Description of Safety Concern: I am writing to formally submit a vehicle safety complaint regarding the xDrive transfer case on my 2021 BMW X5. While driving, the vehicle exhibits noticeable hesitation, shuddering, and jerking during acceleration at lower speeds and when executing tight turns. This erratic power delivery creates a potential safety hazard, particularly when accelerating into traffic, merging onto highways, or pulling out from intersections, as the momentary loss of predictable drivetrain response increases the risk of a collision. Despite internal technical bulletins from the manufacturer (SI B27 02 20) acknowledging shuddering caused by transfer case clutch breakdown, no official safety recall has been issued. I request that the federal safety agency open an investigation into these xDrive transfer case failures to evaluate the safety risks posed by drivetrain hesitation and potential sudden power loss. Thank you for your attention to this safety issue.
BMW X5 hesitation problems
40 of the 3,181 owner complaints about the BMW X5 describe hesitation when accelerating, most of them for the 2008 model year.
- owner complaints
- 40
- worst model year
- 2008
- typical repair cost reported
- $1,300
- typical mileage
- 67,000
By model year
Often reported together
Check engine light 5Stalling 4Jerking 4Shudder 3Slipping 2Loss of power 2Fuel pump 2Engine failure 2
What owners say
The contact owns a 2022 BMW X5. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start immediately or hesitated while starting. The messages "Goodbye" and "Pre-ventilation" were displayed. The contact attempted to start the vehicle several times before the vehicle was able to start. The contact related the failure to the starter. The manufacturer was notified of the failure by phone. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000.
The contact owns a 2022 BMW X5. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle hesitated while starting. The vehicle was jump-started. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the starter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 43,709.
I bought this car and started to have issues after a couple weeks. Because it is a hybrid model, it works perfectly fine when the car is running on the battery. Immediately the engine began to work, I get hesitation and the car drives rough. I took it to the first dealership that said there was water in the engine but they were proved wrong because what they show as water was apparently fuel that did not burn the right way in the cylinder. The dealership came with another excuse that the filter had traces of water which makes them to believe something was wrong. I took the car to another bmw dealership as I did not trust their diagnosis. The other bmw dealership performed some work on the car but then came to the conclusion that their hands were tied because of what the previous dealership reported to bmw north america. I called bmw north america and they told me to go back to the dealership after I had no success at the dealership. I believe this is a lemon case and also constitute a safety hazard because I nearly had an accident because the car switch from running on battery to combustion and immediately on the highway. The speed slows abruptly and car began to drive rough. I would appreciate any traction this can get from the board to resolve this with the manufacturer
engine hesitates on startup and doesn't turnover. plenty of power, battery is fine. other models have been recalled, but for some reason, this model is not included. please extend this recall to include more models as the problem exists in other 2020 models not on the current recall list.
Car started hesitating to start then messaged popped up on screen saying my system was overheating I had to pay for a new starter.
I purchased a used BMW from a local dealership, unaware that the vehicle had unresolved safety and mechanical issues. Over time, I began experiencing repeated problems including: •Power loss and hesitation while driving •Malfunctioning engine and drivetrain components •Electrical system glitches including dashboard warnings that would disappear before I could document them The car has been in and out of shops for diagnostics, and no lasting fix has been found. These defects have created safety concerns for me and my children, as I transport them daily. The vehicle feels unsafe to operate. I believe I may have been sold a lemon and am now pursuing legal remedies, including this formal safety complaint to report the issue.
My 2025 BMW X5e was repaired under recall 24V‑104 for the integrated brake system. Before this recall, the vehicle did NOT have any braking hesitation or drag issues. After the recall repair was done (replacement and reprogramming), the vehicle now shows hesitation to move forward after releasing the brake pedal from a complete stop, as if the brakes are still dragging. This creates a safety concern when merging into traffic or driving in stop‑and‑go conditions. The dealer is unable or unwilling to resolve the issue. I am requesting the federal safety agency to investigate this recall fix as it may have introduced a new defect.
The contact owns a 2019 BMW X5. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the vehicle hesitated to start immediately. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who determined that the starter motor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 24V576000 (Electrical System, Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the federal safety agency Hotline. The failure mileage was unknown.
The contact owns a 2006 BMW X5. The contact stated that while depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle hesitated to increase in speed. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic who suggested that the failure was possibly related to a power train failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was aware of the failure and confirmed the VIN was not included in the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 05V504000 (Power Train). The manufacturer referred the contact to the federal safety agency Hotline to file a safety complaint. The failure mileage was 274,000.
Related recalls
Power train: automatic transmission: control module (TCM/PCM/tecm)
- What is wrong
- BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2023 Toyota GR Supra, 3 Series Sedan (330i xDrive, M340i xDrive, M3), 5 Series Sedan (530i, 530i xDrive, M5), 4 Series Gran Coupe (430i, 430i xDrive), 4 Series Coupe (430i, 430i xDrive, M440i xDrive), 4 Series Convertible (430i, 430i xDrive, M440i xDrive), 8 Series Coupe (840i, M850i xDrive, M8), 8 Series Convertible (840i, M850i xDrive, M8), 8 Series Gran Coupe (850i xDrive, M8), X3 SAV (X3 xDrive30i, X3M), X4 SAV (X4 xDrive30i), X5 SAV (X5 xDrive40i, X5 M50i, X5M), X6 SAV (X6 xDrive40i, X6 M50i, X6M), and Z4 sDrive30i, Z4 M40i vehicles. The weld seam of the integrated transmission control unit's cover may not have been manufactured properly, which could allow automatic transmission oil to leak into the transmission control unit.
- Risk
- Transmission oil that leaks into the control unit can lead to a seizure of the transmission gears, causing a sudden loss of drive power and increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the transmission mechatronics module and the automatic transmission fluid, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 26, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1‑800‑525‑7417.
