RoadVitals

2002 BMW X5

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

NHTSA has issued a “do not drive” advisory affecting this model year.

Campaign 17V047000. Confirm whether your specific vehicle is covered using its VIN before acting on this.

Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov
Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
102
Latest Jan 18, 2025
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
3
Latest Jan 20, 2017
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
0
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
10
3 injuries, 1 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 102 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2002 BMW X5, most frequently naming the engine, airbags and electrical categories. 3 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 70 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

3 campaigns cover this model year

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov
17V047000NHTSA advisory: do not drive

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Jan 20, 2017
230,117 units potentially affected
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2000-2002 BMW 320i, 323i, 325i, 325xi, 330i, 330xi, 323Ci, 325Ci, 330Ci, M3, 323iT, 325iT and 325xiT vehicles, 2001-2002 525i, 530i, 540i, M5, 525iT and 540iT vehicles, and 2001-2003 X5 3.0i, X5 4.4i, and X5 4.6is vehicles. These vehicles may have had a driver-side air bag module installed as replacement equipment such as after a vehicle crash necessitating replacement of the original air bag, or as a remedy part for a prior recall. These replacement modules contain an air bag inflator that may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to lower absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
The risk: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The remedy: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the vehicle has been remedied. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the driver side air bag module, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 15, 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
BMW of North America, LLCView on NHTSA.gov
03V032000

SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY

Feb 4, 2003
2,635 units potentially affected
The defect: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE CONNECTION OF THE SAFETY BELT BUCKLE TO THE STEEL ROPE OF THE TENSIONER DOES NOT MEET BMW SPECIFICATIONS. IN SEVERE FRONTAL CRASHES, THIS CONNECTION CAN DETACH.
The risk: IF THE CONNECTION DETACHES, THE PROTECTION PROVIDED BY THE SAFETY BELT IS LIKELY TO BE IMPAIRED, AND SERIOUS INJURIES TO THE DRIVER AND/OR FRONT PASSENGER COULD OCCUR THAT MIGHT OTHERWISE BE MITIGATED.
The remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT BOTH FRONT SAFETY BELT TENSIONER AND BUCKLE ASSEMBLIES, AND IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THESE PARTS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MARCH 19, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-831-1117.
BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKEView on NHTSA.gov
03V001000

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS

Jan 9, 2003
84,000 units potentially affected
The defect: ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, IT MAY BE POSSIBLE FOR THE FRONT BRAKE LINE TO SLIP OUT OF THE RETAINING BRACKET LOCATED AT THE FRONT STRUT. THE BRAKE HOSE THAT IS ATTACHED TO THE BRAKE LINE COULD COME IN CONTACT WITH THE TIRE AND BE SUBJECTED TO WEAR AND ABRASION.
The risk: THIS COULD INITIALLY CAUSE SOME BRAKE FLUID LEAKAGE, AND EVENTUALLY LEAD TO A SUBSTANTIAL LOSS OF BRAKE FLUID. THERE COULD BE A NOTICEABLE REDUCTION IN BRAKE PERFORMANCE IF A LOSS OF FRONT BRAKE PERFORMANCE OCCURS.
The remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL AN ADDITIONAL RETAINING CLIP TO FURTHER SECURE THE BRAKE LINE TO THE FRONT STRUT. ADDITIONALLY, IF INSPECTION OF ANY BRAKE HOSE INDICATES THAT IT HAS EXPERIENCED DAMAGE, THE HOSE WILL BE REPLACED. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN FEBRUARY 14, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-831-1117.
BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKEView on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

View all 102
Airbags
Filed Jan 18, 2025

Bmw has failed on several occasions to address this issue or service vehicle. I have made them aware of the situation but continue to receive letters that indicate I could die of the airbag.

NHTSA ID
11636800
Incident
Jan 18, 2025
Steering
Filed Mar 25, 2023

Several components or systems have failed or malfunctioned, including the ABS module, power steering, rear left turn signal connection, speedometer, and there are various error codes (P0313, P0500, P1093, P2098, OBDII FAIL, OBD bulb check FAIL). It is not clear if these components are available for inspection upon request based on the information provided. The safety of the driver and others on the road was put at risk due to the failure of the ABS module, the absence of power steering, and the non-functioning rear left turn signal. The malfunctioning ABS system can lead to reduced braking efficiency and increased stopping distances, while the lack of power steering can make the vehicle harder to control. Additionally, the non-functioning rear left turn signal can cause confusion for other drivers on the road, increasing the risk of accidents. It is not clear from the information provided if the problem has been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center. There is no information provided about whether the vehicle or its components have been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives, or others. The warning lamps and messages, such as the DSC BRAKE and ABS lights, including the check engine light in the dash terminal, have appeared prior to the failure of the mentioned components. The error codes (P0313, P0500, P1093, P2098, OBDII FAIL, OBD bulb check FAIL) also indicate issues with the vehicle. It is not clear when these warning lamps, messages, and error codes first appeared.

