FaultScore

FaultScore report

2004 BMW X5 problems

Owners have filed 93 complaints about the 2004 BMW X5 with NHTSA between 2004 and 2025. The largest single group is the transmission & drivetrain. Across this model's run it ranks 18 of 27 worst.

C

FaultScore 50/100

Higher is worse. Measured against the other years of the BMW X5.

How this is worked out

The numbers

93

Complaints

4

Crashes reported

13

Fires reported

7

Injuries reported

86,500 mi

Median mileage at failure

Half of reported failures happened before this

19%

Failed under 36,000 miles

Inside a typical bumper-to-bumper warranty

What kind of bad

The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.

Complaint volume 28 vs 50 Severity 100 vs 50 Early failure 32 vs 50
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 28
Against the median year of the BMW X5. 50 means typical for this model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
25.8% of these complaints involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of 9.7%.
Early failure — 32
19% of failures with a mileage on record happened under 36,000 miles, against a national rate of 29%.

How 2004 compares with every other BMW X5

Click any bar to open that year's report.

Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade: A B C D F ungraded

What breaks on a 2004 BMW X5

Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.

Median failure at 79,580 miles

Engine & Cooling 11 11.8%

0 crashes, 2 fires · median 102,000 mi

0 crashes, 3 fires · median 102,500 mi

Doors, Latches & Locks 7 7.5%

1 crashes, 0 fires · median 98,365 mi

Seats 7 7.5%

0 crashes, 4 fires · median 94,000 mi

Body & Structure 7 7.5%

0 crashes, 1 fires · median 67,600 mi

Windows, Mirrors & Wipers 6 6.5%

Median failure at 56,200 miles

Airbags 6 6.5%

3 crashes, 0 fires · median 73,000 mi

Lights 5 5.4%

0 crashes, 1 fires · median 53,600 mi

Steering 4 4.3%

Median failure at 28,700 miles

Other & Unspecified 3 3.2%

0 crashes, 1 fires · median 112,000 mi

Suspension 3 3.2%

Median failure at 58,351 miles

Seat Belts 2 2.2%

Median failure at 56,200 miles

Wheels 2 2.2%

0 crashes, 1 fires · median 152,375 mi

Fuel & Propulsion 2 2.2%
Acceleration & Cruise Control 2 2.2%

Median failure at 2,525 miles

Brakes 2 2.2%

Median failure at 45,600 miles

Equipment & Accessories 1 1.1%

When it fails

Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all complaints include one.

Under 1,000 miles 3 4.1%
1,000 – 9,999 miles 4 5.4%
10,000 – 24,999 miles 3 4.1%
25,000 – 49,999 miles 8 10.8%
50,000 – 74,999 miles 14 18.9%
75,000 – 99,999 miles 16 21.6%
100,000 – 149,999 miles 17 23.0%
150,000+ miles 9 12.2%

When owners complained

A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single owner can see from inside their own car.

Mar 2004 peak 7 Jun 2025

Recalls on the 2004 BMW X5

A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous enough to fix for free — however old the car is.

United States — NHTSA

04V409000

POWER TRAIN:CLUTCH ASSEMBLY:PEDAL/HAND LEVER(MOTORCYCLE)

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.

Risk: THE VEHICLE COULD ACCELERATE UNEXPECTEDLY, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.

04V402000

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE IN-TANK FUEL LINE MAY HAVE BEEN ATTACHED INCORRECTLY.

Risk: 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.

04V344000

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 8 AND 12 CYLINDER ENGINES, THE DIGITAL ENGINE MANAGEMENT CONTROL (EMC) UNITS WERE NOT PRODUCED ACCORDING TO SPECIFICATIONS.

Risk: 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.

03V475000

POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DIFFERENTIAL UNIT

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.

Risk: 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.

Canada — Transport Canada

Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not always mirror the American ones.

