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BMW X5 Recall 17V138: Water and debris can wear out front driveshaft joint

NHTSA campaign 17V138, reported March 2, 2017, 121,909 vehicles potentially affected.

What this recall means for you

Water and debris can enter the universal joint on the front driveshaft, causing excessive wear. Over time the joint may fail, meaning the front wheels would no longer be driven, which affects traction. Continued driving with a broken front universal joint may also damage other components. Either situation can increase the risk of a crash.

The front driveshaft will be replaced free of charge at an authorized BMW dealer. BMW will notify affected owners, and the recall began on April 18, 2017. You can also contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Check your vehicle identification number (VIN) for open recalls to confirm whether your vehicle is affected.

Check whether this recall is open on your vehicle

The repair is normally free at an authorized dealer.

Official recall notice

Safety recall 17V138BMW of North America, LLC
Component
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT
Problem
BMW of North America, LLC, (BMW) is recalling certain 2011-2013 X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive50i, X5 M and X5 xDrive35d vehicles, 2011-2014 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6M vehicles, and 2011 x6 ActiveHybrid Vehicles. Water and debris may enter the front driveshaft's universal joint, causing excessive wear and possibly resulting in the joint's failure.
Risk
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.
Remedy
BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front driveshaft, free of charge. The recall began on April 18, 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Affected vehicles

BMW X5201120122013
BMW X62011201220132014
BMW X6 Activehybrid SAC2011