure. I am submitting this complaint so the incident can be recorded and evaluated as part of any potential defect investigation.
Plastic oil pump cracking problem is apparently known to BMW, but they haven’t recalled these defective oil pumps leading to engine failure.
Safety Hazard: Oil Pump Failure Leading to Sudden Engine Stall (BMW B58TU engines) Description of Defect: The oil pump module in the 2020 BMW X5 (G05) contains internal plastic components that are prone to thermal degradation and premature failure. These plastic parts can crack or disintegrate, causing a sudden loss of oil pressure. Safety Risk: A failure of the oil pump leads to insufficient lubrication of critical engine components, which can result in a sudden and complete engine seizure while the vehicle is in motion. This causes an immediate loss of propulsion and power steering assist, significantly increasing the risk of a high-speed collision or being stranded in dangerous traffic conditions. Additional Note: This is a known mechanical defect where a critical engine component (oil pump) relies on non-durable plastic materials, creating an unreasonable safety risk for drivers and passengers due to potential catastrophic engine failure without prior warning.
Safety Hazard: Oil Pump Failure Leading to Sudden Engine Stall (BMW G05 X5) Description of Defect: The oil pump module in the 2020 BMW X5 (G05) contains internal plastic components that are prone to thermal degradation and premature failure. These plastic parts can crack or disintegrate, causing a sudden loss of oil pressure. Safety Risk: A failure of the oil pump leads to insufficient lubrication of critical engine components, which can result in a sudden and complete engine seizure while the vehicle is in motion. This causes an immediate loss of propulsion and power steering assist, significantly increasing the risk of a high-speed collision or being stranded in dangerous traffic conditions. Additional Note: This is a known mechanical defect where a critical engine component (oil pump) relies on non-durable plastic materials, creating an unreasonable safety risk for drivers and passengers due to potential catastrophic engine failure without prior warning.
Related recalls
Engine and engine cooling: engine: engine control module (ecu/ECM): software
- What is wrong
- BMW of North America, LLC is recalling certain 2019-2020 X5, X7, 2020 3 Series Sedan, X6, 2020-2021 7 Series Sedan, 2020 8 Series Convertible, 8 Series Coupe, and 2020 8 Series Gran Coupe vehicles. Please see the recall report for the complete list of models. In the event the starter motor fails, repeated attempts to start the vehicle can cause the starter motor to overheat from an electrical overload.
- Risk
- A starter motor that overheats can ignite nearby combustible material in the engine compartment, increasing the risk of a fire.
- Remedy
- Dealers will update the vehicle software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 27, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1‑800‑525‑7417.
Recall number 24V576000 · Recall details
Engine and engine cooling: engine
- What is wrong
- BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2010-2012 1 Series Coupe, 1 Series Convertible, 3 Series Sedan, 3 Series Convertible, 2010-2011 3 Series Sportswagon, 3 Series Coupe, 5 Series Sedan, X3 xDrive 28i, X3 xDrive 30i, X5 xDrive30i, and Z4 sDrive30i vehicles. The aluminum bolts that secure the housing for the variable camshaft timing adjustment (VANOS) unit can loosen over time and possibly break.
- Risk
- Loose or broken VANOS unit bolts can result in an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the four VANOS bolts, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk are expected to be mailed December 18, 2023. Owner notification letters were mailed June 19, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1‑800‑525‑7417.
Recall number 23V707000 · Recall details
Engine
- What is wrong
- BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020 750i xDrive, 2019 M850i xDrive Coupe, M850i xDrive Convertible, X5 xDrive50i, X7 xDrive50i, and M5 vehicles. The high pressure fuel pump may not have been properly attached to the engine, which may cause the fuel pump flange to crack, resulting in a fuel leak.
- Risk
- A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
- Remedy
- BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the high pressure fuel pumps, free of charge. The recall began August 27, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1‑800‑525‑7417.
Recall number 19V513000 · Recall details
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: emission control: gas recirculation valve (EGR valve)
- What is wrong
- BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2013-2018 BMW 328d and 328d xDrive, 2014-2018 328d Sports Wagon and 328d xDrive Sports Wagon, 2014-2016 535d and 535d xDrive, 2015 740Ld xDrive, 2015-2017 X3 xDrive28d SAV and 2014-2017 X5 xDrive35d SAV vehicles equipped with an Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) module with an integrated cooler. If the EGR cooler leaks internally, the coolant can mix with diesel engine soot. The high EGR temperatures may result in these particles possibly smoldering and melting the intake manifold.
- Risk
- The melting intake manifold can increase the risk of a fire.
- Remedy
- BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the EGR cooler as necessary. If a leak has already occurred, the engine intake manifold will also be replaced. These repairs will be made free of charge. The recall began May 13, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1‑800‑525‑7417.
Recall number 18V755000 · Recall details
Engine and engine cooling: engine
- What is wrong
- BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2009-2013 X5 xDrive 35d diesel vehicles. The engine idler pulley bolt may loosen over time and break.
