2004 BMW X5 Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2004 BMW X5, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Interior & seats1213.8%
- Engine1112.6%
- Electrical1011.5%
- Powertrain (other)89.2%
- Body & structure78.0%
- Airbags66.9%
- Exterior lighting55.7%
- Visibility55.7%
- Steering44.6%
- Transmission44.6%
- Suspension33.4%
- Seat belts22.3%
- Brakes22.3%
- Fuel system22.3%
- Heating & air conditioning22.3%
- Other / unspecified22.3%
- Driver assistance22.3%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
DRIVER SIDE SEAT HEATER GETS VERY HOT, EVEN AT THE LOWEST SETTING. WILL BURN MY LEG IF LEFT ON. FOR THIS REASON, THE SEAT HEATER IN NO LONGER SAFE TO USE. *TR
RECENTLY PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE USED, THE EXTERNAL DRIVER DOOR LATCH NOT WORKING, HAVE TO CLIMB OVER FROM PASSENGER SIDE OF VEHICLE, THIS IS RIDICULOUS, THIS IS ONE OF SEVERAL ISSUES I AM HAVING WITH THIS VEHICLE. I HAVE DONE SOME RESEARCH AND SEE THIS IS COMMON PROBLEM AND IT SHOULD BE ADDRESSED BY BMW. I HAVE HAD 2 OTHER USED VEHICLES WHICH BOTH HAVE LASTED ME 10 YEARS FROM THE DATES I PURCHASED THEM (AND THEY WERE ALREADY 8 AND 10 YEARS OLD. THIS IS MY FIRST BMW AND MIGHT BE MY LAST IF BMW DOES NOT TAKE ISSUES WITH THEIR VEHICLES SERIOUSLY AND HELP CONSUMERS. I AM SO SURPRISED AND DISAPPOINTED BY ALL OF THE ISSUES THAT HAVE BEEN IGNORED. THE DIFFERENCE COULD BE BIG BECAUSE THEY COULD LOSE ALOT OF WOULD-BE LOYAL CONSUMERS. *TR
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
Vehicle rpm’s rev wildly in park and neutral. When driving vehicle speeds up on its own and rpm’s climbs out of control. When stopped at a light or in traffic, car leaps forward against the break .
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW X5. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH ON THE FREEWAY, THE VEHICLE JERKED SEVERELY. SUDDENLY, THE ENGINE POWERED DOWN IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO PULL THE VEHICLE OVER SAFELY ONTO THE SHOULDER. A MESSAGE INDICATING "FAIL SAFE" APPEARED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S HOME. THE VEHICLE WAS LATER TAKEN TO RAY CATENA BMW (543 TARRYTOWN RD, WHITE PLAINS, NY 10607, (914) 761-5555) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT A NEW ENGINE AND VALVE PUMP NEEDED TO BE INSTALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
No start no crank sos light battery drain
VEHICLE STARTED SMOKING FROM UNDER THE CAR AND AIR VENTS WHILE CAR WAS IN MOTION AIR CONDITIONING WAS RUNNING AND THE OWNER PULLED OVER AND THE FIRE DEPARTMENT PUT OUT THE FIRE AND BROKE 3 WINDOWS UNNECESSARILY IN THE PROCESS. CAR ENDED UP BEING TOTALED AND RESIDES AT OWNERS PROPERTY. COULD BE BASED ON OTHER REPORTS AND A POSSIBLE RECALL ON BLOWER MOTOR ON 2001-2003 RECALLS WERE CHECKED AND ARE CURRENT ON THIS VEHICLE CHECKED BY DEALER AND NHTSA WEBSITE
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
Vehicle rpm’s rev wildly in park and neutral. When driving vehicle speeds up on its own and rpm’s climbs out of control. When stopped at a light or in traffic, car leaps forward against the break .
