Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
Limited mileage data: 13 of 29 reports include usable mileage. There isn’t enough coverage to show a useful chart.
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
Power Train. Review the 7 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Visibility. Review the 7 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Latches/locks/linkages. Review the 3 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
2 crash reports1 fire reports1 injury reports
What owners actually said
29 reports
150,000 miles · May 26, 2016
Service BrakesSuspension
INCIDENT OCCURRED ON 3/14/2016 AT THE INTERSECTION OF E LAKE FOREST DR/ MIMOSA WY DURING DRIVING. COMPLETE BRAKE FAILURE DURING DRIVING WHILE TURNING CORNER FROM TIRE WEARING AGAINST PASSENGER FRONT BRAKE LINE. ALMOST CAUSED SERIOUS AUTO ACCIDENT. INQUIRED WITH DEALER WHEN PURCHASING REPLACEMENT PARTS THAT THERE WAS A KNOWN RECA…
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INCIDENT OCCURRED ON 3/14/2016 AT THE INTERSECTION OF E LAKE FOREST DR/ MIMOSA WY DURING DRIVING. COMPLETE BRAKE FAILURE DURING DRIVING WHILE TURNING CORNER FROM TIRE WEARING AGAINST PASSENGER FRONT BRAKE LINE. ALMOST CAUSED SERIOUS AUTO ACCIDENT. INQUIRED WITH DEALER WHEN PURCHASING REPLACEMENT PARTS THAT THERE WAS A KNOWN RECALL FOR THIS INCIDENT AND DEALER DID NOT KNOW PROCESS FOR NTSA RECALLS. OWNER PAID FOR REPLACEMENT PARTS AS DEALER/MANUFACTURER WAS UNWILLING TO FIX. CAN PROVIDE RECEIPTS. REPORT RECEIPT DATE: JAN 09, 2003 NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 03V001000 COMPONENT(S): SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC ALL PRODUCTS ASSOCIATED WITH THIS RECALL EXPAND DETAILS CLOSE 10 ASSOCIATED DOCUMENTS EXPAND MANUFACTURER: BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE SUMMARY: 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. 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. 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 REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-831-1117. NOTES: CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
NHTSA ODI #10871057
122,000 miles · Apr 3, 2015
Electrical SystemEngineStructureFire
PULLED VEHICLE INTO GARAGE AND FRONT, RIGHT SIDE STARTED SMOKING. MY DAUGHTER AND I JUMPED OUT OF THE CAR AND RAN INTO THE HOUSE TO ALERT MY HUSBAND. WITHIN SECONDS, SMOKE FILLED THE GARAGE AND FIRE WAS VISIBLE UNDER FRONT, RIGHT TIRE AND THROUGH HOOD. I CALLED THE 911 AND MY HUSBAND TRIED TO DOUSE THE FLAMES. THIS NOT WORKI…
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PULLED VEHICLE INTO GARAGE AND FRONT, RIGHT SIDE STARTED SMOKING. MY DAUGHTER AND I JUMPED OUT OF THE CAR AND RAN INTO THE HOUSE TO ALERT MY HUSBAND. WITHIN SECONDS, SMOKE FILLED THE GARAGE AND FIRE WAS VISIBLE UNDER FRONT, RIGHT TIRE AND THROUGH HOOD. I CALLED THE 911 AND MY HUSBAND TRIED TO DOUSE THE FLAMES. THIS NOT WORKING, SO MY HUSBAND MADE THE DECISION TO BACK THE CAR OUT OF THE GARAGE, HOWEVER, THE CAR WOULD NOT START. HE QUICKLY MADE THE DECISION TO PUT THE CAR IN NEUTRAL AND PUSHED IT FROM THE DRIVER'S DOOR FRAME TO THE MIDDLE OF THE DRIVEWAY. SECONDS LATER, THE ENTIRE RIGHT SIDE OF THE CAR WAS IN FLAMES. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED AND DOUSED THE FLAMES. THEY ALSO HAD TO CUT OPEN THE HOOD TO ENSURE ALL FLAMES WERE OUT PRIOR TO LEAVING. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10703558
95,364 miles · May 21, 2013
Steering
I WAS TURNING INTO A RESTAURANT ( I WAS COMPLETELY STOPPED) AND AS I GOT THE CHANCE TO TAKE THE TURN, IT BECAME EXTREMELY HARD TO TURN THE WHEEL, LUCKILY MY SON WAS SITTING NEXT TO ME AND HE HAD TO MANUALLY HELP ME TO TURN THE CAR. I HIT THE CURB BUT LUCKILY MANAGED TO PULL OUT OF THE STREET AND OUT OF THE WAY OF TRAFFIC. IT WAS…
