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U.S. public vehicle records

2006 Bmw 525XI problems and owner complaints

Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.

Key facts

28 owner complaints analyzed

3 distinct recall campaigns

121,000 mi median reported failure mileage

Scope: 2006 model year. Data updated: . 20 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.

Owner-reported patterns

Most common problems

Air Bags is the most frequently named component, appearing in 13 of 28 complaints (46.4%). A complaint can name multiple components.

Recurring terms in complaint narratives
TopicMatching reportsShare of complaints
Braking behavior517.9%
Electrical and battery issues310.7%
Transmission and shifting13.6%
Steering behavior13.6%

Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.

Component breakdown

Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.

Air Bags
13
Electrical System
5
Service Brakes
4
Engine
3
Seat Belts
2
Seats
2
Electrical System:12v/24v/48v Battery
1
Engine And Engine Cooling
1
Component breakdown data
CategoryCount
Air Bags13
Electrical System5
Service Brakes4
Engine3
Seat Belts2
Seats2
Electrical System:12v/24v/48v Battery1
Engine And Engine Cooling1

Air Bags: 13; Electrical System: 5; Service Brakes: 4; Engine: 3; Seat Belts: 2; Seats: 2; Electrical System:12v/24v/48v Battery: 1; Engine And Engine Cooling: 1

Reported problems by failure mileage

Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.

Under 25,000
0
25,000 to 49,999
1
50,000 to 74,999
0
75,000 to 99,999
5
100,000 to 149,999
8
150,000 and above
6
Reported problems by failure mileage data
CategoryCount
Under 25,0000
25,000 to 49,9991
50,000 to 74,9990
75,000 to 99,9995
100,000 to 149,9998
150,000 and above6

Under 25,000: 0; 25,000 to 49,999: 1; 50,000 to 74,999: 0; 75,000 to 99,999: 5; 100,000 to 149,999: 8; 150,000 and above: 6

100,000 to 149,999 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (8). 8 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.

Complaints over time

Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.

2012
2
2013
2
2014
5
2015
2
2016
7
2017
4
2019
1
2022
3
2023
2
Complaints over time data
CategoryCount
20122
20132
20145
20152
20167
20174
20191
20223
20232

2012: 2; 2013: 2; 2014: 5; 2015: 2; 2016: 7; 2017: 4; 2019: 1; 2022: 3; 2023: 2

Pattern summary

Air Bags leads the component reports. Braking behavior appears in 5 complaint narratives. Electrical and battery issues appears in 3 complaint narratives. Transmission and shifting appears in 1 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.

Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.

Complaint evidence

Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.

Owner report 10475640 · 2012-09-17 (September 17, 2012)

WHEN I CAME TO RED LIGHT AND WENT TO PUSH MY BRAKE A WARNING LIGHT APPEARED ON DASH WITH THE MESSAGE LEFT BRAKE LAMP MALFUNCTION AND MY BRAKE WOULD NOT PUSH DOWN. THIS HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES SINCE LAST WEEK AND I FOUND AN OPEN RECALL THAT FITS MY CAR EXACTLY BUT MY CAR IN NOT COVERED. WHY???? *TR

Owner-reported narrative. 96,217 miles reported. Look up ODI 10475640 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10632794 · 2014-09-12 (September 12, 2014)

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW 525XI. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO PARK ON A SLIGHT INCLINE, THE BRAKES FAILED AND THE VEHICLE ROLLED BACKWARDS. THE CONTACT HAD TO DEPRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL TO THE FLOORBOARD. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE VACUUM PUMP LEAKED OIL INTO THE BRAKE BOOSTER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 114,000.

