NHTSA vehicle safety data

2001 BMW X5 Recalls & Complaints

The 2001 BMW X5 has 12 NHTSA recall campaigns and 160 owner complaints on file as of November 3, 2026. Recall repairs are usually free at an authorized BMW dealer.

NHTSA recall and complaint data for the 2001 BMW X5. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.

Pre-purchase inspection checklist → Reliability & 5-year cost forecast →

2001 BMW X5 owner complaints

Owners have filed 160 complaints with NHTSA about the 2001 BMW X5, describing incidents dated June 30, 2000 to February 18, 2025.

Most-cited components

Engine 36 complaints
Electrical System 24 complaints
Latches/Locks/Linkages 18 complaints
Air Bags 16 complaints
Power Train 15 complaints
Visibility/Wiper 13 complaints

Of the 160 complaints on file, 4 report a crash and 16 a fire; across all 160 complaints, owners report 11 injuries (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).

Newest complaints

ODI #11736901 · Filed May 10, 2026
2023 September BMW issued me a "Stop Drive" letter in the mail. I parked the vehicle and haven't drove it since. Since then ive called the number in letter and visited website. At one time the individual handling and scheduling my "repair" had asked me if I could drive the car to nearest dealership…
ODI #11643454 · Filed February 18, 2025
My vehicle is DO NOT DRIVE condition. I have not been able to schedule air bag recall repair because the dealerships in my area will not tow to and from my home, and say no mobile service is available. WHAT ARE MY OPINIONS? PLEASE REPLY .....I currently can't drive my car because I have a unexploded…
ODI #11629001 · Filed December 5, 2024
I bought this vehicle and turns out the license plate reads as a Tahoe and now the electricial system u plugged speedometer don't work and everything is going out I need help I'm low on money but need help or resources email me [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT…

Read all 160 complaints

Driver's Side Front Air Bag Inflator May Explode

NHTSA #25V748000 · Air Bags — Frontal — Driver Side — Inflator Module · NHTSA notice

Reported October 31, 2025 · BMW of North America, LLC

Potentially affected: 5,361 vehicles

Repair completion: 0.65% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Owners notified December 29, 2025

Recall group: Takata airbag inflators

DO NOT DRIVE — this recall carries a "do not drive" advisory. Contact a BMW dealer immediately.

Defect description

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2000-2001 X5 vehicles that may be equipped with a sport steering wheel containing a Takata PSDI-4 air bag inflator. The inflator may explode during deployment due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature, and temperature cycling.

Safety consequence

An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.

Manufacturer remedy

Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the remedy is complete. Dealers will inspect and replace the driver's front air bag, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 29, 2025. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning December 23, 2025. This recall expands previous NHTSA recall number 19V015.

Driver's Frontal Air Bag Inflator may Rupture

NHTSA #17V047000 · Air Bags — Frontal — Driver Side — Inflator Module · NHTSA notice

Reported January 20, 2017 · BMW of North America, LLC

Potentially affected: 230,117 vehicles

Repair completion: 24.66% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Owners notified March 15, 2017 · Vehicles built April 18, 2000 – January 31, 2003 (per NHTSA) · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation

Recall group: Takata airbag inflators

DO NOT DRIVE — this recall carries a "do not drive" advisory. Contact a BMW dealer immediately.

Defect description

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.

Safety 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.

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

BMW /FRONT BRAKE HOSE

NHTSA #03V001000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic — Foundation Components — Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings · NHTSA notice

Reported January 9, 2003 · BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE

Potentially affected: 84,000 vehicles

Owners notified February 14, 2003 · Vehicles built August 1, 1999 – April 12, 2002 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, IT MAY BE POSSIBLE FOR THE FRONT BRAKE LINE TO SLIP OUT OF THE RETAINING BRACKET LOCATED AT THE FRONT STRUT. THE BRAKE HOSE THAT IS ATTACHED TO THE BRAKE LINE COULD COME IN CONTACT WITH THE TIRE AND BE SUBJECTED TO WEAR AND ABRASION.

Safety consequence

THIS COULD INITIALLY CAUSE SOME BRAKE FLUID LEAKAGE, AND EVENTUALLY LEAD TO A SUBSTANTIAL LOSS OF BRAKE FLUID. THERE COULD BE A NOTICEABLE REDUCTION IN BRAKE PERFORMANCE IF A LOSS OF FRONT BRAKE PERFORMANCE OCCURS.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL INSTALL AN ADDITIONAL RETAINING CLIP TO FURTHER SECURE THE BRAKE LINE TO THE FRONT STRUT. ADDITIONALLY, IF INSPECTION OF ANY BRAKE HOSE INDICATES THAT IT HAS EXPERIENCED DAMAGE, THE HOSE WILL BE REPLACED. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN FEBRUARY 14, 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.

