BMW X5 (2011) recall — Engine And Engine Cooling
BMW recalls 2009-2013 X5 xDrive 35d diesel vehicles with potential idler pulley bolt failure causing loss of steering power and crash risk. Owners must contact BMW for free replacement.
Use caution until it’s fixed
If the idler pulley bolt breaks, the vehicle may unexpectedly lose power-assisted steering, increasing the risk of a crash.
Contact the company & request your remedy
What happened, in plain English
BMW is recalling certain 2009-2013 X5 xDrive 35d diesel vehicles because the engine idler pulley bolt can loosen and break over time. This may cause loss of power-assisted steering, increasing crash risk. Affected owners should contact BMW for free replacement. Read more at govinfonow.com/recall/1252292-bmw-x5-2011-recall-broken-engine-bolt-risk-of-crash.
Source Summary by GovInfoNow · govinfonow.com/recall/1252292-bmw-x5-2011-recall-broken-engine-bolt-risk-of-crash · Updated October 7, 2026 · Official notice: NHTSA #18V336000
Cite this page
“BMW X5 (2011) Recall: Broken Engine Bolt Risk of Crash.” GovInfoNow, updated October 7, 2026. https://govinfonow.com/recall/1252292-bmw-x5-2011-recall-broken-engine-bolt-risk-of-crash. Based on NHTSA recall #18V336000 (https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=18V336000).
Why it’s dangerous
The idler pulley bolt can loosen and break over time, causing loss of power-assisted steering. Without steering assistance, drivers may lose control of the vehicle, increasing crash risk.
Who’s affected
Owners of 2009-2013 BMW X5 xDrive 35d diesel vehicles are affected. Drivers with this specific model are most at risk due to potential steering failure.
How to tell if you have this one
Check if your vehicle is a 2009-2013 BMW X5 xDrive 35d diesel model. The recall began March 11, 2019, and affects vehicles sold in the US.
- Brand
BMW- Category
Vehicle
What to do — step by step
Contact BMW
Reach out to BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 to schedule a free replacement of the idler pulley bolt.
What NHTSA says to do
BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the idler pulley bolt with an improved part, free of charge. The recall began March 11, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Questions people ask
Why is this recall happening?
The engine idler pulley bolt may loosen and break over time, causing loss of power-assisted steering and increasing crash risk.
How can I check if my vehicle is affected?
Check if your vehicle is a 2009-2013 BMW X5 xDrive 35d diesel model. The recall began March 11, 2019.
What should I do if I own this vehicle?
Contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 to schedule a free replacement of the idler pulley bolt.
Contact BMW
We’ve drafted a message you can send BMW to request your refund or repair — edit it as you like.
Subject: Recall 18V336000 — BMW BMW Hello, I own a BMW that is covered by recall 18V336000 from BMW. The official recall notice states: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the idler pulley bolt with an improved part, free of charge. The recall began March 11, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. I’m writing to arrange the remedy described in the recall (a refund, repair, or replacement as applicable). Could you please tell me the next steps to resolve this? Thank you.
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Where this comes from
The facts (hazard, remedy, dates, manufacturer) are pulled from the official NHTSA recall record. The plain-language summary and step-by-step checklist are written by GovInfoNow to make the official notice easier to act on — they don’t replace it.
- Official source: NHTSA Recall #18V336000 (May 23, 2018)
- Plain-language summary written by qwen3:4b on October 7, 2026, from the official record above. Not reviewed by a person — if it conflicts with the NHTSA notice, the notice is correct. Report an error on this page.
- GovInfoNow is an independent service and is not a government agency. We republish official NHTSA recall data; we don’t issue, amend or administer recalls.