Recall number 23V821000 · Recall details
Power train: driveline: driveshaft
- What is wrong
- BMW of North America, LLC, (BMW) is recalling certain 2011-2013 X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive50i, X5 M and X5 xDrive35d vehicles, 2011-2014 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6M vehicles, and 2011 x6 ActiveHybrid Vehicles. Water and debris may enter the front driveshaft's universal joint, causing excessive wear and possibly resulting in the joint's failure.
- Risk
- If the front universal joint fails, the front wheels would not be driven, affecting vehicle traction. Additionally, continued driving of the vehicle with a broken front universal joint may damage other components. Either condition may increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front driveshaft, free of charge. The recall began on April 18, 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1‑800‑525‑7417.
Recall number 17V138000 · Recall details
Power train: driveline: driveshaft
- What is wrong
- BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2011 X5 xDrive 35i, xDrive50i, X5 M, X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i, and X6 M vehicles manufactured April 5, 2010, to November 20, 2010, 2011 X5 xDrive35d diesel vehicles manufactured April 7, 2010, to November 20, 2010, and 2011 X6 Active Hybrid vehicles manufactured April 15, 2010, to November 17, 2010. The affected vehicles have a front driveshaft universal joint that may not seal out water and debris from getting in and damaging the joint, which could lead to its failure.
- Risk
- If the front universal joint fails, the front wheels would not be driven, affecting vehicle traction. Additionally, continued driving of the vehicle with a broken front universal joint may damage other components. Either condition may increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front driveshaft, free of charge. The recall began on July 8, 2016. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1‑800‑525‑7417.
Recall number 16V311000 · Recall details
Power train: automatic transmission
- What is wrong
- Bmw is recalling certain model year 2012 x5 xdrive 35i sports activity vehicles, manufactured from december 19, 2011, through december 21, 2011. Due to a manufacturing error, engagement of the transmissions parking lock may not occur even if the p position has been selected and is displayed.
- Risk
- If the driver believes that the transmission is in park and does not use the parking brake, the vehicle could roll away after exiting the vehicle increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
- Remedy
- Bmw will notify owners, and dealers will replace the automatic transmission free of charge. The safety recall began on february 2, 2012. Owners may contact bmw customer relations and services at 1‑800‑525‑7417.
Recall number 12V019000 · Recall details
Power train: automatic transmission
- What is wrong
- Certain passenger vehicles may have been built with an incorrectly manufactured automatic transmission parking pawl guide plate.
- Risk
- This could cause the parking lock system not to engage, after the transmission is placed in the park ("p") position. If the vehicle was parked on an incline, and the parking brake was not engaged, this could result in a vehicle rollaway condition.
- Remedy
- Dealers will repair and replace the automatic transmission guide plate free of charge. The recall began on november 30, 2005. Owners may contact bmw at 1‑800‑332‑4269.
Recall number 05V504000 · Recall details
Power train: clutch assembly: pedal/hand lever(motorcycle)
- What is wrong
- On certain passenger vehicles with 3.0 l engines and manual transmissions, if the vehicle is in first gear, and moving slowly, with the accelerator pedal held in a constant position of low engine speed and with the clutch pedal held in a partially depressed position, engine speed may increase.
- Risk
- The vehicle could accelerate unexpectedly, which could result in a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will reprogram the vehicle's digital engine management control unit. The recall began on september 8, 2004. Owners should contact bmw at 1‑800‑831‑1117.
Recall number 04V409000 · Recall details
Power train: automatic transmission: control module (TCM/PCM/tecm)
- What is wrong
- On certain passenger vehicles equipped with 8 and 12 cylinder engines, the digital engine management control (emc) units were not produced according to specifications.
- Risk
- As a result, engine stalling will occur after a short period of operation. The vehicle may not be able to restart. Also, a loss of power steering and, after repeated actuation of the brake pedal, a loss of brake power assist will occur. These conditions could result in a vehicle crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will install a new digital engine management control unit. The recall began on july 16, 2004. Owners should contact bmw at 1‑800‑831‑1117.
Recall number 04V344000 · Recall details
Power train: driveline: differential unit
- What is wrong
- On certain sport utility vehicles, the bolts that hold the front differential, the right output shaft housing flange at the engine, and the right-hand engine support may be insufficiently tightened.
- Risk
- With prolonged driving, these bolts could become loose, cause damage to the engine and transmission housings. The right output shaft could become disconnected, affecting the ability to control the vehicle, which could result in a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect and retighten the drivetrain fasteners. Owner notification began november 28, 2003. Owners should contact bmw at 1‑800‑831‑1117.
Recall number 03V475000 · Recall details
Power train: automatic transmission: park/neutral start interlock switch
- What is wrong
- Vehicle description: 4.4i sport utility vehicles. Over an extended period of time, abrasion particles could deposit on the electrical contacts within the switch, causing a disruption of the electric current through the contacts. If the disruption occurs when the vehicle is stationary with the transmission in the neutral or park positions, the transmission will switch automatically into the emergency program, which is displayed in the instrument cluster via a warning lamp and a message, "trans. Fail-safe prog." in this case, the vehicle can be driven in lower gears only with limited engine output.
- Risk
- If this problem occurs, the ability to maintain speed in traffic and/or accelerate could be greatly diminished, possibly leading to a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the transmission gear position indicator switch. Owner notification began august 14, 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 01V196000 · Recall details
Questions about the BMW X5 hesitation
Which BMW X5 years have hesitation when accelerating problems?
The model years with the most reports are 2008 (5 complaints), 2011 (5 complaints) and 2012 (4 complaints).
How much does it cost to fix hesitation when accelerating on the BMW X5?
Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $1,300 (median of 5 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.
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