HAVE ACCIDENT.BECAUSE MY BMW X5 2004 WHEN START THE ENGINE..THE CAR JUMP. AND PROBLEMS WITH TRASMISSION NOT WORK GOOD WHEN L STAR DRIVING THE CAR JUMP THE SPEEDS NOT WORK GOOD THE GEARS 2 MONTHS AGO L HIT .THE FRONT CAR .BECAUSE MY CAR JUMP .IN HAVE TO PAY .THE OWNER THE OTHER CARS .HAVE TO MANY ACCIDENTS WITH BMW X5 2004..PLEASE YOU CAN HELP ME ..THANK YOU VERY MUCH.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE VEHICLE STARTED SMOKING FROM UNDER THE HOOD WHILE DRIVING IN TOWN TO THE POST OFFICE. UPON PARKING THE VEHICLE AT THE POST OFFICE, IT CAUGHT FIRE UNDER THE HOOD AND THE FIRE DEPT. HAD TO BE CALLED TO FORCE OPEN THE HOOD TO PUT OUT THE FIRE. THE ENTIRE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE WAS DAMAGED IN FRONT OF THE FIRE WALL. THE USPS MOVED EMPLOYEES/CUSTOMERS TO THE REAR OF THE BUILDING FOR PRECAUTION OF EXPLOSION AND SMOKE INHALATION OF THE BURNING PLASTIC, RUBBER AND RELATED PARTS. IT WAS FORTUNATE I COULD QUICKLY PARK RATHER THAN BEING ON THE HIGHWAY.
RECENTLY PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE USED, THE EXTERNAL DRIVER DOOR LATCH NOT WORKING, HAVE TO CLIMB OVER FROM PASSENGER SIDE OF VEHICLE, THIS IS RIDICULOUS, THIS IS ONE OF SEVERAL ISSUES I AM HAVING WITH THIS VEHICLE. I HAVE DONE SOME RESEARCH AND SEE THIS IS COMMON PROBLEM AND IT SHOULD BE ADDRESSED BY BMW. I HAVE HAD 2 OTHER USED VEHICLES WHICH BOTH HAVE LASTED ME 10 YEARS FROM THE DATES I PURCHASED THEM (AND THEY WERE ALREADY 8 AND 10 YEARS OLD. THIS IS MY FIRST BMW AND MIGHT BE MY LAST IF BMW DOES NOT TAKE ISSUES WITH THEIR VEHICLES SERIOUSLY AND HELP CONSUMERS. I AM SO SURPRISED AND DISAPPOINTED BY ALL OF THE ISSUES THAT HAVE BEEN IGNORED. THE DIFFERENCE COULD BE BIG BECAUSE THEY COULD LOSE ALOT OF WOULD-BE LOYAL CONSUMERS. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2004 BMW X5. WHILE DRIVING 15 MPH, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS STRUCK BY ANOTHER VEHICLE ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE RIGHT SHOULDER, BACK, AND NECK, WHICH REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT MADE AWARE OF THE CRASH. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 180,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2004 BMW X5. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 30 MPH, ANOTHER VEHICLE FAILED TO STOP FOR A RED LIGHT AND THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO THE VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES IN THE NECK AND BACK WHICH REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN UNKNOWN LOCATION. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 180,000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE TAIL LIGHT ASSEMBLIES (BRAKE LIGHTS AND RUNNING LIGHTS) HAS FAILED ON THIS VEHICLE THREE TIMES( THE LEFT ASSEMBLY AND ONCE ON THE RIGHT). ALL FAILURES WERE DUE TO CORROSION (VEHICLE HAS NEVER BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT). THE LEFT ASSEMBLY FAILED IN NOVEMBER 2006 (AT APPROXIMATELY 42,000 MILES) AND AGAIN IN MARCH 2011 (AT APPROXIMATELY 110,000 