Recall 2019020 10,135 units in Canada

Airbag

Issue: 2023 Update - BMW has updated this recall and issued a do not drive advisory for all vehicles that that not yet been repaired. Some vehicles may contain a replacement sport steering wheel with a Takata driver-front air bag module. Long-term exposure to high absolute humidity and temperature, combined with high temperature cycling, may eventually degrade the propellant contained in the driver-front airbag. This could cause the airbag to deploy with more force than normal. If the airbag inflator ruptures, fragments could be propelled toward vehicle occupants or cause damage to the airbag assembly, preventing its proper function. Safety Risk: If the vehicle is involved in a crash requiring an airbag deployment, the airbag inflator could rupture and create a risk of injury. Corrective Actions: BMW advises not to drive your vehicle unless this recall repair has been completed. BMW will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your vehicle to a dealer to inspect the driver-front airbag inflator. The driver-front airbag module or inflator will be replaced as necessary. To learn if your vehicle requires repair, owners may: • Visit https://www.bmw.ca/en/ssl/VehicleRecall.html • Contact your preferred or local BMW Retailer • Call BMW Customer Relations Recall Services at 1-855-217-3002

Recall 2012129 67,771 units in Canada

Label

Certain vehicles fail to conform to Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. Specifically, the compliance label does not indicate the wheel rim size, as required by the Standard. Correction: Due to the inconsequential nature of this non-compliance, no action will be taken.

Recall 2004291 9 units in Canada

Other

The potential defect involves the electronic programming of the digital engine management control unit with regard to throttle valve control. On certain vehicles, when moving slowly in first gear, with low but constant throttle (approximately 1,500 - 2,000 rpm), and the clutch pedal partially depressed (approximately 1 - 2 inches) and held at this position, engine speed may increase resulting in undesired vehicle acceleration. Correction: Dealers will reprogram the digital engine management control unit.

Recall 2004279 29 units in Canada

Fuel System

On certain vehicles, the in-tank fuel line of the suction jet fuel pump, through which fuel is transferred from the left chamber to the right chamber of the fuel tank, may have been attached incorrectly. Consequently, during vehicle operation, the in-tank fuel line could loosen. If this happened, transfer of fuel from the left chamber to the right chamber could stop. As a result, if fuel in the right chamber of the tank had been completely consumed, engine stalling would occur. Correction: Dealers will inspect the in-tank suction jet pump fuel line and, if necessary, reattach according to specifications.

Recall 2004246 355 units in Canada

Other

On certain vehicles, the digital engine management control unit was not produced according to specifications. As a result, engine stalling will occur after a short period of operation. The vehicle may not be able to be restarted. Also, a loss of power steering and, after repeated actuation of the brake pedal, a loss of brake power assistance will occur. If stalling were to occur, the driver would be unable to maintain vehicle speed or accelerate. Steering and braking, while possible, would be difficult. Depending on traffic conditions and the driver's reactions, this could lead to a crash. Correction: Dealers will replace the digital engine management control unit.

Recall 2003265 40 units in Canada

Powertrain

On certain vehicles, insufficient tightening torque may have been applied to certain front drivetrain fasteners. Specifically, the affected fasteners are those involving the front differential, the right output shaft housing flange at the engine, and the right-hand engine support. Insufficient torque could lead to a loosening of a fastener. If this happens, at first, noise would be perceptible to the driver. During prolonged driving, sufficient loosening of a fastener could cause damage to a fastener's threading, as well as, to engine and transmission housings. In extreme cases, the right output shaft could become disconnected. Correction: Dealer will inspect and retighten the drivetrain fasteners to their specified values.

Recalls cover specific build ranges, so check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or, in Canada, Transport Canada.

Complaints that involved harm

Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.

at 105,000 miles Chesterfield, MO Fire

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

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

NHTSA complaint #11102874 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 105,000 miles Chesterfield, MO Fire

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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

NHTSA complaint #11102874 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 180,000 miles Long Island City Queens, NY Crash 1 injured

AIR BAGS

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2004 BMW X5. WHILE DRIVING 15 MPH, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS STRUCK BY ANOTHER VEHICLE ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE RIGHT SHOULDER, BACK, AND NECK, WHICH REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT MADE AWARE OF THE CRASH. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 180,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA complaint #11072329 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 180,000 miles Albuquerque, NM Crash 1 injured

AIR BAGS

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2004 BMW X5. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 30 MPH, ANOTHER VEHICLE FAILED TO STOP FOR A RED LIGHT AND THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO THE VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES IN THE NECK AND BACK WHICH REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN UNKNOWN LOCATION. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 180,000.

