2004 BMW X5
This year had at least 30% fewer 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
- 64
- Recalls
- 4
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- Power train
Campaigns on file for 2004
None on file
20% of complaints
Complaints per year
2004: 64 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.
Power train
20% · 13 reportsMost commonly citing automatic transmission and driveline.
Electrical system
16% · 10 reportsShow complaint excerpts
Vehicle started smoking from under the car and air vents while car was in motion air conditioning was running and the owner pulled over and the fire department put out the fire and broke 3 windows unnecessarily in the process.
NHTSA ODI report, 2018-06-20
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 BMW X5. While driving approximately 35 MPH, the entire instrument panel turned pink. The contact also noticed a fishy odor in the vehicle.
NHTSA ODI report, 2012-06-28
No start no crank sos light battery drain
NHTSA ODI report, 2025-06-26
Engine
14% · 9 reportsShow complaint excerpts
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 BMW X5. The contact stated that bruning fumes were emitted into the vehicle through the air vents.
NHTSA ODI report, 2012-10-23
Latches/locks/linkages
11% · 7 reportsShow complaint excerpts
On May 21, 2008, I reported a problem regarding my BMW X5 having a door failure problem regarding the electronic system. On May 29, 2008 I was in a motor vehicle accident. The accident was not my fault. I was hit from behind.
NHTSA ODI report, 2008-06-02
Seats
11% · 7 reportsMost commonly citing seat heater/cooler.
Show complaint excerpts
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 BMW X5. The contact stated that he started to smell something burning from under the driver's seat. The contact pulled over at a gas station to have the vehicle inspected.
NHTSA ODI report, 2013-02-19
Safety timeline
4 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
2003-11-10Power train03V475000 On certain sport utility vehicles, the bolts that hold the front differential, the right output shaft housing flange at the engine, and the right-hand engine support may be insufficiently tightened.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and retighten the drivetrain fasteners. Owner notification began November 28, 2003. Owners should contact BMW at 1-800-831-1117.
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R
2004-07-16Power train04V344000 On certain passenger vehicles equipped with 8 and 12 cylinder engines, the digital engine management control (Emc) units were not produced according to specifications.
Remedy: Dealers will install a new digital engine management control unit. The recall began on July 16, 2004. Owners should contact BMW at 1-800-831-1117.
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R
2004-09-08Power train04V409000 On certain passenger vehicles with 3.0 l engines and manual transmissions, if the vehicle is in first gear, and moving slowly, with the accelerator pedal held in a constant position of low engine…
Remedy: Dealers will reprogram the vehicle's digital engine management control unit. The recall began on September 8, 2004. Owners should contact BMW at 1-800-831-1117.
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R
2004-09-09Fuel system, gasoline04V402000 On certain sport utility vehicles, the in-tank fuel line may have been attached incorrectly.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the in-tank suction jet pump fuel line and if necessary, reattach according to specifications. This recall began September 9, 2004. Owners should contact BMW at 1-800-831-1117.
Buy-smart checklist
2004 BMW X5 — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Power train: 13 reports on file for this year.
- Electrical system: 10 reports on file for this year.
- Engine: 9 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 03V475000 · Power train
- Recall 04V344000 · Power train
- Recall 04V409000 · Power train
- Recall 04V402000 · Fuel system, gasoline
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 2004 BMW X5 reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2004 BMW X5 is rated "better than typical".
- What are the most common problems with the 2004 BMW X5?
- The most-reported component is power train, accounting for 20% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2004 BMW X5 have?
- 4 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.