CarRecallDB

2004 BMW X5 recalls and problems

4 recalls and 64 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2004 BMW X5.

4
recalls
64
owner complaints
4
complaints mentioning a crash
10
mentioning a fire

Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.

2004 BMW X5 recalls

Power train: clutch assembly, pedal/hand lever(motorcycle)

NHTSA campaign 04V409000 · reported August 18, 2004 · BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, LLC · 358 vehicles potentially affected

The 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.
The risk
The vehicle could accelerate unexpectedly, which could result in a crash.
The 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

NHTSA campaign 04V402000 · reported August 13, 2004 · BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, LLC · 297 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
On certain sport utility vehicles, the in-tank fuel line may have been attached incorrectly.
The 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.
The 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)

NHTSA campaign 04V344000 · reported July 14, 2004 · BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE · 4,102 vehicles potentially affected

The 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.
The 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.
The 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

NHTSA campaign 03V475000 · reported November 14, 2003 · BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE · 350 vehicles potentially affected

The 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.
The 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.
The fix
Dealers will inspect and retighten the drivetrain fasteners. Owner notification began november 28, 2003. Owners should contact bmw at 1-800-831-1117.

Most reported problems

Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.

What owners report

Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.

Jun 26, 2025 · Electrical system

No start no crank sos light battery drain

Apr 25, 2022 · Engine

Vehicle rpm’s rev wildly in park and neutral. When driving vehicle speeds up on its own and rpm’s climbs out of control. When stopped at a light or in traffic, car leaps forward against the break .

Oct 27, 2020 · Steering · 194,782 miles

MY STEERING IS WAY TO TIGHT. AND ITS HARD TO MOVE THEVCAR.

May 21, 2020 · Seat belts

FRONT PASSENGER SEAT BELT DOESN'T WORK PROPERLY.

Feb 21, 2019 · Engine · 120,000 miles

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 PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS…

X5 model years compared

YearRecallsComplaintsCrashesFires
2001 12160416
2002 310237
2003 399413
2004 464410
2005 28235
2006 2168511
2007 87112

Across all years, the 2012 X5 has the most complaints (271). All BMW X5 years →

Questions

Does the 2004 BMW X5 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2004 BMW X5, the most recent reported on August 18, 2004 (Power train: clutch assembly, pedal/hand lever(motorcycle)). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2004 BMW X5?
Owners have filed 64 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is power train (11 complaints), followed by electrical system (10).
How many 2004 BMW X5 complaints mention a crash or fire?
4 of 64 complaints report a crash and 10 a fire; 6 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received June 26, 2025.