I was driving my 2025 BMW X5 sDrive40i at approximately 60 mph when the vehicle in front of me stopped abruptly. I immediately applied the brake pedal firmly in an attempt to make an emergency stop. Despite applying heavy and continuous pressure to the brake pedal, the braking force felt unusually weak. The vehicle slowed gradually but continued rolling forward much farther than I expected and did not stop before I made low-speed contact with the rear of the vehicle in front of me. The vehicle did not skid, I did not feel the tires sliding, and I did not observe skid marks. My concern is that the vehicle did not provide the amount of braking force I expected despite firm emergency braking. Because BMW X5 vehicles have been subject to recalls involving the Integrated Brake system, ABS, DSC, and potentially increased stopping distance, I am reporting this incident as a possible safety-related braking defect.
BMW X5 abs comes on
33 of the 3,177 owner complaints about the BMW X5 describe aBS light or ABS activating, most of them for the 2001 model year.
- owner complaints
- 33
- worst model year
- 2001
- typical mileage
- 73,000
By model year
- 20251
- 20244
- 20161
- 20151
- 20141
- 20131
- 20121
- 20112
- 20091
- 20081
- 20074
- 20061
- 20051
- 20041
- 20032
- 20024
- 20014
- 20002
Often reported together
Check engine light 5Brake failure 4Won't shift 3Warning lights 2Loss of power 2Engine failure 2Won't start 1Water leak 1
Trouble codes mentioned
P2098 1P1093 1P0500 1P0313 1
What owners say
The contact owns a 2007 BMW X5. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for an inspection. While the dealer was inspecting the ABS and struts, the contact was informed that the PCV valve was damaged. The ABS was repaired. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 17V683000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). The contact stated that the repair was not completed. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that, per their records, the recall repair was completed in 2021. The failure mileage was unknown.
The componet that failed is the cars electric system in the rear. Battery gets so hot its melted a 2nd orange box on top of the battery. Burned a hole right through. Attempted to start the vehicle, now it's throwing big sparks in the rear battery compartment. ABS warnings, brake warnings, it leaks. It will not start again! We have no transportation. Noone seems to be very concerned about the matter. Atleast 7 open, very dangerous recalls on this vehicle. How come someone has to die from the companies failure to fix what they know is wrong? This vehicle is paid for, owned by a Middle/lower class hard working single mom. I've seen to many cases of people who aren't financially threatening get delt a ball full of crap. All walks of life pay really good money for bmws cars. How about bmw returns the favor and keeps their word. My car is a death trap according to bmw. What do we do if the company won't cooperate
Because of this water intrusion, the following safety systems have malfunctioned or failed: • ABS and DSC (stability control) warnings • Chassis stabilization warning • Frontal collision and pedestrian warning malfunction • Airbag system warning • Loss of audible warning tones • MOST bus communication failure • Electrical modules intermittently shutting down or throwing codes These failures affect braking, stability control, crash avoidance, and driver alerts, creating a significant safety risk while driving. This is not normal wear or maintenance. Many BMW owners have reported the same issue: clogged or poorly designed sunroof drains that route water directly into areas containing critical electronics. Once water reaches these modules, it causes electrical shorts and safety system failures that require expensive repairs. BMW dealerships typically diagnose this as “water damage,” but the location of the drains and the placement of the electronics indicate a design flaw that allows a simple drain issue to disable major safety systems. I am filing this complaint because the water intrusion should not be able to cause total failure of ABS, DSC, collision warning, and airbag-related systems. This is a safety-related design defect, not wear and tear. I request the federal safety agency review and investigate BMW sunroof drain failures and their impact on essential vehicle safety functions.
The contact owns a 2006 BMW X5. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, there was an electrical burning odor inside the vehicle. The ABS, brakes, and other unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact pulled over to the side of the road and was able to restart the vehicle and the vehicle was driven to the residence. On another occasion, the contact had to redirect the steering wheel into a different lane while driving. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who changed the oil and replaced the alternator; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed. The vehicle was taken to another independent mechanic and was diagnosed with multiple electrical failures. The vehicle was then taken to a dealer and a diagnostic test was pending. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 193,000.
