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 PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1999 | 0 |
| 2000 | 29 |
| 2001 | 160 |
| 2002 | 102 |
| 2003 | 99 |
| 2004 | 64 |
| 2005 | 82 |
| 2006 | 167 |
| 2007 | 71 |
| 2008 | 215 |
| 2009 | 138 |
| 2010 | 122 |
| 2011 | 263 |
| 2012 | 271 |
| 2013 | 148 |
| 2014 | 98 |
| 2015 | 149 |
| 2016 | 70 |
| 2017 | 73 |
| 2018 | 67 |
| 2019 | 177 |
| 2020 | 97 |
| 2021 | 95 |
| 2022 | 56 |
| 2023 | 29 |
| 2024 | 141 |
| 2025 | 56 |
| 2026 | 10 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
16% of complaints: electrical system — 10 distinct reports on file.
FIREShow 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, 20180620
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, 20120628
No start no crank sos light battery drain
NHTSA ODI report, 20250626
14% of complaints: engine — 9 distinct reports on file.
FIRE INJURYShow 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, 20121023
11% of complaints: power train — 7 distinct reports on file.
11% of complaints: latches/locks/linkages — 7 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow 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, 20080602
8% of complaints: seats — 5 distinct reports on file.
FIREShow 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, 20130219
SAFETY TIMELINE
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.
Campaign 03V475000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 04V344000 — check if this car was fixed
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 SPEE
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.
Campaign 04V409000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 04V402000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2004 BMW X5 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (10 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine issues (9 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (7 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 03V475000 (power train) has been completed.
- Verify recall 04V344000 (power train) has been completed.
- Verify recall 04V409000 (power train) has been completed.
- Verify recall 04V402000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
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 electrical system, accounting for 16% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2004 BMW X5 have?
4 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.