Notes

CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

BMW/BRAKE PEDAL ARM PIVOT SHAFT

NHTSA #02V194000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic — Pedals and Linkages · NHTSA notice

Reported July 24, 2002 · BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE

Potentially affected: 34,860 vehicles

Owners notified August 14, 2002 · Vehicles built August 19, 1999 – February 8, 2001 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, DUE TO A MANUFACTURING PROBLEM, THE BRAKE PEDAL ARM PIVOT SHAFT COULD LOOSEN FROM ITS SUPPORT BRACKET.

Safety consequence

EVENTUALLY, THE BRAKE PEDAL ARM COULD DETACH FROM THE BRACKET, RENDERING THE SERVICE BRAKING SYSTEM INEFFECTIVE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL CHECK THE BRAKE PEDAL ARM PIVOT SHAFT FOR PROPER SEATING IN ITS SUPPORT BRACKET. IN ADDITION, A PIN WILL BE INSTALLED TO SECURE THE SHAFT TO THE BRACKET. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN AUGUST 14, 2002. 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 1-800-332-4269.

Notes

ALSO, CUSTOMERS CAN CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

BMW/ENGINE AUXILIARY/COOLING FAN

NHTSA #02V138000 · Engine and Engine Cooling — Cooling System — Fan · NHTSA notice

Reported May 16, 2002 · BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE

Potentially affected: 1,550 vehicles

Defect description

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE ENGINE AUXILIARY/COOLING FAN OPERATION, INCLUDING VARIABLE SPEED, IS ELECTRONICALLY CONTROLLED. FAILURE OF THE FAN MOTOR CAN CAUSE THE ELECTRICAL CIRCUITRY OF THE FAN CONTROL UNIT TO OVERLOAD AND FAIL, CAUSING THE FAN TO STOP OPERATING.

Safety consequence

IF THIS WERE TO OCCUR, ENGINE OVERHEATING AND SUBSEQUENT ENGINE DAMAGE COULD RESULT. IN ADDITION, IT IS POSSIBLE FOR THE FAILURE OF THE ELECTRICAL CIRCUITRY TO CAUSE A FIRE IN THE FAN CONTROL UNIT LOCATED IN THE FRONT OF THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FAN. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN SEPTEMBER 28, 2001. THIS IS A SUPPLEMENT TO A RECALL THAT BEGAN DURING SEPTEMBER 2001 (SEE RECALL CAMPAIGN 01V206). 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.

Notes

ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

BMW/ENGINE AUXILIARY/COOLING FAN

NHTSA #01V206000 · Engine and Engine Cooling — Cooling System — Fan · NHTSA notice

Reported June 21, 2001 · BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE

Potentially affected: 76,469 vehicles

Owners notified September 28, 2001 · Vehicles built December 18, 2000 – September 5, 2001 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE ENGINE AUXILIARY/COOLING FAN OPERATION, INCLUDING VARIABLE SPEED, IS ELECTRONICALLY CONTROLLED. FAILURE OF THE FAN MOTOR CAN CAUSE THE ELECTRICAL CIRCUITRY OF THE FAN CONTROL UNIT TO OVERLOAD AND FAIL, CAUSING THE FAN TO STOP OPERATING.

Safety consequence

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FAN. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN SEPTEMBER 28, 2001. 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.

Notes

ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

BMW/BRAKE BOOSTER ATTACHING NUT

NHTSA #01V197000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic — Power Assist — Vacuum · NHTSA notice

Reported June 14, 2001 · BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE

Potentially affected: 36 vehicles

Owners notified August 17, 2001 · Vehicles built March 8, 2001 – March 11, 2001 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES. DUE TO AN ASSEMBLY ERROR, ONE OR BOTH SELF-LOCKING NUTS THAT SECURE THE PEDAL ASSEMBLY TO THE BOOSTER MAY HAVE BEEN CROSS-THREADED ON THE BOOSTER STUDS THAT PROTRUDE THROUGH THE FIREWALL. IN SUCH A CASE, THE NUT(S) WOULD NOT BE FULLY SEATED ON THE STUD(S).

