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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.

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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.

4 crash reports10 fire reports5 injury reports

Power Train complaints

11 reports
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Mileage unknown · Apr 25, 2022
EnginePower TrainUnknown Or Other

Vehicle rpm’s rev wildly in park and neutral. When driving vehicle speeds up on its own and rpm’s climbs out of control. When stopped at a light or in traffic, car leaps forward against the break .

NHTSA ODI #11462118

50 miles · Aug 14, 2017
Power TrainSteeringVehicle Speed Control

HAVE ACCIDENT.BECAUSE MY BMW X5 2004 WHEN START THE ENGINE..THE CAR JUMP. AND PROBLEMS WITH TRASMISSION NOT WORK GOOD WHEN L STAR DRIVING THE CAR JUMP THE SPEEDS NOT WORK GOOD THE GEARS 2 MONTHS AGO L HIT .THE FRONT CAR .BECAUSE MY CAR JUMP .IN HAVE TO PAY .THE OWNER THE OTHER CARS .HAVE TO MANY ACCIDENTS WITH BMW X5 2004..PLEAS…

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HAVE ACCIDENT.BECAUSE MY BMW X5 2004 WHEN START THE ENGINE..THE CAR JUMP. AND PROBLEMS WITH TRASMISSION NOT WORK GOOD WHEN L STAR DRIVING THE CAR JUMP THE SPEEDS NOT WORK GOOD THE GEARS 2 MONTHS AGO L HIT .THE FRONT CAR .BECAUSE MY CAR JUMP .IN HAVE TO PAY .THE OWNER THE OTHER CARS .HAVE TO MANY ACCIDENTS WITH BMW X5 2004..PLEASE YOU CAN HELP ME ..THANK YOU VERY MUCH.

NHTSA ODI #11014998

152,000 miles · May 15, 2017
Power Train

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW X5. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, A LOUD NOISE CAME FROM THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE AND IT SHOOK VIOLENTLY. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER TO THE NEAREST INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE POWER TRAIN DRIVE SHAFT UNIT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REP…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW X5. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, A LOUD NOISE CAME FROM THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE AND IT SHOOK VIOLENTLY. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER TO THE NEAREST INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE POWER TRAIN DRIVE SHAFT UNIT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE INDEPENDENT MECHANIC CONTACTED THE BMW DEALER AND HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED SINCE THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN A RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED THE CONTACT TO CALL NHTSA. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 152,000.

NHTSA ODI #10985841

96,000 miles · Oct 9, 2014
EnginePower Train

THE BMW X5 IS VERY POORLY MADE AND BMW DOES NOT STAND BEHIND ANY ISSUES OR CARE. MY 2004 BMW X5 HAS THE KNOWN JERKING AT LOW SPEEDS,TURNS WHICH FEELS LIKE YOU HAVE BEEN HIT IN THE [XXX] END. I ALSO WAS GOING TO WORK AND LOST ALL MY COOLANT, THE WATER PUMP AND COOLANT PIPE NEED REPLACED/REPAIRED WHICH IS NOT A CHEAP JOB..IT IS M…

