2001 BMW X5: recalls and complaints

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All updates to the register

• 25V74800031 Oct 2025Air Bags / Frontal / Driver Side / Inflator ModuleAdvisory
• 17V04700020 Jan 2017Air Bags / Frontal / Driver Side / Inflator ModuleAdvisory
• 03V0010009 Jan 2003Service Brakes, Hydraulic / Foundation Components / Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings
• 02V19400024 Jul 2002Service Brakes, Hydraulic / Pedals and Linkages
• 02V13800016 May 2002Engine and Engine Cooling / Cooling System / Fan
• 01V20600021 Jun 2001Engine and Engine Cooling / Cooling System / Fan
• 01V19700014 Jun 2001Service Brakes, Hydraulic / Power Assist / Vacuum
• 01V19600014 Jun 2001Power Train / Automatic Transmission / Park/Neutral Start Interlock Switch
• 01V17300024 May 2001Steering / Hydraulic Power Assist / Pump
• 01V0300006 Feb 2001Steering / Linkages / Knuckle / Spindle / Arm
• 00V34100024 Oct 2000Steering / Linkages / Rod / Relay / Connecting
• 00V26100011 Sep 2000Seat Belts / Front / Anchorage

1. 25V748000Received 31 Oct 2025. 5,361 units.

   Air Bags / Frontal / Driver Side / Inflator ModuleDo-not-drive advisory

   Defect, in the NHTSA record

   BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2000-2001 X5 vehicles that may be equipped with a sport steering wheel containing a Takata PSDI-4 air bag inflator. The inflator may explode during deployment due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature, and temperature cycling.

   Consequence, in the NHTSA record

   An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.

   Remedy, in the NHTSA record

   Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the remedy is complete. Dealers will inspect and replace the driver's front air bag, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 29, 2025. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning December 23, 2025. This recall expands previous NHTSA recall number 19V015.

   Report filed by BMW of North America, LLC. Owner notification date in the NHTSA record: 29 Dec 2025.

2. 17V047000Received 20 Jan 2017. 230,117 units.

   Air Bags / Frontal / Driver Side / Inflator ModuleDo-not-drive advisory

   Defect, in the NHTSA record

   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.

   Consequence, in the NHTSA record

   In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

   Remedy, in the NHTSA record

   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.

   Report filed by BMW of North America, LLC. Owner notification date in the NHTSA record: 15 Mar 2017.

3. 03V001000Received 9 Jan 2003. 84,000 units.

   Service Brakes, Hydraulic / Foundation Components / Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings

   Defect, in the NHTSA record

   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.

   Consequence, in the NHTSA record

   This could initially cause some brake fluid leakage, and eventually lead to a substantial loss of brake fluid. There could be a noticeable reduction in brake performance if a loss of front brake performance occurs.

   Remedy, in the NHTSA record

   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.

   Report filed by BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE. Owner notification date in the NHTSA record: 14 Feb 2003.

4. 02V194000Received 24 Jul 2002. 34,860 units.

   Service Brakes, Hydraulic / Pedals and Linkages

   Defect, in the NHTSA record

   On certain passenger vehicles, due to a manufacturing problem, the brake pedal arm pivot shaft could loosen from its support bracket.

   Consequence, in the NHTSA record

   Eventually, the brake pedal arm could detach from the bracket, rendering the service braking system ineffective, increasing the risk of a crash.

   Remedy, in the NHTSA record

   Dealers will check the brake pedal arm pivot shaft for proper seating in its support bracket. In addition, a pin will be installed to secure the shaft to the bracket. Owner notification began august 14, 2002. 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 1-800-332-4269.

   Report filed by BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE. Owner notification date in the NHTSA record: 14 Aug 2002.

5. 02V138000Received 16 May 2002. 1,550 units.

   Engine and Engine Cooling / Cooling System / Fan

   Defect, in the NHTSA record

   On certain passenger vehicles, the engine auxiliary/cooling fan operation, including variable speed, is electronically controlled. Failure of the fan motor can cause the electrical circuitry of the fan control unit to overload and fail, causing the fan to stop operating.

   Consequence, in the NHTSA record

   If this were to occur, engine overheating and subsequent engine damage could result. In addition, it is possible for the failure of the electrical circuitry to cause a fire in the fan control unit located in the front of the engine compartment.

   Remedy, in the NHTSA record

   Dealers will replace the fan. Owner notification began september 28, 2001. This is a supplement to a recall that began during september 2001 (see recall campaign 01v206). 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.