NHTSA ID
11513773
Incident
Mar 6, 2021
Interior & seats
Filed Apr 9, 2021

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BMW X5. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE HOOD INADVERTENTLY UNLATCHED CAUSING DAMAGE TO THE HOOD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED WITH NEEDING THE HOOD SHOCKS AND HOOD HINGES TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS STILL AWAITING A RESPONSE FROM THE MANUFACTURER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 117,000.

NHTSA ID
11407235
Incident
Mar 17, 2021
Mileage
117,000 mi
Body & structure
Filed Apr 1, 2021

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BMW X5. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE DID NOT SECURE THE VEHICLE'S HOOD LATCH WHEN HE PUT THE HOOD DOWN. THE CONTACT THEN DROVE THE VEHICLE AT 35 MPH, WHEN THE HOOD FLUNG UP. NO WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. BMW OF NORTH LIBERTY (525 MADISON AVE, NORTH LIBERTY, IA 52317) WAS CONTACTED AND MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE DEALER INFORMED THAT THEY COULD NOT COME TO A CONCLUSIVE DECISION AS TO DETERMINE IF THE VEHICLE WAS EQUIPPED WITH THE HOOD WARNING SYSTEM. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE SHOCKS INSIDE THE HOOD HAD RIPPED LOOSE AND THE HOOD NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE BUT INFORMED THAT THE REARVIEW MIRROR WOULD ALERT, IF THE HOOD WAS OPEN AND THE COMPLAINT WOULD BE FORWARDED TO THEIR SAFETY ENGINEER, HOWEVER SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A CERTIFIED BMW MECHANIC FOR ROUTINE MAINTENANCE, NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE WAS PROVIDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 117,000.

NHTSA ID
11406007
Incident
Mar 17, 2021
Mileage
117,000 mi
ElectricalExterior lightingVisibility
Filed Mar 31, 2021
Fire reported

CAR WAS PARKED. I TRIED TO UNLOCK MY CAR WITH THE KEY FOB AND NOTHING HAPPENED. I UNLOCKED THE DOOR WITH THE KEY AND AFTER GETTING IN THE CENTRAL LOCKING SYSTEM WOULD NOT WORK. AFTER RESEARCHING THE PROBLEM I FOUND THAT THE GMIII CONTROLS THE CENTRAL LOCKING AS WELL AS OTHER ITEMS LIKE THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS, INTERIOR LIGHTS, SUN ROOF, AND REAR UPPER AND LOWER HATCH. I ORDERS A NEW ONE AND WHEN I TOOK THE OLD ONE OUT TO REPLACE IT I FOUND THAT IT HAD CAUGHT ON FIRE AND BLEW FUSE 14. IT APPEARS A THYRISTOR OR TIAC GOT TO HOT AND SET THE BOARD AND CASE ON FIRE. I HAD SMELT A PLASTIC SMELL EARLIER WHILE DRIVING SO IT MAY HAVE BEEN BURNING BEFORE I PARKED. I AM ATTACHING PHOTOS.

NHTSA ID
11405711
Incident
Mar 2, 2021
Mileage
230,000 mi
AirbagsEngine
Filed Oct 23, 2020

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BMW X5. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SEVERAL WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AT VEHICLE START-UP. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V047000 (AIR BAGS). THE CONTACT SPOKE WITH MOSS MOTORS BMW (1401 SURREY ST, LAFAYETTE, LA 70501) WHERE THEY OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS ALSO NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 153,000.

NHTSA ID
11365964
Incident
Aug 1, 2020
Mileage
153,000 mi
AirbagsElectricalExterior lighting
Filed Apr 5, 2020

WAS DRIVING HOME AND MY DASH LIGHTS STARTED TO FLASH ON AND OFF AFTER I SHUT THE CAR OFF MY AND PULLED THE KEYS OUT MY LEFT REAR TAIL LIGHT STAYED ON THE NEXT MORNING MY BATTERY WAS DEAD. SO I PULLED THE BATTERY AND CHARGED IT NOW WHEN I CONNECT THE BATTERY ALL MY LIGHTS FLASH RANDOMLY WITH NO KEY IN IT. I HAVE NOT DRIVEN THE CAR FOR 3 MONTHS IT IS NOT SAFE AND THE NEAREST BMW SERVIES IS 40 MILES AWAY . I HAVE A RECALL FOR THE AIR BAG , BUT NOT TAKING A CHANCE ON DRIVING IT TO GET FIXED

NHTSA ID
11320264
Incident
Nov 5, 2019
Mileage
179,000 mi
ElectricalExterior lightingVisibility
Filed Mar 29, 2020
Fire reported

