2002 BMW 5 Series
Only 7 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
Only 7 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 7
- Recalls
- 2
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 2002
None on file
Not enough data
Complaints per year
2002: 7 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1989 | 1 |
| 1990 | 0 |
| 1991 | 0 |
| 1992 | 0 |
| 1993 | 0 |
| 1994 | 0 |
| 1995 | 3 |
| 1996 | 0 |
| 1997 | 1 |
| 1998 | 0 |
| 1999 | 2 |
| 2000 | 2 |
| 2001 | 3 |
| 2002 | 7 |
| 2003 | 9 |
| 2004 | 64 |
| 2005 | 21 |
| 2006 | 85 |
| 2007 | 13 |
| 2008 | 98 |
| 2009 | 4 |
| 2010 | 6 |
| 2011 | 81 |
| 2012 | 10 |
| 2023 | 0 |
Known problem areas
Only 7 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Power train
2 of 7 total reports mention: power train, most commonly citing automatic transmission.
Show complaint excerpts
Driving at 50 MPH I was being harassed by another motorist because I was driving the speed limit.
NHTSA ODI report, 2014-07-01
Also filed under Equipment adaptive/mobility
The vehicle failed to shift, which caused the vehicle to stall.
NHTSA ODI report, 2003-03-05
Visibility
1 of 7 total reports mentions: visibility, most commonly citing windshield.
Suspension
1 of 7 total reports mentions: suspension.
Structure
1 of 7 total reports mentions: structure, most commonly citing body.
Show complaint excerpts
I have a 2002 525I which I drove to work on January 15, 2019. After being in work for 15 minutes, I was notified that the entire front end of my car was engulfed in flames.
NHTSA ODI report, 2019-02-19
Also filed under Engine
Exterior lighting
1 of 7 total reports mentions: exterior lighting, most commonly citing headlights.
Show complaint excerpts
Xenon headlights are too bright, blind oncoming traffic. These headlights should be banned! What ever happened to headlight standards.
NHTSA ODI report, 2002-12-31
Safety timeline
2 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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R
2012-08-22Engine and engine cooling12E029000 This recall involves aftermarket parts sold by Valeo. Valeo is recalling certain engine cooling fans, part numbers 696121, 696273, and 696275, used as service replacement parts for model year…
Remedy: Valeo will notify owners and replace the fans free of charge. The safety recall began on August 22, 2012. This recall is being conducted by Valeo, not by BMW. For further information, owners may…
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R
2019-08-28Steering19E058000 ZF Group North America Operations (ZF) is recalling certain Lemförder Steering Center Rods sold as aftermarket parts for 1996-2004 BMW 5-Series (E39) vehicles.
Remedy: ZF has notified the parts distributors, instructing them to inform the end customer. ZF will reimburse them for the affected parts. The recall began August 28, 2019.
Buy-smart checklist
2002 BMW 5 Series — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Power train: 2 reports on file for this year.
- Visibility: 1 report on file for this year.
- Suspension: 1 report on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 12E029000 · Engine and engine cooling
- Recall 19E058000 · Steering
FAQ
- Is the 2002 BMW 5 Series reliable?
- There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
- What are the most common problems with the 2002 BMW 5 Series?
- The most-reported component is power train, accounting for 29% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2002 BMW 5 Series have?
- 2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.