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I WAS TURNING INTO A RESTAURANT ( I WAS COMPLETELY STOPPED) AND AS I GOT THE CHANCE TO TAKE THE TURN, IT BECAME EXTREMELY HARD TO TURN THE WHEEL, LUCKILY MY SON WAS SITTING NEXT TO ME AND HE HAD TO MANUALLY HELP ME TO TURN THE CAR. I HIT THE CURB BUT LUCKILY MANAGED TO PULL OUT OF THE STREET AND OUT OF THE WAY OF TRAFFIC. IT WAS A HIGHWAY SO PEOPLE WERE GOING ABOUT 55-60 MPH (I GOT HONKED AT). WE PULLED IN STOPPED AT THE ENTRANCE. WE TURNED OFF THE ENGINE, MY SON WENT OUT TO LOOK AT THE DAMAGE AND IF ANYTHING WAS WRONG WITH THE TIRES. WE BARELY MADE IT TO A PARKING SPOT AS MY SON COULD BARELY TURN IT. PLEASE FIX THIS ISSUE, PRAISE THE LORD NOBODY WAS HURT. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10513015
Mileage unknown · Apr 13, 2012
Electrical SystemVisibility
THIS IS NOT THE FIRST TIME. THE RIGHT HAND SIDE, PASSENGER'S FRONT WINDOW FAILED TO OPERATE. THIS IS AN ELECTRICAL SYSTEM COMPONENT. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10455084
50,000 miles · Mar 26, 2012
Seat Belts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 BMW X5. WHILE PARKED, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT WOULD NOT RETRACT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTICS. THE TECHNICIANS REPLACED THE SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY FOR THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE SEAT. AFTER SOME TIME, THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELT FAILED TO RETRACT. …
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 BMW X5. WHILE PARKED, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT WOULD NOT RETRACT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTICS. THE TECHNICIANS REPLACED THE SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY FOR THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE SEAT. AFTER SOME TIME, THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELT FAILED TO RETRACT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND A COMPLAINT WAS FILED. THE MANUFACTURER STATED TO THE CONTACT THAT THE SEAT BELT REPAIR WOULD NOT BE COVERED UNDER WARRANTY DUE TO THE AGE OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000.
NHTSA ODI #10452983
76,000 miles · Feb 24, 2011
Latches/locks/linkages
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 BMW X5. WHILE PARKED, THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO EXIT THE VEHICLE USING THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE DOOR BUT THE DOOR WOULD NOT OPEN. THE CONTACT EXITED THE VEHICLE THROUGH ANOTHER DOOR AND NOTICED THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE DOOR ALSO WOULD NOT OPEN FROM THE OUTSIDE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO HAVE THE FAILURE D…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 BMW X5. WHILE PARKED, THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO EXIT THE VEHICLE USING THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE DOOR BUT THE DOOR WOULD NOT OPEN. THE CONTACT EXITED THE VEHICLE THROUGH ANOTHER DOOR AND NOTICED THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE DOOR ALSO WOULD NOT OPEN FROM THE OUTSIDE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO HAVE THE FAILURE DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 76,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
NHTSA ODI #10384325
60,000 miles · Feb 19, 2010
Visibility
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 BMW X5. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER AND REAR PASSENGER WINDOWS HAVE FALLEN INSIDE THE DOOR DUE TO A FAULTY REGULATOR. THE CONTACT HAS TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO A DEALER TO HAVE THE DRIVER SIDE WINDOW REPAIRED AND FIVE DAYS AFTER THE REPAIR THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE WINDOW BROKE. THE CONTACT HAS…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 BMW X5. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER AND REAR PASSENGER WINDOWS HAVE FALLEN INSIDE THE DOOR DUE TO A FAULTY REGULATOR. THE CONTACT HAS TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO A DEALER TO HAVE THE DRIVER SIDE WINDOW REPAIRED AND FIVE DAYS AFTER THE REPAIR THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE WINDOW BROKE. THE CONTACT HAS CALLED THE MANUFACTURER AND REQUESTED THAT THEY ASSUME THE COST SINCE THE WARRANTY HAS EXPIRED. THE CONTACT IS CONCERNED THAT A DEFECT INVESTIGATION WAS NOT AVAILABLE FOR HIS YEAR MAKE AND MODEL VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000.