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THE BMW X5 IS VERY POORLY MADE AND BMW DOES NOT STAND BEHIND ANY ISSUES OR CARE. MY 2004 BMW X5 HAS THE KNOWN JERKING AT LOW SPEEDS,TURNS WHICH FEELS LIKE YOU HAVE BEEN HIT IN THE [XXX] END. I ALSO WAS GOING TO WORK AND LOST ALL MY COOLANT, THE WATER PUMP AND COOLANT PIPE NEED REPLACED/REPAIRED WHICH IS NOT A CHEAP JOB..IT IS MORE THAN THE VALUE/COST OF THIS VEHICLE(IF DONE AT A BMW DEALER). THESE ISSUES ARE KNOWN AND VERY COMMON. BMW SHOULD ISSUE RECALLS FOR THESE PROBLEMS OR GIVE ASSISTANCE FOR REPAIRS INSTEAD OF CONSTANTLY MAKING EXCUSES AND GIVING REASONS ON WHY THEY WILL NOT HELP! I HAVE BEEN AND WILL CONTINUE TO DO ANYTHING I CAN TO GET ASSISTANCE FOR MY REPAIRS AND HOPEFULLY MANY OTHERS. BMW DOES NOT CARE ABOUT THEIR BUYERS, UNLESS IT IS A NEW VEHICLE AND YOU DO ALL YOUR DEALINGS WITH A BMW SERVICE DEPARTMENT WHICH I FEEL IS UNFAIR,CUSTOMERS SHOULD BE ABLE TO CHOOSE ANY GOOD MECHANIC INSTEAD OF HAVING TO TRAVEL TO AND/OR PAY BMW OUTRAGEOUS FEES FOR REPAIRS. IT IS NOT SAFE TO HAVE THESE ISSUES AND RUN OUT OF COOLANT(ANYWHERE ANYWAY FROM HOME) OR TO CONSTANTLY HAVE THE MASSIVE JERK WITH THE TRANSMISSION. BMW NEEDS TO ISSUE RECALLS AND STAND BEHIND THE TRANNY,COOLANT PIPE,AND WATER PUMP ISSUES AND FAILURES. THE BMW IS NOT WORTH THE MONEY, THEY ARE MADE POORLY, VERY EXPENSIVE TO REPAIR, AND HAVE HORRIBLE CUSTOMER SERVICE. BMW SAYS THE "INTERNET AND PEOPLE SAY ALOT OF THINGS BUT THAT DOES NOT MEAN ITS A PROBLEM" AND AS I SAID TO THEM...WHEN MANY MANY PEOPLE HAVE THE SAME ISSUES THEN YES, IT IS A REAL PROBLEM!!!! IT IS NOT LIKE PEOPLE ARE ASKING FOR ASSISTANCE OR RECALLS ON MINOR OR NORMAL REPAIRS AND MAINTENENCE!!! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

NHTSA ODI #10643715

16,300 miles · Feb 14, 2013
Power Train

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW X5. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED. IMMEDIATELY AFTER, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS LATER TOWED TO THE DEALER. AFTER DIAGNOSIS, THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT …

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW X5. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED. IMMEDIATELY AFTER, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS LATER TOWED TO THE DEALER. AFTER DIAGNOSIS, THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND THEY OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 16,300. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 66,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

NHTSA ODI #10498136

74,160 miles · Jul 13, 2012
Power Train

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW X5. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE GEAR SHIFTER FAILED. THE VEHICLE'S GEAR DID NOT ILLUMINATE TO DISPLAY WHICH GEAR THE VEHICLE WAS SHIFTED INTO. THE VEHICLE WENT INTO LIMP MODE AS A RESULT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, WHO STATED THAT THE GEAR CIRCUIT RANGE FAILED AND THE COMPUTER NEEDED TO …

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW X5. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE GEAR SHIFTER FAILED. THE VEHICLE'S GEAR DID NOT ILLUMINATE TO DISPLAY WHICH GEAR THE VEHICLE WAS SHIFTED INTO. THE VEHICLE WENT INTO LIMP MODE AS A RESULT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, WHO STATED THAT THE GEAR CIRCUIT RANGE FAILED AND THE COMPUTER NEEDED TO BE REPROGRAMMED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 74,160.

NHTSA ODI #10465593

85,000 miles · Jun 15, 2011
Power Train

1. DID A 3 POINT TURN AND THEN PULLED ONTO A 45 MPH ROAD WAY 2. FRONT TIRES LOCKED UP AND I SKIDDED TO A STOP, EVEN AFTER I DEPRESSED THE CLUTCH. 3. FRONT DIFFERENTIAL FAILURE, WAS REPLACE TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM 4. FORTUNATELY THE PERSON FOLLOWING ME WAS NOT TAILGATING SO NO ACCIDENT. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10407054

