2001 BMW X5
This year had 30% to 100% more complaints than this model's typical year.
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.
- Complaints
- 160
- Recalls
- 12
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- Engine and engine cooling
Campaigns on file for 2001
None on file
22% of complaints
Complaints per year
2001: 160 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1999 | 0 |
| 2000 | 29 |
| 2001 | 160 |
| 2002 | 102 |
| 2003 | 99 |
| 2004 | 64 |
| 2005 | 82 |
| 2006 | 168 |
| 2007 | 71 |
| 2008 | 215 |
| 2009 | 138 |
| 2010 | 124 |
| 2011 | 263 |
| 2012 | 271 |
| 2013 | 149 |
| 2014 | 99 |
| 2015 | 152 |
| 2016 | 74 |
| 2017 | 75 |
| 2018 | 73 |
| 2019 | 192 |
| 2020 | 112 |
| 2021 | 109 |
| 2022 | 70 |
| 2023 | 34 |
| 2024 | 145 |
| 2025 | 62 |
| 2026 | 28 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Engine and engine cooling
22% · 35 reportsMost commonly citing fan and radiator assembly.
Show complaint excerpts
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 BMW X5. The contact stated that the vehicle was parked and the engine was running when he noticed that the auxiliary fan was not functioning. The contact changed the fuse for the fan and the fuse caught on fire.
NHTSA ODI report, 2012-03-09
Radiator fan had shorted out and caught on fire while driving 60MPH. After stopping, had noticed smoke. Electrical wires to radiator fan had melted. Vehicle towed to dealership.
NHTSA ODI report, 2001-07-12
Electrical system
15% · 24 reportsMost commonly citing ignition and wiring.
Show complaint excerpts
Takata recall I went out to start my car noticed when I started it there was smoke coming from the passenger side front air bag area I immediately shut it off but there was smoke still coming and getting thicker I immediately call 911 I was on the...
NHTSA ODI report, 2019-08-01
Also filed under Air bags
Consumer stated her vehicle has caught fire twice, and it locked her inside. She also stated that her aux. Fan was the cause of the fires. She stated the fan was changed 4 times.
NHTSA ODI report, 2003-08-08
I bought this vehicle and turns out the license plate reads as a Tahoe and now the electricial system u plugged speedometer don't work and everything is going out I need help I'm low on money but need help or resources email me [XXX] INFORMATION...
NHTSA ODI report, 2024-12-05
Also filed under Engine and fuel/propulsion system
Latches/locks/linkages
11% · 18 reportsMost commonly citing latch.
Air bags
11% · 18 reportsMost commonly citing side/window and inflator module.
Show complaint excerpts
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 BMW X5. The contact stated that the air bags deployed without warning or impact. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer for repairs. The contact sustained minor injuries, which did not require medical attention.
NHTSA ODI report, 2017-12-14
Vehicle was "Totaled" Due to a collision, by another vehicle on passenger's side of consumer's car. Consumer's vehicle was traveling approximately 40-50MPH at time of impact. Passenger "Side air bag" Did not deploy.
NHTSA ODI report, 2003-01-27
Visibility
9% · 15 reportsMost commonly citing power window devices and controls and windshield wiper/washer.
Safety timeline
12 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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2000-09-27Seat belts00V261000 Vehicle description: sport utility vehicles. The safety belt lower outboard anchorage bolt on the driver's and front passenger's seats may not have been secured properly.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the bolts and correct the torque if necessary.
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2000-11-14Steering00V341000 Vehicle description: sport utility vehicles. The nut that secures the axial joint of the left steering tie rod to the steering gear box may have not have been tightened securely. This could lead…
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and re-torque the nut securing the axial joint of the left steering tie rod. If the torque of the nut is found to be loose, the right nut will also be checked and corrected if…
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2001Complaint volume 160 complaints filed for this model year.
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2001-02-06Steering01V030000 Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. During assembly of these vehicles, the lower end of the spindle may not have been inserted completely into the coupling. In such a case, the fastening…
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the spindle to ensure proper insertion in the coupling, and, if necessary, the spindle will be fully inserted and the fastening bolt replaced. Owner notification began February…
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2001-08-14Power train01V196000 Vehicle description: 4.4I sport utility vehicles. Over an extended period of time, abrasion particles could deposit on the electrical contacts within the switch, causing a disruption of the…
Remedy: Dealers will replace the transmission gear position indicator switch. Owner notification began August 14, 2001. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service…
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2001-08-17Steering01V173000 Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. Due to an assembly error during vehicle production, any of the three bolts that secure the pulley to the pump may have been inadequately tightened.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the power steering pump pulley to see if it is loose. If the pulley is not loose on the pump, the retaining bolts will be torqued to specification. If the pulley is loose, the…
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2001-08-17Service brakes, hydraulic01V197000 Vehicle description: sport utility vehicles. Due to an assembly error, one or both self-locking nuts that secure the pedal assembly to the booster may have been cross-threaded on the booster studs…
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the two lock nuts to determine if they are properly seated. If the nuts are not properly seated or are cross-threaded, the brake booster will be replaced. Owner notification…
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2001-09-28Engine and engine cooling01V206000 Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The engine auxiliary/cooling fan operation, including variable speed, is electronically controlled. Failure of the fan motor can cause the electrical…
Remedy: Dealers will replace the fan. Owner notification began September 28, 2001. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free…
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2002-08-14Service brakes, hydraulic02V194000 On certain passenger vehicles, due to a manufacturing problem, the brake pedal arm pivot shaft could loosen from its support bracket.
Remedy: Dealers will check the brake pedal arm pivot shaft for proper seating in its support bracket. In addition, a pin will be installed to secure the shaft to the bracket. Owner notification began…
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2003-02-14Service brakes, hydraulic03V001000 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…
Remedy: 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…
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2017-03-15Air bags17V047000 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...
Remedy: 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.
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2025-12-29Air bags25V748000 BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2000-2001 X5 vehicles that may be equipped with a sport steering wheel containing a Takata PSDI-4 air bag inflator.
Remedy: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the remedy is complete. Dealers will inspect and replace the driver's front air bag, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 29, 2025.
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Date not on fileEngine and engine cooling02V138000 On certain passenger vehicles, the engine auxiliary/cooling fan operation, including variable speed, is electronically controlled.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the fan. Owner notification began September 28, 2001. This is a supplement to a recall that began during September 2001 (See recall campaign 01V206).
Buy-smart checklist
2001 BMW X5 — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Engine and engine cooling: 35 reports on file for this year.
- Electrical system: 24 reports on file for this year.
- Latches/locks/linkages: 18 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 02V138000 · Engine and engine cooling
- Recall 00V261000 · Seat belts
- Recall 00V341000 · Steering
- Recall 01V030000 · Steering
- Recall 01V196000 · Power train
- Recall 01V173000 · Steering
- Recall 01V197000 · Service brakes, hydraulic
- Recall 01V206000 · Engine and engine cooling
- Recall 02V194000 · Service brakes, hydraulic
- Recall 03V001000 · Service brakes, hydraulic
- Recall 17V047000 · Air bags
- Recall 25V748000 · Air bags
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 2001 BMW X5 reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2001 BMW X5 is rated "worse than typical".
- What are the most common problems with the 2001 BMW X5?
- The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling, accounting for 22% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2001 BMW X5 have?
- 12 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.