MILES). THE RIGHT ASSEMBLY FAILED IN FEBRUARY 2009 (AT APPROXIMATELY 68,000 MILES). THESE FAILURES ARE NOT LIGHT BULBS THAT BURNT OUT BUT COMPLETE FAILURE OF THE HOUSING THAT HOLDS THE LIGHT BULBS. THE PROBLEM IS INTERMITTENT. WHEN THE DASHBOARD MESSAGE INDICATES "CHECK BRAKE LIGHTS" OR "CHECK REAR LIGHTS" AND I DO THE LIGHTS APPEAR TO WORK FINE (ALL LIGHTS ON WHEN SWITCHED ON OR WHEN BRAKES APPLIED). MESSAGE GOES OFF AND MAY STAY OFF FOR SEVERAL DAYS AND THEN RETURNS AND LIGHTS UP WITH EVERY APPLICATION OF THE BRAKES. THERE ARE SEVERAL SIMILAR CARS IN USE AND ALL OF THEM HAVE EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEM WITH THE TAIL LIGHT ASSEMBLIES. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW X5. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE EXTERIOR BRAKE LIGHTS WERE INOPERABLE. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THERE WAS AN ELECTRICAL DEFECT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE BUT DENIED ANY ASSISTANCE WITH REPAIRS TO THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 51,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 55,000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
AS PER THE BELOW BMW SERVICE BULLETIN, I HAVE A DEFECTIVE SUNROOF CASSETTE AS IT DOESN'T HAVE ADEQUATE WATER MANAGEMENT AND CAUSES WATER TO LEAK INTO THE FRONT AND REAR COMPARTMENTS AND CAN CAUSE ELECTRICAL CONTROL MODULES TO GET WET AND BECOME DAMAGED. THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD CAUSED BY THE POTENTIAL FLOODING. SI B 54 06 06 SPECIAL ROOFS NOVEMBER 2006 TECHNICAL SERVICE THIS SERVICE INFORMATION BULLETIN SUPERSEDES S.I. B54 06 06 DATED AUGUST 2006. DESIGNATES CHANGES TO THIS REVISION SUBJECT WATER LEAK FROM PANORAMIC SUNROOF MODEL E53 (X5 SAV), E61 (5 SERIES SPORT WAGON) AND E83 (X3 SAV) EQUIPPED WITH PANORAMIC SUNROOF (S402A) SITUATION CUSTOMER MAY COMPLAIN OF A WATER LEAK FROM THE OVERHEAD CONSOLE AREA DURING HEAVY RAIN OR WHEN DRIVING/PARKING ON A STEEP SLOPE FACING DOWNHILL. CAUSE POSSIBLE CAUSES: A.OBSTRUCTED OR DAMAGED DRAINS OR DRAIN TUBES. B.VOID IN THE WINDSHIELD URETHANE BEAD. C.EXCESSIVE GAPS BETWEEN THE GLASS PANELS AND THE PERIMETER SEAL. D.INADEQUATE WATER MANAGEMENT SYSTEM IN THE SUNROOF CASSETTE. *TT
REAR WIPER AND WIPER FLUID PUMP STOPPED WORKING DURING A RAIN STORM. I COULD NOT SEE THROUGH THE REAR WINDOW AT ALL THROUGH THE REAR VIEW MIRROR OR BY TURNING AND LOOKING BEHIND ME. VERY UNSAFE FOR THIS SYSTEM TO BREAK. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
MY STEERING IS WAY TO TIGHT. AND ITS HARD TO MOVE THEVCAR.
HAVE ACCIDENT.BECAUSE MY BMW X5 2004 WHEN START THE ENGINE..THE CAR JUMP. AND PROBLEMS WITH TRASMISSION NOT WORK GOOD WHEN L STAR DRIVING THE CAR JUMP THE SPEEDS NOT WORK GOOD THE GEARS 2 MONTHS AGO L HIT .THE FRONT CAR .BECAUSE MY CAR JUMP .IN HAVE TO PAY .THE OWNER THE OTHER CARS .HAVE TO MANY ACCIDENTS WITH BMW X5 2004..PLEASE YOU CAN HELP ME ..THANK YOU VERY MUCH.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Transmission
Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.
