NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
64 reports98,365 miles · Jan 1, 2010
Latches/locks/linkages
LATCH JAM ON DRIVER DOOR OF BMW X5 YEAR 2004. THE DOOR WILL NOT ALWAYS SHUT WHEN IT IS VERY COLD. IT WILL TAKE 30 TO 45 MINUTES AFTER THE CAR WARMS UP TO SHUT. BMW OF NORTH AMERICA DOES NOT CLAIM THIS IS FAULTY FOR A RECALL. THEY HAVE RECEIVED OTHER COMPLAINTS WITH THIS ISSUE ON OLDER MODEL X5'S. SINCE ALOT OF THE X5'S ARE …
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LATCH JAM ON DRIVER DOOR OF BMW X5 YEAR 2004. THE DOOR WILL NOT ALWAYS SHUT WHEN IT IS VERY COLD. IT WILL TAKE 30 TO 45 MINUTES AFTER THE CAR WARMS UP TO SHUT. BMW OF NORTH AMERICA DOES NOT CLAIM THIS IS FAULTY FOR A RECALL. THEY HAVE RECEIVED OTHER COMPLAINTS WITH THIS ISSUE ON OLDER MODEL X5'S. SINCE ALOT OF THE X5'S ARE NOT OUTSIDE AS MUCH AS MINE (I.E. OVERNIGHT) YOU WILL NOT HAVE A HUGE AMOUNT OF COMPLAINTS. THE COMPLAINTS WILL BE WITH THE ONES THAT ARE IN THE COLD WEATHER REGIONS OF AMERICAN AND ARE OUTSIDE FOR EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIMES AND VERY FREQUENTLY OUTSIDE.. THIS ISSUE IS A SAFETY HAZARD THAT BMW OF NORTH AMERICA SHOULD RECALL AND FIX. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10297751
35,560 miles · Jul 1, 2009
Visibility
BMW WINDOW REGULATOR FAILS FOR NO APPARENT REASON IN ALL CAR MODELS. CAR HAS LESS THAN 36K MILES AND ALREADY FIXING THE THIRD WINDOW. BMW SERVICE PERSON EXPLANATION IS DUE TO THE LACK OF USE THAT CAUSES THIS PROBLEM. YET, DRIVER'S SIDE, WHICH IS THE ONE WITH MOST USE, RECENTLY FAILED. THIS IS A REPEATED PROBLEM IN ALMOST ALL BMW…
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BMW WINDOW REGULATOR FAILS FOR NO APPARENT REASON IN ALL CAR MODELS. CAR HAS LESS THAN 36K MILES AND ALREADY FIXING THE THIRD WINDOW. BMW SERVICE PERSON EXPLANATION IS DUE TO THE LACK OF USE THAT CAUSES THIS PROBLEM. YET, DRIVER'S SIDE, WHICH IS THE ONE WITH MOST USE, RECENTLY FAILED. THIS IS A REPEATED PROBLEM IN ALMOST ALL BMW CARS WITH AUTOMATIC WINDOWS AND BMW IS NOT DOING ANYTHING ABOUT IT. THIS ISSUE IS POSTED EVERYWHERE IN THE INTERNET AND BMW CHARGES ANYWHERE BETWEEN $300 AND $600 PER WINDOW/FIX (MINE WAS QUOTED AT AROUND $550). *TR
NHTSA ODI #10275424
31,000 miles · Jun 29, 2009
Structure
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW X5. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN HE CLOSED THE TRUNK, HIS FINGER GOT CAUGHT DUE TO A MANUFACTURER DEFECT. HE OPENED THE HATCH AND IT CAME DOWN FORCEFULLY ONTO HIS FINGER. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ONCE ONE YEAR AGO AND DAMAGED THE CONTACT'S FINGER. HE STATED THAT THE LID NEEDS TO BE OPENED COMPLETEL…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW X5. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN HE CLOSED THE TRUNK, HIS FINGER GOT CAUGHT DUE TO A MANUFACTURER DEFECT. HE OPENED THE HATCH AND IT CAME DOWN FORCEFULLY ONTO HIS FINGER. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ONCE ONE YEAR AGO AND DAMAGED THE CONTACT'S FINGER. HE STATED THAT THE LID NEEDS TO BE OPENED COMPLETELY AND HALFWAY. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED BY THE DEALER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 31,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 43,000.