- Risk
- If the idler pulley bolt breaks, the vehicle may unexpectedly lose power-assisted steering, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the idler pulley bolt with an improved part, free of charge. The recall began March 11, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1‑800‑525‑7417.
Recall number 18V336000 · Recall details
Engine and engine cooling: engine: gasoline: turbo/supercharger
- What is wrong
- BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2011-2012 BMW 550i, 550i xDrive, 550i Gran Turismo, 550i Gran Turismo xDrive, 750i, 750Li, 750i xDrive, 750Li xDrive, 760Li, X5 xDrive50i, X5 M, X6 xDrive50i, X6 M, ActiveHybrid7, MINI Cooper S Convertible, John Cooper Works (JCW) Convertible, Cooper S Countryman, Cooper S Countryman ALL4, Cooper S, JCW, Cooper S Clubman, JCW Clubman, Cooper S Roadster, JCW Roadster, Cooper S Coupe, JCW Coupe and Rolls-Royce Ghost, 2011 BMW X6 Hybrid and 2012 BMW 650i Coupe, 650i xDrive Coupe, 650i Convertible and 650i xDrive Convertible vehicles. The electric auxiliary water pump may fail and cause the circuit board to overheat.
- Risk
- If the circuit board were to overheat, it can increase the risk of a fire.
- Remedy
- BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the electric auxiliary water pump, free of charge. Depending on the model, there are currently limited parts available, however not all parts are available at this time. Owners will be notified of the recall beginning June 11, 2018, and will receive a second notification when remedy parts become available. Owners may contact BMW customer service at BMW 1‑800‑525‑7417, MINI at 1‑866‑825‑1525, or Rolls-Royce at 1‑877‑877‑3735. Note: BMW recommends that owners park their vehicle outdoors until the recall remedy has been performed.
Recall number 18V248000 · Recall details
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: emission control: crankcase (PCV)
- What is wrong
- BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2011 128i and 2007-2011 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 525i, 525xi, 528i, 528xi, 530i, 530xi, X3 3.0si, X3 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive30i, Z4 3.0i, Z4 3.0si and Z4 sDrive30i vehicles. The heater for the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve may short circuit.
- Risk
- An electrical short can cause the parts within the PCV valve to melt, increasing the risk of a fire, even when the vehicle is not in use.
- Remedy
- BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the PCV valve heater, free of charge. Interim letters were mailed on November 27, 2017. Owners will receive a second notification by the end of October 2018. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1‑800‑525‑7417.
Recall number 17V683000 · Recall details
Engine and engine cooling: engine: other fuel types: turbo/supercharger
- What is wrong
- Bmw is recalling certain model year 2011 5-series, model year 2010-2011 5-series gran turismo, model year 2009-2011 7-series, model year 2010-2011 x5 sav, and model year 2008-2011 x6 sav vehicles equipped with 8- or 12-cylinder, turbocharged, engines because the circuit board for the electric auxiliary water pump can overheat.
- Risk
- This could lead to a smoldering of the pump or an engine compartment or vehicle fire.
- Remedy
- Bmw will notify owners, and dealers will replace the auxiliary water pump free of charge. The safety recall began on december 19, 2011. Owners may contact bmw customer relations and services at 1‑800‑525‑7417.
Recall number 11V521000 · Recall details
Engine and engine cooling: cooling system: fan
- What is wrong
- On certain passenger vehicles, the engine auxiliary/cooling fan operation, including variable speed, is electronically controlled. Failure of the fan motor can cause the electrical circuitry of the fan control unit to overload and fail, causing the fan to stop operating.
- Risk
- If this were to occur, engine overheating and subsequent engine damage could result. In addition, it is possible for the failure of the electrical circuitry to cause a fire in the fan control unit located in the front of the engine compartment.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the fan. Owner notification began september 28, 2001. This is a supplement to a recall that began during september 2001 (see recall campaign 01v206). Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact bmw at 1‑800‑831‑1117.
Recall number 02V138000 · Recall details
Engine and engine cooling: cooling system: fan
- What is wrong
- Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The engine auxiliary/cooling fan operation, including variable speed, is electronically controlled. Failure of the fan motor can cause the electrical circuitry of the fan control unit to overload and fail, causing the fan to stop operating.
- Risk
- If this were to occur, engine overheating and subsequent engine damage could result. In addition, it is possible for the failure of the electrical circuitry to cause a fire in the fan control unit located in the front of the engine compartment.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the fan. Owner notification began september 28, 2001. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact bmw at 1‑800‑831‑1117.
Recall number 01V206000 · Recall details
Questions about the BMW X5 engine failure
Which BMW X5 years have engine failure problems?
The model years with the most reports are 2012 (16 complaints), 2011 (11 complaints) and 2019 (10 complaints).
How much does it cost to fix engine failure on the BMW X5?
Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $7,500 (median of 14 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.
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