Owner-reported narrative. 114,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10632794 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10937114 · 2016-12-22 (December 22, 2016)

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW 525XI. WHILE DRIVING, THE CONTACT NOTICED AN ODOR OF BURNING RUBBER AND THE ALTERNATOR WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. ALSO, THE POWER FAILED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE WAS NOT ABLE TO START WITHOUT RECEIVING A JUMP. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A CERTIFIED MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE WIRES CONNECTED TO THE BATTERY WERE BURNED. THE CONTACT STATED THEY WOULD TAKE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER TO RECEIVE AN OFFICIAL DIAGNOSTIC TEST. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE …

Owner-reported narrative. 140,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10937114 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 11047100 · 2017-11-17 (November 17, 2017)

COMPUTER DRAWING DOWN BATTERY AND CAR WILL NOT START SEEMS TO HAPPEN MORE WHEN IT'S DAMP AND RAINING THIS HAPPENS WHEN THE CAR IS PARKED PASSENGER AIRBAG LIGHT IS ON BMW WOULD LIKE $2500. TO REBOOT COMPUTER I THINK ITS A SCAM

Owner-reported narrative. 150,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 11047100 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 11176619 · 2019-02-12 (February 12, 2019)

WHILE DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE WITH SPEED LIMIT 70 MPH, A WARNING MESSAGE APPEARED TRANSMISSION FAILURE & REDUCE SPEED. THE CAR SLOWED DOWN ITSELF WHILE ONGOING TRAFFIC APPROACHED EXTREMELY FAST. MY CAR WOULD NOT ACCELERATE TO THE 5TH OR 6TH GEAR. I HAD TO I GET OFF THE INTERSTATE AS QUICKLY AS I COULD. IN A PANIC I CALLED AAA TO TOW MY CAR. THINKING THERE WAS TRULY SOMETHING WRONG WITH MY TRANSMISSION, ALTHOUGH I KEPT UP WITH MAINTENANCE. NEEDLESS TO SAY THIS MESSAGE THAT POPPED UP WAS INCORRECT. THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH MY TRANSMISSION.

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11176619 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10503773 · 2013-03-20 (March 20, 2013)

MESSAGE APPEARS THAT THERE IS A MALFUNCTION WITH THE PASSENGER AIR BAG AND REMINDED PASSENGER TO WEAR SEAT BELT UNTIL IT IS LOOKED INTO. ALSO A WARNING ABOUT THE POWER STEERING SENSOR MALFUNCTION. THESE ARE BOTH SAFETY ISSUES BUT BMW HAS BEEN OF NO HELP. *TR

Owner-reported narrative. 80,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10503773 at NHTSA ↗

Explore the data

Vehicle analysis explorer

Inspect model-year patterns, reported mileage, monthly activity and the evidence behind each signal.

Data completeness

28 unique complaints in this selection. Analysis snapshot: 2026-10-01.

71.4%Usable mileage20 / 28 records
100.0%Valid incident date28 / 28 records
100.0%Valid filing date28 / 28 records
100.0%Ordered incident and filing dates28 / 28 records

Missing, zero and invalid mileage is excluded. Dates after the snapshot are excluded. Examples are limited selections, not a representative sample.

Problems by model year

Model-wide comparison of the eight most reported components across the model. Cells show counts and shares within each model year. Open a cell for source examples.

Component complaint heatmap
Component200620072011
Air Bags
1346.4%
ODI 10445046 · 101,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW 525XI. THE CONTACT STATED THERE WAS A CRACK IN THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE SEAT CUSHION AND THE CRACK CAUSED THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT TO ILLUMINATE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION OR REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED TO THE CONTACT THAT THE VIN FAILED TO QUALIFY FOR A REPAIRS UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER:08V384000 (AIR BAGS:FRONTAL). THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 101,000.

