54 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 90,000–105,000 miles.
Most common 2004 BMW X5 problems
10 of the 64 complaints (16%) are about the transmission.
Component
Reports
Crashes
Fires
Injuries
Electrical System
7
0
3
0
Power Train · transmission
6
0
0
0
Engine
6
0
1
0
Seats
5
0
2
0
Latches/Locks/Linkages · door locks and latches
4
1
0
2
Air Bags · airbags
4
2
0
2
Steering
3
0
0
0
Power Train › Automatic Transmission · transmission
3
0
0
0
Exterior Lighting · headlights
3
0
0
0
Suspension
2
0
0
0
4 safety recalls
Part 573 reports
Power Train › Clutch Assembly › Pedal/Hand Lever(motorcycle)04V409000
Filed Aug 18, 2004358 vehiclesBMW of North America, LLC
Defect. 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.
Remedy. 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.
Filed Aug 13, 2004297 vehiclesBMW of North America, LLC
Defect. 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.
Remedy. 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)04V344000
Filed Jul 14, 20044,102 vehiclesBayerische Motoren Werke
Defect. 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.
Remedy. 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 Unit03V475000
Filed Nov 14, 2003350 vehiclesBayerische Motoren Werke
Defect. 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.
Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND RETIGHTEN THE DRIVETRAIN FASTENERS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN NOVEMBER 28, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-831-1117.
All 4 campaigns on file, newest first.
What owners reported
Newest filings
Electrical System
Filed Jun 26, 2025NY
No start no crank sos light battery drain
Engine
Filed Apr 25, 2022MD
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 .
Steering
Filed Oct 27, 2020194,782 milesCA
MY STEERING IS WAY TO TIGHT. AND ITS HARD TO MOVE THEVCAR.
Seat Belts
Filed May 21, 2020FL
FRONT PASSENGER SEAT BELT DOESN'T WORK PROPERLY. *TR
Engine
Filed Feb 21, 2019120,000 milesNY
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 TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S HOME. THE VEHICLE WAS LATER TAKEN TO RAY CATENA BMW (543 TARRYTOWN RD, WHITE PLAINS, NY 10607, (914) 761-5555) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT A NEW ENGINE AND VALVE PUMP NEEDED TO BE INSTALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000.
Electrical SystemFire
Filed Jun 20, 2018105,000 milesMO
VEHICLE STARTED SMOKING FROM UNDER THE CAR AND AIR VENTS WHILE CAR WAS IN MOTION AIR CONDITIONING WAS RUNNING AND THE OWNER PULLED OVER AND THE FIRE DEPARTMENT PUT OUT THE FIRE AND BROKE 3 WINDOWS UNNECESSARILY IN THE PROCESS. CAR ENDED UP BEING TOTALED AND RESIDES AT OWNERS PROPERTY. COULD BE BASED ON OTHER REPORTS AND A POSSIBLE RECALL ON BLOWER MOTOR ON 2001-2003 RECALLS WERE CHECKED AND ARE CURRENT ON THIS VEHICLE CHECKED BY DEALER AND NHTSA WEBSITE
Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed Feb 12, 2018180,000 milesNY
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2004 BMW X5. WHILE DRIVING 15 MPH, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS STRUCK BY ANOTHER VEHICLE ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE RIGHT SHOULDER, BACK, AND NECK, WHICH REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT MADE AWARE OF THE CRASH. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 180,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Wheels
Filed Jan 17, 2018179,750 milesMO
I BOUGHT 4 RUN-FLAT BRIDGESTONE TIRES FROM A BMW DEALERSHIP: DUELER H/L 400 [36110427162] ON JUNE 21, 2017 WITH MY SUV MILEAGE OF 169,318. YESTERDAY, 1/15/2018, I FOUND OUT MY TWO REAR TIRES WERE ALMOST BALD AFTER DRIVEN 10,384 MILES DUE TO SUMMER ROAD TRIP. SEVERAL TIMES THESE PAST FEW DAYS I FELT THE SUV WAS SLIPPING AND SLIDING EVEN THOUGHT NO ICE AROUND. THE TWO REAR TIRES HAVE MARKINGS OF DOT H491 DJE0716 AND DOT H491 DJE0216]. THE FRONT TWO TIRES [DOT H491 DJE4015 AND DOT H491 DJE3160] LOOK NEW COMPARED TO REAR - PLEASE SEE IMAGES.
