No start no crank sos light battery drain
2004 BMW X5
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
Similar to other model years
Owner complaints for the 2004 BMW X5 do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 100.5.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all X5 years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
55 reports with mileage · 9 unknown
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 11 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Electrical System. Review the 10 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Engine. Review the 9 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Electrical System complaints
10 reportsVEHICLE 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 POSSIB…
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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
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW X5. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO START THE VEHICLE, THE ENGINE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING AND THE OIL SERVICE AND BATTERY INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE, BUT DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE …
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW X5. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO START THE VEHICLE, THE ENGINE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING AND THE OIL SERVICE AND BATTERY INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE, BUT DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 157,000.
WATER DAMAGE. THE VEHICLE HAS TAKEN WATER IN THE REAR TRUNK AREA. WHEN LOOKED AT, THERE IS A PUDDLE OF STANDING WATER COVERING THE ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS SUCH AS THE RADIO AMPLIFIER AND OTHER ELECTRONICS. VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY AND NOT MOVING. WATER SEEMS TO OCCUR ONLY WHEN RAINING. RADIO AND SPEAKERS DO NOT WORK AND GIVE OFF A R…
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WATER DAMAGE. THE VEHICLE HAS TAKEN WATER IN THE REAR TRUNK AREA. WHEN LOOKED AT, THERE IS A PUDDLE OF STANDING WATER COVERING THE ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS SUCH AS THE RADIO AMPLIFIER AND OTHER ELECTRONICS. VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY AND NOT MOVING. WATER SEEMS TO OCCUR ONLY WHEN RAINING. RADIO AND SPEAKERS DO NOT WORK AND GIVE OFF A RUFFLING SOUND EVEN WHEN KEY IS OUT OF THE IGNITION. WE HAVE DISCONNECTED THE BATTERY FROM THE CAR TO PREVENT ANY FURTHER DAMAGES.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW X5. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SERVICE ENGINE SOON WARNING LAMP KEPT FLASHING INTERMITTENTLY FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME. AS THE FAILURE PROGRESSED, THE VEHICLE STARTED RIDING ROUGHLY, SHAKING, AND VIBRATING. THE FIRST TIME THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, THE TECHNICIAN RESET THE CODE, BU…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW X5. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SERVICE ENGINE SOON WARNING LAMP KEPT FLASHING INTERMITTENTLY FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME. AS THE FAILURE PROGRESSED, THE VEHICLE STARTED RIDING ROUGHLY, SHAKING, AND VIBRATING. THE FIRST TIME THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, THE TECHNICIAN RESET THE CODE, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER WHO REPLACED THE COIL SPRINGS AND THE SPARK PLUGS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER A THIRD TIME SINCE THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE SEVERAL TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.
I WAS CAME BACK FROM WORK TO HAVE LUNCH. CAR WAS PARKED IN DRIVE WAY. AFTER 30 MINS OF LUNCH WHEN I CAME OUT OF THE HOUSE, I SAW SMOKE COMING FROM THE FRONT OF THE CAR. CAR WAS NOT RUNNING. KEYS WERE IN MY POCKET. I OPENED THE HOOD AND SAW FIRE IN THE COOLING FAN. I PULLED MY WATER HOSE TO STOP THE FIRE. WAITING FOR TOWING …
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I WAS CAME BACK FROM WORK TO HAVE LUNCH. CAR WAS PARKED IN DRIVE WAY. AFTER 30 MINS OF LUNCH WHEN I CAME OUT OF THE HOUSE, I SAW SMOKE COMING FROM THE FRONT OF THE CAR. CAR WAS NOT RUNNING. KEYS WERE IN MY POCKET. I OPENED THE HOOD AND SAW FIRE IN THE COOLING FAN. I PULLED MY WATER HOSE TO STOP THE FIRE. WAITING FOR TOWING TRUCK TO COME AND TAKE IT TO BMW SERVICE. I AM SURPRISED TO SEE HOW A NON-RUNNING CAR CAN CATCH FIRE. THERE IS SOMETHING WRONG WITH BMWS. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW X5. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE ENTIRE INSTRUMENT PANEL TURNED PINK. THE CONTACT ALSO NOTICED A FISHY ODOR IN THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTICS WHERE THE TECHNICIAN ADVISED THAT THE BATTERY CABLE HAD BURNED THE ALTERNATOR. THE TECHNICIAN REPLACED THE BATT…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW X5. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE ENTIRE INSTRUMENT PANEL TURNED PINK. THE CONTACT ALSO NOTICED A FISHY ODOR IN THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTICS WHERE THE TECHNICIAN ADVISED THAT THE BATTERY CABLE HAD BURNED THE ALTERNATOR. THE TECHNICIAN REPLACED THE BATTERY AND THE ALTERNATOR. THERE WAS A MANUFACTURER'S RECALL THAT COULD HAVE BEEN RELATED TO THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000.
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 …
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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.