From owner reports, verbatim
MY BMX 5 (2004) STALLS OCCASIONALLY AT LOW SPEEDS. THIS HAS OCCURRED 4 TIMES IN THE LAST THREE MONTHS. THE SERVICE CENTER HAS BEEN UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM OR DETERMINE THE CAUSE. I'M USUALLY EXITING A PARKING LOT OR SCHOOL WHEN IT OCCURS AND ESTIMATED SPEED IS BETWEEN 5 AND 10 MPH. THERE ARE NO SENSORS OR WARNING INDICATORS BEFORE OR AFTER THE INCIDENT AND A DIAGNOSTIC CHECK AT THE BMW SERVICE CENTER REVEALED NO SENSORS OR INDICATORS ACTIVATED. THERE WERE TWO RECALLS FOR BMW X 5 2004 MODELS THAT WERE RELATED TO STALLING BUT HAVE NOT BEEN ASSOCIATED WITH MY PARTICULAR VEHICLE. I'M CONCERNED THE PROBLEM WILL RESULT IN A CRASH. *TR
I OWN A 2004 BMW X5, I PURCHASED THE CAR USED FROM SAM SWOPE BMW IN LOUISVILLE KY # 502-499-5080 THE CAR WAS CERTIFIED AND STILL UNDER WARRANTY WITH 37,000 MILES ON IT. I ALSO PURCHASED A EXTENDED WARRANTY AS WELL. MY COMPLAINT IS THE TRANSMISSION IS CAUSING THE CAR TO BE UNSAFE, AT TIMES WHEN STARTING FROM A STOP OR ROLL IT WILL CAUSE THE CAR TO LURCH FORWARD UNEXPECTEDLY I HAVE COMPLAINED SEVERAL TIMES TO THE DEALERSHIP AS WELL AS BMW. THE FIRST TIME IT DID IT THE DEALER SAID THE SOFTWARE NEEDED TO BE UPDATED I PAID OVER $150.00 TO HAVE THIS DONE THEY SAID IT WOULD FIX IT. FOR AWHILE I THOUGHT IT HAD TAKEN CARE OF IT BUT SEVERAL MONTHS LATER IT STARTED DOING IT AGAIN. AFTER MORE COMPLAINTS TO BMW DEALER THEY DID ANOTHER SOFTWARE UPDATE AND CHARGED ME AGAIN. THIS TIME IT SEEMED LIKE THEY RESTARTED THE PERFORMANCE OF THE CAR. BMW CLAIMS THAT IT IS NOT SHOWING ANY MALFUNCTIONS IN THE COMPUTER THEY CLAIM THERE IS NOTHING WRONG, IF THAT IS TRUE THEN WHY DO THEY KEEP SAYING I NEED TO UPDATE THE SOFTWARE AND KEEP CHARGING ME FOR THIS, WHEN THE TRANSMISSION DOES THIS IT ALL MOST LIKE SOME HAS HIT YOU FROM THE REAR. THE CAR HAS 88,000 MILES ON IT AND HAS CONTINUED TO THIS, I HAVE ACTUALLY ALTERED THE WAY I TAKE OFF FROM A STAND STILL TO AVOIDING THIS FROM HAPPENING. THERE ARE A NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS ISSUE IF YOU LOOK ON LINE AT EDMUNDS CARS. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE SELF LEVELING SUSPENSION IS MALFUNCTIONING. WE HAVE HAD THIS VEHICLE OVER A YEAR AND IT HAS BEEN INTO THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT 12 TIMES IN LESS THEN ONE YEAR AND I HAVE NOT HAD ME CAR FOR CLOSE TO 12 WEEKS DUE TO THE MULTIPLE REPAIRS TO THE SUSPENSION/ ABS/ 4X4 DIFFERENTIAL . MY CAR HAS LOST CONTROL OVER 4 TIMES AND IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE. WE BOUGHT THE X5 WITH THE ADDITIONAL WARRANTY NOVEMBER 2008. SINCE THEM I HAVE NOT HAD MY CAR FOR ALMOST 3 FULL MONTHS DUE TO MULTIPLE REPAIRS FOR THE SAME ISSUE. WE HAVE GOTTEN THE CAR BACK FROM SERVICE ONLY TO FAIL AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN. LAST TIME THE SUSPENSION WENT OUT WE WERE IN LAKE TAHOE IN THE MIDDLE OF A SNOW STORM AND EVEN THE BMW ASSIST WOULD NOT ACTIVATE. I HAVE INCLUDED A COPY OF AL THE SERVICE RECEIPTS. WE DO NOT FELL IN GOOD FAITH I COULD SELL THIS VEHICLE TO ANOTHER CONSUMER WITHOUT PUTTING THEIR FAMILY IN JEOPARDY. WE BOUGHT THE VEHICLE FOR ITS SAFETY SINCE I HAVE THREE CHILDREN, AND IT IS NOT SAFE. *TR
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW X5. WHILE DRIVING 3 MPH AND MAKING A TURN THE VEHICLE BEGAN MOVING FROM LEFT TO RIGHT AND FELT AS IF THERE WERE NO TIRES ON THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE SUSPENSION WAS BROKEN. THE SUSPENSION HAS FAILED FIVE TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER THE WARRANTY. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 43702 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 69075.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
