2012 BMW X5 power train problems
53 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the power train on the 2012 BMW X5 — 20% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“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…”
filed Feb 14, 2025
“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…”
filed Jun 3, 2024
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Related recalls
- Water and debris may enter the front driveshaft's universal joint, causing excessive wear…Campaign 17V138000 · Mar 2, 2017
- Power TrainCampaign 12V019000 · Jan 23, 2012
Power Train problems in other X5 years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 X5 | 4 | 18% |
| 2025 X5 | 7 | 11% |
| 2024 X5 | 16 | 11% |
| 2023 X5 | 7 | 23% |
| 2022 X5 | 23 | 34% |
| 2021 X5 | 26 | 25% |
| 2020 X5 | 17 | 15% |
| 2019 X5 | 18 | 10% |
| 2018 X5 | 10 | 14% |
| 2017 X5 | 9 | 12% |
| 2016 X5 | 13 | 18% |
| 2015 X5 | 14 | 9% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2012 BMW X5
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.