2004 BMW X5 STEERING VIBRATES AND PULLS SLIGHTLY TO THE LEFT, CIGARETTE LIGHTER CAME APART,CENTER CONSOLE OPENS ON ITS OWN. *TS ***NO ANSWER REQUIRED*** WHEN THE CONSUMER LOOKED UNDER THE VEHICLE, HE NOTICED ONE SIDE OF THE VEHICLE WAS LOWER THAN THE OTHER, WHICH MAY HAVE BEEN THE CAUSE OF THE VEHICLE PULLING TO RIGHT AND THE…
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2004 BMW X5 STEERING VIBRATES AND PULLS SLIGHTLY TO THE LEFT, CIGARETTE LIGHTER CAME APART,CENTER CONSOLE OPENS ON ITS OWN. *TS ***NO ANSWER REQUIRED*** WHEN THE CONSUMER LOOKED UNDER THE VEHICLE, HE NOTICED ONE SIDE OF THE VEHICLE WAS LOWER THAN THE OTHER, WHICH MAY HAVE BEEN THE CAUSE OF THE VEHICLE PULLING TO RIGHT AND THE HORRENDOUS VIBRATION. THE SEAT FRAME WAS LOUD BECAUSE IT MOVED BACK AND FOURTH AND DID NOT FULLY LAY FLAT. THE SUNROOF LEAKED. THE LIGHTS FLASHED ON AND OFF AT REGULAR INTERVALS, THE LEFT REAR WINDOW WAS INOPERATIVE, THE RIGHT REAR DOOR NEVER OPENED, THE HORN STARTING BLARING ON AND OFF FOR NO REASON. THE AUDIO CONTROLS ON THE STEERING WHEEL DID NOT WORK. THE KEY SOMETIMES DID NOT UNLOCK OR LOCK THE DOORS. *JB
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
Official recalls
404V409000 · Power Train:clutch Assembly:pedal/hand Lever(motorcycle)
Aug 18, 2004
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES WITH 3.0 L ENGINES AND MANUAL TRANSMISSIONS, IF THE VEHICLE IS IN FIRST GEAR, AND MOVING SLOWLY, WITH THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL HELD IN A CONSTANT POSITION OF LOW ENGINE SPEED AND WITH THE CLUTCH PEDAL HELD IN A PARTIALLY DEPRESSED POSITION, ENGINE SPEED MAY INCREASE.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THE VEHICLE COULD ACCELERATE UNEXPECTEDLY, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPROGRAM THE VEHICLE'S DIGITAL ENGINE MANAGEMENT CONTROL UNIT. THE RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 8, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-831-1117.
04V402000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump
Aug 13, 2004
ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE IN-TANK FUEL LINE MAY HAVE BEEN ATTACHED INCORRECTLY.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: ENGINE STALLING COULD OCCUR, EVEN THOUGH THE VEHICLE'S FUEL GAUGE INDICATES THAT FUEL IS PRESENT IN THE TANK. DEPENDING UPON TRAFFIC AND ROAD CONDITIONS, THIS COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE IN-TANK SUCTION JET PUMP FUEL LINE AND IF NECESSARY, REATTACH ACCORDING TO SPECIFICATIONS. THIS RECALL BEGAN SEPTEMBER 9, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-831-1117.
04V344000 · Power Train:automatic Transmission:control Module (tcm/pcm/tecm)
Jul 14, 2004
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 8 AND 12 CYLINDER ENGINES, THE DIGITAL ENGINE MANAGEMENT CONTROL (EMC) UNITS WERE NOT PRODUCED ACCORDING TO SPECIFICATIONS.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: AS A RESULT, ENGINE STALLING WILL OCCUR AFTER A SHORT PERIOD OF OPERATION. THE VEHICLE MAY NOT BE ABLE TO RESTART. ALSO, A LOSS OF POWER STEERING AND, AFTER REPEATED ACTUATION OF THE BRAKE PEDAL, A LOSS OF BRAKE POWER ASSIST WILL OCCUR. THESE CONDITIONS COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW DIGITAL ENGINE MANAGEMENT CONTROL UNIT. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 16, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-831-1117.
03V475000 · Power Train:driveline:differential Unit
Nov 14, 2003
ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE BOLTS THAT HOLD THE FRONT DIFFERENTIAL, THE RIGHT OUTPUT SHAFT HOUSING FLANGE AT THE ENGINE, AND THE RIGHT-HAND ENGINE SUPPORT MAY BE INSUFFICIENTLY TIGHTENED.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: WITH PROLONGED DRIVING, THESE BOLTS COULD BECOME LOOSE, CAUSE DAMAGE TO THE ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION HOUSINGS. THE RIGHT OUTPUT SHAFT COULD BECOME DISCONNECTED, AFFECTING THE ABILITY TO CONTROL THE VEHICLE, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND RETIGHTEN THE DRIVETRAIN FASTENERS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN NOVEMBER 28, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-831-1117.
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
0No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.
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