THE DASHBOARD WENT DARK, ONLY GAUGE THAT WORKED WAS THE TACHOMETER WHICH I COULDNT SEE BECAUSE I HAD NO DASHBOARD LIGHTS. STOPPED VEHICLE AND TOOK THE KEYS OUT COULDNT TURN MY LIGHTS OFF HAD NO TURN SIGNALS,THE 3RD BRAKE LIGHT WAS ON ALL NIGHT LONG KILLING THE BATTERY I TRIED EVERY FUSE. ALSO MY HEADLIGHTS WOULDNT TURN OFF THE LIGHTING CONTROLS WERE USELESS, AND JUST KEPT SMELLING AN ELECTRONIC BURNING SMELL. I MANAGED TO DISCONNECT ALL THE LIGHTS EXCEPT THE 3RD BRAKE LIGHT. COULDNT DISCONNECT THE BATTERY BECAUSE THE LIFT GATE TO GET INTO THE BACK WOULDN'T WORK AND THE CENTER CONSOLE HAZARDS STUCK ON AND DOOR LOCKS DIDN'T WORK I HAD TO REMOVE THE GLOVE BOX AND ALL THE PANELING AND TRACK DOWN THE SMELL. TURNS OUT THE PROBLEM WITH THIS VEHICLE IS THAT THE RAIN MANAGES TO WORK ITSELF DOWN THE INSIDE OF THE A FRAME ON BOTH DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDES OF THE VEHICLE ON DRIVER SIDE IT DESTROYS THE OBD MODULE BUT ON THE PASSENGER SIDE IT TRICKLES DIRECTLY INTO THE LCM LIGHTING CONTROL MODULE WHICH COMPLETELY TAKES YOUR EYES OFF THE ROAD WHEN YOU CANT SEE THE DASHBOARD YOUR HEADLIGHTS START STROBING ON AND OFF AND THEN HALF GET STUCK ON AND HALF JUST DONT WORK BUT WHEN YOU SPEND THE HOURS GETTING TO THE LCM TO FIND OUT IT HAS MELTED RIGHT INTO THE SIDE OF YOUR VEHICLE AND YOU CAN TELL IT WAS ON FIRE !! AND THIS HAS HAPPENED TO NUMEROUS PEOPLE ON THE BMW FORUMS IM JUST HAPPY MY 3 YEAR OLD SON WASN'T WITH ME. AND THE REAL KICKER IS THAT I HAVE NO VEHICLE NOW AND IT COST 600$ FOR A NEW LCM THAT HAS TO BE PROGRAMMED TO YOUR VEHICLE WHICH WILL COST ANOTHER 300$ WHEN I COULD HAVE HURT SOMEONE ELSE OR MYSELF WHEN YOU CANT SEE BUT YOU CAN SMELL SOMETHINGS BURNING ITS A HAZARD TO EVERYONE ON AND OFF THE ROAD .

NHTSA ID
11319639
Incident
Mar 29, 2020
Mileage
150,000 mi

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

B510819

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS

The basic conditions for initializing the power windows are not met.

B160623

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING; FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

Engine will crank but not start. There is no communication with the integrated fuel module (TFE) whendiagnosing with ISTA. The following two fault codes will be stored in the DME: 032B43 - Low fuel pressure system, electric fuel pump: pressure value too low CDA594 - Message (- 0x33E) missing, receiver DME, transmitter TFE

B653423

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; EQUIPMENT

Customers may state that the alarm system (DWA) is not active after locking their unoccupied vehicle. Depending on the vehicle’s equipment and settings, no acoustic or optical confirmation (folding the mirrors/blinking confirmation) is noticeable. Additionally, the red anti-theft alarm LED in the interior mirror does not briefly flash every 2 seconds, indicating the alarm is armed.

B522319

SEATS

Second seat row blocking access to third seat row, program seat modules. Visible stitching on first row sport seat. Third seat row backrest Bowden cable routing and length change.

B660523

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE; LANE DEPARTURE; VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

Various functions of the camera-based driver assistance systems (ADCAM system) can lead to customer complaints.

B540421

STRUCTURE; VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY

This situation can result in two customer complaints: 1. Wind noise 2. Excess water entry

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

BMW X5 by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2026142060.2
2025575061.6
20241438056.7
2023314058.7
2022621161.0
202110012170.8
202010311172.0
201918013060.7
2018685361.4
2017736358.8
2016705362.2
20151496259.6
2014988265.2
20131486159.6
201227110156.3
201126314157.2
201012314156.3
200913812155.9
200821510050.9
2007718051.3
20061672155.1
2005823051.7
2004644054.3
2003993053.3
2002Viewing1023051.4
200116012056.7
2000296050.7
1999010—

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.