NHTSA lists 160 complaints for the 2001 BMW X5, 4 of them mention a crash and 16 mention a fire. 10 complaints mention an injury, with 11 injuries and 0 deaths reported.
Data build 2026-10-08.
NHTSA lists this vehicle as BMW X5.
Model-generated complaint tags: This model year has not been tagged.
Recalls
See new recalls and investigations this week.
12 recalls. Showing the latest 10 of 12.
Date: 2025-10-31. Systems: AIR BAGS.
Defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2000-2001 X5 vehicles that may be equipped with a sport steering wheel containing a Takata PSDI-4 air bag inflator. The inflator may explode during deployment due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature, and temperature cycling. (excerpt)
Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death. (excerpt)
Remedy: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the remedy is complete. Dealers will inspect and replace the driver's front air bag, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 29, 2025. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning December 2 (excerpt)
Do not drive: Yes. Park outside: No.
Date: 2017-01-20. Systems: AIR BAGS.
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 (excerpt)
Consequence: 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. (excerpt)
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. (excerpt)
Do not drive: Yes. Park outside: No.
Date: 2003-01-09. Systems: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC.
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. (excerpt)
Consequence: 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. (excerpt)
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 REA (excerpt)
Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.
Date: 2002-07-24. Systems: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC.
Defect: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, DUE TO A MANUFACTURING PROBLEM, THE BRAKE PEDAL ARM PIVOT SHAFT COULD LOOSEN FROM ITS SUPPORT BRACKET.
Consequence: EVENTUALLY, THE BRAKE PEDAL ARM COULD DETACH FROM THE BRACKET, RENDERING THE SERVICE BRAKING SYSTEM INEFFECTIVE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL CHECK THE BRAKE PEDAL ARM PIVOT SHAFT FOR PROPER SEATING IN ITS SUPPORT BRACKET. IN ADDITION, A PIN WILL BE INSTALLED TO SECURE THE SHAFT TO THE BRACKET. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN AUGUST 14, 2002. 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 1-800-332-4269.
Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.
Date: 2002-05-16. Systems: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING.
Defect: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE ENGINE AUXILIARY/COOLING FAN OPERATION, INCLUDING VARIABLE SPEED, IS ELECTRONICALLY CONTROLLED. FAILURE OF THE FAN MOTOR CAN CAUSE THE ELECTRICAL CIRCUITRY OF THE FAN CONTROL UNIT TO OVERLOAD AND FAIL, CAUSING THE FAN TO STOP OPERATING.
Consequence: IF THIS WERE TO OCCUR, ENGINE OVERHEATING AND SUBSEQUENT ENGINE DAMAGE COULD RESULT. IN ADDITION, IT IS POSSIBLE FOR THE FAILURE OF THE ELECTRICAL CIRCUITRY TO CAUSE A FIRE IN THE FAN CONTROL UNIT LOCATED IN THE FRONT OF THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FAN. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN SEPTEMBER 28, 2001. THIS IS A SUPPLEMENT TO A RECALL THAT BEGAN DURING SEPTEMBER 2001 (SEE RECALL CAMPAIGN 01V206). 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.
Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.
Date: 2001-06-21. Systems: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING.
Defect: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE ENGINE AUXILIARY/COOLING FAN OPERATION, INCLUDING VARIABLE SPEED, IS ELECTRONICALLY CONTROLLED. FAILURE OF THE FAN MOTOR CAN CAUSE THE ELECTRICAL CIRCUITRY OF THE FAN CONTROL UNIT TO OVERLOAD AND FAIL, CAUSING THE FAN TO STOP OPERATING.
Consequence: IF THIS WERE TO OCCUR, ENGINE OVERHEATING AND SUBSEQUENT ENGINE DAMAGE COULD RESULT. IN ADDITION, IT IS POSSIBLE FOR THE FAILURE OF THE ELECTRICAL CIRCUITRY TO CAUSE A FIRE IN THE FAN CONTROL UNIT LOCATED IN THE FRONT OF THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FAN. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN SEPTEMBER 28, 2001. 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.
Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.
Date: 2001-06-14. Systems: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC.
Defect: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES. DUE TO AN ASSEMBLY ERROR, ONE OR BOTH SELF-LOCKING NUTS THAT SECURE THE PEDAL ASSEMBLY TO THE BOOSTER MAY HAVE BEEN CROSS-THREADED ON THE BOOSTER STUDS THAT PROTRUDE THROUGH THE FIREWALL. IN SUCH A CASE, THE NUT(S) WOULD NOT BE FULLY SEATED ON THE STUD(S). (excerpt)
Consequence: IF THIS OCCURRED, THE EFFECTIVE BRAKE PEDAL TRAVEL COULD BE REDUCED DUE TO RELATIVE MOVEMENT BETWEEN THE PEDAL AND BOOSTER. BRAKING PERFORMANCE WHILE DRIVING COULD BE ADVERSELY AFFECTED. IN ADDITION, IT IS POSSIBLE THAT THE BOOSTER COULD DEVELOP A LEAK AFTER AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME RESULTING IN A REDUCTION IN BRAKE POWER ASSIST. (excerpt)
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE TWO LOCK NUTS TO DETERMINE IF THEY ARE PROPERLY SEATED. IF THE NUTS ARE NOT PROPERLY SEATED OR ARE CROSS-THREADED, THE BRAKE BOOSTER WILL BE REPLACED. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN AUGUST 17, 2001. 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 1-800-8 (excerpt)
Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.
