2004 BMW X5 recalls and problems

The 2004 BMW X5 has 4 safety recalls and 64 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any BMW dealer.

Recalls
4
Complaints
64
Crashes / fires
4 / 10
Injuries / deaths
6 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2004 BMW X5 vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2004 BMW X5 recalls

Recall 04V-409: Power Train

Reported Aug 18, 2004 · 358 vehicles affected · BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, LLC

Problem: On certain passenger vehicles with 3.0 l engines and manual transmissions, if the vehicle is in first gear, and moving slowly, with the accelerator pedal held in a constant position of low engine speed and with the clutch pedal held in a partially depressed position, engine speed may increase.

Risk: The vehicle could accelerate unexpectedly, which could result in a crash.

Fix: Dealers will reprogram the vehicle's digital engine management control unit. The recall began on september 8, 2004. Owners should contact bmw at 1-800-831-1117.

Recall 04V-402: Fuel System, Gasoline

Reported Aug 13, 2004 · 297 vehicles affected · BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, LLC

Problem: On certain sport utility vehicles, the in-tank fuel line may have been attached incorrectly.

Risk: Engine stalling could occur, even though the vehicle's fuel gauge indicates that fuel is present in the tank. Depending upon traffic and road conditions, this could result in a crash.

Fix: Dealers will inspect the in-tank suction jet pump fuel line and if necessary, reattach according to specifications. This recall began september 9, 2004. Owners should contact bmw at 1-800-831-1117.

Recall 04V-344: Power Train

Reported Jul 14, 2004 · 4,102 vehicles affected · BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE

Problem: On certain passenger vehicles equipped with 8 and 12 cylinder engines, the digital engine management control (Emc) units were not produced according to specifications.

Risk: As a result, engine stalling will occur after a short period of operation. The vehicle may not be able to restart. Also, a loss of power steering and, after repeated actuation of the brake pedal, a loss of brake power assist will occur. These conditions could result in a vehicle crash.

Fix: Dealers will install a new digital engine management control unit. The recall began on july 16, 2004. Owners should contact bmw at 1-800-831-1117.

Recall 03V-475: Power Train

Reported Nov 14, 2003 · 350 vehicles affected · BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE

Problem: On certain sport utility vehicles, the bolts that hold the front differential, the right output shaft housing flange at the engine, and the right-hand engine support may be insufficiently tightened.

Risk: With prolonged driving, these bolts could become loose, cause damage to the engine and transmission housings. The right output shaft could become disconnected, affecting the ability to control the vehicle, which could result in a crash.

Fix: Dealers will inspect and retighten the drivetrain fasteners. Owner notification began november 28, 2003. Owners should contact bmw at 1-800-831-1117.

2004 BMW X5 problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Power Train13
Electrical System10
Engine9
Structure7
Latches/Locks/Linkages7
Seats7
Air Bags6
Visibility5
Exterior Lighting5
Steering4
Suspension3
Unknown or Other3

Most reported parts

  • Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 4
  • Visibility › Sun/Moon Roof Assembly — 2
  • Visibility › Power Window Devices and Controls — 2
  • Structure › Body › Hatchback/Liftgate — 2
  • Structure › Body — 2
  • Power Train › Driveline — 2
  • Seats › Front Assembly › Seat Heater/Cooler — 2
  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 89,000 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 2004 BMW X5 complaints

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

Engine · reported Apr 25, 2022
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 .
Electrical System · at 105,000 miles · reported Jun 20, 2018
Vehicle started smoking from under the car and air vents while car was in motion air conditioning was running and the owner pulled over and the fire department put out the fire and broke 3 windows unnecessarily in the process. Car ended up being totaled and resides at owners property. Could be based on other reports and a possible recall on blower motor on 2001-2003 recalls were checked and are current on this vehicle checked by dealer and NHTSA website
Air Bags · at 180,000 miles · reported Feb 12, 2018
The contact owned a 2004 bmw x5. While driving 15 MPH, the contact's vehicle was struck by another vehicle on the driver's side. The air bags did not deploy. A police report was filed. The contact sustained injuries to the right shoulder, back, and neck, which required medical attention. The vehicle was destroyed and towed. The dealer and manufacturer were not made aware of the crash. The failure mileage was approximately 180,000. The VIN was not available.
Wheels · at 179,750 miles · reported Jan 17, 2018
I bought 4 run-flat bridgestone tires from a bmw dealership: dueler h/l 400 [36110427162] on june 21, 2017 with my SUV mileage of 169,318. Yesterday, 1/15/2018, I found out my two rear tires were almost bald after driven 10,384 miles due to summer road trip. Several times these past few days I felt the SUV was slipping and sliding even thought no ice around. The two rear tires have markings of DOT h491 dje0716 and DOT h491 dje0216]. The front two tires [DOT h491 dje4015 and DOT h491 dje3160] look new compared to rear - please see images.
Power Train · at 50 miles · reported Aug 14, 2017
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 accidents with bmw x5 2004..please you can help me ..thank you very much.

Other BMW X5 years

Compare all BMW X5 years · All BMW models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2004 BMW X5 have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2004 BMW X5: 04V-409 (power train), 04V-402 (fuel system, gasoline), 04V-344 (power train), 03V-475 (power train). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2004 BMW X5?

Owners report power train problems most often (13 reports), followed by electrical system (10). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 89,000 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.