2004 BMW X5 Problems, Complaints & Recalls
- Compared with other X5 years
- Fewer complaints than other years 23rd of 28 for complaints
- Safety recalls
- 4 recalls: check your VIN
- NHTSA crash rating
- Not rated
Owners have filed 64 complaints with NHTSA about the 2004 BMW X5. That ranks 23rd out of 28 X5 model years for complaints. The most reported problem area is power train (11 complaints, 17%), typically at around 56,580 miles. Complaints mention 4 crashes, 10 fires, 6 injuries. There are 4 safety recalls covering this model year.
- 64owner complaints
- 4safety recalls
- 0NHTSA investigations
- 4complaints mentioning a crash
Complaints are unverified owner reports and are not adjusted for sales volume.
Most common 2004 BMW X5 problems
Complaints grouped by the part of the car owners reported, with the median mileage when the problem happened.
| Problem area | Complaints | Share | Median miles | Owners mention most | Typical repair cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Power Train | 11 | 17% | 56,580 | — | — |
| Electrical System | 10 | 16% | 102,500 | — | — |
| Engine | 9 | 14% | 110,000 | — | — |
| Latches/locks/linkages | 7 | 11% | 98,365 | — | — |
| Seats | 7 | 11% | 94,000 | — | — |
| Structure | 7 | 11% | 67,600 | — | — |
| Air Bags | 6 | 9% | 73,000 | — | — |
| Exterior Lighting | 5 | 8% | 53,600 | — | — |
| Steering | 4 | 6% | 28,700 | — | — |
| Visibility | 4 | 6% | 56,200 | — | — |
| Suspension | 3 | 5% | 58,351 | — | — |
| Unknown or Other | 3 | 5% | 112,000 | — | — |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 2 | 3% | 102,000 | — | — |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 2 | 3% | — | — | — |
| Seat Belts | 2 | 3% | 56,200 | — | — |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 2 | 3% | 2,525 | — | — |
| Wheels | 2 | 3% | 152,375 | — | — |
| Equipment | 1 | 2% | — | — | — |
| Service Brakes, Electric | 1 | 2% | 35,000 | — | — |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 1 | 2% | 56,200 | — | — |
| Visibility/wiper | 1 | 2% | — | — | — |
One complaint can list several problem areas, so shares can add up to more than 100%.
Complaints by year received
2004 BMW X5 recalls (4)
Tap a recall to see the problem, the risk and the fix.
Power train:clutch assembly:pedal/hand lever(motorcycle)
Problem: 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.
Risk: The vehicle could accelerate unexpectedly, which could result in a crash.
Fix: 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.
Fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pump
Problem: On certain sport utility vehicles, the in-tank fuel line may have been attached incorrectly.
Risk: Engine stalling could occur, even though the vehicle's fuel gauge indicates that fuel is present in the tank. Depending upon traffic and road conditions, this could result in a crash.
Fix: 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.
Power train:automatic transmission:control module (tcm/pcm/tecm)
Problem: On certain passenger vehicles equipped with 8 and 12 cylinder engines, the digital engine management control (emc) units were not produced according to specifications.
Risk: As a result, engine stalling will occur after a short period of operation. The vehicle may not be able to restart. Also, a loss of power steering and, after repeated actuation of the brake pedal, a loss of brake power assist will occur. These conditions could result in a vehicle crash.
Fix: 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.
Power train:driveline:differential unit
Problem: 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.
Risk: With prolonged driving, these bolts could become loose, cause damage to the engine and transmission housings. The right output shaft could become disconnected, affecting the ability to control the vehicle, which could result in a crash.
Fix: Dealers will inspect and retighten the drivetrain fasteners. Owner notification began november 28, 2003. Owners should contact bmw at 1-800-831-1117.
To see whether a specific car still has an open recall, enter its VIN on NHTSA's official recall lookup. You can also decode a VIN here.
Recent owner reports
Short excerpts of the latest complaints filed with NHTSA, with personal details removed. Full reports can be searched on NHTSA.gov.
No start no crank sos light battery drain
Vehicle rpmâs rev wildly in park and neutral. When driving vehicle speeds up on its own and rpmâs climbs out of control. When stopped at a light or in traffic, car leaps forward against the break .
My steering is way to tight. And its hard to move thevcar.
Front passenger seat belt doesn't work properly. *tr
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW X5. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH ON THE FREEWAY, THE VEHICLE JERKED SEVERELY. SUDDENLY, THE ENGINE POWERED DOWN IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO PULL THE VEHICLE OVER SAFELY ONTO THE SHOULDER. A MESSAGE INDICATING "FAIL SAFE" APPEARED ON THE INSTRUMENT…
Other BMW X5 years
| Year | Complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 X5 | 27 | 2 |
| 2025 X5 | 63 | 5 |
| 2024 X5 | 145 | 8 |
| 2023 X5 | 33 | 4 |
| 2022 X5 | 71 | 1 |
| 2021 X5 | 109 | 12 |
| 2020 X5 | 113 | 11 |
| 2019 X5 | 192 | 13 |
| 2018 X5 | 73 | 5 |
| 2017 X5 | 75 | 6 |
| 2016 X5 | 74 | 5 |
| 2015 X5 | 152 | 6 |
| 2014 X5 | 99 | 8 |
| 2013 X5 | 149 | 6 |
| 2012 X5 | 271 | 10 |
| 2011 X5 | 263 | 14 |
| 2010 X5 | 124 | 14 |
| 2009 X5 | 138 | 12 |
| 2008 X5 | 215 | 10 |
| 2007 X5 | 71 | 8 |
| 2006 X5 | 168 | 2 |
| 2005 X5 | 82 | 2 |
| 2004 | 64 | 4 |
| 2003 X5 | 99 | 3 |
| 2002 X5 | 102 | 3 |
| 2001 X5 | 160 | 12 |
| 2000 X5 | 29 | 6 |
| 1999 X5 | 0 | 1 |
See all BMW X5 problems by year, every BMW model, or the BMW VIN decoder.
Similar BMW models
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Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2004 BMW X5?
Owners most often report power train, electrical system, engine problems. The top one, power train, accounts for 11 complaints.
Was there a recall on the 2004 BMW X5?
Yes, 4 safety recalls. Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check whether the repairs were done on your car.
Was the 2004 BMW X5 a good year?
Complaint data can't fully answer that, because counts aren't adjusted for sales. Compared with other X5 model years, the 2004 has fewer complaints than most years. Always get a pre-purchase inspection and check the VIN for open recalls.