no report yet
Clutch assembly: pedal/hand lever(motorcycle)
Risk. THE VEHICLE COULD ACCELERATE UNEXPECTEDLY, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
2004 BMW X5Problems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 64 owner complaints about the 2004 BMW X5, most often about the power train. It is covered by 4 safety recalls.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through June 26, 2025. Updated daily. Photo: IFCAR, Public domain.
Complaints by system
Where the 2004 BMW X5 has problems
64 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
11Power train
10Electrical system3 crash/fire/injury
9Engine2 crash/fire/injury
7Latches/locks/linkages1 crash/fire/injury
7Structure1 crash/fire/injury
7Seats4 crash/fire/injury
6Air bags3 crash/fire/injury
5Exterior lighting
4Steering
2111 other systems1 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Power train | 11 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 10 | 3 |
| Engine | 9 | 2 |
| Latches/locks/linkages | 7 | 1 |
| Structure | 7 | 1 |
| Seats | 7 | 4 |
| Air bags | 6 | 3 |
| Exterior lighting | 5 | 1 |
| Steering | 4 | 0 |
| 11 other systems | 21 | 1 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
4 recalls
2004 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
Delivery: fuel pump
Risk. ENGINE STALLING COULD OCCUR, EVEN THOUGH THE VEHICLE'S FUEL GAUGE INDICATES THAT FUEL IS PRESENT IN THE TANK.
no report yet
Automatic transmission: control module (tcm/pcm/tecm)
Risk. AS A RESULT, ENGINE STALLING WILL OCCUR AFTER A SHORT PERIOD OF OPERATION.
no report yet
Driveline: differential unit
Risk. WITH PROLONGED DRIVING, THESE BOLTS COULD BECOME LOOSE, CAUSE DAMAGE TO THE ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION HOUSINGS.
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
2004 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
2004 BMW X5 safety ratings
2004 BMW X5 4-DR. w/SAB in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
Frontal crashNot rated
Side barrierNot rated
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: No
- Lane departure warning: No
In owners' words
What X5 owners report
Recent power train complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
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.
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…
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…
Own a 2004 X5?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.