The contact owns a 2024 BMW X5. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 24V104000 (Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 MPH, while attempting to depress the brake pedal, the brake pedal was very difficult to depress, requiring more than normal force to depress the brake pedal. The contact stated that the message "ABS Not Functioning" was displayed. The contact pulled off the highway, turned off, and restarted the vehicle. The contact stated that the brakes then started functioning normally. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred; however, after turning off and restarting the vehicle, the brakes failed to return to normal function. The contact had taken the vehicle to a dealer however, the failure could not be duplicated. The contact stated after the subsequent failures of the braking system, the vehicle was taken back to the same dealer and the contact was informed that a fix was not available. The failure mileage was approximately 9,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
The recall was issued in Feb 2024 and the BMW still has not remedy for the problem. This is a serious recall and poses a serious safety risk to my health and life. Per BMW: "In Some Cases, There Will Be A Reduction In Power Assist Braking, Which Could Lead To An Extended Stopping Distance And Increase The Risk Of A Crash. The Antilock Brake System (ABS) And Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) System May Not Function, Which Could Also Affect Braking Performance As Well As Vehicle Handling And Control. However, Fully Mechanical Braking Is Not Affected And, If The IB System Is Not Functioning Properly, The Parking (Emergency) Brake Will Be Automatically Activated To Aid In Braking Performance And Help Maintain Vehicle Stability And Control"
I am filing this complaint regarding serious safety issues with my 2024 BMW X5 xDrive50e, which currently has approximately 12,000 miles. 1. Drivetrain Malfunctions and Assembly Error: The vehicle experienced three instances of drivetrain malfunctions within an eight-day period, causing it to go into limp mode unexpectedly while driving. The issue was identified as a misrouted wiring harness, which has since been repaired. I was informed by the BMW technician that a service bulletin addressing this issue was released 6 months prior to the production of my vehicle. Despite BMW’s knowledge of this recurring problem, the vehicle was assembled incorrectly, creating a significant safety hazard. This failure to address known issues during production resulted in potential disaster, compromising my safety and that of others on the road. 2. Unresolved Safety Recall – Regenerative ABS Braking System: The vehicle is subject to an ongoing recall for the regenerative ABS braking system, with no available remedy at this time. The lack of resolution for this critical safety component raises further safety concerns. 3. Connectivity Issues: The eSIM car connect hotspot has been inoperable, and BMW has acknowledged the problem, suggesting that I wait for potential updates. This impacts navigation and other safety-related features. Safety Concerns: These combined issues indicate that I was sold a vehicle with known safety defects that were not properly addressed at the manufacturing stage. As a consumer, I require a reliable and safe vehicle, which the 2024 BMW X5 xDrive50e has failed to provide. The fact that BMW was aware of this recurring issue through a bulletin prior to my vehicle’s production adds to the urgency of resolving these problems. Resolution Attempts: I have worked with the local BMW dealership to repair the wiring harness, but the unresolved ABS recall and connectivity issues persist. BMW has not provided a clear timeline for resolving the safety recall.
While driving on a highway, several lights illuminated on my dashboard instrument cluster, including the ABS light, a red BRAKE light, a yellow PARK light, and the dynamic stability control light. The message center reported to "drive carefully" however none of this appeared urgent. I decided I should maybe test my breaks as I was curious what the problem was. I then proceeded to gently tap my brakes to see what all of this meant, and to my horror, my brake pedal went completely to the ground with no brakes initiated. Thankfully, I was able to move over onto the shoulder and coast to a stop and place my car in Park. The emergency brake would not initiate. This could have ended terribly awful.
Vehical randomly shuts off, it all safety systems warning lamps come on l, like ABS, Airbag, and traction control. Found wiring harness laying in a pool of water in the rear right cargo compartment. Rain water leaking from sunroof collected in compartment. The harness contains wires for the the vehicles CAN buss systems the water causes corrosion in the harness, which causes all sorts of problems that could happen at any time like the vehicle shutting off or the airbag or abs warning light coming on.
Related recalls
Service brakes, hydraulic: power assist: electric: control module
- What is wrong
- BMW of North America, LLC. (BMW) is recalling certain 2023-2025 BMW, MINI, and Rolls-Royce vehicles. Please see the recall report for a complete list of models and model years. The integrated brake (IB) system may malfunction and result in a loss of power brake assist or cause the Antilock Brake (ABS) and Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) systems to not function properly.
- Risk
- A loss of power brake assist can extend the distance required to stop the vehicle. Additionally, malfunctioning ABS and/or DSC systems can cause a loss of vehicle control. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the integrated brake system, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed between June and December 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1‑800‑525‑7417 or Rolls Royce customer service at 1‑877‑877‑3735.
