2002 BMW X5 recalls and problems

The 2002 BMW X5 has 3 safety recalls and 102 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any BMW dealer.

Urgent: recall 17V-047 carries a "do not drive" warning. Contact a dealer before driving.
Recalls
3
Complaints
102
Crashes / fires
3 / 7
Injuries / deaths
3 / 1

Recalls may cover only some 2002 BMW X5 vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2002 BMW X5 recalls

Recall 17V-047: Air Bags

Do not driveReported Jan 20, 2017 · 230,117 vehicles affected · BMW of North America, LLC

Problem: 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.

Risk: 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.

Fix: 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.

Recall 03V-032: Seat Belts

Reported Feb 4, 2003 · 2,635 vehicles affected · BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE

Problem: On certain passenger vehicles, the connection of the safety belt buckle to the steel rope of the tensioner does not meet bmw specifications. In severe frontal crashes, this connection can detach.

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 could occur that might otherwise be mitigated.

Fix: Dealers will inspect both front safety belt tensioner and buckle assemblies, and if necessary, replace these parts. Owner notification began march 19, 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.

Recall 03V-001: Service Brakes, Hydraulic

Reported Jan 9, 2003 · 84,000 vehicles affected · BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE

Problem: 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.

Risk: 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.

Fix: 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.

2002 BMW X5 problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Engine and Engine Cooling21
Air Bags20
Electrical System16
Visibility13
Structure9
Exterior Lighting8
Engine7
Power Train6
Latches/Locks/Linkages6
Steering6
Unknown or Other5
Seat Belts4

Most reported parts

  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine — 7
  • Structure › Body — 7
  • Visibility › Power Window Devices and Controls — 4
  • Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 3
  • Visibility › Rearview Mirrors/Devices › Exterior — 2
  • Visibility › Glass, Side/Rear — 2
  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip › Abs Warning Light — 2
  • Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer › Motor — 2

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 87,905 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2002 BMW X5 complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Air Bags · reported Jan 18, 2025
Bmw has failed on several occasions to address this issue or service vehicle. I have made them aware of the situation but continue to receive letters that indicate I could die of the airbag.
Steering · reported Mar 25, 2023
Several components or systems have failed or malfunctioned, including the ABS module, power steering, rear left turn signal connection, speedometer, and there are various error codes (P0313, P0500, P1093, P2098, OBDII FAIL, OBD bulb check FAIL). It is not clear if these components are available for inspection upon request based on the information provided. The safety of the driver and others on the road was put at risk due to the failure of the ABS module, the absence of power steering, and the non-functioning rear left turn signal. The malfunctioning ABS system can lead to reduced braking…
Latches/Locks/Linkages · at 117,000 miles · reported Apr 9, 2021
The contact owns a 2002 bmw x5. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the hood inadvertently unlatched causing damage to the hood. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with needing the hood shocks and hood hinges to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The contact was still awaiting a response from the manufacturer. The failure mileage was approximately 117,000.
Electrical System · at 230,000 miles · reported Mar 31, 2021
Car was parked. I tried to unlock my car with the key fob and nothing happened. I unlocked the door with the key and after getting in the central locking system would not work. After researching the problem I found that the gmiii controls the central locking as well as other items like the windshield wipers, interior lights, sun roof, and rear upper and lower hatch. I orders a new one and when I took the old one out to replace it I found that it had caught on fire and blew fuse 14. It appears a thyristor or tiac got to hot and set the board and case on fire. I had smelt a plastic smell earlier…
Air Bags · at 179,000 miles · reported Apr 5, 2020
Was driving home and my dash lights started to flash on and off after I shut the car off my and pulled the keys out my left rear tail light stayed on the next morning my battery was dead. So I pulled the battery and charged it now when I connect the battery all my lights flash randomly with no key in it. I have not driven the car for 3 months it is not safe and the nearest bmw servies is 40 miles away . I have a recall for the air bag , but not taking a chance on driving it to get fixed

Other BMW X5 years

Compare all BMW X5 years · All BMW models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2002 BMW X5 have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2002 BMW X5: 17V-047 (air bags), 03V-032 (seat belts), 03V-001 (service brakes, hydraulic). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2002 BMW X5?

Owners report engine and engine cooling problems most often (21 reports), followed by air bags (20). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 87,905 miles.

Are BMW recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized BMW dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.