Safety consequence

IF THIS OCCURRED, THE EFFECTIVE BRAKE PEDAL TRAVEL COULD BE REDUCED DUE TO RELATIVE MOVEMENT BETWEEN THE PEDAL AND BOOSTER. BRAKING PERFORMANCE WHILE DRIVING COULD BE ADVERSELY AFFECTED. IN ADDITION, IT IS POSSIBLE THAT THE BOOSTER COULD DEVELOP A LEAK AFTER AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME RESULTING IN A REDUCTION IN BRAKE POWER ASSIST.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE TWO LOCK NUTS TO DETERMINE IF THEY ARE PROPERLY SEATED. IF THE NUTS ARE NOT PROPERLY SEATED OR ARE CROSS-THREADED, THE BRAKE BOOSTER WILL BE REPLACED. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN AUGUST 17, 2001. 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.

Notes

ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

BMW/TRANSMISSION GEAR POSITION INDICATOR SWITCH

NHTSA #01V196000 · Power Train — Automatic Transmission — Park/Neutral Start Interlock Switch · NHTSA notice

Reported June 14, 2001 · BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE

Potentially affected: 14,300 vehicles

Owners notified August 14, 2001 · Vehicles built September 1, 1999 – February 28, 2001 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: 4.4I SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES. OVER AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, ABRASION PARTICLES COULD DEPOSIT ON THE ELECTRICAL CONTACTS WITHIN THE SWITCH, CAUSING A DISRUPTION OF THE ELECTRIC CURRENT THROUGH THE CONTACTS. IF THE DISRUPTION OCCURS WHEN THE VEHICLE IS STATIONARY WITH THE TRANSMISSION IN THE NEUTRAL OR PARK POSITIONS, THE TRANSMISSION WILL SWITCH AUTOMATICALLY INTO THE EMERGENCY PROGRAM, WHICH IS DISPLAYED IN THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER VIA A WARNING LAMP AND A MESSAGE, "TRANS. FAIL-SAFE PROG." IN THIS CASE, THE VEHICLE CAN BE DRIVEN IN LOWER GEARS ONLY WITH LIMITED ENGINE OUTPUT.

Safety consequence

IF THIS PROBLEM OCCURS, THE ABILITY TO MAINTAIN SPEED IN TRAFFIC AND/OR ACCELERATE COULD BE GREATLY DIMINISHED, POSSIBLY LEADING TO A CRASH.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION GEAR POSITION INDICATOR SWITCH. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN AUGUST 14, 2001. 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.

Notes

ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

BMW/STEERING PUMP PULLEY BOLTS

NHTSA #01V173000 · Steering — Hydraulic Power Assist — Pump · NHTSA notice

Reported May 24, 2001 · BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE

Potentially affected: 47 vehicles

Owners notified August 17, 2001 · Vehicles built March 8, 2001 – March 11, 2001 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. DUE TO AN ASSEMBLY ERROR DURING VEHICLE PRODUCTION, ANY OF THE THREE BOLTS THAT SECURE THE PULLEY TO THE PUMP MAY HAVE BEEN INADEQUATELY TIGHTENED.

Safety consequence

IN SUCH A CASE, THE BOLTS COULD ULTIMATELY LOOSEN CAUSING THE PULLEY TO THROW OFF THE DRIVE BELT. THIS WOULD RESULT IN THE LOSS OF CERTAIN ENGINE AUXILIARY FUNCTIONS, I.E., POWER STEERING ASSIST, WATER PUMP, OR ALTERNATOR. STEERING EFFORT WOULD THEN BE INCREASED.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE POWER STEERING PUMP PULLEY TO SEE IF IT IS LOOSE. IF THE PULLEY IS NOT LOOSE ON THE PUMP, THE RETAINING BOLTS WILL BE TORQUED TO SPECIFICATION. IF THE PULLEY IS LOOSE, THE PUMP, PULLEY, ATTACHING BOLTS, AND DRIVE BELT WILL BE REPLACED. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN AUGUST 17, 2001. 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.

Notes

ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

BMW/SPINDLE BOLT

NHTSA #01V030000 · Steering — Linkages — Knuckle — Spindle — Arm · NHTSA notice

Reported February 6, 2001 · BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE

Potentially affected: 13,791 vehicles

Owners notified February 6, 2001 · Vehicles built September 21, 2000 – January 19, 2001 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. DURING ASSEMBLY OF THESE VEHICLES, THE LOWER END OF THE SPINDLE MAY NOT HAVE BEEN INSERTED COMPLETELY INTO THE COUPLING. IN SUCH A CASE, THE FASTENING BOLT USED TO SECURE THE CONNECTION MAY NOT COMPLETELY ENGAGE THE SPINDLE WITHIN THE COUPLING. DURING DRIVING, IT WOULD BE POSSIBLE FOR THE SPINDLE TO DISCONNECT.