FRONT PASSENGER SEAT BELT DOESN'T WORK PROPERLY. *TR
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW X5. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT CONSISTENTLY ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL, WHICH INDICATED THAT THE FRONTAL AIR BAGS WERE INOPERATIVE. SHE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE HIGH DRIVER RESISTOR IN THE AIR BAG SYSTEM WAS DEFECTIVE. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER DID NOT ASSIST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 56,200 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 57,000. UPDATED 6/18/09 *CN THE CONSUMER HAD OTHER PROBLEMS WITH THE VEHICLE SUCH AS THE SEAT BELTS JAMMING IN THE DOORS, THE COILS WERE REPLACED, THEMLEFT HEADLIGHT BURNED OUT THE FIRST MONTH OF PURCHASING THE VEHICLE, THE HATCH DOOR DID NOT FULLY CLOSE AT TIMES AND DID NOT LOCK. THE HATCH HAS BEEN REPAIRED 3 TIMES. THE HATCH WINDOW RATTLED, THE DEFROST DID NOT ALWAYS WORK, THE HEATING SYSTEM ONLY BLOWED AIR. THE BRAKES NKEPT GOING OUT. UPDATED 06/22/09. *JB
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
BRAKE LIGHTS KEEP FAILING DUE TO METAL USED FOR CONNECTIONS OR COMPUTER ALLOWING TOO MUCH ELECTRICAL JUICE TO CONNECTION. THIS HAPPENS EVERY FEW MONTHS WHEN THE METAL CONNECTION TURNS BLACK. IT NOW HAS MELTED & DAMAGED THE TAIL LITE UNIT AND THE ENTIRE TAIL LITE ASSEMBLY MUST BE REPLACED TO FIX IT. THE UNIT IS VERY EXPENSIVE. I HAVE NOT REPLACED IT. I HAVE BEEN SCRAPING THE BLACK OFF THE METAL CONNECTOR FOR PROBABLY 4 YEARS. NOW THE MECHANIC SAYS THE ENTIRE TAIL LITE ASSEMBLY NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. I HAVE NOT REPLACED IT. I ASK IF THERE WAS A RECALL AND THEY SAID NO.
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW X5. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT CONSISTENTLY ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL, WHICH INDICATED THAT THE FRONTAL AIR BAGS WERE INOPERATIVE. SHE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE HIGH DRIVER RESISTOR IN THE AIR BAG SYSTEM WAS DEFECTIVE. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER DID NOT ASSIST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 56,200 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 57,000. UPDATED 6/18/09 *CN THE CONSUMER HAD OTHER PROBLEMS WITH THE VEHICLE SUCH AS THE SEAT BELTS JAMMING IN THE DOORS, THE COILS WERE REPLACED, THEMLEFT HEADLIGHT BURNED OUT THE FIRST MONTH OF PURCHASING THE VEHICLE, THE HATCH DOOR DID NOT FULLY CLOSE AT TIMES AND DID NOT LOCK. THE HATCH HAS BEEN REPAIRED 3 TIMES. THE HATCH WINDOW RATTLED, THE DEFROST DID NOT ALWAYS WORK, THE HEATING SYSTEM ONLY BLOWED AIR. THE BRAKES NKEPT GOING OUT. UPDATED 06/22/09. *JB
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
WHILE I WAS DRIVING WITH MY SMALL CHILD INSIDE THE SUV, ALL SUDDEN I SMELL GAS AND THEN THE SUV SHUT OFF AND LOCKED UP. WHITE SMOKED CAME OUT OF THE ENGINE. OPENED THE HOOD AND SAW GASOLINE FLOODED ALL OVER INSIDE ON THE ENGINE, HOOD, RADIATOR AND ALL COMPONENT OF THE SUV. WAS IN SHOCK AS I HAVE NEVER SEEN OR EXPERIENCE ANY THING LIKE THIS WITH AT LEAST 5 TO 10 GALLON OF GASOLINE LEAKING EVERY WHERE. IF THE SUV HADN'T STOP ON IT'S OWN IT WOULD HAVE START A FIRE. *TR
NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN 04V344000 CONCERNING ENGINE CONTROL MODULE/ENGINE STALLING. AFTER HAVING THE NEW DIGITAL ENGINE MANAGEMENT CONTROL UNIT INSTALLED THE VEHICLE STALLED. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER NUMEROUS TIMES, BUT MECHANIC COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED THE DRIVER NOTICED FLUID LEAKING FROM UNDERNEATH HE VEHICLE. IT WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION, AND MECHANIC REPLACED THE FUEL HOSE. HOWEVER, THE PROBLEM RECURRED. *AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Heating & air conditioning
Reports naming the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW X5. WHILE DRIVING, THERE WAS A BURNING ODOR INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT NOTICED A HOLE BURNED INTO THE DRIVER'S SEAT. THE CONTACT'S JACKET WAS ALSO BURNED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE SEAT HEATER HAD A MALFUNCTION. THE HEATER MECHANISMS FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 94,000. UPDATED 06/07/17*LJ *CN
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW X5. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT HEAT WARMER BURNED A HOLE THROUGH THE SEAT. THERE WERE NO INJURIES; HOWEVER, THE CONTACT FELT THE HEAT OF THE BURNER COMING THROUGH THE SEAT. THE DEALER DETERMINED THAT THE SEAT WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 170,000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
I BOUGHT 4 RUN-FLAT BRIDGESTONE TIRES FROM A BMW DEALERSHIP: DUELER H/L 400 [36110427162] ON JUNE 21, 2017 WITH MY SUV MILEAGE OF 169,318. YESTERDAY, 1/15/2018, I FOUND OUT MY TWO REAR TIRES WERE ALMOST BALD AFTER DRIVEN 10,384 MILES DUE TO SUMMER ROAD TRIP. SEVERAL TIMES THESE PAST FEW DAYS I FELT THE SUV WAS SLIPPING AND SLIDING EVEN THOUGHT NO ICE AROUND. THE TWO REAR TIRES HAVE MARKINGS OF DOT H491 DJE0716 AND DOT H491 DJE0216]. THE FRONT TWO TIRES [DOT H491 DJE4015 AND DOT H491 DJE3160] LOOK NEW COMPARED TO REAR - PLEASE SEE IMAGES.
THE VEHICLE STARTED SMOKING FROM UNDER THE HOOD WHILE DRIVING IN TOWN TO THE POST OFFICE. UPON PARKING THE VEHICLE AT THE POST OFFICE, IT CAUGHT FIRE UNDER THE HOOD AND THE FIRE DEPT. HAD TO BE CALLED TO FORCE OPEN THE HOOD TO PUT OUT THE FIRE. THE ENTIRE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE WAS DAMAGED IN FRONT OF THE FIRE WALL. THE USPS MOVED EMPLOYEES/CUSTOMERS TO THE REAR OF THE BUILDING FOR PRECAUTION OF EXPLOSION AND SMOKE INHALATION OF THE BURNING PLASTIC, RUBBER AND RELATED PARTS. IT WAS FORTUNATE I COULD QUICKLY PARK RATHER THAN BEING ON THE HIGHWAY.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
HAVE ACCIDENT.BECAUSE MY BMW X5 2004 WHEN START THE ENGINE..THE CAR JUMP. AND PROBLEMS WITH TRASMISSION NOT WORK GOOD WHEN L STAR DRIVING THE CAR JUMP THE SPEEDS NOT WORK GOOD THE GEARS 2 MONTHS AGO L HIT .THE FRONT CAR .BECAUSE MY CAR JUMP .IN HAVE TO PAY .THE OWNER THE OTHER CARS .HAVE TO MANY ACCIDENTS WITH BMW X5 2004..PLEASE YOU CAN HELP ME ..THANK YOU VERY MUCH.
THE CONSUMER EXPERIENCED SUDDEN ACCELERATION. *JB THERE WERE RANDOM PROBLEMS WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS ACCELERATED FROM STOP. THE ELECTRONIC SYSTEM WOULD FAIL 3-5 TIMES PER WEEK. THE PROBLEM WAS UNABLE TO BE SOLVED. *SC
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
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.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .