TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 BMW X5. WHILE DRIVING, THE CONTACT SMELLED SOMETHING BURNING FROM THE AIR CONDITIONING VENTS AND SMOKE BEGAN TO FILL THE VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED PRIOR TO THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE OCCURRED NUMEROUS TIMES, WHICH RESULTED IN A CRASH. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V…
2009 BMW X5 powertrain problems
severe 9 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500
Complaints
9
Recalls
0
Crashes
2
Avg fix
$2,500
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
I OWN A 2009 BMW X5 DIESEL. BMW HAS RECOGNIZED AN ISSUE WITH A SENSOR IN THE SELECTIVE CATALYTIC REDUCTION (SCR) ACTIVE TANK. THE TANK STORES DIESEL FLUID. DIESEL FLUID IS ADDED INTO DIESEL TO REDUCE THE AMOUNT OF EMISSIONS THAT IS RELEASED FROM THE VEHICLE. BMW EXTENDED THE WARRANTY FOR THIS PART BUT IT IS UNKNOWN HOW THEY DETERMINE THE AMOUNT OF THIS EXTENSION. MY VEHICLE IS OVER THE EXTENDED WA…
Common questions
How serious is the powertrain problem on the 2009 BMW X5?
It's a meaningful issue. 9 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $2,500.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Mileage data is limited for this issue. Owners report failures across a wide range, suggesting cause is more about driving conditions and maintenance than mileage alone.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $2,500 for powertrain repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Other problem areas on this vehicle
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities.
Repair cost estimates are independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area.
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