Recall 17V138 affects 121,909 2011-2014 BMW X5 and X6 vehicles for front driveshaft universal joint failure. Repair is free at any franchised BMW dealer.
BMW is recalling 121,909 2011-2014 X5 and X6 vehicles under recall 17V138 because water and debris can enter the front driveshaft universal joint and wear it until the joint fails. If the joint fails, front-wheel drive is lost, traction is affected, and continued driving can damage other components; BMW dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The front driveshaft on these 2011-2014 BMW X5, X6, and X6 Activehybrid Sac vehicles is part of the driveline that sends engine power to the front wheels. A universal joint in that shaft lets the shaft move as the suspension and drivetrain change angle. The joint depends on its seal to keep water and road debris out of the moving parts.
In this recall, the universal joint seal was manufactured out of specification at the contact face. That leaves the joint less protected from water, dirt, and corrosion. As debris gets inside, the joint wears faster than designed. Continued wear can make the joint fail, damage nearby driveline parts, and leave the vehicle inoperative.
The warning sign is noise from the front drivetrain area. As the wear gets worse, that noise increases and vibration appears, so a growing front drivetrain noise or vibration needs dealer attention.
Who's affected?
Spans the X5, X6, and X6 Activehybrid Sac across the 2011-2014 model years, all tied to the driveline.
| 2011 BMW X5 | driveline |
|---|---|
| 2011 BMW X6 | driveline |
| 2012 BMW X5 | driveline |
| 2012 BMW X6 | driveline |
| 2014 BMW X6 | driveline |
| 2013 BMW X6 | driveline |
| 2013 BMW X5 | driveline |
| 2011 BMW X6 Activehybrid Sac | driveline |
| Units affected | 121,909 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
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?
A failed front universal joint means the front wheels are no longer driven, which reduces traction. Continued driving after the joint breaks also damages nearby drivetrain parts, and either condition increases crash risk. Noise from the front drivetrain, followed by stronger vibration, is the warning sign. Schedule the repair soon. Repair is free at any franchised BMW dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2011-2014 BMW X5, X6, or X6 Activehybrid Sac is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised BMW dealer to schedule the free front driveshaft replacement that fixes the universal-joint wear problem.
- Bring the recall notice if BMW mailed one. If not, reference recall number 17V138 when you call.
- Avoid continued driving if the front driveline fails or traction changes, because a broken joint can damage other components.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a BMW technician replaces the front driveshaft covered by the recall. The new driveshaft and labor are free of charge. This repair addresses wear in the front driveshaft's universal joint after water and debris enter the joint. If you paid out of pocket for a related front driveshaft repair before the owner notice, BMW's general reimbursement plan covers documented expenses. Bring invoices or repair paperwork to the service desk and ask how to submit the claim.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| March 2, 2017 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| March 3, 2017 | Dealer notification began |
| April 18, 2017 | Owner notification mailed |
| April 24, 2017 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| April 24, 2017 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 17V138?
Recall 17V138 covers 121,909 2011-2014 BMW X5, X6, and X6 Activehybrid Sac vehicles with front driveshaft universal joints that can take in water and debris, wear excessively, and fail. BMW dealers replace the front driveshaft for free.
What should I do if my 2011-2014 BMW X5, X6, or X6 Activehybrid Sac is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific BMW is included in recall 17V138. If it is, contact a franchised BMW dealer to schedule the front driveshaft replacement. Reference recall number 17V138000 or BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 when you need help scheduling.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and BMW dealers replace the front driveshaft free of charge. The recall repair opened after BMW began owner notification on April 18, 2017.
What is the safety risk?
A failed front universal joint stops power from driving the front wheels, reducing traction. Continued driving with a broken front universal joint can damage other components. Either condition increases crash risk, so confirm your VIN and schedule the free front driveshaft replacement if included.
What if I bought my BMW X5 or X6 used?
The free repair still applies. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to honor safety recalls regardless of ownership history. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific BMW is included, then call a franchised BMW dealer with recall number 17V138000.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/17V138000 |
|---|---|
| BMW customer service | 1-800-525-7417 |
| NHTSA recall # | 17V138 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 17V138000 |
Source documents
-
Download Misc. Document (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 25, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →