Front driveshaft universal joint may fail
Defect Summary
Bmw of north america, llc (bmw) is recalling certain model year 2011 x5 xdrive 35i, xdrive50i, x5 m, x6 xdrive35i, x6 xdrive50i, and x6 m vehicles manufactured april 5, 2010, to november 20, 2010, 2011 x5 xdrive35d diesel vehicles manufactured april 7, 2010, to november 20, 2010, and 2011 x6 active hybrid vehicles manufactured april 15, 2010, to november 17, 2010. the affected vehicles have a front driveshaft universal joint that may not seal out water and debris from getting in and damaging the joint, which could lead to its failure.
Safety Consequence
If the front universal joint fails, the front wheels would not be driven, affecting vehicle traction. additionally, continued driving of the vehicle with a broken front universal joint may damage other components. either condition may increase the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action
Bmw will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front driveshaft, free of charge. the recall began on july 8, 2016. owners may contact bmw customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Similar Recalls
Other recalls from Bmw Of North America, Llc or involving Power Train.
FAQ: Recall 16V311000
Your rights, the repair process, and what each field on this page means.
What is recall 16V311000?
NHTSA recall 16V311000 was issued by Bmw Of North America, Llc on May 17, 2016. It addresses: Front driveshaft universal joint may fail. The recall affects approximately 21,493 vehicles, with the defect involving the Power Train component.
How do I get this recall repaired?
Contact any authorized Bmw Of North America, Llc dealer and reference NHTSA recall ID 16V311000 or the manufacturer campaign number NR (Not Reported). Under federal law, the repair is completely free regardless of vehicle age or owner history.
Is my vehicle included in this recall?
The only way to confirm is to look up your 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. NHTSA's tool will tell you if VIN-by-VIN this exact recall applies.
How long do I have to get a recall repair done?
There is no expiration on most federal safety recalls. Even if your vehicle is years old and you bought it used, the manufacturer is required to perform the repair at no cost.
Where does the data on this page come from?
All information on this page is sourced directly from the U.S. Department of Transportation public dataset for NHTSA recalls. Last refreshed: 2026-05-22. For the most current official notice, visit nhtsa.gov/recalls.