2012 BMW X5 Power Train Problems
Owners have filed 53 complaints with NHTSA about power train problems on the 2012 BMW X5, 20% of all complaints for this model year. Half of the reports with a mileage happened before 69,000 miles. The words owners use most often: “transfer case” (26% of reports).
- 53power train complaints
- 69,000median miles at failure
- 1mention a crash
- 1mention an injury
- 2related recalls
- $6,600typical repair cost reported by owners
- 31%of reports with a speed happened at 50+ mph
What owners describe
Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.
- Transfer case: mentioned in 14 of 53 complaints (26%)
- Engine malfunction: mentioned in 6 of 53 complaints (11%)
How much does it cost to fix?
Owners who wrote down what they paid or were quoted put the typical power train repair on the 2012 BMW X5 at $6,600, and half of them between $6,500 and $9,250.
Based on 7 NHTSA complaints about this problem alone that state a repair bill or quote (2015–2019), converted to 2026 dollars with the U.S. consumer price index. These are owners' own figures, not a quote: they include dealer quotes, and owners who file complaints often faced larger repairs, so they can run higher than typical shop prices. Prices vary by shop, region and warranty coverage. How we calculate this.
At what mileage do power train problems happen?
Based on 37 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 53 complaints, 1 mention a crash, 1 a fire, 1 an injury.
BMW X5 power train complaints by model year
| Model year | Power Train complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 X5 | 4 | 15% | — |
| 2025 X5 | 7 | 11% | — |
| 2024 X5 | 16 | 11% | — |
| 2023 X5 | 8 | 24% | 50,900 |
| 2022 X5 | 25 | 35% | 24,000 |
| 2021 X5 | 30 | 28% | 11,000 |
| 2020 X5 | 17 | 15% | 70,000 |
| 2019 X5 | 19 | 10% | 432 |
| 2018 X5 | 10 | 14% | 11,000 |
| 2017 X5 | 10 | 13% | 13,000 |
| 2016 X5 | 13 | 18% | 92,000 |
| 2015 X5 | 14 | 9% | 66,000 |
| 2014 X5 | 12 | 12% | 65,233 |
| 2013 X5 | 36 | 24% | 67,000 |
| 2012 X5 | 53 | 20% | 69,000 |
| 2011 X5 | 58 | 22% | 69,187 |
| 2010 X5 | 6 | 5% | 38,500 |
| 2009 X5 | 10 | 7% | 93,000 |
| 2008 X5 | 16 | 7% | 30,065 |
| 2007 X5 | 2 | 3% | 111,100 |
| 2006 X5 | 7 | 4% | 74,000 |
| 2005 X5 | 9 | 11% | 56,000 |
| 2004 X5 | 11 | 17% | 56,580 |
| 2003 X5 | 16 | 16% | 103,840 |
| 2002 X5 | 6 | 6% | 85,000 |
| 2001 X5 | 15 | 9% | 95,500 |
| 2000 X5 | 7 | 24% | 67,000 |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (2)
Power train:driveline:driveshaft
Problem: 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.
Fix: 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.
Power train:automatic transmission
Problem: 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 transmissionâs parking lock may not occur even if the âpâ 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.
Fix: 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.
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
While driving on highway at 70 MPH, front AWD driveshaft failed and caused massive damage to engine and underside of car is destroyed. The flailing driveshaft punched a hole in engine and oil pan, causing all engine oil to spray on hot exhaust and the tires while driving. Luckily was able to slow…
A recall on the prop shaft was done in 2017 and today 06/24 while driving on the freeway I heard a loud clunking noise and then a huge pop and I pulled over on the side of the road to find my prop shaft had exploded and messed up everything. Now im stuck with a nonfunctional car because a part that…
The contact owns a 2012 BMW X5. The contact stated that upon coming to a complete stop, he heard an abnormal sound coming from the engine compartment before the vehicle lost motive power. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who determined that the driveshaft…
Frequently asked questions
Do all 2012 BMW X5s have power train problems?
No. NHTSA has 53 owner complaints about power train for the 2012 BMW X5 (20% of the 271 complaints for this model year). Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.
Was there a recall on the 2012 BMW X5 power train?
Yes: 2 safety recalls list power train. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.
At what mileage do power train problems start?
The median reported mileage is 69,000 miles: half of the reports with a mileage came before that.
How much does it cost to fix power train problems on the 2012 BMW X5?
Owners report a typical cost of $6,600 (half paid between $6,500 and $9,250), from 7 complaints that state a repair bill or quote, in 2026 dollars.
What do owners say about power train problems on the 2012 BMW X5?
The most frequent phrase is “transfer case”, in 14 of 53 complaints, followed by “engine malfunction” (6).
Other 2012 BMW X5 problems
- Engine problems (92)
- Air Bags problems (83)
See all 2012 BMW X5 problems or power train problems across all X5 years.