NHTSA ODI #10275269
56,200 miles · May 27, 2009
Air BagsExterior LightingSeat Belts
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW X5. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT CONSISTENTLY ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL, WHICH INDICATED THAT THE FRONTAL AIR BAGS WERE INOPERATIVE. SHE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE HIGH DRIVER RESISTOR IN THE AIR BAG SYSTEM WAS DEFECTIVE. THE VEHICLE H…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW X5. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT CONSISTENTLY ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL, WHICH INDICATED THAT THE FRONTAL AIR BAGS WERE INOPERATIVE. SHE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE HIGH DRIVER RESISTOR IN THE AIR BAG SYSTEM WAS DEFECTIVE. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER DID NOT ASSIST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 56,200 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 57,000. UPDATED 6/18/09 *CN THE CONSUMER HAD OTHER PROBLEMS WITH THE VEHICLE SUCH AS THE SEAT BELTS JAMMING IN THE DOORS, THE COILS WERE REPLACED, THEMLEFT HEADLIGHT BURNED OUT THE FIRST MONTH OF PURCHASING THE VEHICLE, THE HATCH DOOR DID NOT FULLY CLOSE AT TIMES AND DID NOT LOCK. THE HATCH HAS BEEN REPAIRED 3 TIMES. THE HATCH WINDOW RATTLED, THE DEFROST DID NOT ALWAYS WORK, THE HEATING SYSTEM ONLY BLOWED AIR. THE BRAKES NKEPT GOING OUT. UPDATED 06/22/09. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10270042
38,000 miles · Jun 14, 2008
Air BagsCrashInjury
WHILE DRIVING OUR 2004 BMW X5 A PERSON RAN A STOP SIGN AND HIT ME IN THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR, THE IMPACT WAS SO HARD MY SUV WAS PUSHED INTO ANOTHER LANE AND THE FRONT LEFT TIRE WAS "BLOWN OUT". THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR HAD TO BE REPLACED DUE TO STRUCTURAL DAMAGE BUT AIRBAG NEVER DEPLOYED. I HAVE SUSTAINED A CERVICAL AND A THORACIC …
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WHILE DRIVING OUR 2004 BMW X5 A PERSON RAN A STOP SIGN AND HIT ME IN THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR, THE IMPACT WAS SO HARD MY SUV WAS PUSHED INTO ANOTHER LANE AND THE FRONT LEFT TIRE WAS "BLOWN OUT". THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR HAD TO BE REPLACED DUE TO STRUCTURAL DAMAGE BUT AIRBAG NEVER DEPLOYED. I HAVE SUSTAINED A CERVICAL AND A THORACIC SPINE INJURY (HERNIATED DISCS) AND CONTINUE TO BE UNDER MEDICAL TREATMENT FOR THE PAST 10 MONTHS. IN DECEMBER I HAD TO STOP WORKING AS A RESULT OF THE ACCIDENT. MAYBE IF THE AIRBAG WORKED PROPERLY I WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN SO SEVERLY INJURED. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10231029
Mileage unknown · Jun 2, 2008
Latches/locks/linkagesCrashInjury
ON MAY 21, 2008, I REPORTED A PROBLEM REGARDING MY BMW X5 HAVING A DOOR FAILURE PROBLEM REGARDING THE ELECTRONIC SYSTEM. ON MAY 29, 2008 I WAS IN A MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENT. THE ACCIDENT WAS NOT MY FAULT. I WAS HIT FROM BEHIND. MY SON AND I WERE INJURED. I HAD TO BE EXTRACTED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE EMERGENCY PERSONAL COULD NO…
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ON MAY 21, 2008, I REPORTED A PROBLEM REGARDING MY BMW X5 HAVING A DOOR FAILURE PROBLEM REGARDING THE ELECTRONIC SYSTEM. ON MAY 29, 2008 I WAS IN A MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENT. THE ACCIDENT WAS NOT MY FAULT. I WAS HIT FROM BEHIND. MY SON AND I WERE INJURED. I HAD TO BE EXTRACTED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE EMERGENCY PERSONAL COULD NOT OPEN THE PASSENGER DOOR TO REMOVE ME FROM THE VEHICLE. THEY HAD TO GO THROUGH THE BACK SEAT. I HAD COMPLAINED TO YOU AND BMW REGARDING THE SAFETY HAZARD OF THIS VEHICLE. BMW WAS SLOW TO REPLY. THE ORIGINAL REPLY WAS THAT I DIDN'T PROVIDE A CLEAR EXPLANATION REGARDING THIS ISSUE. SO, I COMPLAINED AGAIN. THERE RESPONSE WAS UNTIMELY AND THIS ENTIRE SAFETY ISSUE HAS RESULTED IN A VERY TRAUMATIC EXPERIENCE. I HAD ADVISED YOU AND BMW THAT THIS WAS A SAFETY ISSUE. NO ONE RESPONDED IN A TIMELY MANNER. HOW MANY MORE FAMILIES WILL HAVE TO EXPERIENCE THIS TYPE OF TRAUMA BEFORE YOU RECALL THIS VEHICLE? WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO ABOUT THIS? THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND SHOULD BE ADDRESSED. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10229652
79,000 miles · May 21, 2008
Latches/locks/linkagesStructure
OUR 2004, BMW X-5 DOOR JAMMED ON THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE. I HAVE CONTACTED BMW, BUT THEY DENIED ANY PROBLEMS CONCERNING DOORS JAMMING. HOWEVER, I CONDUCTED AN INTERNET SEARCH AND FOUND NUMEROUS POSTINGS DISCUSSING THE DOOR JAMMING. I ADVISED BMW THAT I FEEL LIKE MY FAMILIES SAFETY IS AT RISK DUE TO THE DOOR FAILURE. I ASKED T…
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OUR 2004, BMW X-5 DOOR JAMMED ON THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE. I HAVE CONTACTED BMW, BUT THEY DENIED ANY PROBLEMS CONCERNING DOORS JAMMING. HOWEVER, I CONDUCTED AN INTERNET SEARCH AND FOUND NUMEROUS POSTINGS DISCUSSING THE DOOR JAMMING. I ADVISED BMW THAT I FEEL LIKE MY FAMILIES SAFETY IS AT RISK DUE TO THE DOOR FAILURE. I ASKED THEM TO PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS WAS A SAFETY RISK AND COULD PUT MY FAMILY AT RISK. THIS IS MY ONLY VEHICLE THAT I HAVE TO TRANSPORT MY FAMILY, DUE TO MY HUSBAND BEING ACTIVATED WITH THE MILITARY. BMW DENIED ANY PROBLEMS WITH THE DOOR. NONE OF THE PASSENGER DOORS CAN BE OPENED WITH A MANUAL KEY OR A MANUAL RELEASE. NONE OF THE DEVICES ON THE VEHICLE WILL OPEN THE PASSENGER DOOR. NOTHING WORKS. WE CAN'T REMOVE THE PANEL, BECAUSE WE CAN'T OPEN THE DOOR. THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY RISK AND I FEAR THAT MY FAMILY AND NUMEROUS OTHER FAMILIES LIVES ARE AT RISK DUE TO THIS PROBLEM. I AM REQUESTING IMMEDIATE ASSISTANCE AND AN INVESTIGATION REGARDING THE BMW DOOR FAILURE. THE PROBLEM STARTED, WITH A DELAY IN THE DOOR UNLOCKING UPON PRESSING THE BUTTONS TO OPEN THE DOOR. THEN, IT JUST STOPPED WORKING COMPLETELY. I TRIED TO GET AN APPOINTMENT WITH THE LOCAL BMW DEALERSHIP, BUT IT WOULD BE WEEKS BEFORE I COULD GET ASSISTANCE. AND I HAVE BEEN ADVISED THAT THIS EXPENSE WILL COME OUT OF MY POCKET, B/C IT'S NOT LISTED AS A RECALL OR SAFETY HAZARD. HOW CAN A DOOR FAILURE NOT BE A SAFETY HAZARD? *TR
NHTSA ODI #10228603
65,000 miles · Jan 29, 2008
Exterior LightingFire
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW X5. SHE STATED THAT THE PASSENGER TAIL LIGHTS FAILED TO ILLUMINATE. THE DEALER STATED THAT BURNED CONNECTORS CAUSED THE FAILURE. THE DEALER MADE THE REPAIR. APPROXIMATELY TWO DAYS LATER THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON THE DRIVER SIDE TAIL LIGHT. AS OF JANUARY 29, 2008, THE DEALER HAD NOT REPAIRED THE …
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW X5. SHE STATED THAT THE PASSENGER TAIL LIGHTS FAILED TO ILLUMINATE. THE DEALER STATED THAT BURNED CONNECTORS CAUSED THE FAILURE. THE DEALER MADE THE REPAIR. APPROXIMATELY TWO DAYS LATER THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON THE DRIVER SIDE TAIL LIGHT. AS OF JANUARY 29, 2008, THE DEALER HAD NOT REPAIRED THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 65,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 67,000.
NHTSA ODI #10216437
51,400 miles · Mar 21, 2007
Steering
TL*- THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING HIS 2004 BMW X5 (51400 FAILURE MILEAGE) AT 55 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL STARTED TO TURN VIOLENTLY FROM RIGHT TO LEFT CONSTANTLY FOR APPROXIMATELY 30 MINUTES. ONCE THE CONTACT SLOWED THE VEHICLE DOWN TO 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE DROVE APPROPRIATELY, UNTIL HE HIT A BUMP OR HE HAD TO MAKE A RIGHT…
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TL*- THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING HIS 2004 BMW X5 (51400 FAILURE MILEAGE) AT 55 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL STARTED TO TURN VIOLENTLY FROM RIGHT TO LEFT CONSTANTLY FOR APPROXIMATELY 30 MINUTES. ONCE THE CONTACT SLOWED THE VEHICLE DOWN TO 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE DROVE APPROPRIATELY, UNTIL HE HIT A BUMP OR HE HAD TO MAKE A RIGHT OR LEFT TURN. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHO DETERMINED THAT THE WHEEL SENSOR WAS DEFECTIVE. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED.
NHTSA ODI #10185747
Mileage unknown · Jan 9, 2006
Electrical SystemEquipmentLatches/locks/linkages
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
NHTSA ODI #10148676
Official recalls
4Aug 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.
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.
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.
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 ↗