Recall 18V336 affects 33,214 2009-2013 BMW X5 vehicles for an idler pulley bolt that can break. Repair is free at any franchised BMW dealer.
BMW is recalling 33,214 2009-2013 X5 diesel SUVs because the engine idler pulley bolt can loosen over time and break. If that bolt breaks, the vehicle can unexpectedly lose power-assisted steering, raising crash risk; BMW dealers will complete the repair free of charge once BMW opens the remedy.
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What's wrong?
The idler pulley bolt on 2009-2013 BMW X5 xDrive 35d diesel vehicles holds an idler pulley in position on the engine belt drive. That pulley helps route and tension the belt that turns engine accessories, including the system that supports power steering assist. The bolt has to stay tight and intact while the belt pulls sideways against the pulley.
On affected X5 diesels, low ambient temperatures, tightening torque near the lower end of the allowed range, and higher side loads from the belt drive can damage the bolt. As the bolt loosens and weakens, it can break. Once that happens, the belt drive no longer works as intended and the vehicle can lose power steering assist.
The warning sign is electrical first, not a steering noise. The alternator warning lamp, shown as the battery icon, will illuminate in the instrument cluster, and the vehicle will display "Charging malfunction." BMW also lists the message "Charging malfunction: Battery is not recharging. Stop carefully. Consult nearest service center."
Who's affected?
The same engine component appears across each listed X5 model year.
| 2009 BMW X5 | Engine |
|---|---|
| 2013 BMW X5 | Engine |
| 2010 BMW X5 | Engine |
| 2011 BMW X5 | Engine |
| 2012 BMW X5 | Engine |
| Units affected | 33,214 |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether this recall applies to your specific SUV.
What's the safety risk?
An idler pulley bolt that breaks can cause a sudden loss of power assisted steering, which increases crash risk. If the battery icon appears with a charging malfunction message, stop carefully and contact a BMW dealer before continuing. Repair will be free at any franchised BMW dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2009-2013 BMW X5 is included in this recall.
- Watch for BMW's owner notice before scheduling the dealer repair, and keep recall number 18V336 with your records.
- Contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 if you need status or dealer guidance.
- Avoid ignoring stiff steering or sudden steering-assist loss; pull over safely and ask a franchised BMW dealer about the idler-pulley-bolt replacement that protects the steering assist.
What happens at the repair
BMW's listed dealer repair is replacement of the idler pulley bolt with an improved part. Because this record shows the remedy status as under development, treat the final dealer repair as free once available, with parts and labor covered under the recall. BMW reported that owner notification began March 11, 2019. If you paid to replace the idler pulley bolt before the recall notice, BMW's standard reimbursement plan covers eligible documented expenses. Keep receipts and prior repair paperwork for the service desk or BMW customer service.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| May 23, 2018 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| May 23, 2018 | Dealer notification began |
| May 23, 2018 | Dealer notification ended |
| July 13, 2018 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| March 11, 2019 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 18V336?
Recall 18V336 covers 33,214 2009-2013 BMW X5 xDrive 35d diesel vehicles with an engine idler pulley bolt that can loosen over time and break. If that bolt breaks, the vehicle can lose power-assisted steering and crash risk rises. BMW dealers replace the bolt with an improved part for free.
What should I do if my 2009-2013 BMW X5 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific X5 is included in recall 18V336. If it is, contact a franchised BMW dealer to schedule the idler pulley bolt replacement. Reference recall number 18V336 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, and BMW dealers replace the idler pulley bolt with an improved part free of charge. BMW began the recall on March 11, 2019.
Is it safe to drive my BMW X5 before the recall repair?
The filing does not list this as a do-not-drive recall. The risk is loss of power-assisted steering if the idler pulley bolt breaks, which makes the vehicle harder to steer and raises crash risk. If your VIN is included, schedule the free repair with a BMW dealer.
What if I bought my BMW X5 used?
The free recall repair still applies. Federal recall law follows the vehicle, not the original owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific X5 is included, then contact a franchised BMW dealer and reference recall number 18V336.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/18V336000 |
|---|---|
| BMW customer service | 1-800-525-7417 |
| NHTSA recall # | 18V336 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 18V336000 |
Source documents
-
Download Misc. Document (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (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 →