   Report filed by BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE.

6. 01V206000Received 21 Jun 2001. 76,469 units.

   Engine and Engine Cooling / Cooling System / Fan

   Defect, in the NHTSA record

   Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The engine auxiliary/cooling fan operation, including variable speed, is electronically controlled. Failure of the fan motor can cause the electrical circuitry of the fan control unit to overload and fail, causing the fan to stop operating.

   Consequence, in the NHTSA record

   If this were to occur, engine overheating and subsequent engine damage could result. In addition, it is possible for the failure of the electrical circuitry to cause a fire in the fan control unit located in the front of the engine compartment.

   Remedy, in the NHTSA record

   Dealers will replace the fan. Owner notification began september 28, 2001. 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.

   Report filed by BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE. Owner notification date in the NHTSA record: 28 Sep 2001.

7. 01V197000Received 14 Jun 2001. 36 units.

   Service Brakes, Hydraulic / Power Assist / Vacuum

   Defect, in the NHTSA record

   Vehicle description: sport utility vehicles. Due to an assembly error, one or both self-locking nuts that secure the pedal assembly to the booster may have been cross-threaded on the booster studs that protrude through the firewall. In such a case, the nut(s) would not be fully seated on the stud(s).

   Consequence, in the NHTSA record

   If this occurred, the effective brake pedal travel could be reduced due to relative movement between the pedal and booster. Braking performance while driving could be adversely affected. In addition, it is possible that the booster could develop a leak after an extended period of time resulting in a reduction in brake power assist.

   Remedy, in the NHTSA record

   Dealers will inspect the two lock nuts to determine if they are properly seated. If the nuts are not properly seated or are cross-threaded, the brake booster will be replaced. Owner notification began august 17, 2001. 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.

   Report filed by BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE. Owner notification date in the NHTSA record: 17 Aug 2001.

8. 01V196000Received 14 Jun 2001. 14,300 units.

   Power Train / Automatic Transmission / Park/Neutral Start Interlock Switch

   Defect, in the NHTSA record

   Vehicle description: 4.4i sport utility vehicles. Over an extended period of time, abrasion particles could deposit on the electrical contacts within the switch, causing a disruption of the electric current through the contacts. If the disruption occurs when the vehicle is stationary with the transmission in the neutral or park positions, the transmission will switch automatically into the emergency program, which is displayed in the instrument cluster via a warning lamp and a message, "trans. Fail-safe prog." in this case, the vehicle can be driven in lower gears only with limited engine output.

   Consequence, in the NHTSA record

   If this problem occurs, the ability to maintain speed in traffic and/or accelerate could be greatly diminished, possibly leading to a crash.

   Remedy, in the NHTSA record

   Dealers will replace the transmission gear position indicator switch. Owner notification began august 14, 2001. 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.

   Report filed by BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE. Owner notification date in the NHTSA record: 14 Aug 2001.

9. 01V173000Received 24 May 2001. 47 units.

   Steering / Hydraulic Power Assist / Pump

   Defect, in the NHTSA record

   Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. Due to an assembly error during vehicle production, any of the three bolts that secure the pulley to the pump may have been inadequately tightened.

   Consequence, in the NHTSA record

   In such a case, the bolts could ultimately loosen causing the pulley to throw off the drive belt. This would result in the loss of certain engine auxiliary functions, i.e., power steering assist, water pump, or alternator. Steering effort would then be increased.

   Remedy, in the NHTSA record

   Dealers will inspect the power steering pump pulley to see if it is loose. If the pulley is not loose on the pump, the retaining bolts will be torqued to specification. If the pulley is loose, the pump, pulley, attaching bolts, and drive belt will be replaced. Owner notification began august 17, 2001. 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.

   Report filed by BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE. Owner notification date in the NHTSA record: 17 Aug 2001.

10. 01V030000Received 6 Feb 2001. 13,791 units.

    Steering / Linkages / Knuckle / Spindle / Arm

    Defect, in the NHTSA record

    Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. During assembly of these vehicles, the lower end of the spindle may not have been inserted completely into the coupling. In such a case, the fastening bolt used to secure the connection may not completely engage the spindle within the coupling. During driving, it would be possible for the spindle to disconnect.

    Consequence, in the NHTSA record

    This could result in a loss of steering capability and increasing the risk of a crash.