Date: 2001-06-14. Systems: POWER TRAIN.
Defect: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: 4.4I SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES. OVER AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, ABRASION PARTICLES COULD DEPOSIT ON THE ELECTRICAL CONTACTS WITHIN THE SWITCH, CAUSING A DISRUPTION OF THE ELECTRIC CURRENT THROUGH THE CONTACTS. IF THE DISRUPTION OCCURS WHEN THE VEHICLE IS STATIONARY WITH THE TRANSMISSION IN THE NEUTRAL OR PARK POSITIONS, THE TRANSMISSION WILL SWITCH AUTOMATICALLY INTO THE EM (excerpt)
Consequence: IF THIS PROBLEM OCCURS, THE ABILITY TO MAINTAIN SPEED IN TRAFFIC AND/OR ACCELERATE COULD BE GREATLY DIMINISHED, POSSIBLY LEADING TO A CRASH. (excerpt)
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION GEAR POSITION INDICATOR SWITCH. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN AUGUST 14, 2001. 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. (excerpt)
Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.
Date: 2001-05-24. Systems: STEERING.
Defect: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. DUE TO AN ASSEMBLY ERROR DURING VEHICLE PRODUCTION, ANY OF THE THREE BOLTS THAT SECURE THE PULLEY TO THE PUMP MAY HAVE BEEN INADEQUATELY TIGHTENED. (excerpt)
Consequence: IN SUCH A CASE, THE BOLTS COULD ULTIMATELY LOOSEN CAUSING THE PULLEY TO THROW OFF THE DRIVE BELT. THIS WOULD RESULT IN THE LOSS OF CERTAIN ENGINE AUXILIARY FUNCTIONS, I.E., POWER STEERING ASSIST, WATER PUMP, OR ALTERNATOR. STEERING EFFORT WOULD THEN BE INCREASED. (excerpt)
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE POWER STEERING PUMP PULLEY TO SEE IF IT IS LOOSE. IF THE PULLEY IS NOT LOOSE ON THE PUMP, THE RETAINING BOLTS WILL BE TORQUED TO SPECIFICATION. IF THE PULLEY IS LOOSE, THE PUMP, PULLEY, ATTACHING BOLTS, AND DRIVE BELT WILL BE REPLACED. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN AUGUST 17, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND (excerpt)
Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.
Date: 2001-02-06. Systems: STEERING.
Defect: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. DURING ASSEMBLY OF THESE VEHICLES, THE LOWER END OF THE SPINDLE MAY NOT HAVE BEEN INSERTED COMPLETELY INTO THE COUPLING. IN SUCH A CASE, THE FASTENING BOLT USED TO SECURE THE CONNECTION MAY NOT COMPLETELY ENGAGE THE SPINDLE WITHIN THE COUPLING. DURING DRIVING, IT WOULD BE POSSIBLE FOR THE SPINDLE TO DISCONNECT.
Consequence: THIS COULD RESULT IN A LOSS OF STEERING CAPABILITY AND INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE SPINDLE TO ENSURE PROPER INSERTION IN THE COUPLING, AND, IF NECESSARY, THE SPINDLE WILL BE FULLY INSERTED AND THE FASTENING BOLT REPLACED. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN FEBRUARY 6, 2001. 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.
Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.
Manufacturer communications
72 manufacturer communications.
Communications by system| System | Count |
|---|
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 23 |
|---|
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | 13 |
|---|
| EQUIPMENT | 11 |
|---|
| AIR BAGS | 9 |
|---|
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING | 6 |
|---|
| VISIBILITY | 5 |
|---|
| FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE | 4 |
|---|
| FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL | 3 |
|---|
10249437
Date: 2024-01-16. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, VISIBILITY.
The basic conditions for initializing the power windows are not met.
10247567
Date: 2023-12-20. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: 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, rec
10245422
Date: 2023-11-22. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, EQUIPMENT.
Customers may state that the alarm system (DWA) is not active after locking their unoccupied vehicle. Depending on the vehicleA A?A A A A s equipment and settings, no acoustic or optical confirmation (folding the mirrors/blinking confirmation) is noticeable. Additionally, the red anti-theft alarm L
10244258
Date: 2023-10-20. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: 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.
10244242
Date: 2023-10-19. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE, LANE DEPARTURE, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL.
Various functions of the camera-based driver assistance systems (ADCAM system) can lead to customer complaints.
10244239
Date: 2023-10-18. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: STRUCTURE, VISIBILITY.
This situation can result in two customer complaints: 1. Wind noise 2. Excess water entry
10225107
Date: 2022-09-01. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING.
Coolant is leaking from under the car which is equipped with the S63 engine. A low coolant warning might also be displayed (CC Message ID166).
10225110
Date: 2022-09-01. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: SEATS.
The driver's side (left rear) of the 60/40 split 2nd row seat may intermittently not fully latch into position on one side (inner rail).
10225115
Date: 2022-09-01. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.
Customer is unable to power up or charge accessories through a plug adapter inserted in the front 12-volt power socket plug. Alternatively, it will only operate when constant downward hand pressure is maintained.
10225126
Date: 2022-09-01. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: EQUIPMENT.
Vehicle cannot be opened or closed using comfort access, engine start is not possible, and the vehicle may not start when placing the key against the steering column.