Model year record

2001 BMW 5 Series recalls & problems

The 2001 BMW 5 Series has 2 safety recalls and 3 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is structure (1 complaint).

Recalls2safety recalls

Complaints3filed by owners

Crashes · fires0 · 0reported in complaints

Injuries · deaths0 · 0reported in complaints

Safety recalls

SteeringAug 28, 2019

Linkages › Rod › Relay › Connecting

Recall 19E058000614 vehicles

Problem: ZF Group North America Operations (ZF) is recalling certain LemfÃ¶rder Steering Center Rods sold as aftermarket parts for 1996-2004 BMW 5-Series (E39) vehicles. The steering center rods may have an insufficient ball pin pull force that may allow the rods to detach from the steering knuckle.
Risk: If the steering rod detaches from the steerable wheel knuckle, it can cause sudden loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: ZF has notified the parts distributors, instructing them to inform the end customer. ZF will reimburse them for the affected parts. The recall began August 28, 2019.

Engine and engine coolingAug 10, 2012

Cooling system › Fan

Recall 12E029000585 vehicles

Problem: This recall involves aftermarket parts sold by Valeo. Valeo is recalling certain engine cooling fans, part numbers 696121, 696273, and 696275, used as service replacement parts for model year 2008-2011 BMW 1-Series, 2006-2011 BMW 3-Series, 2000-2009 BMW 5-Series, 2004-2005 BMW 6-Series, and 2006-2007 BMW 7-Series vehicles. A metal-oxide semiconductor may overheat due to insufficient screwing of the semiconductor on the aluminum heat sink. This primary failure could cause adjacent components on the fan assembly motor circuit board to overheat and short.
Risk: This condition could cause the fan motor to become inoperative, or cause the motor circuit board in the assembly to overheat, potentially leading to a fire in the engine compartment.
Fix: Valeo will notify owners and replace the fans free of charge. The safety recall began on August 22, 2012. This recall is being conducted by Valeo, not by BMW. For further information, owners may contact Valeo at 1-888-718-2536.

Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.

What owners report

Problem area	Complaints	Typical mileage*
Structure	1	—
Electrical system	1	—
Exterior lighting	1	—
Visibility	1	—

*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.

Recent owner complaints

Exterior lighting
THE HEADLIGHT'S HAVE MANUAL ADJUSTERS ON EACH SIDE, BOTH OF MY HEADLIGHTS POINT TOWARDS THE GROUND BECAUSE THEY ARE BROKEN, I TRIED TO ADJUST THE BEAM AND BOTH SIDES JUST CLICK. THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY HAZARD BECAUSE AT NIGHT IT LIMITS YOUR VISION AHEAD TO ABOUT 10 TO 20 FEET. I OWN OTHER VEHICLE'S THAT ARE OLDER THAN THIS VEHICLE AND THE HEADLIGHTS HAVE NEVER BEEN A PROBLEM. I AM A MEMBER OF A FORUM FOR THIS PARTICULAR MODEL CAR AND MORE THAN HALF, IF NOT EVERY MEMBER HAS ENCOUNTERED THIS PROBLEM. THE SOLUTION FROM MY DEALER WAS TO REPLACE BOTH HEADLIGHTS FOR A TOTAL OF $1000.00 PLUS. I DON'T THINK A HEADLIGHT SHOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED ON A VEHICLE AND THIS IS A WELL KNOWN AND DOCUMENTED…
Feb 26, 2010 · 140,000 miles
Electrical system
FAILURE OF THE INFORMATION CLUSTER, MISSING PIXELS)....MILEAGE AND OTHER INFORMATION CAN NOT BE READ.*TR
Aug 1, 2006 · 36,000 miles
Structure
BMW X5 WITH 15,000 MILES HAD SUCH EXTENSIVE RUST IN THE FRONT END PARTS THAT THE REPAIR COST OVER $2,000. *TR
Oct 12, 2009 · 15,000 miles

Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.