The vehicle dossier US · 2002

2002 BMW
X5Problems & recalls

102 distinct owner reports in the NHTSA snapshot. Engine appears in 28 of them. Explore what was reported—and which official actions are on file.

Snapshot Sep 28, 2026Live NHTSA complaint API How this dossier is compiled

01 / Owner-reported evidence

What owners reported.

Categories attached to 102 distinct reports. A report can mention more than one component, so category totals can overlap.

Engine28 reports
Other components26 reports
Air bags19 reports
Electrical system16 reports
Visibility14 reports
Body & structure9 reports
Brakes6 reports
Transmission & drivetrain6 reports
Steering6 reports
Suspension2 reports
Fuel system1 reports
See original component labels
AIR BAGS19
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM14
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING13
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE7
STRUCTURE:BODY7
ENGINE7
STEERING6
UNKNOWN OR OTHER5
EXTERIOR LIGHTING5
VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS4
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION3
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES3
SERVICE BRAKES3
SEAT BELTS3
VISIBILITY:REARVIEW MIRRORS/DEVICES:EXTERIOR2
VISIBILITY2
VISIBILITY:GLASS, SIDE/REAR2
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:ABS WARNING LIGHT2
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:MOTOR2
EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL2
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH2
POWER TRAIN2
VISIBILITY/WIPER2
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS1
STRUCTURE:BODY:BUMPERS1
STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR1
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY1
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE1
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL1
POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION1
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING1
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER ARM1
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS1
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER1
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:MODULE1
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW1
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP1
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TAIL LIGHTS1
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM1
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL1
SUSPENSION1
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCH1

These are reports made to NHTSA, not verified diagnoses. More reports can reflect more vehicles, more time on the road, or greater reporting activity.

The reporting timeline

When reports arrived.

Reports by year filed, not by the year a problem occurred. Showing the latest 15 years with reports.

Year filed (last two digits)Latest report: Jan 18, 2025
Mileage, where supplied

87,905 miles is the median among 79 reports with usable mileage. The middle half spans 60,000–130,000 miles.

This describes the submitted reports. It does not predict when a vehicle will fail.

02 / Official safety campaigns

3 recall campaigns on file.

A campaign can cover only certain production dates or configurations. The count does not tell you whether an individual car has an open recall.

Jan 20, 2017 Safety recallAIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULECampaign 17V047000

A do-not-drive advisory is recorded. Verify applicability immediately with NHTSA or the manufacturer.

Reported concern

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 4.4i, and X5 4.6is vehicles. These vehicles may have had a driver-side air bag module installed as replacement equipment such as after a vehicle crash necessitating replacement of the original air bag, or as a remedy part for a prior recall. These replacement modules contain an air bag inflator that may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to lower absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.

Manufacturer’s stated response

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. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Read campaign 17V047000 at NHTSA
Feb 4, 2003 Safety recallSEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLYCampaign 03V032000

Reported concern

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.

Manufacturer’s stated response

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 AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-831-1117.

Read campaign 03V032000 at NHTSA
Jan 9, 2003 Safety recallSERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGSCampaign 03V001000

Reported concern

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 COULD COME IN CONTACT WITH THE TIRE AND BE SUBJECTED TO WEAR AND ABRASION.

Manufacturer’s stated response

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 WILL BE REPLACED. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN FEBRUARY 14, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-831-1117.

Read campaign 03V001000 at NHTSA
Check this car’s VIN at NHTSA

03 / The manufacturer’s record

Instructions. Updates. Responses.

70 distinct communications list this model-year. Showing the latest 12. A matching model-year does not establish that every engine, trim or reported symptom is covered.

Jan 16, 2024 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsB510819The basic conditions for initializing the power windows are not met.NHTSA ID 10249437

The basic conditions for initializing the power windows are not met.

Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM · VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10249437 at NHTSA
Dec 20, 2023 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsB160623Engine will crank but not start. There is no communication with the integrated fuel module (TFE) whendiagnosing with ISTA. The following two fault codes will be stored in the DME: 032B43 - Low fuel pressure system, electric fue…NHTSA ID 10247567

Engine will crank but not start. There is no communication with the integrated fuel module (TFE) whendiagnosing with ISTA. The following two fault codes will be stored in the DME: 032B43 - Low fuel pressure system, electric fuel pump: pressure value too low CDA594 - Message (- 0x33E) missing, receiver DME, transmitter TFE

Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING · FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10247567 at NHTSA
Nov 22, 2023 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsB653423Customers may state that the alarm system (DWA) is not active after locking their unoccupied vehicle. Depending on the vehicle’s equipment and settings, no acoustic or optical confirmation (folding the mirrors/blinking con…NHTSA ID 10245422

Customers may state that the alarm system (DWA) is not active after locking their unoccupied vehicle. Depending on the vehicle’s equipment and settings, no acoustic or optical confirmation (folding the mirrors/blinking confirmation) is noticeable. Additionally, the red anti-theft alarm LED in the interior mirror does not briefly flash every 2 seconds, indicating the alarm is armed.

Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM · EQUIPMENT. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10245422 at NHTSA
Oct 20, 2023 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsB522319Second seat row blocking access to third seat row, program seat modules. Visible stitching on first row sport seat. Third seat row backrest Bowden cable routing and length change.NHTSA ID 10244258

Second seat row blocking access to third seat row, program seat modules. Visible stitching on first row sport seat. Third seat row backrest Bowden cable routing and length change.

Components: SEATS. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10244258 at NHTSA
Oct 19, 2023 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsB660523Various functions of the camera-based driver assistance systems (ADCAM system) can lead to customer complaints.NHTSA ID 10244242

Various functions of the camera-based driver assistance systems (ADCAM system) can lead to customer complaints.

Components: FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE · LANE DEPARTURE · VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10244242 at NHTSA
Oct 18, 2023 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsB540421This situation can result in two customer complaints: 1. Wind noise 2. Excess water entryNHTSA ID 10244239

This situation can result in two customer complaints: 1. Wind noise 2. Excess water entry

Components: STRUCTURE · VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10244239 at NHTSA
Sep 1, 2022 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsB662419Vehicle cannot be opened or closed using comfort access, engine start is not possible, and the vehicle may not start when placing the key against the steering column.NHTSA ID 10225126

Vehicle cannot be opened or closed using comfort access, engine start is not possible, and the vehicle may not start when placing the key against the steering column.

Components: EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10225126 at NHTSA
Sep 1, 2022 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsB610120Customer is unable to power up or charge accessories through a plug adapter inserted in the front 12-volt power socket plug. Alternatively, it will only operate when constant downward hand pressure is maintained.NHTSA ID 10225115

Customer is unable to power up or charge accessories through a plug adapter inserted in the front 12-volt power socket plug. Alternatively, it will only operate when constant downward hand pressure is maintained.

Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10225115 at NHTSA
Sep 1, 2022 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsB520419The driver's side (left rear) of the 60/40 split 2nd row seat may intermittently not fully latch into position on one side (inner rail).NHTSA ID 10225110

The driver's side (left rear) of the 60/40 split 2nd row seat may intermittently not fully latch into position on one side (inner rail).

Components: SEATS. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10225110 at NHTSA
Sep 1, 2022 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsB170222Coolant is leaking from under the car which is equipped with the S63 engine. A low coolant warning might also be displayed (CC Message ID166).NHTSA ID 10225107

Coolant is leaking from under the car which is equipped with the S63 engine. A low coolant warning might also be displayed (CC Message ID166).

Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10225107 at NHTSA
Jul 1, 2022 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsSIB160222The fuel gauge may indicate the incorrect fuel level (full and reserve).NHTSA ID 10218412

The fuel gauge may indicate the incorrect fuel level (full and reserve).

Components: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10218412 at NHTSA
Jun 1, 2022 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsSIB662419Vehicle cannot be opened or closed using comfort access, engine start is not possible, and the vehicle may not start when placing the key against the steering column. Note: Opening, closing and starting via the BMW Digital Key …NHTSA ID 10218384

Vehicle cannot be opened or closed using comfort access, engine start is not possible, and the vehicle may not start when placing the key against the steering column. Note: Opening, closing and starting via the BMW Digital Key or the Digital Key Card are not affected.

Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM · EQUIPMENT. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10218384 at NHTSA
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Records below contain the NHTSA bulk summary unless a document-reviewed explainer is linked. A service bulletin is not a safety recall or a promise of a free repair. Records may be revised or superseded; verify the current document with the manufacturer.

04 / Agency investigations

Official inquiries.

An investigation is an inquiry into a potential concern. Its presence does not establish a defect, and a closed case does not certify a car’s condition.

No investigation records matched this model-year in the snapshot.

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