2009–2012 BMW X5 Sav Recall: Engine belt idler pulley bolt could loosen and break over time
NHTSA campaign 12V550000 · Engine and Engine Cooling · filed Nov 27, 2012 · verified Jul 30, 2026
The defect
BMW is recalling certain model year 2009-2012 X5 xDrive 35d SAV diesel vehicles manufactured September 1, 2008, through November 15, 2012. The engine belt idler pulley bolt could loosen and break over time.
The risk
If the engine belt idler pulley bolt breaks, the vehicle may unexpectedly lose power-assisted steering, increasing the risk of a crash.
Check whether your specific vehicle is affected
Recall campaigns often cover only certain VIN ranges. Enter your VIN on the official NHTSA site to confirm whether your vehicle is included and whether the repair is still open.
Check VIN on NHTSA →The fix — what to do
BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace and tighten the idler pulley bolt. The recall began on January 15, 2013. Owners may call BMW at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at [email protected].
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
Affected vehicles
Related recalls
More BMW X5 Sav recalls
- 2008–2013 BMW 128I and 5 other models — Heater for the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve…
- 2000–2003 BMW 525I and 3 other models — This recall affects certain vehicles where the original…
- 2008–2013 BMW 1 Series M and 12 other models — Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive…
- 2010–2011 BMW 128I and 11 other models — In the affected vehicles, the bolts that secure the housing…
- 2007–2010 BMW X5 Sav — Brake vacuum pump may leak a small amount of lubricating…
Other campaigns involving BMW vehicles
Source: NHTSA recall database, campaign 12V550000. Data last verified Jul 30, 2026.