RoadVitals

2004 BMW X5 Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

Data refreshed

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.
64
Latest Jun 26, 2025
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
17
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.
14

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

  • Engine1112.6%
  • Electrical1011.5%
  • 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.

12
reports

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

NHTSA ID 10561295 · filed Jan 24, 2014

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

NHTSA ID 10519727 · filed Jun 13, 2013
All 12 reports naming interior & seats

Engine

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.

11
reports

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 .

NHTSA ID 11462118 · filed Apr 25, 2022

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.

NHTSA ID 11181660 · filed Feb 21, 2019
All 11 reports naming engine

Electrical

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.

10
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

No start no crank sos light battery drain

NHTSA ID 11669369 · filed Jun 26, 2025

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

NHTSA ID 11102874 · filed Jun 20, 2018
All 10 reports naming electrical

Powertrain (other)

Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.

8
reports

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 .

NHTSA ID 11462118 · filed Apr 25, 2022

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.

NHTSA ID 11014998 · filed Aug 14, 2017
All 8 reports naming powertrain (other)

Body & structure

Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.

7
reports

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.

NHTSA ID 10786161 · filed Oct 26, 2015

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

NHTSA ID 10519727 · filed Jun 13, 2013

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.

6
reports

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.

NHTSA ID 11072329 · filed Feb 12, 2018

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.

NHTSA ID 10970464 · filed Apr 4, 2017

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.

5
reports

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

NHTSA ID 10433716 · filed Oct 31, 2011

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.

NHTSA ID 10425743 · filed Sep 16, 2011

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.

5
reports

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

NHTSA ID 10583008 · filed Apr 15, 2014

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

NHTSA ID 10537036 · filed Aug 24, 2013

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.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

MY STEERING IS WAY TO TIGHT. AND ITS HARD TO MOVE THEVCAR.

NHTSA ID 11366639 · filed Oct 27, 2020

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.

NHTSA ID 11014998 · filed Aug 14, 2017

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.

4
reports

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

NHTSA ID 10358983 · filed Oct 4, 2010

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

NHTSA ID 10312760 · filed Feb 22, 2010

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.

3
reports

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

NHTSA ID 10317247 · filed Mar 5, 2010

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.

NHTSA ID 10302394 · filed Jan 26, 2010

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.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

FRONT PASSENGER SEAT BELT DOESN'T WORK PROPERLY. *TR

NHTSA ID 11325415 · filed May 21, 2020

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

NHTSA ID 10270042 · filed May 27, 2009

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.

2
reports

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.

NHTSA ID 10322228 · filed Mar 25, 2010

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

NHTSA ID 10270042 · filed May 27, 2009

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.

2
reports

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 ID 10583742 · filed Apr 20, 2014

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

NHTSA ID 10111032 · filed Feb 7, 2005

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.

2
reports

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

NHTSA ID 10954819 · filed Feb 15, 2017

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.

NHTSA ID 10948644 · filed Jan 31, 2017

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.

2
reports

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.

NHTSA ID 11063391 · filed Jan 17, 2018

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.

NHTSA ID 10786161 · filed Oct 26, 2015

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.

2
reports

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.

NHTSA ID 11014998 · filed Aug 14, 2017

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

NHTSA ID 10105248 · filed Jan 24, 2005

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.

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