Look up ODI 10445046 at NHTSA ↗

840.0%
ODI 10433573 · 88,000 mi

MY 2007 525XI HAS ENCOUNTERED THE SAME PROBLEM COVERED BY NHTSA CAMPAIGN 08V384000 IN 2008 WHICH DISABLES THE FRONT AIRBAG. MY FOR RECALL IN THAT CAMPAIGN ENDED IN 2006. I WAS ABLE TO VERIFY WITH BMW THAT THE PART NUMBER FOR THE SEAT TO REPAIR THE ISSUE IN MY2007 IS THE SAME AS MY2006. HAS ANY TRACKING OF THE OCCURRENCE IN MY2007 OCCURRED? WHY WOULD THE SAME PART NOT BE COVERED UNDER THE MANUFACTURES EXTENSION TO THE WARRANTY OF 10 YEARS UNLIMITED MILEAGE? THIS IS APPROXIMATELY A $1200.00 REPAIR TO REPLACE THE SEAT AS BMW DOES NOT SELL THE SENS…

Look up ODI 10433573 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Electrical System
517.9%
ODI 10863706

MCM BURNED UP GOT WET AND STANK UP WHOLE TRUNK BECAUSE OF DESIGN FLAW BY BMW WE WERE DRIVING AS IT BURNED UP TILL WE HAD TO PULL OVER BECAUSE OF THE AWFUL SMELL

Look up ODI 10863706 at NHTSA ↗

315.0%
ODI 10413773 · 66,000 mi

2007 BMW 525XI MODEL NOT LIMITED TO OR EXCLUSIVE OF THIS MAKE/MODEL BUT HAS A KNOWN ISSUE WHERE A RED LIGHT INDICATOR APPEARS ON THE DASH SIGNALING AN ELECTRONIC STEERING COLUMN FAULT HAS OCCURRED, DO NOT TURN THE ENGINE OFF OR THE CAR MAY NOT BE ABLE TO BE STARTED AGAIN, CONTACT YOUR LOCAL BMW SERVICE DEPARTMENT. THIS HAS YET TO MAKE IT ON THE NHTSA DATABASE AS AN OFFICIAL RECALL BUT I HAVE RESEARCHED AND MADE NOTE OF SEVERAL HUNDRED CUSTOMERS EXPERIENCING THIS SAME ISSUE ON THEIR BMW. THIS CAR IS OUT OF THE 3 YEAR SERVICE WARRANTY AND THI…

Look up ODI 10413773 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Engine
310.7%
ODI 10498012 · 77,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW 525XI. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE EXHIBITED AN OIL LEAK. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A MECHANIC, WHO DETERMINED THAT THE ENGINE CYLINDER HEAD WAS FRACTURED AND CAUSING THE OIL LEAK. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER BUT WAS PROVIDED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 77,000.

Look up ODI 10498012 at NHTSA ↗

315.0%
ODI 10595465 · 50,000 mi

CLICKING NOISE ON CAR OFTEN. AFTER RESEARCHING THERE WERE MORE COMPLAINTS OF THE SAME PROBLEM HAPPENING WITH OTHER BMW'S. WAS TOLD BY THE BMW SERVICE CENTER THAT THE LIFTERS NEED REPLACING. THERE ARE FAULTY LIFTERS ON THE CAR COULD EVENTUALLY RUIN THE ENGINE HEAD. *TR

Look up ODI 10595465 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Service Brakes
414.3%
ODI 10475640 · 96,217 mi

WHEN I CAME TO RED LIGHT AND WENT TO PUSH MY BRAKE A WARNING LIGHT APPEARED ON DASH WITH THE MESSAGE LEFT BRAKE LAMP MALFUNCTION AND MY BRAKE WOULD NOT PUSH DOWN. THIS HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES SINCE LAST WEEK AND I FOUND AN OPEN RECALL THAT FITS MY CAR EXACTLY BUT MY CAR IN NOT COVERED. WHY???? *TR

Look up ODI 10475640 at NHTSA ↗

15.0%
ODI 10703729 · 108,000 mi

I WAS TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH ON A CITY CAUSEWAY. I WENT TO APPLY THE BRAKES FOR A RED LIGHT AND HAD NONE. THE PEDAL WAS VERY STIFF AND HAD NO HYDRAULIC ASSIST. I PUSHED THE PEDAL AS HARD AS I COULD AND DOWNSHIFTED, FINALLY STOPPING ABOUT 8 FEET INTO THE INTERSECTION. THE CAR ACTED FINE ALL MORNING UP TO THAT POINT. I HAD NO WARNING LIGHT OR ANYTHING TO ALERT ME TO THE FAILURE. I HAVE SINCE FOUND OUT THAT BMW ISSUED A RECALL FOR THIS VERY ISSUE ON THE V8 ENGINE BUT NOT FOR THE I6 ENGINE WHICH I HAVE. *TR