Safety consequence

THIS COULD RESULT IN A LOSS OF STEERING CAPABILITY AND INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE SPINDLE TO ENSURE PROPER INSERTION IN THE COUPLING, AND, IF NECESSARY, THE SPINDLE WILL BE FULLY INSERTED AND THE FASTENING BOLT REPLACED. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN FEBRUARY 6, 2001. 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.

Notes

ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

BMW/STEERING

NHTSA #00V341000 · Steering — Linkages — Rod — Relay — Connecting · NHTSA notice

Reported October 24, 2000 · BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE

Potentially affected: 2,643 vehicles

Owners notified November 14, 2000 · Vehicles built September 10, 2000 – October 13, 2000 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES. THE NUT THAT SECURES THE AXIAL JOINT OF THE LEFT STEERING TIE ROD TO THE STEERING GEAR BOX MAY HAVE NOT HAVE BEEN TIGHTENED SECURELY. THIS COULD LEAD TO LOOSENING OF THE NUT AND, INITIALLY TO STEERING WHEEL PLAY AND/OR MISALIGNMENT, AS WELL AS NOISE FROM THE STEERING LINKAGE. IF VEHICLE OPERATION CONTINUES, THE TIE ROD COULD DISCONNECT FROM THE STEERING GEAR BOX.

Safety consequence

IF THIS WERE TO OCCUR, LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL COULD RESULT.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND RE-TORQUE THE NUT SECURING THE AXIAL JOINT OF THE LEFT STEERING TIE ROD. IF THE TORQUE OF THE NUT IS FOUND TO BE LOOSE, THE RIGHT NUT WILL ALSO BE CHECKED AND CORRECTED IF NECESSARY, AND A FRONT WHEEL ALIGNMENT WILL BE PERFORMED.

Notes

OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN NOVEMBER 14, 2000.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.ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

BMW/SEAT BELT ANCHORAGE BOLT

NHTSA #00V261000 · Seat Belts — Front — Anchorage · NHTSA notice

Reported September 11, 2000 · BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE

Potentially affected: 490 vehicles

Owners notified September 27, 2000 · Vehicles built June 28, 2000 – July 31, 2000 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES. THE SAFETY BELT LOWER OUTBOARD ANCHORAGE BOLT ON THE DRIVER'S AND FRONT PASSENGER'S SEATS MAY NOT HAVE BEEN SECURED PROPERLY.

Safety consequence

IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE SAFETY BELT SYSTEM MIGHT NOT BE ABLE TO PROVIDE ITS MAXIMUM RESTRAINT FUNCTION.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE BOLTS AND CORRECT THE TORQUE IF NECESSARY.

Notes

OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN SEPTEMBER 27,2000.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. ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

try.vin has no NCAP crash-test rating on file for the 2001 BMW X5. NHTSA rates some vehicles by body style — pickups by cab, vans by roof height — so check nhtsa.gov/ratings.

160 owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2001 BMW X5.

Air Bags

ODI #11736901

Incident: September 13, 2023 · Filed: May 10, 2026

2023 September BMW issued me a "Stop Drive" letter in the mail. I parked the vehicle and haven't drove it since. Since then ive called the number in letter and visited website. At one time the individual handling and scheduling my "repair" had asked me if I could drive the car to nearest dealership to get repaired? I said absolutely not; i have recieved a letter stating to stop driving? Im not gonna drive it? When I asked about them coming to fix it and getting a loaner as the letter offered? They said when the vehicle makes it to the dealership for repair it will be up to the dealership doing repairs if im to get a loaner? I asked what am I to do until it gets fixed being that I cant drive? No logical answer given? I've attempted several more times to contact BMW per phone numbers given in mailers stating "stop drive"? Im completely at a loss as of today the vehicle has been sitting so long its now damaged, weathered, and so forth? I just recieved another letter in mail last week same thing about repair do not drive and so forth. I cant believe nothing has been done thus far? I see all the deadlines for repair have past and my address has. Never changed or phone number they are still the same as day they sent first "stop drive" letter was sent and that was actually way before September 2023 I dont know exactly when but September is when I first called about getting repair done and still remain unaddressed today?

