The vehicle dossier US · 2004

2004 BMW
X5Problems & recalls

64 distinct owner reports in the NHTSA snapshot. Other components appears in 27 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 64 distinct reports. A report can mention more than one component, so category totals can overlap.

Other components27 reports
Transmission & drivetrain11 reports
Engine11 reports
Electrical system10 reports
Body & structure7 reports
Air bags6 reports
Visibility5 reports
Steering4 reports
Suspension3 reports
Fuel system2 reports
Brakes2 reports
See original component labels
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM10
ENGINE9
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES7
POWER TRAIN7
SEATS5
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION4
STEERING4
AIR BAGS4
SUSPENSION3
EXTERIOR LIGHTING3
UNKNOWN OR OTHER3
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL2
VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS2
STRUCTURE2
VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY2
SEAT BELTS2
STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE2
STRUCTURE:BODY2
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE2
WHEELS2
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:SEAT HEATER/COOLER2
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS1
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE1
EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL1
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TAIL LIGHTS1
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW1
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC1
VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM1
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS1
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL1
SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRIC1
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING1
STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR1
VISIBILITY/WIPER1
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE1

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: Jun 26, 2025
Mileage, where supplied

88,500 miles is the median among 54 reports with usable mileage. The middle half spans 43,702–110,000 miles.

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

02 / Official safety campaigns

4 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.

Aug 18, 2004 Safety recallPOWER TRAIN:CLUTCH ASSEMBLY:PEDAL/HAND LEVER(MOTORCYCLE)Campaign 04V409000

Reported concern

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 SPEED AND WITH THE CLUTCH PEDAL HELD IN A PARTIALLY DEPRESSED POSITION, ENGINE SPEED MAY INCREASE.

Manufacturer’s stated response

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.

Read campaign 04V409000 at NHTSA
Aug 13, 2004 Safety recallFUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMPCampaign 04V402000

Reported concern

ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE IN-TANK FUEL LINE MAY HAVE BEEN ATTACHED INCORRECTLY.

Manufacturer’s stated response

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.

Read campaign 04V402000 at NHTSA
Jul 14, 2004 Safety recallPOWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)Campaign 04V344000

Reported concern

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 8 AND 12 CYLINDER ENGINES, THE DIGITAL ENGINE MANAGEMENT CONTROL (EMC) UNITS WERE NOT PRODUCED ACCORDING TO SPECIFICATIONS.

Manufacturer’s stated response

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.

Read campaign 04V344000 at NHTSA
Nov 14, 2003 Safety recallPOWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DIFFERENTIAL UNITCampaign 03V475000

Reported concern

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.

Manufacturer’s stated response

DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND RETIGHTEN THE DRIVETRAIN FASTENERS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN NOVEMBER 28, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-831-1117.

Read campaign 03V475000 at NHTSA
Check this car’s VIN at NHTSA

03 / The manufacturer’s record

Instructions. Updates. Responses.

81 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
Jan 11, 2024 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsB611305The electrical system of BMW vehicles has been subject to an ongoing development process over the last few years. This has led to increased demands being placed on the battery. This document covers important information for the…NHTSA ID 10249027

The electrical system of BMW vehicles has been subject to an ongoing development process over the last few years. This has led to increased demands being placed on the battery. This document covers important information for the dealer on how to handle “discharged battery” complaints.

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

Source record 10249027 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
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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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