MYRModel Year Report

2002 BMW X5

● Typical for this model
2002 BMW X5
RENDERED 2026-08-02T12:46:23.841Z

This year's complaint volume is within 30% of 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.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, BMW X5 Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 2002 highlighted. 1999: 0 complaints 1999 2000: 29 complaints 2001: 160 complaints 2002: 102 complaints 2002 2003: 99 complaints 2003 2004: 64 complaints 2005: 82 complaints 2006: 167 complaints 2007: 71 complaints 2007 2008: 215 complaints 2009: 138 complaints 2010: 122 complaints 2011: 263 complaints 2011 2012: 271 complaints 2013: 148 complaints 2014: 98 complaints 2015: 149 complaints 2015 2016: 70 complaints 2017: 73 complaints 2018: 67 complaints 2019: 177 complaints 2019 2020: 97 complaints 2021: 95 complaints 2022: 56 complaints 2023: 29 complaints 2023 2024: 141 complaints 2025: 56 complaints 2026: 10 complaints 2026
2002: 102 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
19990
200029
2001160
2002102
200399
200464
200582
2006167
200771
2008215
2009138
2010122
2011263
2012271
2013148
201498
2015149
201670
201773
201867
2019177
202097
202195
202256
202329
2024141
202556
202610

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

AIR BAGS 19%

19% of complaints: air bags — 19 distinct reports on file.

CRASH FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 20180329

Bmw has failed on several occasions to address this issue or service vehicle. I have made them aware of the situation but continue to receive letters that indicate I could die of the airbag.

NHTSA ODI report, 20250118

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 14%

14% of complaints: electrical system — 14 distinct reports on file.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 20180329

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 13%

13% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 13 distinct reports on file.

FIRE INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

ON 2/11/08 COLD DAY VEHICLE FAILED TO START SHOWING SAME SIGNS AS RECALLS ON 2004 AND 2007 MODELS THAT ARE RECALLS.

NHTSA ODI report, 20080219

STRUCTURE 7%

7% of complaints: structure — 7 distinct reports on file.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

AS MY WIFE AND I DRIVING TO HER MD APPOINTMENT ON 11/26/12. I'VE NOTICED GAS SMELL INSIDE THE CAR,AND CAR SUDDENLY LOSING POWER, WHEN I'VE STEP ON THE GAS PEDAL. IT'S LIKE GAINING POWER TO GO AND SUDDENLY LOSES POWER.

NHTSA ODI report, 20121127

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 7%

7% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 7 distinct reports on file.

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 20030214 — service brakes, hydraulic

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 COUL

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 HOSE

Campaign 03V001000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20030319 — seat belts

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.

Remedy: 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 AUT

Campaign 03V032000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20170315 — air bags

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.

Campaign 17V047000 — check if this car was fixed

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

2002 BMW X5 — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for air bags issues (19 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for electrical system issues (14 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (13 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 03V001000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 03V032000 (seat belts) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 17V047000 (air bags) has been completed.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 2025 ▲ 2022 ▲ 2004

WORST YEARS

■ 2012 ■ 2011 ■ 2008

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 2002 BMW X5 reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2002 BMW X5 is rated "typical".

What are the most common problems with the 2002 BMW X5?

The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 19% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2002 BMW X5 have?

3 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.