Air Bags

ODI #11643454

Incident: February 18, 2025 · Filed: February 18, 2025

My vehicle is DO NOT DRIVE condition. I have not been able to schedule air bag recall repair because the dealerships in my area will not tow to and from my home, and say no mobile service is available. WHAT ARE MY OPINIONS? PLEASE REPLY .....I currently can't drive my car because I have a unexploded claymore in my face!

Electrical System; Engine; Fuel/Propulsion System

ODI #11629001

Incident: December 5, 2024 · Filed: December 5, 2024

I bought this vehicle and turns out the license plate reads as a Tahoe and now the electricial system u plugged speedometer don't work and everything is going out I need help I'm low on money but need help or resources email me [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Air Bags

ODI #11364305

Incident: March 23, 2019 · Filed: October 14, 2020

GOT AIRBAG NOTICE IN MAIL 2019 TOOK MY CAR TO WORLD WIDE BMW NANUET NY DEALER MARCH 23 2019 TOLD ME MY AIRBAG SYSTEM WAS NOT ON THE LIST OF BEING REPLACED MINED YOU MY AIRBAG LIGHT WAS ON WELL BEFORE TAKING IT TO BMW DEALER AND TODAY IS STILL ON I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF THIS IS TRUE AND WHAT CAN I DO TO HAVE IT CORRECTED THEY WANT TO CHARGE ME OVER 2,000 TO REPLACE THE AIRBAG MODULE

Unknown or Other

ODI #11318905

Fire

Incident: March 19, 2020 · Filed: March 21, 2020

IT CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE IT WAS PARKED ENGINE WAS ALSO OFF!

Electrical System; Air Bags

ODI #11241091

Fire

Incident: July 31, 2019 · Filed: August 1, 2019

TAKATA RECALL I WENT OUT TO START MY CAR NOTICED WHEN I STARTED IT THERE WAS SMOKE COMING FROM THE PASSENGER SIDE FRONT AIR BAG AREA I IMMEDIATELY SHUT IT OFF BUT THERE WAS SMOKE STILL COMING AND GETTING THICKER I IMMEDIATELY CALL 911 I WAS ON THE PHONE WITH 911 AND NOTICED FLAMES .FIRE TRUCK SHOWED UP PUT THE FIRE OUT BUT THE WHOLE FRONT AIR BAG AREA AND GLOVE BOX WAS PRETTY BAD

Electrical System; Engine

ODI #11145180

Incident: October 29, 2018 · Filed: November 4, 2018

IN 2001 I HAD A RECALL FOR THE ELECTRIC COOLING FAN, IT WAS SUPPOSED TO HAVE BEEN FIXED THEN IN 2007 ELECTRIC COOLING FAN GOES OUT AGAIN, THEN IN 2011 THE ELECTRIC COOLING FAN GOES OUT AGAIN, THEN IN 2018 THE ELECTRIC COOLING FAN GOES OUT AGAIN OVERHEAT AND BLOWS THE HEAD GASKET WHILE DRIVING BACK FROM LAS VEGAS IN GILROY CALIFORNIA ???

Steering

ODI #11119625

Incident: July 30, 2018 · Filed: August 13, 2018

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 BMW X5. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED WHILE DRIVING AT A LOW SPEED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FAILURE WAS RELATED TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 01V173000 (STEERING). THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO PLAZA BMW (11858 OLIVE BLVD, CREVE COEUR, MO) WHERE THE FAILURE WAS CONFIRMED; HOWEVER, THE VIN HAD NO OPEN RECALLS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND CONFIRMED THAT THERE WERE NO OPEN RECALLS UNDER THE VIN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 120,000.

Unknown or Other

ODI #11104607

Incident: June 5, 2018 · Filed: June 28, 2018

TAKATA RECALL. MY VEHICLES LOCK CYLINDER IS STUCK IN THE LOCK POSITION. I HAD JUST BOUGHT THIS CAR RECENTLY AND WHEN I BOUGHT A NEW KEY THE LOCK CYLINDER PUT THE CAR INTO DEADLOCK.

Air Bags

ODI #11054776

1 injury

Incident: December 13, 2017 · Filed: December 14, 2017

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 BMW X5. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED WITHOUT WARNING OR IMPACT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR REPAIRS. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED MINOR INJURIES, WHICH DID NOT REQUIRE MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 160,000.

Other BMW X5 model years

Check your 2001 BMW X5 VIN

Not every recall applies to every VIN in a given year. Enter the 17-character VIN from your BMW X5 at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether your specific vehicle has an unrepaired recall.

Check a BMW VIN