2023 September BMW issued me a "Stop Drive" letter in the mail. I parked the vehicle and haven't drove it since. Since then ive called the number in letter and visited website. At one time the individual handling and scheduling my "repair" had asked me if I could drive the car to nearest dealership to get repaired? I said absolutely not; i have recieved a letter stating to stop driving? Im not gonna drive it? When I asked about them coming to fix it and getting a loaner as the letter offered? They said when the vehicle makes it to the dealership for repair it will be up to the dealership doing repairs if im to get a loaner? I asked what am I to do until it gets fixed being that I cant drive? No logical answer given? I've attempted several more times to contact BMW per phone numbers given in mailers stating "stop drive"? Im completely at a loss as of today the vehicle has been sitting so long its now damaged, weathered, and so forth? I just recieved another letter in mail last week same thing about repair do not drive and so forth. I cant believe nothing has been done thus far? I see all the deadlines for repair have past and my address has. Never changed or phone number they are still the same as day they sent first "stop drive" letter was sent and that was actually way before September 2023 I dont know exactly when but September is when I first called about getting repair done and still remain unaddressed today?
The worst 2001 BMW X5 problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Engine38
- Electrical24
- Locks18
- Airbags16
- Transmission15
- Visibility14
- Brakes11
- Steering11
- Body10
- Lights9
- Fuel system7
- Suspension7
- Seats6
- Acceleration3
- Driver assistance2
- Seat belts1
- Tires1
- Wheels1
Specific symptoms reported on the 2001 BMW X5
Fire or smoke 15Door locks 14Power windows 9Stalling 8Engine failure 5
Recalls 12
Air bags: frontal: driver side: inflator module
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
- Remedy
- 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 beginning December 23, 2025. This recall expands previous the federal safety agency recall number 19V015.
Recall number 25V748000 · Recall details
Air bags: frontal: driver side: inflator module
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- 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
- 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.
Recall number 17V047000 · Recall details
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- 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
- 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.
Recall number 03V001000 · Recall details
Service brakes, hydraulic: pedals and linkages
- What is wrong
- On certain passenger vehicles, due to a manufacturing problem, the brake pedal arm pivot shaft could loosen from its support bracket.
- Risk
- Eventually, the brake pedal arm could detach from the bracket, rendering the service braking system ineffective, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- 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.
Recall number 02V194000 · Recall details
Engine and engine cooling: cooling system: fan
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- 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
- 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.
Recall number 02V138000 · Recall details
Engine and engine cooling: cooling system: fan
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- 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
- 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.
Recall number 01V206000 · Recall details
Power train: automatic transmission: park/neutral start interlock switch
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- If this problem occurs, the ability to maintain speed in traffic and/or accelerate could be greatly diminished, possibly leading to a crash.
- Remedy
- 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.
Recall number 01V196000 · Recall details
Service brakes, hydraulic: power assist: vacuum
- What is wrong
- 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).
- Risk
- 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
- 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.
Recall number 01V197000 · Recall details
Steering: hydraulic power assist: pump
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- 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
- 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.
Recall number 01V173000 · Recall details
Steering: linkages: knuckle: spindle: arm
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- This could result in a loss of steering capability and increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- 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.
Recall number 01V030000 · Recall details
Steering: linkages: rod: relay: connecting
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- If this were to occur, loss of steering control could result.
- Remedy
- 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.
Recall number 00V341000 · Recall details
Seat belts: front: anchorage
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- In the event of a crash, the safety belt system might not be able to provide its maximum restraint function.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect the bolts and correct the torque if necessary.
Recall number 00V261000 · Recall details
Technical service bulletins for the 2001 BMW X5 72
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- The basic conditions for initializing the power windows are not met.
- Engine will crank but not start
- Customers may state that the alarm system (DWA) is not active after locking their unoccupied vehicle
- Second seat row blocking access to third seat row, program seat modules
- Various functions of the camera-based driver assistance systems (ADCAM system) can lead to customer...
