BMW X5: Steering

Affects BMW X5 · 2009–2013 — about 7K vehicles.

The hazard

On certain BMW X5 xDrive35d (diesel) vehicles, the engine belt idler pulley bolt could loosen and/or break. This may cause the belt to detach, resulting in a sudden loss of power steering assist. A vehicle experiencing a loss of power steering assist would revert to a manual steering mode which would require greater driver effort, especially at low vehicle speeds. This could ultimately result in a crash causing property damage and/or personal injury. Correction: Dealers will replace the idler pulley bolt. Note: This recall supersedes and expands upon recall 2012-396.

What to do

Contact your dealer; the remedy details were not included in the filing.

Critical — crash/injury risk now High — injury risk; see remedy Moderate — fix at next service Low — minor / informational