Look up ODI 10703729 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Steering
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

525.0%
ODI 10413773 · 66,000 mi

2007 BMW 525XI MODEL NOT LIMITED TO OR EXCLUSIVE OF THIS MAKE/MODEL BUT HAS A KNOWN ISSUE WHERE A RED LIGHT INDICATOR APPEARS ON THE DASH SIGNALING AN ELECTRONIC STEERING COLUMN FAULT HAS OCCURRED, DO NOT TURN THE ENGINE OFF OR THE CAR MAY NOT BE ABLE TO BE STARTED AGAIN, CONTACT YOUR LOCAL BMW SERVICE DEPARTMENT. THIS HAS YET TO MAKE IT ON THE NHTSA DATABASE AS AN OFFICIAL RECALL BUT I HAVE RESEARCHED AND MADE NOTE OF SEVERAL HUNDRED CUSTOMERS EXPERIENCING THIS SAME ISSUE ON THEIR BMW. THIS CAR IS OUT OF THE 3 YEAR SERVICE WARRANTY AND THI…

Look up ODI 10413773 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Seats
27.1%
ODI 10629216 · 122,000 mi

THE PASSENGER RESTRAINT SYSTEM ALARM CAME ON FOR THE FIRST TIME WHILE SITTING IN A PARKING LOT. BMW SAYS THAT MY VEHICLE, A 2006 BMW 525XI IS NOT CAPTURED UNDER THE CURRENT RECALL 13V564000, WHICH FIXES THIS PROBLEM. *TR

Look up ODI 10629216 at NHTSA ↗

210.0%
ODI 10433573 · 88,000 mi

MY 2007 525XI HAS ENCOUNTERED THE SAME PROBLEM COVERED BY NHTSA CAMPAIGN 08V384000 IN 2008 WHICH DISABLES THE FRONT AIRBAG. MY FOR RECALL IN THAT CAMPAIGN ENDED IN 2006. I WAS ABLE TO VERIFY WITH BMW THAT THE PART NUMBER FOR THE SEAT TO REPAIR THE ISSUE IN MY2007 IS THE SAME AS MY2006. HAS ANY TRACKING OF THE OCCURRENCE IN MY2007 OCCURRED? WHY WOULD THE SAME PART NOT BE COVERED UNDER THE MANUFACTURES EXTENSION TO THE WARRANTY OF 10 YEARS UNLIMITED MILEAGE? THIS IS APPROXIMATELY A $1200.00 REPAIR TO REPLACE THE SEAT AS BMW DOES NOT SELL THE SENS…

Look up ODI 10433573 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Seat Belts
27.1%
ODI 10937259 · 250,000 mi

I GET SEAT BELT/AIRBAG COMMUNICATION FAULT

Look up ODI 10937259 at NHTSA ↗

15.0%
ODI 10577469 · 84,000 mi

HELLO, MY 2007 BMW 525XI HAS AN ERROR WITH THE AIRBAGS AND PASSENGER RESTRAINT SYSTEM. I WAS TOLD THERE IS A RECALL BUT BMW SAYS I DON'T HAVE ONE CURRENTLY MY AIRBAGS WILL NOT DEPLOY IN THE CASE OF AN ACCIDENT AND BMW DOES NOT WANT TO COVER. PLEASE HELP. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

Look up ODI 10577469 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Engine And Engine Cooling
13.6%
ODI 11463023 · 119,000 mi

The contact owns a 2006 BMW 525XI. The contact stated that the vehicle was overheating while driving. The coolant temperature warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the thermostat and radiator were replaced; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the computer needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact later received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V273000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, th…

Look up ODI 11463023 at NHTSA ↗

15.0%
ODI 11105138 · 72,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 BMW 525XI. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V683000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. WHILE DRIVING UNKNOWN SPEEDS, THE CONTACT DETECTED AN ABNORMAL BURNING ODOR. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT CALLED A LOCAL DEALER (DANIELS BMW, 4600 CRACKERSPORT ROAD, ALLENTOWN, PA 18104) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE RECALL PARTS WE…

Look up ODI 11105138 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Darker cells indicate a larger share of submitted complaints. Components overlap. This measures complaint composition, not failure probability.

Failure mileage by component

Median and middle 50% of usable owner-reported mileages. Ranges require at least five records.

Component failure mileage distribution
ComponentMileage range (25th–75th percentile)MedianUsable recordsExamples
Air Bags100,500–154,500 mi123,500 mi12
ODI 10445046 · 101,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW 525XI. THE CONTACT STATED THERE WAS A CRACK IN THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE SEAT CUSHION AND THE CRACK CAUSED THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT TO ILLUMINATE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION OR REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED TO THE CONTACT THAT THE VIN FAILED TO QUALIFY FOR A REPAIRS UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER:08V384000 (AIR BAGS:FRONTAL). THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 101,000.

Look up ODI 10445046 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10503773 · 80,000 mi

MESSAGE APPEARS THAT THERE IS A MALFUNCTION WITH THE PASSENGER AIR BAG AND REMINDED PASSENGER TO WEAR SEAT BELT UNTIL IT IS LOOKED INTO. ALSO A WARNING ABOUT THE POWER STEERING SENSOR MALFUNCTION. THESE ARE BOTH SAFETY ISSUES BUT BMW HAS BEEN OF NO HELP. *TR

Look up ODI 10503773 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10579197 · 99,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW 525XI. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER 13V564000 (AIR BAGS). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 99,000 MILES.

Look up ODI 10579197 at NHTSA ↗

Electrical SystemToo few reports for a range150,000 mi3 (sparse)
ODI 10937114 · 140,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW 525XI. WHILE DRIVING, THE CONTACT NOTICED AN ODOR OF BURNING RUBBER AND THE ALTERNATOR WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. ALSO, THE POWER FAILED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE WAS NOT ABLE TO START WITHOUT RECEIVING A JUMP. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A CERTIFIED MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE WIRES CONNECTED TO THE BATTERY WERE BURNED. THE CONTACT STATED THEY WOULD TAKE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER TO RECEIVE AN OFFICIAL DIAGNOSTIC TEST. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE …

Look up ODI 10937114 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10959991 · 150,000 mi

MY BMW WAS PARKED OUTSIDE A RESTAURANT IN OVERLAND PARK, KS, AT LUNCH TIME ON MARCH 7, 2017. AUTO WAS LOCKED AND ALL WINDOWS AND SKYLIGHT WERE CLOSED. WHEN I RETURNED TO MY CAR AFTER LUNCH, THE CAR WAS UNLOCKED AND ALL WINDOWS AND SKYLIGHT WERE OPEN. THE KEY WAS IN MY PURSE AND WAS UNTOUCHED. POSSIBLE THEFT ATTEMPT?

Look up ODI 10959991 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 11047100 · 150,000 mi

COMPUTER DRAWING DOWN BATTERY AND CAR WILL NOT START SEEMS TO HAPPEN MORE WHEN IT'S DAMP AND RAINING THIS HAPPENS WHEN THE CAR IS PARKED PASSENGER AIRBAG LIGHT IS ON BMW WOULD LIKE $2500. TO REBOOT COMPUTER I THINK ITS A SCAM

Look up ODI 11047100 at NHTSA ↗

Service BrakesToo few reports for a range68,109 mi2 (sparse)
ODI 10475640 · 96,217 mi

WHEN I CAME TO RED LIGHT AND WENT TO PUSH MY BRAKE A WARNING LIGHT APPEARED ON DASH WITH THE MESSAGE LEFT BRAKE LAMP MALFUNCTION AND MY BRAKE WOULD NOT PUSH DOWN. THIS HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES SINCE LAST WEEK AND I FOUND AN OPEN RECALL THAT FITS MY CAR EXACTLY BUT MY CAR IN NOT COVERED. WHY???? *TR

Look up ODI 10475640 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10967976 · 40,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW 525XI. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS LOW SPEEDS, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED BUT FAILED TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE BRAKE BOOSTER FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 40,000.

Look up ODI 10967976 at NHTSA ↗

EngineToo few reports for a range77,000 mi1 (sparse)
ODI 10498012 · 77,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW 525XI. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE EXHIBITED AN OIL LEAK. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A MECHANIC, WHO DETERMINED THAT THE ENGINE CYLINDER HEAD WAS FRACTURED AND CAUSING THE OIL LEAK. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER BUT WAS PROVIDED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 77,000.

Look up ODI 10498012 at NHTSA ↗

Seat BeltsToo few reports for a range275,000 mi2 (sparse)
ODI 10937259 · 250,000 mi

I GET SEAT BELT/AIRBAG COMMUNICATION FAULT

Look up ODI 10937259 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10939625 · 300,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW 525XI. WHILE AN OCCUPANT WAS SEATED IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT THE AIR BAG AND SEAT BELT WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED, INDICATING THAT THE AIR BAGS AND SEAT BELT WERE INOPERABLE THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE PASSENGER SEAT DETECTION MAT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 300,000. UPDATED 03/03/17*LJ *TR

Look up ODI 10939625 at NHTSA ↗

SeatsToo few reports for a range122,000 mi1 (sparse)
ODI 10629216 · 122,000 mi

THE PASSENGER RESTRAINT SYSTEM ALARM CAME ON FOR THE FIRST TIME WHILE SITTING IN A PARKING LOT. BMW SAYS THAT MY VEHICLE, A 2006 BMW 525XI IS NOT CAPTURED UNDER THE CURRENT RECALL 13V564000, WHICH FIXES THIS PROBLEM. *TR

Look up ODI 10629216 at NHTSA ↗

Electrical System:12v/24v/48v BatteryToo few reports for a range154,000 mi1 (sparse)
ODI 11514500 · 154,000 mi

The contact owns a 2006 BMW 525xi. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the contact smelled the odor of burning coming from the vehicle, and the contact noticed smoke coming from the trunk of the vehicle. The contact pulled over and notice that smoking was coming from the battery. The contact was able to stop the smoke. The vehicle would not restart, and the vehicle was towed to the contact's home. The vehicle was not diagnosed. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 154,000.

Look up ODI 11514500 at NHTSA ↗

Engine And Engine CoolingToo few reports for a range119,000 mi1 (sparse)
ODI 11463023 · 119,000 mi

The contact owns a 2006 BMW 525XI. The contact stated that the vehicle was overheating while driving. The coolant temperature warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the thermostat and radiator were replaced; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the computer needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact later received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V273000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, th…

Look up ODI 11463023 at NHTSA ↗

Complaint and recall timeline

Explore monthly filing activity alongside recall announcements. Up to ten years of monthly history is available.

1 reports2024-112026-10

Solid line: filed complaints. Dashed amber lines: recall announcement dates for this vehicle selection; markers include all recall components. The latest month is partial. Temporal proximity does not establish causation.

Monthly counts, recall campaigns and complaint examples
Monthly complaint and recall timeline
MonthComplaintsCampaigns announcedExamples
2024-110None

No examples available for this selection.

2024-120None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-010None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-020None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-030None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-040None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-050None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-060None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-070None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-080None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-090None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-100None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-110None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-120None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-010None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-020None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-030None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-040None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-050None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-060None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-070None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-080None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-090None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-10 (partial)0None

No examples available for this selection.

Emerging complaint spikes

Complete months in the latest six months with at least 10 complaints, at least twice the preceding 12-month average, and at least three square-root deviations above that average.

This is a descriptive screening rule, not a statistical defect finding. Publicity and reporting changes can increase submissions.

No complete months meet the spike thresholds for this selection.

Equal-age model-year comparison

Model-wide cumulative reports during the first three or five calendar years, starting with the model year (age 0). Only fully elapsed windows are compared.

Age 0Age 1Age 22 reports

2007: 2 complaints · 2011: 1 complaints

Equal observation windows
Model yearThrough age 0Through age 1Through age 2
2007012
2011111
Date coverage across each selected cohort
Date basis for all complaints in selected model years
YearIncident dates usedFiling date fallbacksExcluded dates
20072000
2011100

Incident date is preferred when valid and no later than filing; otherwise filing date is used. Model year approximates age. Equal observation time does not adjust for sales, distance driven or reporting delays. One complaint linked to multiple model years can appear in each cohort.

Components reported together

Each cell counts unique complaints naming both components. Open a nonzero cell for examples.

Component co-occurrence matrix
ComponentAir BagsElectrical SystemService BrakesEngineSeat BeltsSeatsElectrical System:12v/24v/48v BatteryEngine And Engine Cooling
Air Bags—
1
ODI 11047100 · 150,000 mi

COMPUTER DRAWING DOWN BATTERY AND CAR WILL NOT START SEEMS TO HAPPEN MORE WHEN IT'S DAMP AND RAINING THIS HAPPENS WHEN THE CAR IS PARKED PASSENGER AIRBAG LIGHT IS ON BMW WOULD LIKE $2500. TO REBOOT COMPUTER I THINK ITS A SCAM

Look up ODI 11047100 at NHTSA ↗

00
2
ODI 10937259 · 250,000 mi

I GET SEAT BELT/AIRBAG COMMUNICATION FAULT

Look up ODI 10937259 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10939625 · 300,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW 525XI. WHILE AN OCCUPANT WAS SEATED IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT THE AIR BAG AND SEAT BELT WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED, INDICATING THAT THE AIR BAGS AND SEAT BELT WERE INOPERABLE THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE PASSENGER SEAT DETECTION MAT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 300,000. UPDATED 03/03/17*LJ *TR

Look up ODI 10939625 at NHTSA ↗

1
ODI 10629216 · 122,000 mi

THE PASSENGER RESTRAINT SYSTEM ALARM CAME ON FOR THE FIRST TIME WHILE SITTING IN A PARKING LOT. BMW SAYS THAT MY VEHICLE, A 2006 BMW 525XI IS NOT CAPTURED UNDER THE CURRENT RECALL 13V564000, WHICH FIXES THIS PROBLEM. *TR

Look up ODI 10629216 at NHTSA ↗

00
Electrical System
1
ODI 11047100 · 150,000 mi

COMPUTER DRAWING DOWN BATTERY AND CAR WILL NOT START SEEMS TO HAPPEN MORE WHEN IT'S DAMP AND RAINING THIS HAPPENS WHEN THE CAR IS PARKED PASSENGER AIRBAG LIGHT IS ON BMW WOULD LIKE $2500. TO REBOOT COMPUTER I THINK ITS A SCAM

Look up ODI 11047100 at NHTSA ↗

—0
1
ODI 11510178

PCV issue UNKNOWN

Look up ODI 11510178 at NHTSA ↗

0000
Service Brakes00—00000
Engine0
1
ODI 11510178

PCV issue UNKNOWN

Look up ODI 11510178 at NHTSA ↗

0—0000
Seat Belts
2
ODI 10937259 · 250,000 mi

I GET SEAT BELT/AIRBAG COMMUNICATION FAULT

Look up ODI 10937259 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10939625 · 300,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW 525XI. WHILE AN OCCUPANT WAS SEATED IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT THE AIR BAG AND SEAT BELT WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED, INDICATING THAT THE AIR BAGS AND SEAT BELT WERE INOPERABLE THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE PASSENGER SEAT DETECTION MAT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 300,000. UPDATED 03/03/17*LJ *TR