- This situation can result in two customer complaints: 1. Wind noise 2. Excess water entry
- Coolant is leaking from under the car which is equipped with the S63 engine
- The driver's side (left rear) of the 60/40 split 2nd row seat may intermittently not fully latch into...
- Customer is unable to power up or charge accessories through a plug adapter inserted in the front 12-volt...
- Vehicle cannot be opened or closed using comfort access, engine start is not possible, and the vehicle may...
2001 BMW X5 fuel economy
Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.
| Engine | Drive | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.0L 6‑cyl | 4WD | 14 | 19 | 16 |
| 4.4L 8‑cyl | 4WD | 12 | 16 | 14 |
What 2001 BMW X5 owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
My vehicle is DO NOT DRIVE condition. I have not been able to schedule air bag recall repair because the dealerships in my area will not tow to and from my home, and say no mobile service is available. WHAT ARE MY OPINIONS? PLEASE REPLY .....I currently can't drive my car because I have a unexploded claymore in my face!
I bought this vehicle and turns out the license plate reads as a Tahoe and now the electricial system u plugged speedometer don't work and everything is going out I need help I'm low on money but need help or resources email me [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Got airbag notice in mail 2019 took my car to world wide bmw nanuet ny dealer march 23 2019 told me my airbag system was not on the list of being replaced mined you my airbag light was on well before taking it to bmw dealer and today is still on I would like to know if this is true and what can I do to have it corrected they want to charge me over 2,000 to replace the airbag module
It caught on fire while it was parked engine was also off!
Takata recall I went out to start my car noticed when I started it there was smoke coming from the passenger side front air bag area I immediately shut it off but there was smoke still coming and getting thicker I immediately call 911 I was on the phone with 911 and noticed flames .fire truck showed up put the fire out but the whole front air bag area and glove box was pretty bad
In 2001 I had a recall for the electric cooling fan, it was supposed to have been fixed then in 2007 electric cooling fan goes out again, then in 2011 the electric cooling fan goes out again, then in 2018 the electric cooling fan goes out again overheat and blows the head gasket while driving back from las vegas in gilroy california ???
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 bmw x5. The contact stated that the steering wheel seized while driving at a low speed. The failure occurred without warning. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the failure was related to the federal safety agency campaign number: 01v173000 (steering). The contact was informed to take the vehicle to the dealer. The vehicle was taken to plaza bmw (11858 olive blvd, creve coeur, mo) where the failure was confirmed; however, the VIN had no open recalls. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and confirmed that there were no open recalls under the VIN. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.
Takata recall. My vehicles lock cylinder is stuck in the lock position. I had just bought this car recently and when I bought a new key the lock cylinder put the car into deadlock.
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 bmw x5. The contact stated that the air bags deployed without warning or impact. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer for repairs. The contact sustained minor injuries, which did not require medical attention. The manufacturer was not notified. The VIN was unknown. The approximate failure mileage was 160,000.
Compare the 2001 BMW X5
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Other model years
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Questions about the 2001 BMW X5
Is the 2001 BMW X5 reliable?
Owners have filed 160 complaints about the 2001 BMW X5, 1.4 times a typical X5 model year.
What is the 2001 BMW X5 year score?
The 2001 BMW X5 scores 54 out of 100 (below average). The score compares it with the other model years of the BMW X5: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.
What is the most common problem with the 2001 BMW X5?
Engine and cooling, with 38 complaints, typically around 94,500 miles. Next is electrical (24).
How many recalls does the 2001 BMW X5 have?
12 recalls, covering air bags, service brakes, hydraulic and engine and engine cooling.
What gas mileage does the 2001 BMW X5 get?
Official estimates for the 2001 BMW X5 range from 14 to 16 mpg combined. The most efficient version (3.0L 6-cyl, 4WD) gets 14 city and 19 highway.
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