Recall 12V550 affects 29,800 2009-2012 BMW X5 Sav vehicles for an idler-pulley bolt that can break. Repair is free at any franchised BMW dealer.
BMW is recalling 29,800 2009-2012 X5 Sav diesel vehicles because the engine belt idler pulley bolt can loosen and break over time. If the bolt breaks, the vehicle can unexpectedly lose power-assisted steering and raise the risk of a crash; the BMW dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The engine belt idler pulley on 2009-2012 BMW X5 Sav diesel vehicles is a small wheel that guides the engine drive belt. That belt keeps tension as it moves around engine accessories, including the hydraulic power steering system. The pulley bolt holds the wheel in the correct position so the belt tracks straight while the engine is running.
On affected X5 Sav vehicles, the idler pulley bolt can loosen as the engine runs and vibration loads the belt system. Once the bolt loosens, the pulley no longer holds steady. The bolt can then break, which lets the pulley move out of place and takes support away from the belt and the components it drives.
BMW did not identify a warning sign for owners before this failure. There is no warning sign before failure, so an included VIN needs the recall repair even if the vehicle feels normal.
Who's affected?
The listed components are the diesel engine and hydraulic power steering system across the 2009-2012 X5 Sav.
| 2011 BMW X5 Sav | Diesel |
|---|---|
| 2011 BMW X5 Sav | power steering system |
| 2012 BMW X5 Sav | Diesel |
| 2012 BMW X5 Sav | power steering system |
| 2010 BMW X5 Sav | Diesel |
| 2009 BMW X5 Sav | power steering system |
| 2010 BMW X5 Sav | power steering system |
| 2009 BMW X5 Sav | Diesel |
| Units affected | 29,800 |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific SUV is included.
What's the safety risk?
If the engine belt idler pulley bolt breaks, the vehicle can unexpectedly lose power-assisted steering, making it harder to steer and increasing crash risk. If steering assist drops, slow down carefully and contact a BMW dealer for recall service. Repair will be free at any franchised BMW dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2009-2012 BMW X5 Sav is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised BMW dealer to schedule the free idler-pulley-bolt replacement and tightening that fixes the loose bolt tied to loss of power-assisted steering.
- Bring the recall notice if BMW mailed one. If not, reference recall number 12V550 when you call.
- Ask BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 if the dealer needs help locating the recall.
- Drive cautiously until the repair is complete, and get service promptly if the steering assist feels heavy or changes suddenly.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a BMW technician replaces the engine belt idler pulley bolt and tightens the new bolt. That work addresses the bolt that can loosen or break over time on the idler pulley. The dealer repair will be free once available, with parts and labor covered under the recall. BMW notified owners after the recall began. When the repair opens, the service desk can confirm whether your X5 Sav is included and write the recall campaign on the repair order.
Timeline
| November 27, 2012 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| January 15, 2013 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 12V550?
Recall 12V550 covers 29,800 2009-2012 BMW X5 Sav diesel vehicles with an engine belt idler pulley bolt that can loosen and break over time. If it breaks, the vehicle can lose power-assisted steering. BMW dealers replace and tighten the bolt.
What should I do if my 2009-2012 BMW X5 Sav is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 12V550. If it is, contact a franchised BMW dealer to schedule the idler pulley bolt repair. Reference recall number 12V550 when you call. The dealer repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. BMW's remedy is for dealers to replace and tighten the idler pulley bolt, and the recall repair is handled free of charge at a franchised BMW dealer.
Is it safe to drive my BMW X5 Sav before the repair?
Use caution until your VIN is checked and the repair is complete. This recall does not include a do-not-drive order, but the defect can lead to a loss of power-assisted steering and raise crash risk. Ask the BMW dealer what to do if steering assist changes.
What if I bought my BMW X5 Sav used?
The free recall repair still applies. Federal recall law follows the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific BMW X5 Sav is included, then contact a franchised BMW dealer and reference recall number 12V550.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/12V550000 |
|---|---|
| BMW customer service | 1-800-525-7417 |
| NHTSA recall # | 12V550 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 12V550000 |
Source documents
-
Download Misc. Document (PDF) - Download Recall Investigation 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 →