99,000 miles · Oct 4, 2010
Power Train

MY BMX 5 (2004) STALLS OCCASIONALLY AT LOW SPEEDS. THIS HAS OCCURRED 4 TIMES IN THE LAST THREE MONTHS. THE SERVICE CENTER HAS BEEN UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM OR DETERMINE THE CAUSE. I'M USUALLY EXITING A PARKING LOT OR SCHOOL WHEN IT OCCURS AND ESTIMATED SPEED IS BETWEEN 5 AND 10 MPH. THERE ARE NO SENSORS OR WARNING INDICAT…

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MY BMX 5 (2004) STALLS OCCASIONALLY AT LOW SPEEDS. THIS HAS OCCURRED 4 TIMES IN THE LAST THREE MONTHS. THE SERVICE CENTER HAS BEEN UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM OR DETERMINE THE CAUSE. I'M USUALLY EXITING A PARKING LOT OR SCHOOL WHEN IT OCCURS AND ESTIMATED SPEED IS BETWEEN 5 AND 10 MPH. THERE ARE NO SENSORS OR WARNING INDICATORS BEFORE OR AFTER THE INCIDENT AND A DIAGNOSTIC CHECK AT THE BMW SERVICE CENTER REVEALED NO SENSORS OR INDICATORS ACTIVATED. THERE WERE TWO RECALLS FOR BMW X 5 2004 MODELS THAT WERE RELATED TO STALLING BUT HAVE NOT BEEN ASSOCIATED WITH MY PARTICULAR VEHICLE. I'M CONCERNED THE PROBLEM WILL RESULT IN A CRASH. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10358983

39,000 miles · Feb 22, 2010
Power Train

I OWN A 2004 BMW X5, I PURCHASED THE CAR USED FROM SAM SWOPE BMW IN LOUISVILLE KY # 502-499-5080 THE CAR WAS CERTIFIED AND STILL UNDER WARRANTY WITH 37,000 MILES ON IT. I ALSO PURCHASED A EXTENDED WARRANTY AS WELL. MY COMPLAINT IS THE TRANSMISSION IS CAUSING THE CAR TO BE UNSAFE, AT TIMES WHEN STARTING FROM A STOP OR ROLL IT WI…

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I OWN A 2004 BMW X5, I PURCHASED THE CAR USED FROM SAM SWOPE BMW IN LOUISVILLE KY # 502-499-5080 THE CAR WAS CERTIFIED AND STILL UNDER WARRANTY WITH 37,000 MILES ON IT. I ALSO PURCHASED A EXTENDED WARRANTY AS WELL. MY COMPLAINT IS THE TRANSMISSION IS CAUSING THE CAR TO BE UNSAFE, AT TIMES WHEN STARTING FROM A STOP OR ROLL IT WILL CAUSE THE CAR TO LURCH FORWARD UNEXPECTEDLY I HAVE COMPLAINED SEVERAL TIMES TO THE DEALERSHIP AS WELL AS BMW. THE FIRST TIME IT DID IT THE DEALER SAID THE SOFTWARE NEEDED TO BE UPDATED I PAID OVER $150.00 TO HAVE THIS DONE THEY SAID IT WOULD FIX IT. FOR AWHILE I THOUGHT IT HAD TAKEN CARE OF IT BUT SEVERAL MONTHS LATER IT STARTED DOING IT AGAIN. AFTER MORE COMPLAINTS TO BMW DEALER THEY DID ANOTHER SOFTWARE UPDATE AND CHARGED ME AGAIN. THIS TIME IT SEEMED LIKE THEY RESTARTED THE PERFORMANCE OF THE CAR. BMW CLAIMS THAT IT IS NOT SHOWING ANY MALFUNCTIONS IN THE COMPUTER THEY CLAIM THERE IS NOTHING WRONG, IF THAT IS TRUE THEN WHY DO THEY KEEP SAYING I NEED TO UPDATE THE SOFTWARE AND KEEP CHARGING ME FOR THIS, WHEN THE TRANSMISSION DOES THIS IT ALL MOST LIKE SOME HAS HIT YOU FROM THE REAR. THE CAR HAS 88,000 MILES ON IT AND HAS CONTINUED TO THIS, I HAVE ACTUALLY ALTERED THE WAY I TAKE OFF FROM A STAND STILL TO AVOIDING THIS FROM HAPPENING. THERE ARE A NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS ISSUE IF YOU LOOK ON LINE AT EDMUNDS CARS. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10312760