Look up ODI 10939625 at NHTSA ↗

000—000
Seats
1
ODI 10629216 · 122,000 mi

THE PASSENGER RESTRAINT SYSTEM ALARM CAME ON FOR THE FIRST TIME WHILE SITTING IN A PARKING LOT. BMW SAYS THAT MY VEHICLE, A 2006 BMW 525XI IS NOT CAPTURED UNDER THE CURRENT RECALL 13V564000, WHICH FIXES THIS PROBLEM. *TR

Look up ODI 10629216 at NHTSA ↗

0000—00
Electrical System:12v/24v/48v Battery000000—0
Engine And Engine Cooling0000000—

Co-reporting does not establish that one component caused another concern.

Recurring narrative patterns

Specific keyword mentions beyond broad component labels. Matching includes negations and comparisons and does not confirm a diagnosis.

3 patterns with matching reports.

Warning lights and dashboard alerts

8 mentions · 28.6% of complaints

Median mileage: 110,000 mi (8 usable records).

ODI 10445046 · 101,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW 525XI. THE CONTACT STATED THERE WAS A CRACK IN THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE SEAT CUSHION AND THE CRACK CAUSED THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT TO ILLUMINATE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION OR REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED TO THE CONTACT THAT THE VIN FAILED TO QUALIFY FOR A REPAIRS UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER:08V384000 (AIR BAGS:FRONTAL). THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 101,000.

Look up ODI 10445046 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10475640 · 96,217 mi

WHEN I CAME TO RED LIGHT AND WENT TO PUSH MY BRAKE A WARNING LIGHT APPEARED ON DASH WITH THE MESSAGE LEFT BRAKE LAMP MALFUNCTION AND MY BRAKE WOULD NOT PUSH DOWN. THIS HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES SINCE LAST WEEK AND I FOUND AN OPEN RECALL THAT FITS MY CAR EXACTLY BUT MY CAR IN NOT COVERED. WHY???? *TR

Look up ODI 10475640 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10579197 · 99,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW 525XI. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER 13V564000 (AIR BAGS). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 99,000 MILES.

Look up ODI 10579197 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule\b(warning light\w*|check engine|dashboard warning\w*|malfunction indicator)\b

Brake response concerns

2 mentions · 7.1% of complaints

Median mileage: 77,000 mi (2 usable records).

ODI 10632794 · 114,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW 525XI. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO PARK ON A SLIGHT INCLINE, THE BRAKES FAILED AND THE VEHICLE ROLLED BACKWARDS. THE CONTACT HAD TO DEPRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL TO THE FLOORBOARD. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE VACUUM PUMP LEAKED OIL INTO THE BRAKE BOOSTER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 114,000.

Look up ODI 10632794 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10967976 · 40,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW 525XI. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS LOW SPEEDS, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED BUT FAILED TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE BRAKE BOOSTER FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 40,000.

Look up ODI 10967976 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule\b(brake fail\w*|brakes fail\w*|brake pedal|braking distance|unintended braking|phantom braking)\b

Steering assistance concerns

1 mentions · 3.6% of complaints

Median mileage: 80,000 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 10503773 · 80,000 mi

MESSAGE APPEARS THAT THERE IS A MALFUNCTION WITH THE PASSENGER AIR BAG AND REMINDED PASSENGER TO WEAR SEAT BELT UNTIL IT IS LOOKED INTO. ALSO A WARNING ABOUT THE POWER STEERING SENSOR MALFUNCTION. THESE ARE BOTH SAFETY ISSUES BUT BMW HAS BEEN OF NO HELP. *TR

Look up ODI 10503773 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule\b(power steer\w*|steering assist\w*|steering lock\w*|steering wheel lock\w*)\b