NHTSA complaint #10970464 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 94,000 miles Westhampton Beach, NY Fire

SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:SEAT HEATER/COOLER

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW X5. WHILE DRIVING, THERE WAS A BURNING ODOR INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT NOTICED A HOLE BURNED INTO THE DRIVER'S SEAT. THE CONTACT'S JACKET WAS ALSO BURNED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE SEAT HEATER HAD A MALFUNCTION. THE HEATER MECHANISMS FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 94,000. UPDATED 06/07/17*LJ

NHTSA complaint #10954819 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 170,000 miles Union Pier, MI Fire

SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:SEAT HEATER/COOLER

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW X5. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT HEAT WARMER BURNED A HOLE THROUGH THE SEAT. THERE WERE NO INJURIES; HOWEVER, THE CONTACT FELT THE HEAT OF THE BURNER COMING THROUGH THE SEAT. THE DEALER DETERMINED THAT THE SEAT WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 170,000.

NHTSA complaint #10948644 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

The most recent complaints

In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.

Bronx, NY

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

No start no crank sos light battery drain

NHTSA complaint #11669369 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Edgewood, MD

POWER TRAIN

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 complaint #11462118 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Edgewood, MD

UNKNOWN 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 complaint #11462118 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Edgewood, MD

ENGINE

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 complaint #11462118 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 194,782 miles Fresno, CA

STEERING

MY STEERING IS WAY TO TIGHT. AND ITS HARD TO MOVE THEVCAR.

NHTSA complaint #11366639 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Fort Pierce, FL

SEAT BELTS

FRONT PASSENGER SEAT BELT DOESN'T WORK PROPERLY.

NHTSA complaint #11325415 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 120,000 miles Yonkers, NY

ENGINE

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW X5. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH ON THE FREEWAY, THE VEHICLE JERKED SEVERELY. SUDDENLY, THE ENGINE POWERED DOWN IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO PULL THE VEHICLE OVER SAFELY ONTO THE SHOULDER. A MESSAGE INDICATING "FAIL SAFE" APPEARED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S HOME. THE VEHICLE WAS LATER TAKEN TO RAY CATENA BMW (543 TARRYTOWN RD, WHITE PLAINS, NY 10607, (914) 761-5555) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT A NEW ENGINE AND VALVE PUMP NEEDED TO BE INSTALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000.

NHTSA complaint #11181660 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 105,000 miles Chesterfield, MO Fire

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

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

NHTSA complaint #11102874 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 105,000 miles Chesterfield, MO Fire

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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

NHTSA complaint #11102874 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 180,000 miles Long Island City Queens, NY Crash 1 injured

AIR BAGS

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2004 BMW X5. WHILE DRIVING 15 MPH, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS STRUCK BY ANOTHER VEHICLE ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE RIGHT SHOULDER, BACK, AND NECK, WHICH REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT MADE AWARE OF THE CRASH. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 180,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA complaint #11072329 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 179,750 miles Creve Coeur, MO

WHEELS

I BOUGHT 4 RUN-FLAT BRIDGESTONE TIRES FROM A BMW DEALERSHIP: DUELER H/L 400 [36110427162] ON JUNE 21, 2017 WITH MY SUV MILEAGE OF 169,318. YESTERDAY, 1/15/2018, I FOUND OUT MY TWO REAR TIRES WERE ALMOST BALD AFTER DRIVEN 10,384 MILES DUE TO SUMMER ROAD TRIP. SEVERAL TIMES THESE PAST FEW DAYS I FELT THE SUV WAS SLIPPING AND SLIDING EVEN THOUGHT NO ICE AROUND. THE TWO REAR TIRES HAVE MARKINGS OF DOT H491 DJE0716 AND DOT H491 DJE0216]. THE FRONT TWO TIRES [DOT H491 DJE4015 AND DOT H491 DJE3160] LOOK NEW COMPARED TO REAR - PLEASE SEE IMAGES.

NHTSA complaint #11063391 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 50 miles Anaheim, CA

POWER TRAIN

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 complaint #11014998 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 50 miles Anaheim, CA

VEHICLE 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..PLEASE YOU CAN HELP ME ..THANK YOU VERY MUCH.

NHTSA complaint #11014998 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 50 miles Anaheim, CA

STEERING

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 complaint #11014998 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 157,000 miles Portland, OR

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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.

NHTSA complaint #10992654 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 157,000 miles Portland, OR

ENGINE

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.

NHTSA complaint #10992654 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 152,000 miles Sumter, SC

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 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 complaint #10985841 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 180,000 miles Albuquerque, NM Crash 1 injured

AIR BAGS

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2004 BMW X5. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 30 MPH, ANOTHER VEHICLE FAILED TO STOP FOR A RED LIGHT AND THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO THE VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES IN THE NECK AND BACK WHICH REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN UNKNOWN LOCATION. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 180,000.