    Remedy, in the NHTSA record

    Dealers will inspect the spindle to ensure proper insertion in the coupling, and, if necessary, the spindle will be fully inserted and the fastening bolt replaced. Owner notification began february 6, 2001. 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.

    Report filed by BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE. Owner notification date in the NHTSA record: 6 Feb 2001.

11. 00V341000Received 24 Oct 2000. 2,643 units.

    Steering / Linkages / Rod / Relay / Connecting

    Defect, in the NHTSA record

    Vehicle description: sport utility vehicles. The nut that secures the axial joint of the left steering tie rod to the steering gear box may have not have been tightened securely. This could lead to loosening of the nut and, initially to steering wheel play and/or misalignment, as well as noise from the steering linkage. If vehicle operation continues, the tie rod could disconnect from the steering gear box.

    Consequence, in the NHTSA record

    If this were to occur, loss of steering control could result.

    Remedy, in the NHTSA record

    Dealers will inspect and re-torque the nut securing the axial joint of the left steering tie rod. If the torque of the nut is found to be loose, the right nut will also be checked and corrected if necessary, and a front wheel alignment will be performed.

    Report filed by BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE. Owner notification date in the NHTSA record: 14 Nov 2000.

12. 00V261000Received 11 Sep 2000. 490 units.

    Seat Belts / Front / Anchorage

    Defect, in the NHTSA record

    Vehicle description: sport utility vehicles. The safety belt lower outboard anchorage bolt on the driver's and front passenger's seats may not have been secured properly.

    Consequence, in the NHTSA record

    In the event of a crash, the safety belt system might not be able to provide its maximum restraint function.

    Remedy, in the NHTSA record

    Dealers will inspect the bolts and correct the torque if necessary.

    Report filed by BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE. Owner notification date in the NHTSA record: 27 Sep 2000.

The campaign number opens the NHTSA record. Each quotation is the text of the NHTSA recall file.

Recall campaign: One recall in the NHTSA recall file, with one campaign number. A campaign can name many makes, models and model years.

Units: The number of vehicles or products that a recall can include. The manufacturer or the firm reports the number to the agency.

A complaint can name more than one component. Each component that a complaint names is one component mention. The figure per 1,000 component mentions shows how many of each 1,000 mentions name the component.

• 2001 BMW X5
• All 2001 vehicles

The table shows the 10 components with the most mentions, of 25.

Complaints that report a crash

4

Complaints that report a fire

14

Injuries in the complaints

11

Deaths in the complaints

0

Date of the newest complaint

4 Nov 2018

These figures are the entries of the persons who sent the complaints.

Complaint: A report about a possible safety problem that a person sends to NHTSA. This site shows the number of complaints and not their text.

The NHTSA investigation file has no investigation that names this model year.

Investigation: A study of a possible safety defect by the NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. An investigation with no closing date in the NHTSA file is open.

1. 19991
2. 20006
3. 200112
4. 20023
5. 20033
6. 20044
7. 20052
8. 20062
9. 20078
10. 200810
11. 200912
12. 201014
13. 201114
14. 201210
15. 20136
16. 20148
17. 20156
18. 20165
19. 20176
20. 20185
21. 201913
22. 202011
23. 202112
24. 20221
25. 20234
26. 20248
27. 20255
28. 20262

A year without a link has fewer than 2 campaigns and fewer than 25 complaints. It has no page.

• BMW X5: all model years
• BMW: 250 model lines

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• NHTSA VIN lookupNHTSA shows the unrepaired recalls of one vehicle from its VIN or its license plate.
• NHTSA: report a safety problemThe NHTSA form for a complaint about a vehicle, a tire, a child seat or equipment.
• NHTSA page of the 2001 BMW X5The recalls, the complaints and the investigations that NHTSA shows for this model year.

How many units are in the recall campaigns for the 2001 BMW X5?

463,664 units in 12 campaigns. A campaign can name other models and model years, and its units include them.

How many recall campaigns does the BMW X5 have for all model years?

NHTSA lists 103 recall campaigns for the BMW X5, model years 1999 to 2026. 12 of them name the 2001 model year.

Which component do the complaints about the 2001 BMW X5 name most often?

Engine and Engine Cooling: 35 of 206 component mentions, or 169.9 per 1,000. For all 2001 vehicles the figure is 116.8 per 1,000.

Is an NHTSA investigation of the 2001 BMW X5 open?

The NHTSA investigation file has no investigation that names this model year.