← New search

2002 BMW X5

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2002 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

Other model years Selected 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

79 reports with mileage · 23 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.

  • Engine And Engine Cooling. Review the 21 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Air Bags. Review the 19 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 16 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

3 crash reports7 fire reports2 injury reports

What owners actually said

102 reports
Mileage unknown · Jan 18, 2025
Air BagsUnknown Or Other

Bmw has failed on several occasions to address this issue or service vehicle. I have made them aware of the situation but continue to receive letters that indicate I could die of the airbag.

NHTSA ODI #11636800

Mileage unknown · Mar 25, 2023
Steering

Several components or systems have failed or malfunctioned, including the ABS module, power steering, rear left turn signal connection, speedometer, and there are various error codes (P0313, P0500, P1093, P2098, OBDII FAIL, OBD bulb check FAIL). It is not clear if these components are available for inspection upon request based …

Read full complaint

Several components or systems have failed or malfunctioned, including the ABS module, power steering, rear left turn signal connection, speedometer, and there are various error codes (P0313, P0500, P1093, P2098, OBDII FAIL, OBD bulb check FAIL). It is not clear if these components are available for inspection upon request based on the information provided. The safety of the driver and others on the road was put at risk due to the failure of the ABS module, the absence of power steering, and the non-functioning rear left turn signal. The malfunctioning ABS system can lead to reduced braking efficiency and increased stopping distances, while the lack of power steering can make the vehicle harder to control. Additionally, the non-functioning rear left turn signal can cause confusion for other drivers on the road, increasing the risk of accidents. It is not clear from the information provided if the problem has been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center. There is no information provided about whether the vehicle or its components have been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives, or others. The warning lamps and messages, such as the DSC BRAKE and ABS lights, including the check engine light in the dash terminal, have appeared prior to the failure of the mentioned components. The error codes (P0313, P0500, P1093, P2098, OBDII FAIL, OBD bulb check FAIL) also indicate issues with the vehicle. It is not clear when these warning lamps, messages, and error codes first appeared.

NHTSA ODI #11513773

117,000 miles · Apr 9, 2021
Latches/locks/linkages

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BMW X5. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE HOOD INADVERTENTLY UNLATCHED CAUSING DAMAGE TO THE HOOD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED WITH NEEDING THE HOOD SHOCKS AND HOOD HINGES TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS INFORMED…

Read full complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BMW X5. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE HOOD INADVERTENTLY UNLATCHED CAUSING DAMAGE TO THE HOOD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED WITH NEEDING THE HOOD SHOCKS AND HOOD HINGES TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS STILL AWAITING A RESPONSE FROM THE MANUFACTURER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 117,000.

NHTSA ODI #11407235

117,000 miles · Apr 1, 2021
Structure

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BMW X5. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE DID NOT SECURE THE VEHICLE'S HOOD LATCH WHEN HE PUT THE HOOD DOWN. THE CONTACT THEN DROVE THE VEHICLE AT 35 MPH, WHEN THE HOOD FLUNG UP. NO WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. BMW OF NORTH LIBERTY (525 MADISON AVE, NORTH LIBERTY, IA 52317) WAS CONTACTED AND MADE AWARE OF THE…

Read full complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BMW X5. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE DID NOT SECURE THE VEHICLE'S HOOD LATCH WHEN HE PUT THE HOOD DOWN. THE CONTACT THEN DROVE THE VEHICLE AT 35 MPH, WHEN THE HOOD FLUNG UP. NO WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. BMW OF NORTH LIBERTY (525 MADISON AVE, NORTH LIBERTY, IA 52317) WAS CONTACTED AND MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE DEALER INFORMED THAT THEY COULD NOT COME TO A CONCLUSIVE DECISION AS TO DETERMINE IF THE VEHICLE WAS EQUIPPED WITH THE HOOD WARNING SYSTEM. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE SHOCKS INSIDE THE HOOD HAD RIPPED LOOSE AND THE HOOD NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE BUT INFORMED THAT THE REARVIEW MIRROR WOULD ALERT, IF THE HOOD WAS OPEN AND THE COMPLAINT WOULD BE FORWARDED TO THEIR SAFETY ENGINEER, HOWEVER SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A CERTIFIED BMW MECHANIC FOR ROUTINE MAINTENANCE, NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE WAS PROVIDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 117,000.

NHTSA ODI #11406007

230,000 miles · Mar 31, 2021
Electrical SystemExterior LightingVisibility/wiperFire

CAR WAS PARKED. I TRIED TO UNLOCK MY CAR WITH THE KEY FOB AND NOTHING HAPPENED. I UNLOCKED THE DOOR WITH THE KEY AND AFTER GETTING IN THE CENTRAL LOCKING SYSTEM WOULD NOT WORK. AFTER RESEARCHING THE PROBLEM I FOUND THAT THE GMIII CONTROLS THE CENTRAL LOCKING AS WELL AS OTHER ITEMS LIKE THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS, INTERIOR LIGHTS, SUN…

Read full complaint

CAR WAS PARKED. I TRIED TO UNLOCK MY CAR WITH THE KEY FOB AND NOTHING HAPPENED. I UNLOCKED THE DOOR WITH THE KEY AND AFTER GETTING IN THE CENTRAL LOCKING SYSTEM WOULD NOT WORK. AFTER RESEARCHING THE PROBLEM I FOUND THAT THE GMIII CONTROLS THE CENTRAL LOCKING AS WELL AS OTHER ITEMS LIKE THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS, INTERIOR LIGHTS, SUN ROOF, AND REAR UPPER AND LOWER HATCH. I ORDERS A NEW ONE AND WHEN I TOOK THE OLD ONE OUT TO REPLACE IT I FOUND THAT IT HAD CAUGHT ON FIRE AND BLEW FUSE 14. IT APPEARS A THYRISTOR OR TIAC GOT TO HOT AND SET THE BOARD AND CASE ON FIRE. I HAD SMELT A PLASTIC SMELL EARLIER WHILE DRIVING SO IT MAY HAVE BEEN BURNING BEFORE I PARKED. I AM ATTACHING PHOTOS.

NHTSA ODI #11405711

153,000 miles · Oct 23, 2020
Air BagsEngine

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BMW X5. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SEVERAL WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AT VEHICLE START-UP. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V047000 (AIR BAGS). THE CONTACT SPOKE WITH MOSS MOTORS BMW (1401 SURR…

Read full complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BMW X5. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SEVERAL WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AT VEHICLE START-UP. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V047000 (AIR BAGS). THE CONTACT SPOKE WITH MOSS MOTORS BMW (1401 SURREY ST, LAFAYETTE, LA 70501) WHERE THEY OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS ALSO NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 153,000.

NHTSA ODI #11365964

179,000 miles · Apr 5, 2020
Air BagsElectrical SystemExterior Lighting

WAS DRIVING HOME AND MY DASH LIGHTS STARTED TO FLASH ON AND OFF AFTER I SHUT THE CAR OFF MY AND PULLED THE KEYS OUT MY LEFT REAR TAIL LIGHT STAYED ON THE NEXT MORNING MY BATTERY WAS DEAD. SO I PULLED THE BATTERY AND CHARGED IT NOW WHEN I CONNECT THE BATTERY ALL MY LIGHTS FLASH RANDOMLY WITH NO KEY IN IT. I HAVE NOT DRIVEN THE…