NHTSA complaint #10970464 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 119,000 miles Tukwila, WA

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

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.

NHTSA complaint #10958279 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 119,000 miles Tukwila, WA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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.

NHTSA complaint #10958279 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 94,000 miles Westhampton Beach, NY Fire

SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:SEAT HEATER/COOLER

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW X5. WHILE DRIVING, THERE WAS A BURNING ODOR INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT NOTICED A HOLE BURNED INTO THE DRIVER'S SEAT. THE CONTACT'S JACKET WAS ALSO BURNED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE SEAT HEATER HAD A MALFUNCTION. THE HEATER MECHANISMS FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 94,000. UPDATED 06/07/17*LJ

NHTSA complaint #10954819 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 170,000 miles Union Pier, MI Fire

SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:SEAT HEATER/COOLER

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW X5. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT HEAT WARMER BURNED A HOLE THROUGH THE SEAT. THERE WERE NO INJURIES; HOWEVER, THE CONTACT FELT THE HEAT OF THE BURNER COMING THROUGH THE SEAT. THE DEALER DETERMINED THAT THE SEAT WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 170,000.

NHTSA complaint #10948644 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 125,000 miles Kansas City, MO Fire 1 injured

WHEELS

THE VEHICLE STARTED SMOKING FROM UNDER THE HOOD WHILE DRIVING IN TOWN TO THE POST OFFICE. UPON PARKING THE VEHICLE AT THE POST OFFICE, IT CAUGHT FIRE UNDER THE HOOD AND THE FIRE DEPT. HAD TO BE CALLED TO FORCE OPEN THE HOOD TO PUT OUT THE FIRE. THE ENTIRE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE WAS DAMAGED IN FRONT OF THE FIRE WALL. THE USPS MOVED EMPLOYEES/CUSTOMERS TO THE REAR OF THE BUILDING FOR PRECAUTION OF EXPLOSION AND SMOKE INHALATION OF THE BURNING PLASTIC, RUBBER AND RELATED PARTS. IT WAS FORTUNATE I COULD QUICKLY PARK RATHER THAN BEING ON THE HIGHWAY.

NHTSA complaint #10786161 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 125,000 miles Kansas City, MO Fire 1 injured

STRUCTURE:BODY

THE VEHICLE STARTED SMOKING FROM UNDER THE HOOD WHILE DRIVING IN TOWN TO THE POST OFFICE. UPON PARKING THE VEHICLE AT THE POST OFFICE, IT CAUGHT FIRE UNDER THE HOOD AND THE FIRE DEPT. HAD TO BE CALLED TO FORCE OPEN THE HOOD TO PUT OUT THE FIRE. THE ENTIRE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE WAS DAMAGED IN FRONT OF THE FIRE WALL. THE USPS MOVED EMPLOYEES/CUSTOMERS TO THE REAR OF THE BUILDING FOR PRECAUTION OF EXPLOSION AND SMOKE INHALATION OF THE BURNING PLASTIC, RUBBER AND RELATED PARTS. IT WAS FORTUNATE I COULD QUICKLY PARK RATHER THAN BEING ON THE HIGHWAY.

NHTSA complaint #10786161 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 125,000 miles Kansas City, MO Fire 1 injured

ENGINE

THE VEHICLE STARTED SMOKING FROM UNDER THE HOOD WHILE DRIVING IN TOWN TO THE POST OFFICE. UPON PARKING THE VEHICLE AT THE POST OFFICE, IT CAUGHT FIRE UNDER THE HOOD AND THE FIRE DEPT. HAD TO BE CALLED TO FORCE OPEN THE HOOD TO PUT OUT THE FIRE. THE ENTIRE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE WAS DAMAGED IN FRONT OF THE FIRE WALL. THE USPS MOVED EMPLOYEES/CUSTOMERS TO THE REAR OF THE BUILDING FOR PRECAUTION OF EXPLOSION AND SMOKE INHALATION OF THE BURNING PLASTIC, RUBBER AND RELATED PARTS. IT WAS FORTUNATE I COULD QUICKLY PARK RATHER THAN BEING ON THE HIGHWAY.

NHTSA complaint #10786161 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.