Power Train
Filed Aug 14, 201750 milesCA
HAVE ACCIDENT.BECAUSE MY BMW X5 2004 WHEN START THE ENGINE..THE CAR JUMP. AND PROBLEMS WITH TRASMISSION NOT WORK GOOD WHEN L STAR DRIVING THE CAR JUMP THE SPEEDS NOT WORK GOOD THE GEARS 2 MONTHS AGO L HIT .THE FRONT CAR .BECAUSE MY CAR JUMP .IN HAVE TO PAY .THE OWNER THE OTHER CARS .HAVE TO MANY ACCIDENTS WITH BMW X5 2004..PLEASE YOU CAN HELP ME ..THANK YOU VERY MUCH.
Engine
Filed Jun 1, 2017157,000 milesOR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW X5. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO START THE VEHICLE, THE ENGINE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING AND THE OIL SERVICE AND BATTERY INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE, BUT DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 157,000.
Power Train
Filed May 15, 2017152,000 milesSC
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW X5. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, A LOUD NOISE CAME FROM THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE AND IT SHOOK VIOLENTLY. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER TO THE NEAREST INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE POWER TRAIN DRIVE SHAFT UNIT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE INDEPENDENT MECHANIC CONTACTED THE BMW DEALER AND HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED SINCE THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN A RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED THE CONTACT TO CALL NHTSA. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 152,000.
Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed Apr 4, 2017180,000 milesNM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2004 BMW X5. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 30 MPH, ANOTHER VEHICLE FAILED TO STOP FOR A RED LIGHT AND THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO THE VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES IN THE NECK AND BACK WHICH REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN UNKNOWN LOCATION. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 180,000.
Electrical System
Filed Mar 2, 2017119,000 milesWA
WATER DAMAGE. THE VEHICLE HAS TAKEN WATER IN THE REAR TRUNK AREA. WHEN LOOKED AT, THERE IS A PUDDLE OF STANDING WATER COVERING THE ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS SUCH AS THE RADIO AMPLIFIER AND OTHER ELECTRONICS. VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY AND NOT MOVING. WATER SEEMS TO OCCUR ONLY WHEN RAINING. RADIO AND SPEAKERS DO NOT WORK AND GIVE OFF A RUFFLING SOUND EVEN WHEN KEY IS OUT OF THE IGNITION. WE HAVE DISCONNECTED THE BATTERY FROM THE CAR TO PREVENT ANY FURTHER DAMAGES.
Seats › Front Assembly › Seat Heater/CoolerFire
Filed Feb 15, 201794,000 milesNY
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW X5. WHILE DRIVING, THERE WAS A BURNING ODOR INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT NOTICED A HOLE BURNED INTO THE DRIVER'S SEAT. THE CONTACT'S JACKET WAS ALSO BURNED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE SEAT HEATER HAD A MALFUNCTION. THE HEATER MECHANISMS FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 94,000. UPDATED 06/07/17*LJ *CN
Seats › Front Assembly › Seat Heater/CoolerFire
Filed Jan 31, 2017170,000 milesMI
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW X5. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT HEAT WARMER BURNED A HOLE THROUGH THE SEAT. THERE WERE NO INJURIES; HOWEVER, THE CONTACT FELT THE HEAT OF THE BURNER COMING THROUGH THE SEAT. THE DEALER DETERMINED THAT THE SEAT WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 170,000.
