2003 BMW X5 recalls and problems
The 2003 BMW X5 has 3 safety recalls and 99 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any BMW dealer.
Recalls may cover only some 2003 BMW X5 vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.
2003 BMW X5 recalls
Recall 17V-047: Air Bags
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 15V-318: Air Bags
Problem: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2002-2005 325i, 325xi, 330i, and 330xi Sedans, and 325xi and 325i Sportswagons, 2002-2006 330Ci, 325Ci, and M3 Convertibles and 325i, 330i, and M3 Coupes, 2002-2003 M5, 540i, 525i Sedan, and 530i Sedans, and 540i and 525i Sportswagons, and 2003 X5 3.0i and 4.4i Sports Activity Vehicles. Please note that the 5-series and X5 vehicles are only included if they are equipped with the optional sports steering wheel. The affected vehicles are equipped with a dual-stage driver frontal air bag that may be susceptible to moisture intrusion which, over time, could cause the inflator to rupture.
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 replace the front driver air bag module, free of charge. The recall began Aug 2016. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. Note: This recall supersedes recall 14V-348 in its entirety. Additionally, vehicles that have had their driver side frontal air bag replaced previously as part of a recall remedy need to have their air bag replaced under this recall as well. Note: On December 17, 2015 BMW removed the model year 2004 X5 3.0i and 4.4i Sports Activity vehicle from this recall. Those vehicles were mistakenly identified as including the air bags that are subject to this recall.
Recall 03V-197: Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Problem: On certain passenger vehicles, it is possible that the distance between the brake line and the steering shaft joint is not sufficient. If this occurs, the brake line could come into contact with the joint and eventually suffer damage and corrosion.
Risk: A loss of brake fluid, indicated by a warning light in the instrument panel, could occur. This will be accompanied by a reduction in front brake performance. This could lead to a crash.
Fix: Dealers will inspect the distance between the brake line and the steering shaft joint, and if necessary, increase the distance. Owner notification began june 23, 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.
2003 BMW X5 problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|---|---|
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 25 | |
| Electrical System | 17 | |
| Power Train | 17 | |
| Air Bags | 15 | |
| Engine | 11 | |
| Seats | 7 | |
| Unknown or Other | 7 | |
| Exterior Lighting | 6 | |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 5 | |
| Structure | 4 | |
| Suspension | 3 | |
| Steering | 3 |
Most reported parts
- Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine — 8
- Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 4
- Engine and Engine Cooling › Cooling System — 3
- Seats › Front Assembly › Seat Heater/Cooler — 2
- Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System — 2
- Structure › Body — 2
- Exterior Lighting › Headlights — 1
- Vehicle Speed Control › Accelerator Pedal — 1
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 74,200 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 2003 BMW X5 complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Other BMW X5 years
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2003 BMW X5 have any recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2003 BMW X5: 17V-047 (air bags), 15V-318 (air bags), 03V-197 (service brakes, hydraulic). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What is the most common problem with the 2003 BMW X5?
Owners report engine and engine cooling problems most often (25 reports), followed by electrical system (17). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 74,200 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.