NHTSA ODI #10312139
75,000 miles · Feb 11, 2010
Power TrainTraction Control System
NO REVERSE AND ALSO NO COMMUNICATION TO THE ABS MODULE SO NO ABS. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10308824
33,000 miles · Jul 11, 2009
Power Train
ON JUNE 3, 2009 I TOOK MY X5 BMW TO CHECKERED FLAG BMW 5225 VIRGINIA BEACH BLVD VIRGINIA BEACH, VIRGINIA 23454 TO HAVE AN INCONSISTENT HESITATION CHECKED. THERE WAS NO CHECK ENGINE OR TRANSMISSION LIGHT ON. THE VEHICLE WAS LEFT WITH THE DEALER FOR 3 DAYS, THE SERVICE MANAGER CALLED ON JUNE 6, 2009 , TOLD MY HUSBAND AND I THAT TH…
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ON JUNE 3, 2009 I TOOK MY X5 BMW TO CHECKERED FLAG BMW 5225 VIRGINIA BEACH BLVD VIRGINIA BEACH, VIRGINIA 23454 TO HAVE AN INCONSISTENT HESITATION CHECKED. THERE WAS NO CHECK ENGINE OR TRANSMISSION LIGHT ON. THE VEHICLE WAS LEFT WITH THE DEALER FOR 3 DAYS, THE SERVICE MANAGER CALLED ON JUNE 6, 2009 , TOLD MY HUSBAND AND I THAT THE TRANSMISSION WAS COMPLETELY BURNED UP. I TOLD THE SERVICE MANAGER THAT THE X5 HAS A SEAL TRANSMISSION. ACCORDING TO MY SERVICE MANUAL A WARNING LIGHT SHOULD HAD CAME ON PUTTING THE VEHICLE IN TRANSMISSION SAFE MODE INFORMING ME TO TAKE IT TO THE DEALER FOR SERVICE. THIS WOULD PREVENT ANY DAMAGE TO THE TRANSMISSION. HOWEVER NO WARNING LIGHT CAME ON. BASICALLY HE TOLD US THE VEHICLE WAS MADE WITH A DEFECTED TRANSMISSION MODULECONTROL PART. WE TOLD HIM TO FIX THE TRANSMISSION AND THAT IT WASN'T MY FAULT IT WAS DEFECTED. HE REFUSED TO REPAIR IT . *TR
NHTSA ODI #10276405
Mileage unknown · Jul 19, 2008
Power Train
TRANSMISSION FAILURE 2000 BMW X5 4.4 AUTOMOBILE 70,000 MILES. *TR
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
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 23, 2025. This recall expands previous NHTSA recall number 19V015.
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.
Consequence & remedy
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.
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 REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-831-1117.
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, DUE TO A MANUFACTURING PROBLEM, THE BRAKE PEDAL ARM PIVOT SHAFT COULD LOOSEN FROM ITS SUPPORT BRACKET.
Consequence & remedy
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.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: 4.4I SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES. THERE IS A PLASTIC CARRIER TO WHICH THE OIL FILTER HOUSING IS ATTACHED. OIL SUPPLY AND RETURN LINES ARE ATTACHED TO THE FILTER HOUSING. OVER TIME, THIS CARRIER COULD SAG SLIGHTLY. IF THIS HAPPENS, ONE OF THE OIL LINES, WHICH ARE ARMORED WITH STEEL MESH, COULD COME INTO CONTACT AND CHAFE A STEEL BRAKE LINE LOCATED IMMEDIATELY UNDERNEATH.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: CONTINUED CHAFFING CAN CAUSE THE ANTICORROSION COATING OF THIS BRAKE LINE TO FAIL, ALLOWING THE BRAKE LINE TO RUST THROUGH AND LEADING TO LOSS OF BRAKE FLUID, FAILURE OF THE REAR BRAKE CIRCUIT, AND EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCES, AND A POSSIBLE CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A RUBBER SPACER BELOW THE PLASTIC CARRIER TO PREVENT SAGGING AND SUBSEQUENT CONTACT BETWEEN THE OIL AND BRAKE LINES. BRAKE LINES WHOSE ANTICORROSION LAYER IS FOUND TO BE DAMAGED AS A RESULT OF CONTACT WITH THE OIL LINE WILL BE REPLACED. 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.
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 EMERGENCY PROGRAM, WHICH IS DISPLAYED IN THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER VIA A WARNING LAMP AND A MESSAGE, "TRANS. FAIL-SAFE PROG." IN THIS CASE, THE VEHICLE CAN BE DRIVEN IN LOWER GEARS ONLY WITH LIMITED ENGINE OUTPUT.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IF THIS PROBLEM OCCURS, THE ABILITY TO MAINTAIN SPEED IN TRAFFIC AND/OR ACCELERATE COULD BE GREATLY DIMINISHED, POSSIBLY LEADING TO A CRASH.
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.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES. THE LOWER STEERING SHAFT COUPLING INCLUDES A PLASTIC COLLAR WHICH FITS OVER THE LOWER STEERING RACK INPUT SHAFT. THIS COLLAR IS PUSHED DOWN ONTO THE STEERING RACK AND TIGHTENED DURING ASSEMBLY. ON SOME OF THE AFFECTED VEHICLES, THE COLLAR MAY NOT HAVE BEEN PUSHED DOWN FULLY ONTO THE RACK AT THE ASSEMBLY PLANT.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: OPERATION OF THE VEHICLE, ESPECIALLY IN ROUGH ROAD CONDITIONS, CAN CAUSE THE CLEARANCE BETWEEN THE COLLAR AND THE STEERING RACK TO INCREASE TO THE POINT WHERE THE INPUT SHAFT CAN SEPARATE FROM THE RACK, RESULTING IN A LOSS OF STEERING CAPABILITY.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE STEERING RACK INPUT SHAFT COLLAR FOR PROPER POSITIONING, AND REPOSITION IS NECESSARY.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
0
No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.
2000 BMW X5 Problems, Complaints & Recalls | Skip That Year