Structure › BodyFire1 injured
Filed Oct 26, 2015125,000 milesMO
THE VEHICLE STARTED SMOKING FROM UNDER THE HOOD WHILE DRIVING IN TOWN TO THE POST OFFICE. UPON PARKING THE VEHICLE AT THE POST OFFICE, IT CAUGHT FIRE UNDER THE HOOD AND THE FIRE DEPT. HAD TO BE CALLED TO FORCE OPEN THE HOOD TO PUT OUT THE FIRE. THE ENTIRE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE WAS DAMAGED IN FRONT OF THE FIRE WALL. THE USPS MOVED EMPLOYEES/CUSTOMERS TO THE REAR OF THE BUILDING FOR PRECAUTION OF EXPLOSION AND SMOKE INHALATION OF THE BURNING PLASTIC, RUBBER AND RELATED PARTS. IT WAS FORTUNATE I COULD QUICKLY PARK RATHER THAN BEING ON THE HIGHWAY.
Electrical System
Filed Apr 1, 2015100,000 milesNY
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW X5. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SERVICE ENGINE SOON WARNING LAMP KEPT FLASHING INTERMITTENTLY FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME. AS THE FAILURE PROGRESSED, THE VEHICLE STARTED RIDING ROUGHLY, SHAKING, AND VIBRATING. THE FIRST TIME THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, THE TECHNICIAN RESET THE CODE, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER WHO REPLACED THE COIL SPRINGS AND THE SPARK PLUGS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER A THIRD TIME SINCE THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE SEVERAL TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.
Engine
Filed Oct 20, 201488,000 milesWI
MY X5 HAS BEEN A FAIRLY RELIABLE VEHICLE WITH SOME QUIRKINESS ALONG THE WAY. I HAD A "CROSSOVER PIPE" TO START LEAKING COOLANT. THE THING TO LOOK FOR IS IF YOU OPEN YOUR HOOD, AND LOOK IN THE CENTER OF THE ENGINE (FROM THE FRONT), THERE IS A SMALL HOLE. COOLANT WILL COLLECT AND POUR OUT OF THAT HOLE ONTO THE GROUND. THE FIX THROUGH BMW IS ANYWHERE FROM $9000-$10,000.00; IF YOU ARE GOING TO ALLOW BMW TO REPLACE THE PART AND LABOR CHARGES WITH SOME PARTS. WHAT HAPPENS IS OVER TIME THE SEALS GO BACK IN THIS PART, AND THE ONLY WAY TO GET TO IT IS TO OPEN YOUR ENTIRE ENGINE, TO REPLACE THE PIPE. I WENT TO A LOCAL CAR SHOP THAT SPECIALIZES IN FOREIGN VEHICLE REPAIR NAMED KELLY MOSS MOTOR SPORTS NEAR MADISON WISCONSIN, AND THEY WERE ABLE TO DO THIS JOB FOR UNDER $3000.00. THEY DID FANTASTIC WORK, AND MY VEHICLE HAS NOT LEAKED SINCE! THIS PART WILL EVENTUALLY GO BAD, ESPECIALLY IF YOU LIVE IN A CLIMATE WITH CONSTANT HOT TEMPS OR EXTREME WEATHER THAT GOES FROM HOT TO COLD (BOTH DESTROY THE RUBBER GASKETS IN THIS PIPE). I AM ATTACHING A LINK FOR THOSE WHO WANT TO SEE WHAT THE PIPE LOOKS LIKE. HTTPS://WWW.AGACOOLANTPIPE.COM/PRODUCT/N62-COOLANT-PIPE. *TR
Power Train
