Recall 11V441 affects 2,120 2009 BMW X5 SUVs because the diesel fuel filter heater can stay on and overheat. Free repair at franchised BMW dealers.
BMW is recalling 2,120 2009 X5 xDrive35d SUVs because the diesel fuel filter heater can overload and stay activated after the ignition is off. The defect can drain the battery and overheat the unit, raising fire risk; the BMW dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The fuel filter heater on the 2009 BMW X5 diesel is an electric heating element built into the diesel fuel filter area. Its normal job is to warm diesel fuel while the vehicle is running in low outside temperatures, so fuel keeps moving through the filter instead of thickening in the cold. It is meant to turn on only when that warming function is needed.
In affected X5 vehicles, the heater can enter an electrical overload condition. Once that happens, the heater stays permanently activated instead of cycling off as designed. That leaves an electrical component powered when the system is not calling for heat, which is the defect BMW identified in recall 11V441.
There is no warning sign before failure. An owner is not given a dashboard message or a clear change in how the diesel fuel system feels before the heater becomes stuck on.
Who's affected?
| 2009 BMW X5 | fuel system |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 2,120 |
Not every 2009 BMW X5 is on the list. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific SUV is included.
What's the safety risk?
A fuel filter heater that stays on after the ignition is off can drain the battery. If the unit overheats, the safety risk is a vehicle fire. Treat a dead battery or suspected overheating as a reason to call the dealer before driving again. Repair will be free at any franchised BMW dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2009 BMW X5 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised BMW dealer to confirm repair availability for your VIN.
- Schedule the free fuel-filter-heater replacement that fixes the heater staying on after shutdown and overheating.
- Bring the recall notice if BMW mailed one. If not, reference recall number 11V441 when you call.
- Call BMW customer relations and services at 1-800-525-7417 with questions about the recall or dealer scheduling.
What happens at the repair
If your VIN is included and the repair is still open on your vehicle, a BMW technician replaces the fuel filter heater free of charge. The part warms diesel fuel during low-temperature operation. For campaign 11V441, the dealer removes the covered heater and installs the replacement part at no charge. Contact a BMW dealer with your VIN so the service desk can confirm the open recall and order the correct heater before your appointment.
Timeline
| August 19, 2011 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| October 11, 2011 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 11V441?
Recall 11V441 covers 2,120 2009 BMW X5 xDrive35d vehicles with a diesel fuel filter heater that can stay activated after the ignition is off. That can drain the battery or overheat the unit, creating a vehicle fire risk. BMW dealers replace the fuel filter heater for free.
What should I do if my 2009 BMW X5 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific X5 is included in recall 11V441. If it is, contact a franchised BMW dealer to schedule the fuel filter heater replacement. Reference recall number 11V441 when you call. The dealer repair is free.
Does the recall repair cost anything?
No. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to complete recall repairs at no cost, and BMW's remedy says dealers will replace the fuel filter heater free of charge. Call a franchised BMW dealer and reference recall 11V441 when scheduling.
What is the safety risk in recall 11V441?
The safety risk is battery drain and vehicle fire. The diesel fuel filter heater can remain energized after the ignition is turned off. If the unit overheats, it can create a fire risk. BMW's free repair replaces the fuel filter heater.
What if I bought my BMW X5 used?
The free repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific 2009 BMW X5 is included, then contact a franchised BMW dealer and reference recall 11V441 when scheduling.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/11V441000 |
|---|---|
| BMW customer service | 1-800-525-7417 |
| NHTSA recall # | 11V441 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 11V441000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Defect / Noncompliance Notice (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on June 2, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →