Wiring dash fire. Heavy smoke from dash and vehicle completely in flame in minute. My son sent me a recording while it was happening, he did no know what to do or what was happening.
2003 BMW X5
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
Similar to other model years
Owner complaints for the 2003 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
77 reports with mileage · 22 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 24 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Electrical System. Review the 17 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Power Train. 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.
Electrical System complaints
17 reportsThe contact owns a 2003 BMW X5. The contact stated the vehicle was parked, while entering the vehicle he noticed the dashboard was melted, which was caused by a fire that occurred independently. The contact stated he reviewed a camera that was near the location of the vehicle and saw the fire occur on the video. The contact did …
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The contact owns a 2003 BMW X5. The contact stated the vehicle was parked, while entering the vehicle he noticed the dashboard was melted, which was caused by a fire that occurred independently. The contact stated he reviewed a camera that was near the location of the vehicle and saw the fire occur on the video. The contact did not call the fire department to report the incident. The contact stated no one was injured nor sought medical attention. The vehicle was not drivable. The contact towed the vehicle to the local dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 137,000.
My 2003 BMW X5 was parked outside of my house, turned off and not driven for hours and burst into flames consuming the whole dashboard, fire department said that fire was due to some electrical problem with car, very scary please help could of killed my family the incident was recorded on home surveillance footage, but I cannot …
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My 2003 BMW X5 was parked outside of my house, turned off and not driven for hours and burst into flames consuming the whole dashboard, fire department said that fire was due to some electrical problem with car, very scary please help could of killed my family the incident was recorded on home surveillance footage, but I cannot upload because of size
THE CAR STARTED LOSING POWER WHILE ON THE ROAD. IT GOT SLOWER AND SLOWER, TILL IT FINALLY CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP. IT HAD TO BE TOWED THE REST OF THE WAY TO THE HOUSE. THE ENGINE WOULD START UP, BUT IT WOULD NOT ENGAGE ANY OF THE GEARS.
THIS MORNING 03/13/2020 AT APROX. 2:30AM MY BMW X5 2003 WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES FOR NO REASON AND MY TWO GERMAN SHEPHERDS HEY YOU AND MY BABY DIESEL WERE INSIDE,AND HOW ONE MADE IT OUT AND THE BABY DIDNT, I BUSTED WINDOWS CAUSE I HEARD HIM CRYING ,,,,I COULDNT GET HIM I TRIED TO I TRIED OH MY GOD MY POOR BABY , I WAS INJURED AND …
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THIS MORNING 03/13/2020 AT APROX. 2:30AM MY BMW X5 2003 WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES FOR NO REASON AND MY TWO GERMAN SHEPHERDS HEY YOU AND MY BABY DIESEL WERE INSIDE,AND HOW ONE MADE IT OUT AND THE BABY DIDNT, I BUSTED WINDOWS CAUSE I HEARD HIM CRYING ,,,,I COULDNT GET HIM I TRIED TO I TRIED OH MY GOD MY POOR BABY , I WAS INJURED AND SCARED FOR LIFE WITH THAT. MY CAR WAS OFF AND PARKED IN FRONT OF A FRIENDS HOUSE ON A SIDE STREET, ALL A LOSS. NO PICTURES TAKEN ,SEVERAL POLICE AND FIRE DEPT. CAME.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BMW X5. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V047000 (AIR BAGS) AND THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING HOME FROM THE SERVICE APPOINTMENT AT 55 MPH, THE BATTERY WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BMW X5. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V047000 (AIR BAGS) AND THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING HOME FROM THE SERVICE APPOINTMENT AT 55 MPH, THE BATTERY WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE CONTACT CALLED THE BMW STORE (6131 STEWART RD SUITE 1, CINCINNATI, OH 45227, (513) 271-8700) AND WAS INFORMED THAT DIAGNOSTIC TESTING WAS NEEDED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DEALER CAUSED THE FAILURE DUE TO NOT DISCONNECTING THE BATTERY. THE CONTACT CALLED THE BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU AND WAS PROVIDED COMPLAINT ID NUMBER: 3787246. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 172,000. THE VIN WAS INVALID.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BMW X5. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THERE WAS THE SMELL OF PLASTIC BURNING AND THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT ACCELERATE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS SMOKE COMING FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. THE ENGINE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. MOMENTS LATER, THE VEHICLE WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES. THE FIRE DEPARTM…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BMW X5. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THERE WAS THE SMELL OF PLASTIC BURNING AND THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT ACCELERATE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS SMOKE COMING FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. THE ENGINE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. MOMENTS LATER, THE VEHICLE WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE AND FILED A REPORT. THE VEHICLE WAS BURNED DOWN TO THE FRAME. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED TO A BODY SHOP. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.
I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE USED, I HAVE HAD IT FOR ABOUT 5 MONTHS AND HAVE HAD SOME SERIOUS PROBLEMS (STEERING COLUMN, WINDOW REGULATORS, ENGINE, AND COOLANT LEAKAGE). I SEE WHERE THESE ISSUES SEEM TO BE CONSISTENT WITH THE VEHICLE, BUT AM HAVING A HARD TIME GETTING THE RECALL WORK DONE. I CAN'S AFFORD TO SPEND A LOT ON THIS CAR, …
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I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE USED, I HAVE HAD IT FOR ABOUT 5 MONTHS AND HAVE HAD SOME SERIOUS PROBLEMS (STEERING COLUMN, WINDOW REGULATORS, ENGINE, AND COOLANT LEAKAGE). I SEE WHERE THESE ISSUES SEEM TO BE CONSISTENT WITH THE VEHICLE, BUT AM HAVING A HARD TIME GETTING THE RECALL WORK DONE. I CAN'S AFFORD TO SPEND A LOT ON THIS CAR, BUT I FEEL LIKE I MAY HAVE MORE THAN I BARGAINED FOR. MY EXTENDED WARRANTY IS NOT PAYING FOR MUCH !!! HELP *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BMW X5. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE CAUGHT FIRE WHILE PARKED IN A RESIDENTIAL GARAGE. THE MANUFACTURER INVESTIGATED THE FAILURE AND CONCLUDED THAT CAUSE OF THE FIRE WAS NOT DUE A MANUFACTURING DEFECT. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED OF THE INCIDENT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BATTERY…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BMW X5. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE CAUGHT FIRE WHILE PARKED IN A RESIDENTIAL GARAGE. THE MANUFACTURER INVESTIGATED THE FAILURE AND CONCLUDED THAT CAUSE OF THE FIRE WAS NOT DUE A MANUFACTURING DEFECT. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED OF THE INCIDENT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BATTERY WAS REPLACED TWICE AND THE COMPUTER SYSTEM WAS REPLACED THREE TIMES PRIOR TO THE FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 150,000. UPDATED 2/15/13 *CN THE CONSUMER BELIEVED THE FIRE WAS DUE TO AN ELECTRICAL FAILURE. UPDATED 02/02/513
THE PIXELS ON THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER AND THE RADIO DISPLAY ARE FADED OUT WHICH MAKES THE VISIBILITY ON THESE ITEMS EXTREMELY DIFFICULT. THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE THAT HAS BEEN BROUGHT TO BMWUSA'S ATTENTION AND DISCUSSED ON MANY BMW FORUMS, YET THE MANUFACTURER AND ITS SUPPLIER (SIEMANS VDO) REFUSE TO FIX. *TR
Official recalls
317V047000 · 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.
15V318000 · Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module
May 28, 2015
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2002-2005 325i, 325xi, 330i, and 330xi Sedans, and 325xi and 325i Sportswagons, 2002-2006 330Ci, 325Ci, and M3 Convertibles and 325i, 330i, and M3 Coupes, 2002-2003 M5, 540i, 525i Sedan, and 530i Sedans, and 540i and 525i Sportswagons, and 2003 X5 3.0i and 4.4i Sports Activity Vehicles. Please note that the 5-series and X5 vehicles are only included if they are equipped with the optional sports steering wheel. The affected vehicles are equipped with a dual-stage driver frontal air bag that may be susceptible to moisture intrusion which, over time, could cause the inflator to rupture.
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 replace the front driver air bag module, free of charge. The recall began Aug 2016. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. Note: This recall supersedes recall 14V-348 in its entirety. Additionally, vehicles that have had their driver side frontal air bag replaced previously as part of a recall remedy need to have their air bag replaced under this recall as well. Note: On December 17, 2015 BMW removed the model year 2004 X5 3.0i and 4.4i Sports Activity vehicle from this recall. Those vehicles were mistakenly identified as including the air bags that are subject to this recall.
03V197000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings
May 27, 2003
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, IT IS POSSIBLE THAT THE DISTANCE BETWEEN THE BRAKE LINE AND THE STEERING SHAFT JOINT IS NOT SUFFICIENT. IF THIS OCCURS, THE BRAKE LINE COULD COME INTO CONTACT WITH THE JOINT AND EVENTUALLY SUFFER DAMAGE AND CORROSION.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A LOSS OF BRAKE FLUID, INDICATED BY A WARNING LIGHT IN THE INSTRUMENT PANEL, COULD OCCUR. THIS WILL BE ACCOMPANIED BY A REDUCTION IN FRONT BRAKE PERFORMANCE. THIS COULD LEAD TO A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE DISTANCE BETWEEN THE BRAKE LINE AND THE STEERING SHAFT JOINT, AND IF NECESSARY, INCREASE THE DISTANCE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JUNE 23, 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
0No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.
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