2002 BMW X5
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.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
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 | 148 |
| 2014 | 98 |
| 2015 | 152 |
| 2016 | 73 |
| 2017 | 73 |
| 2018 | 71 |
| 2019 | 184 |
| 2020 | 110 |
| 2021 | 103 |
| 2022 | 67 |
| 2023 | 31 |
| 2024 | 145 |
| 2025 | 61 |
| 2026 | 22 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
21% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 21 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing engine and gasoline.
FIRE INJURYShow 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
20% of complaints: air bags — 20 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing side/window.
CRASH FIREShow 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
Also filed under ELECTRICAL SYSTEM and UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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
Also filed under UNKNOWN OR OTHER
16% of complaints: electrical system — 16 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing wiring and module.
FIRE13% of complaints: visibility — 13 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing power window devices and controls and motor.
DEATHShow complaint excerpts
THE VEHICLE HAD A VERY DANGEROUS BLIND SPOT, AS A RESULT A 2 YEAR OLD CHILD WAS KILLED. CONSUMER FELT THERE SHOULD HAVE BEEN SOME TYPE OF SENSOR OR CAMERA IN THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE.*JB
NHTSA ODI report, 20030306
POWER SIDE MIRRORS AUTOMATICALLY GO DOWN AND FACE GROUND WHILE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION. DEALER DOES NOT HAVE A SOLUTION FOR THIS PROBLEM. *AK *YH
NHTSA ODI report, 20020726
9% of complaints: structure — 9 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing body and door.
FIREShow 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
Also filed under ENGINE and FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
SAFETY TIMELINE
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
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
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 engine and engine cooling issues (21 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (20 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (16 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.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
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 engine and engine cooling, accounting for 21% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2002 BMW X5 have?
3 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.