repaired · 2018 Q2
Driver side: inflator module
Do not driveRisk. 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…
2002 BMW X5Problems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 102 owner complaints about the 2002 BMW X5, most often about the engine and engine cooling. It is covered by 3 safety recalls, and for recall 17V-047 the manufacturer reports only 24% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through January 18, 2025. Updated daily. Photo: Vauxford, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2002 BMW X5 has problems
102 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
21Engine and engine cooling3 crash/fire/injury
19Air bags3 crash/fire/injury
16Electrical system3 crash/fire/injury
12Visibility1 crash/fire/injury
9Structure1 crash/fire/injury
8Exterior lighting2 crash/fire/injury
7Engine
6Latches/locks/linkages
6Power train
259 other systems3 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Engine and engine cooling | 21 | 3 |
| Air bags | 19 | 3 |
| Electrical system | 16 | 3 |
| Visibility | 12 | 1 |
| Structure | 9 | 1 |
| Exterior lighting | 8 | 2 |
| Engine | 7 | 1 |
| Latches/locks/linkages | 6 | 0 |
| Power train | 6 | 1 |
| 9 other systems | 25 | 3 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
3 recalls
2002 BMW X5 recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
no report yet
Front: buckle assembly
Risk. 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…
no report yet
Foundation components: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Risk. THIS COULD INITIALLY CAUSE SOME BRAKE FLUID LEAKAGE, AND EVENTUALLY LEAD TO A SUBSTANTIAL LOSS OF BRAKE FLUID.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with BMW.
Best & worst years
2002 vs. every other X5 year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the X5 median. How we score
'99'00'01'02'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19'20'21'22'23'24'25'26
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2002 BMW X5 safety ratings
2002 BMW X5 4-DR. w/SAB in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: No
- Lane departure warning: No
In owners' words
What X5 owners report
Recent engine and engine cooling complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BMW X5. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY STALLED AND SMOKE WAS EMITTING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING WHERE THE TECHNICIANS STATED THAT THE OIL SEPARATOR WAS FROZEN. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED.…
IN JANUARY OF 2010 DURING A COLD WEATHER SPELL, I STARTED MY CAR AND STARTED DRIVING SLOWLY. AFTER ABOUT 5 MINUTES I NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM ENGINE COMPARTMENT AND FROM EXHAUST PIPES. I STOPPED THE VEHICLE AND HAD IT TOWED TO A CERTIFIED MECHANIC. HE DIAGNOSED THE ISSUE AS A FAILURE OF THE…
IN A 2002 BMW X5 WHILE MAKING A LEFT HAND TURN, THE VEHICLE STALLS. IT HAPPENS NUMEROUS TIMES PER DAY. MY RESEARCH INDICATES THIS PROBLEM EXISTS IN MANY BMW VEHICLES AND IT OBVIOUSLY PRESENTS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE FOR DRIVERS OF THE 2002 BMW X5. I HOPE A SAFETY RECALL IS ORDERED FOR THESE VEHICLES…
Own a 2002 X5?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.