KnownCarProblems2002 BMW X5 Problems and Recalls
Owners filed 102 complaints with NHTSA about the 2002 BMW X5, most often about the engine (28% of complaints, typically around 86,000 miles). It is 14th of 27 X5 model years by number of complaints and has 3 recalls.
⚠ Safety advisory1 recall for this car came with a do-not-drive warning. See below and check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Most common 2002 BMW X5 problems
Engine
28 complaints · 28%Half of these problems showed up before 86,000 miles. Parts named most often: engine.
BMW 4.4i X5. Had second of two valve cover leaks due to oil separator blockage. Both happened under cold weather conditions. The original oil separator design was prone to blockage and BMW had redesigned the separator to a "heated part" according to my dealer. In both instances of my car's failure, the valve cover…
I've had to replace all 4 window regulators, my rear hatch seems to open for no reason, my rear window wiper is working with the switch in the off position, LED's are going out again and now the dreaded apparent oil separator with tons of grey smoke billowing out the back of the car after being left in an airport…
Air bags
19 complaints · 19%Half of these problems showed up before 147,500 miles. Parts named most often: side/window.
Driving on cruise control 70 MPH and we heard a bit bammmmmm and smoked coming out of the crack of the door . It took a minute to realize that the air bags has just went off for not apparent reason. Scare the [] out off me!!! Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).
The contact owns a 2002 BMW X5. After the vehicle was repaired per NHTSA campaign number: 17v047000 (air bags), the horn activated on its own. The vehicle was taken five times to BMW of murray (located at 4735 state st, murray, ut 84107, ([phone]) for repairs, but the failure recurred. After the last repair, the…
Electrical
16 complaints · 16%Half of these problems showed up before 146,000 miles. Parts named most often: wiring, ignition.
Vehicle fire was parked for a couple of days and owner went to car and notice that the interior of the vehicle had a past tense fire. The airbags were deployed expect for the one on the passenger side door. No exterior damage noted to the vehicle or in the engine compartment. The fire origin was on the passenger side…
The contact owns a 2002 BMW X5. After the vehicle was repaired per NHTSA campaign number: 17v047000 (air bags), the horn activated on its own. The vehicle was taken five times to BMW of murray (located at 4735 state st, murray, ut 84107, ([phone]) for repairs, but the failure recurred. After the last repair, the…
Visibility and wipers
14 complaints · 14%Half of these problems showed up before 55,000 miles. Parts named most often: power window devices and controls, windshield wiper/washer, rearview mirrors/devices, glass, side/rear.
The contact owns a 2002 BMW X5. While driving approximately 75 MPH, the rear driver's side window glass suddenly opened and dropped into the door panel. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer where all four window regulators were replaced. The failure recurred at various sporadic times and the window regulators…
In september of 2014 my 2002 BMW X5 front passenger side power window failed in the down position. Upon taking it into my original dealer, it was manually raised-closed and I had to return days later for installation of a new "regulator" at a cost of about $500. I was told this problem was "unusual". Now, nine months…
Body and structure
9 complaints · 9%Half of these problems showed up before 79,000 miles. Parts named most often: body.
In september of 2014 my 2002 BMW X5 front passenger side power window failed in the down position. Upon taking it into my original dealer, it was manually raised-closed and I had to return days later for installation of a new "regulator" at a cost of about $500. I was told this problem was "unusual". Now, nine months…
I've had to replace all 4 window regulators, my rear hatch seems to open for no reason, my rear window wiper is working with the switch in the off position, LED's are going out again and now the dreaded apparent oil separator with tons of grey smoke billowing out the back of the car after being left in an airport…
Lights
8 complaints · 8%Half of these problems showed up before 150,000 miles. Parts named most often: headlights, brake lights, tail lights.
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…
Tail lamp failure. Warning system indicated lamp failure. The failure turned out to be lamp circuit assembly, and not bulb. Repeated failures until I repaired rear lamp assembly on my own. BMW would only suggest replacing entire lamp assembly at substantial cost. Updated 09/15/11
Brakes
6 complaints · 6%Half of these problems showed up before 100,000 miles. Parts named most often: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip.
Window bust out for no reason, coolant container light on, brake lining, windshield wiper motor quit without notice..motor hot and froze up, lights on dash coming on and off. Sensor had to be replaced. These things happened without notice. Wheels that have to be aligned and still tires have to be replaced often.
Brake fluid warning light came on due to low brake fluid. Upon inspection, brake line had corroded and was leaking. Given the age of the vehicle this would appear to be quite premature. Description by mechanic of OEM replacement line was significantly more durable than line replaced.
Transmission
6 complaints · 6%Half of these problems showed up before 85,000 miles. Parts named most often: automatic transmission, manual transmission.
Car has been well maintained with regular service. 80,000 miles. No indication of any problem on start up. Experienced sudden total loss of transmission function. The car rolls when in park. A grinding sound is noted in cabin.
After vehicle is parked for a few hours, when you crank it and put the transmission in reverse it slips and does not want to engage. Problem does not appear when vehicle is in drive, only reverse so far. As the vehicle warms up the problem goes away.
Complaints are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.
2002 BMW X5 recalls
Air bags: inflator module
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.
Full defect summary
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.
Seat belts: buckle assembly
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.
Full defect summary
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.
Brakes: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
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.
Full defect summary
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.
Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which recalls are still open on your car.
Questions about the 2002 BMW X5
- What are the most common problems with the 2002 BMW X5?
- By NHTSA owner complaints: engine (28 complaints, typically around 86,000 miles); air bags (19 complaints, typically around 147,500 miles); electrical (16 complaints, typically around 146,000 miles).
- How many recalls does the 2002 BMW X5 have?
- 3 recalls listed by NHTSA, the latest from January 20, 2017 (air bags). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which ones are still open on your car.
- Is the 2002 a bad year for the BMW X5?
- It is 14th of 27 X5 model years by number of complaints, with 102 complaints. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular years collect more of them, and the newest years have had less time to.