NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2004 BMW X5; the most frequently affected component is power train — pedal/hand lever(motorcycle). Owners filed 127 complaints, most often about engine. Among the 7 model years of this model in the database, 2004 ranks #3 for number of recalls.
Power train — Pedal/hand lever(motorcycle)Campaign 04V409000 · 18 Aug 2004
Problem: 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.
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.
Problem: 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.
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.
Power train — Control module (tcm/PCM/tecm)Campaign 04V344000 · 14 Jul 2004
Problem: 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.
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.
Power train — Differential unitCampaign 03V475000 · 14 Nov 2003
Problem: 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.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and retighten the drivetrain fasteners. Owner notification began november 28, 2003. Owners should contact bmw at 1-800-831-1117.
What owners complain about
Share of the 28 most recent complaints stored for this model year, by component. Owners can list more than one component.
Engine7 · 25%
Electrical system6 · 21%
Power train5 · 18%
Seats4 · 14%
Unknown or other3 · 11%
Air bags3 · 11%
Steering2 · 7%
Structure2 · 7%
When complaints were filed
20136
20145
20152
20177
20183
20191
20202
20221
20251
From owner complaints
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…
My x5 has been a fairly reliable vehicle with some quirkiness along the way. I had a "crossover pipe" to start leaking coolant. The thing to look for is if you open your hood, and look in the center of the engine (from the front), there is a small hole. Coolant will collect and pour out of that hole onto the ground.…
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…
Rear wiper and wiper fluid pump stopped working during a rain storm. I could not see through the rear window at all through the rear view mirror or by turning and looking behind me. Very unsafe for this system to break. *tr
Recall and complaint records from the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). A recall listed here may not apply to every vehicle of this model year — always check your VIN with NHTSA or a dealer.