Read full complaint

WAS DRIVING HOME AND MY DASH LIGHTS STARTED TO FLASH ON AND OFF AFTER I SHUT THE CAR OFF MY AND PULLED THE KEYS OUT MY LEFT REAR TAIL LIGHT STAYED ON THE NEXT MORNING MY BATTERY WAS DEAD. SO I PULLED THE BATTERY AND CHARGED IT NOW WHEN I CONNECT THE BATTERY ALL MY LIGHTS FLASH RANDOMLY WITH NO KEY IN IT. I HAVE NOT DRIVEN THE CAR FOR 3 MONTHS IT IS NOT SAFE AND THE NEAREST BMW SERVIES IS 40 MILES AWAY . I HAVE A RECALL FOR THE AIR BAG , BUT NOT TAKING A CHANCE ON DRIVING IT TO GET FIXED

NHTSA ODI #11320264

150,000 miles · Mar 29, 2020
Electrical SystemExterior LightingVisibility/wiperFire

THE DASHBOARD WENT DARK, ONLY GAUGE THAT WORKED WAS THE TACHOMETER WHICH I COULDNT SEE BECAUSE I HAD NO DASHBOARD LIGHTS. STOPPED VEHICLE AND TOOK THE KEYS OUT COULDNT TURN MY LIGHTS OFF HAD NO TURN SIGNALS,THE 3RD BRAKE LIGHT WAS ON ALL NIGHT LONG KILLING THE BATTERY I TRIED EVERY FUSE. ALSO MY HEADLIGHTS WOULDNT TURN OFF THE L…

Read full complaint

THE DASHBOARD WENT DARK, ONLY GAUGE THAT WORKED WAS THE TACHOMETER WHICH I COULDNT SEE BECAUSE I HAD NO DASHBOARD LIGHTS. STOPPED VEHICLE AND TOOK THE KEYS OUT COULDNT TURN MY LIGHTS OFF HAD NO TURN SIGNALS,THE 3RD BRAKE LIGHT WAS ON ALL NIGHT LONG KILLING THE BATTERY I TRIED EVERY FUSE. ALSO MY HEADLIGHTS WOULDNT TURN OFF THE LIGHTING CONTROLS WERE USELESS, AND JUST KEPT SMELLING AN ELECTRONIC BURNING SMELL. I MANAGED TO DISCONNECT ALL THE LIGHTS EXCEPT THE 3RD BRAKE LIGHT. COULDNT DISCONNECT THE BATTERY BECAUSE THE LIFT GATE TO GET INTO THE BACK WOULDN'T WORK AND THE CENTER CONSOLE HAZARDS STUCK ON AND DOOR LOCKS DIDN'T WORK I HAD TO REMOVE THE GLOVE BOX AND ALL THE PANELING AND TRACK DOWN THE SMELL. TURNS OUT THE PROBLEM WITH THIS VEHICLE IS THAT THE RAIN MANAGES TO WORK ITSELF DOWN THE INSIDE OF THE A FRAME ON BOTH DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDES OF THE VEHICLE ON DRIVER SIDE IT DESTROYS THE OBD MODULE BUT ON THE PASSENGER SIDE IT TRICKLES DIRECTLY INTO THE LCM LIGHTING CONTROL MODULE WHICH COMPLETELY TAKES YOUR EYES OFF THE ROAD WHEN YOU CANT SEE THE DASHBOARD YOUR HEADLIGHTS START STROBING ON AND OFF AND THEN HALF GET STUCK ON AND HALF JUST DONT WORK BUT WHEN YOU SPEND THE HOURS GETTING TO THE LCM TO FIND OUT IT HAS MELTED RIGHT INTO THE SIDE OF YOUR VEHICLE AND YOU CAN TELL IT WAS ON FIRE !! AND THIS HAS HAPPENED TO NUMEROUS PEOPLE ON THE BMW FORUMS IM JUST HAPPY MY 3 YEAR OLD SON WASN'T WITH ME. AND THE REAL KICKER IS THAT I HAVE NO VEHICLE NOW AND IT COST 600$ FOR A NEW LCM THAT HAS TO BE PROGRAMMED TO YOUR VEHICLE WHICH WILL COST ANOTHER 300$ WHEN I COULD HAVE HURT SOMEONE ELSE OR MYSELF WHEN YOU CANT SEE BUT YOU CAN SMELL SOMETHINGS BURNING ITS A HAZARD TO EVERYONE ON AND OFF THE ROAD .

NHTSA ODI #11319639

150,368 miles · Oct 4, 2019
Air BagsElectrical SystemSteering

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BMW X5. AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V047000 (AIR BAGS), THE HORN ACTIVATED ON ITS OWN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN FIVE TIMES TO BMW OF MURRAY (LOCATED AT 4735 STATE ST, MURRAY, UT 84107, (801) 262-2479) FOR REPAIRS, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. AFTER THE LAST REPAIR, THE STEERI…

Read full complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BMW X5. AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V047000 (AIR BAGS), THE HORN ACTIVATED ON ITS OWN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN FIVE TIMES TO BMW OF MURRAY (LOCATED AT 4735 STATE ST, MURRAY, UT 84107, (801) 262-2479) FOR REPAIRS, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. AFTER THE LAST REPAIR, THE STEERING WHEEL WAS NOT ALIGNED AND THE CRUISE CONTROL DID NOT FUNCTION. ALSO, THE VOLUME CONTROL BUTTON AND HORN FAILED TO FUNCTION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,368.

NHTSA ODI #11266415

150,705 miles · Sep 23, 2019
Air Bags

RECEIVED A NOTICE FROM DMV OF VIRGINIA THAT THE AIR BAG IS RECALLED AND NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. UPON CALLING THE BMW RECALL LINE, THEY SAID THE RECALL IS NEW AND IS DATED JANUARY 2019. SET UP AN APPOINTMENT TO HAVE THE BAG REPLACED AT FLOW BMW IN WINSTON-SALEM, NC ON SEPTEMBER 13, 2019, THEY INFORMED THE BAG HAD ALREADY BEEN REP…

Read full complaint

RECEIVED A NOTICE FROM DMV OF VIRGINIA THAT THE AIR BAG IS RECALLED AND NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. UPON CALLING THE BMW RECALL LINE, THEY SAID THE RECALL IS NEW AND IS DATED JANUARY 2019. SET UP AN APPOINTMENT TO HAVE THE BAG REPLACED AT FLOW BMW IN WINSTON-SALEM, NC ON SEPTEMBER 13, 2019, THEY INFORMED THE BAG HAD ALREADY BEEN REPLACED AND THAT NO REPAIR WAS NECESSARY. I CHECKED MY RECORDS ON THIS VEHICLE AND THE AIR BAG HAS NEVER BEEN REPLACED. HOW DOES THIS MAKE SENSE WHEN THE RECALL IS DATED JANUARY 2019 AND MY VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN SERVICED DURING 2019 BY A BMW DEALER.

NHTSA ODI #11257323

Official recalls

3

17V047000 · Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module

Jan 20, 2017

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 necessitating replacement of the original air bag, or as a remedy part for a prior recall. These replacement modules contain an air bag inflator that may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to lower absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.

Consequence & remedy

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.

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.

03V032000 · Seat Belts:front:buckle Assembly

Feb 4, 2003

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE CONNECTION OF THE SAFETY BELT BUCKLE TO THE STEEL ROPE OF THE TENSIONER DOES NOT MEET BMW SPECIFICATIONS. IN SEVERE FRONTAL CRASHES, THIS CONNECTION CAN DETACH.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: IF THE CONNECTION DETACHES, THE PROTECTION PROVIDED BY THE SAFETY BELT IS LIKELY TO BE IMPAIRED, AND SERIOUS INJURIES TO THE DRIVER AND/OR FRONT PASSENGER COULD OCCUR THAT MIGHT OTHERWISE BE MITIGATED.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT BOTH FRONT SAFETY BELT TENSIONER AND BUCKLE ASSEMBLIES, AND IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THESE PARTS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MARCH 19, 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.

03V001000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings

Jan 9, 2003

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.

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.