Recall number 24V104000 · Recall details
Service brakes, hydraulic: critical fasteners
- What is wrong
- BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2021 X5 sDrive40i and X5 xDrive40i vehicles. The right front brake disc may have been assembled with incorrect fasteners, which over time, could result in the front brake disc becoming loose.
- Risk
- A loose brake disc could affect vehicle handling and control, and increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the right front brake disc and replace it if necessary, along with the unaffected left side brake disc, free of charge. There are no owner vehicles affected; therefore, owner notification is not necessary and, as such, a planned owner notification date is not entered into the recall schedule. Owners may contact BMW's customer service at 1‑800‑525‑7417.
Recall number 21V089000 · Recall details
Service brakes, hydraulic: power assist: hydraulic
- What is wrong
- BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020-2021 8 Series Coupe, Grand Coupe and convertible 840i, 840i xDrive, M850i xDrive, M8 and 740 Li, 740 Li xDrive, 750 Li xDrive, M760 Li xDrive, X6 sDrive40i, X6 xDrive40i, X6 xdrive50i, X6 M50i, X6M, and 2019-2021 X5 sDrive40i, X5 xDrive40i, X5 xDrive50i, X5 M50i, X5M, X7 xDrive40i, X7 xDrive50i, X7 M50i, and 2021 M3, M3 Competition, M4 Coupe, M4 Competition Coupe, X5 xDrive45e, 745 Le xDrive. The rotor and shaft within the integrated brake system may not have been welded properly and could separate during a hard braking event, possibly resulting in a loss of the Antilock Brake System (ABS) and braking assistance.
- Risk
- A loss of ABS and a reduction in braking assistance can increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the integrated brake system, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 25, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1‑800‑525‑7417.
Recall number 21V062000 · Recall details
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc
- What is wrong
- Bmw is recalling my 2009 x5 and x6 vehicles. The rear brake discs may not have been manufactured according to specifications. As a result, a reduction in braking performance at the affected rear wheel could occur.
- Risk
- In an extreme case, the affected rear brake disc could break resulting in a loss of braking at that wheel increasing stopping distances and the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Bmw will notify owners and will repair the vehicles by inspecting the rear brake discs and, if necessary, replace them free of charge. The safety recall began on september 11, 2009. Owners may contact bmw customer relations and services toll-free at 1‑800‑525‑7417.
Recall number 09V255000 · Recall details
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
- What is wrong
- On certain sport utility vehicles, the attachment of the brake line support bracket within the front left wheel well was not welded according to specifications. It could loosen and over time the brake hose could rub against the wheel well.
- Risk
- The front left brake hose could become damaged to the point where a loss of brake fluid could occur increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will re-attach the brake line support bracket to the front left wheel well free of charge. The recall began on september 20, 2005. Owners may contact bmw at 1‑800‑831‑1117.
Recall number 05V367000 · Recall details
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
- What is wrong
- On certain passenger vehicles, it is possible that the distance between the brake line and the steering shaft joint is not sufficient. If this occurs, the brake line could come into contact with the joint and eventually suffer damage and corrosion.
- Risk
- A loss of brake fluid, indicated by a warning light in the instrument panel, could occur. This will be accompanied by a reduction in front brake performance. This could lead to a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect the distance between the brake line and the steering shaft joint, and if necessary, increase the distance. Owner notification began june 23, 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 03V197000 · 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
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
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
- What is wrong
- Vehicle description: 4.4i sport utility vehicles. There is a plastic carrier to which the oil filter housing is attached. Oil supply and return lines are attached to the filter housing. Over time, this carrier could sag slightly. If this happens, one of the oil lines, which are armored with steel mesh, could come into contact and chafe a steel brake line located immediately underneath.
- Risk
- Continued chaffing can cause the anticorrosion coating of this brake line to fail, allowing the brake line to rust through and leading to loss of brake fluid, failure of the rear brake circuit, and extended stopping distances, and a possible crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will install a rubber spacer below the plastic carrier to prevent sagging and subsequent contact between the oil and brake lines. Brake lines whose anticorrosion layer is found to be damaged as a result of contact with the oil line will be replaced. 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 01V195000 · Recall details
Questions about the BMW X5 abs
Why does the abs come on in the BMW X5?
Owners who report it most often also describe check engine light, brake failure and stuck in gear or won't shift, and the codes they mention most are P2098, P1093 and P0500.
Which BMW X5 years have aBS light or ABS activating problems?
The model years with the most reports are 2001 (4 complaints), 2002 (4 complaints) and 2007 (4 complaints).
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