14,000 miles · Sep 13, 2005
Power Train

DEAR SIR OR MADAM- PLEASE SEE THE EMAIL BELOW WHICH I SENT TO BMW OF NORTH AMERICA REGARDING RECURRING TRANSMISSION ISSUES WITH OUR X5. THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE AND I AM ASKING FOR YOUR HELP TO GET BMW TO RESOLVE THIS ISSUE. ___________________ DEAR SIR OR MADAM- PLEASE LET THIS EMAIL SERVE AS A FORMAL COMPLAINT FOR THE TRA…

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DEAR SIR OR MADAM- PLEASE SEE THE EMAIL BELOW WHICH I SENT TO BMW OF NORTH AMERICA REGARDING RECURRING TRANSMISSION ISSUES WITH OUR X5. THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE AND I AM ASKING FOR YOUR HELP TO GET BMW TO RESOLVE THIS ISSUE. ___________________ DEAR SIR OR MADAM- PLEASE LET THIS EMAIL SERVE AS A FORMAL COMPLAINT FOR THE TRANSMISSION OF OUR 2004 X5 4.4. I HAVE LOST BOTH MY PATIENCE AND CONFIDENCE IN OUR X5 AND FEEL THAT THE SAFETY OF OUR CHILDREN (2 1/2 AND 16 MONTHS) IS AT RISK AS THIS IS THE PRIMARY VEHICLE THEY ARE TRANSPORTED IN. ALL OCCUPANTS IN THE CAR AT THE TIME THE TRANSMISSION SLIPS EXPERIENCE A HEAD JERKING WHICH IN ITSELF IS UNSAFE. IN REVIEWING THIS ISSUE ON THE INTERNET, THERE ARE HUNDREDS OF POSTINGS REGARDING THE 2004 X5 4.4 TRANSMISSION ISSUES AND THIS IS AN ISSUE THAT BMW IS FULLY AWARE OF AND HAS FAILED TO FIX. OUR X5 HAS A TRANSMISSION THAT IS "SLIPPING" AND IT FEELS LIKE WE HAVE BEEN REAR-ENDED EACH TIME IT SLIPS. THE X5 HAS BEEN IN TWICE FOR THIS ISSUE IN THE PAST THREE WEEKS AT STERLING BMW AND IT HAS NOT BEEN FIXED. STERLING HAS REPROGRAMMED THE DME AND REBUILT IT WITH NO SUCCESS. IT IS GOING IN FOR A THIRD TIME TODAY FOR THIS SAME ISSUE AND I EXPECT BMW OF NORTH AMERICA TO RESOLVE THIS ISSUE IMMEDIATELY. ACCORDING TO EVERYTHING I HAVE READ, THE X5 NEEDS A NEW TRANSMISSION AND THAT WILL SOLVE THE PROBLEM. IF THIS ISSUE IS NOT RESOLVED IMMEDIATELY, WE HAVE AN ATTORNEY AND WE WILL EXERCISE OUR RIGHTS UNDER THE CALIFORNIA LEMON LAW. I WILL ALSO BE NOTIFYING THE NHTSA TODAY AND FILING A FORMAL COMPLAINT WITH THEM OVER THIS ISSUE AS THE SAFETY OF OUR CHILDREN IS OF THE UTMOST IMPORTANCE. STERLING BMW HAS BEEN VERY GOOD TO DEAL WITH AND THEY HAVE TRIED TO RESOLVE THE ISSUE, BUT BMW OF NORTH AMERICA NEEDS TO PROVIDE THEM WITH THE TOOLS TO RESOLVE THIS ISSUE. FINALLY, I WOULD LIKE TO NOTE THAT WE ARE NOT NEW TO THE BMW FAMILY. I LOOK FORWARD TO HEARING FROM YOU. SINCERELY, [NAME REMOVED] MANAGING DIRECTOR DEUTSCHE BANK. *NM FSB

NHTSA ODI #10136355

Official recalls

4

04V409000 · 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

0

No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.