Recall 13V339 affects 1,540 2009-2010 BMW X5 diesel vehicles for a fuel filter heater that can overheat. Repair is free at any franchised BMW dealer.
BMW is recalling 1,540 2009-2010 X5 diesel vehicles because the fuel filter heater can stay on after the ignition is off. That can drain the battery, overheat the unit, and result in a vehicle fire; the BMW dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The fuel filter heater on the 2009-2010 BMW X5 xDrive35d is part of the diesel fuel system. Its job is to warm diesel fuel during operation in low outside temperatures, so fuel can move through the filter instead of thickening in the cold. When it works correctly, the heater turns on only when the system needs that extra warmth.
In affected SUVs, the heater can experience an electrical overload and stay permanently activated. That means power keeps flowing to the heater when it should shut off. The problem is electrical, not normal fuel-filter wear, and the affected part is the diesel fuel pre-heater circuit.
There is no warning sign before failure. Owners should not expect a dashboard light, sound, smell, or drivability change before the heater fault occurs.
Who's affected?
Covers the 2009 and 2010 X5 model years tied to the same diesel fuel pre-heater component.
| 2009 BMW X5 | fuel system |
|---|---|
| 2010 BMW X5 | fuel system |
| Units affected | 1,540 |
The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific SUV is included.
What's the safety risk?
The fuel filter heater can stay on after the ignition is off, draining the battery. If the unit overheats, a vehicle fire is the stated risk. No warning sign is specified for this recall, so schedule the repair soon. Repair will be free at any franchised BMW dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2009-2010 BMW X5 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised BMW dealer to schedule the free fuel-filter-heater replacement, which addresses the heater staying active after shutdown and overheating.
- Bring the recall notice if BMW mailed one. If not, reference recall number 13V339 when you call.
- Ask BMW customer relations at 1-800-525-7417 about next steps if the vehicle has a dead battery or electrical issue before the repair.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a BMW technician replaces the fuel filter heater, the part that warms diesel fuel during low temperature operation. Parts and labor are covered by the recall once the repair is available for your VIN. Call the BMW dealer with your VIN and ask whether the fuel filter heater recall repair is open. The dealer service desk can confirm the part, appointment timing, and any vehicle intake instructions.
Timeline
| August 7, 2013 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| September 26, 2013 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 13V339?
Recall 13V339 covers 1,540 2009-2010 BMW X5 diesel vehicles with a fuel filter heater that can stay activated after the ignition is off. That defect can drain the battery and overheat the unit, creating a vehicle fire risk. BMW dealers replace the fuel filter heater for free.
What should I do if my 2009-2010 BMW X5 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific X5 is included in recall 13V339. If it is, contact a franchised BMW dealer and ask for the free fuel filter heater replacement. Reference recall number 13V339 when you call the service desk.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and BMW's remedy says dealers replace the fuel filter heater free of charge. Parts and labor are covered at any franchised BMW dealer.
What is the safety risk in recall 13V339?
The safety risk is battery drain and fire. The fuel filter heater can remain active with the ignition off, which can leave the vehicle with a dead battery. The same heater can overheat, creating a vehicle fire risk.
What if I bought my BMW X5 used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your exact X5 is included, then call a franchised BMW dealer with recall number 13V339.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/13V339000 |
|---|---|
| BMW customer service | 1-800-525-7417 |
| NHTSA recall # | 13V339 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 13V339000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (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 →