Model year record

2002 BMW X5 recalls & problems

The 2002 BMW X5 has 3 safety recalls and 102 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is engine and engine cooling (21 complaints).

Recalls3safety recalls

Complaints102filed by owners

Crashes · fires3 · 7reported in complaints

Injuries · deaths3 · 1reported in complaints

1 recall for this model year carries an NHTSA do not drive advisory. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Safety recalls

Air bagsJan 20, 2017

Frontal › Driver side › Inflator module

Recall 17V047000230,117 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

NHTSA advisory: do not drive affected vehicles until repaired.

Problem: 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.
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.
Fix: 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.

Seat beltsFeb 4, 2003

Front › Buckle assembly

Recall 03V0320002,635 vehicles

Problem: 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.
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.
Fix: 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.

Service brakes, hydraulicJan 9, 2003

Foundation components › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings

Recall 03V00100084,000 vehicles

Problem: 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.
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.
Fix: 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.

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.

Crash test ratings

2002 BMW X5 4-DR. w/SAB

OverallNot Rated

Frontal crash	Not Rated
Side crash	Not Rated
Rollover	Not Rated

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (New Car Assessment Program). Ratings are comparable only between vehicles of similar size and weight, and ratings from 2011 on use tougher tests than earlier years. Photos: NHTSA.

Fuel economy

X5

16mpg combined

City / highway	14 / 19 mpg
Fuel	Premium Gasoline

3 L · 6 cyl · Manual 5-spd · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive · about $5,150/year to fuel

X5

16mpg combined

City / highway	14 / 19 mpg
Fuel	Premium Gasoline

3 L · 6 cyl · Automatic (S5) · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive · about $5,150/year to fuel

X5

14mpg combined

City / highway	12 / 16 mpg
Fuel	Premium Gasoline

4.4 L · 8 cyl · Automatic 5-spd · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive · about $5,850/year to fuel

X5 4.6is

13mpg combined

City / highway	11 / 16 mpg
Fuel	Premium Gasoline

4.6 L · 8 cyl · Automatic (S5) · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive · about $6,300/year to fuel

EPA estimates from fueleconomy.gov for each engine and transmission sold. Annual cost is the EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year at its current fuel and electricity price assumptions. Your results will vary.

What owners report

Problem area	Complaints	Crashes	Fires	Injuries	Typical mileage*
Engine and engine coolingEngine; Engine › Gasoline	21	0	2	2	82,182 mi
Air bagsSide/window	20	1	2	0	144,900 mi
Electrical systemWiring; Ignition › Module	16	0	3	0	146,000 mi
VisibilityPower window devices and controls; Rearview mirrors/devices › Exterior	13	0	0	0	36,000 mi
StructureBody; Body › Bumpers	9	0	1	0	78,817 mi
Exterior lightingHeadlights; Brake lights	8	0	2	0	150,000 mi
Engine	7	0	1	0	93,000 mi
Power trainAutomatic transmission; Manual transmission	6	1	0	1	85,000 mi
Latches/locks/linkagesDoors › Latch; Hood › Latch	6	0	0	0	93,000 mi
Steering	6	0	0	0	132,000 mi
Unknown or other	5	1	1	0	—
Seat beltsFront › Buckle assembly	4	0	0	0	89,000 mi

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

Recent owner complaints

Air bags
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.
Jan 18, 2025
Steering
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…
Mar 6, 2021
Latches/locks/linkages › Hood › Latch
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.
Mar 17, 2021 · 117,000 miles
Structure › Body
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…
Mar 17, 2021 · 117,000 miles
Electrical systemFire
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.
Mar 2, 2021 · 230,000 miles
Air bags
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.
Aug 1, 2020 · 153,000 miles
Air bags
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
Nov 5, 2019 · 179,000 miles
Electrical systemFire
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…
Mar 29, 2020 · 150,000 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.