BMW X5 (2011) Power Train Recall: Risk of Crash from Failed Universal Joint
BMW is recalling 2011-2013 X5 and X6 models with potential front universal joint failure that could cause loss of traction and crash risk. Owners must have driveshaft replaced free of charge.
Use caution until it’s fixed
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.
What happened, in plain English
BMW is recalling certain 2011-2013 X5 and X6 models where water and debris can damage the front universal joint. If this joint fails, the vehicle may lose traction and increase crash risk. Read more at govinfonow.com/recall/1252294-bmw-x5-2011-power-train-recall-risk-of-crash-from.
Source Summary by GovInfoNow · govinfonow.com/recall/1252294-bmw-x5-2011-power-train-recall-risk-of-crash-from · Updated October 8, 2026 · Official notice: NHTSA #17V138000
Cite this page
“BMW X5 (2011) Power Train Recall: Risk of Crash from Failed Universal Joint.” GovInfoNow, updated October 8, 2026. https://govinfonow.com/recall/1252294-bmw-x5-2011-power-train-recall-risk-of-crash-from. Based on NHTSA recall #17V138000 (https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=17V138000).
Why it’s dangerous
Water and debris can enter the front driveshaft's universal joint, causing excessive wear. If the joint fails, the front wheels stop being driven, reducing traction. Continued driving with a broken joint may damage other components and increase crash risk.
Who’s affected
Owners of 2011-2013 BMW X5 xDrive35i, xDrive50i, M, xDrive35d, and 2011-2014 X6 xDrive35i, xDrive50i, M, and ActiveHybrid vehicles are affected. Drivers with vehicles in areas prone to water or debris may be at higher risk.
How to tell if you have this one
Check if your vehicle is a 2011-2013 X5 xDrive35i, xDrive50i, M, or xDrive35d model, or a 2011-2014 X6 xDrive35i, xDrive50i, M, or ActiveHybrid model. The recall began on April 18, 2017.
- Brand
BMW- Category
Vehicle
What to do — step by step
Contact BMW Customer Service
Call 1-800-525-7417 to schedule a free driveshaft replacement at a dealer.
Have Driveshaft Replaced
BMW dealers will replace the front driveshaft at no cost to fix the universal joint issue.
What NHTSA says to do
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.
How this recall unfolded
Recall timeline
2 dated steps over 2 months.
- NHTSA received the defect report
- Recall began
Dates from the agency record only; steps without a date are left out.
Questions people ask
How can I check if my vehicle is affected?
Check your vehicle's year and model against the list of affected vehicles provided in the recall notice.
Keep exploring
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 #17V138000 (February 3, 2017)
- Plain-language summary written by qwen3:4b on October 8, 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.