Filed Oct 9, 201496,000 milesPA
THE BMW X5 IS VERY POORLY MADE AND BMW DOES NOT STAND BEHIND ANY ISSUES OR CARE. MY 2004 BMW X5 HAS THE KNOWN JERKING AT LOW SPEEDS,TURNS WHICH FEELS LIKE YOU HAVE BEEN HIT IN THE [XXX] END. I ALSO WAS GOING TO WORK AND LOST ALL MY COOLANT, THE WATER PUMP AND COOLANT PIPE NEED REPLACED/REPAIRED WHICH IS NOT A CHEAP JOB..IT IS MORE THAN THE VALUE/COST OF THIS VEHICLE(IF DONE AT A BMW DEALER). THESE ISSUES ARE KNOWN AND VERY COMMON. BMW SHOULD ISSUE RECALLS FOR THESE PROBLEMS OR GIVE ASSISTANCE FOR REPAIRS INSTEAD OF CONSTANTLY MAKING EXCUSES AND GIVING REASONS ON WHY THEY WILL NOT HELP! I HAVE BEEN AND WILL CONTINUE TO DO ANYTHING I CAN TO GET ASSISTANCE FOR MY REPAIRS AND HOPEFULLY MANY OTHERS. BMW DOES NOT CARE ABOUT THEIR BUYERS, UNLESS IT IS A NEW VEHICLE AND YOU DO ALL YOUR DEALINGS WITH A BMW SERVICE DEPARTMENT WHICH I FEEL IS UNFAIR,CUSTOMERS SHOULD BE ABLE TO CHOOSE ANY GOOD MECHANIC INSTEAD OF HAVING TO TRAVEL TO AND/OR PAY BMW OUTRAGEOUS FEES FOR REPAIRS. IT IS NOT SAFE TO HAVE THESE ISSUES AND RUN OUT OF COOLANT(ANYWHERE ANYWAY FROM HOME) OR TO CONSTANTLY HAVE THE MASSIVE JERK WITH THE TRANSMISSION. BMW NEEDS TO ISSUE RECALLS AND STAND BEHIND THE TRANNY,COOLANT PIPE,AND WATER PUMP ISSUES AND FAILURES. THE BMW IS NOT WORTH THE MONEY, THEY ARE MADE POORLY, VERY EXPENSIVE TO REPAIR, AND HAVE HORRIBLE CUSTOMER SERVICE. BMW SAYS THE "INTERNET AND PEOPLE SAY ALOT OF THINGS BUT THAT DOES NOT MEAN ITS A PROBLEM" AND AS I SAID TO THEM...WHEN MANY MANY PEOPLE HAVE THE SAME IS
Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Apr 20, 20141,500,000 milesMN
WHILE I WAS DRIVING WITH MY SMALL CHILD INSIDE THE SUV, ALL SUDDEN I SMELL GAS AND THEN THE SUV SHUT OFF AND LOCKED UP. WHITE SMOKED CAME OUT OF THE ENGINE. OPENED THE HOOD AND SAW GASOLINE FLOODED ALL OVER INSIDE ON THE ENGINE, HOOD, RADIATOR AND ALL COMPONENT OF THE SUV. WAS IN SHOCK AS I HAVE NEVER SEEN OR EXPERIENCE ANY THING LIKE THIS WITH AT LEAST 5 TO 10 GALLON OF GASOLINE LEAKING EVERY WHERE. IF THE SUV HADN'T STOP ON IT'S OWN IT WOULD HAVE START A FIRE. *TR
Visibility › Sun/Moon Roof Assembly
Filed Apr 15, 201498,230 milesIL
AS PER THE BELOW BMW SERVICE BULLETIN, I HAVE A DEFECTIVE SUNROOF CASSETTE AS IT DOESN'T HAVE ADEQUATE WATER MANAGEMENT AND CAUSES WATER TO LEAK INTO THE FRONT AND REAR COMPARTMENTS AND CAN CAUSE ELECTRICAL CONTROL MODULES TO GET WET AND BECOME DAMAGED. THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD CAUSED BY THE POTENTIAL FLOODING. SI B 54 06 06 SPECIAL ROOFS NOVEMBER 2006 TECHNICAL SERVICE THIS SERVICE INFORMATION BULLETIN SUPERSEDES S.I. B54 06 06 DATED AUGUST 2006. DESIGNATES CHANGES TO THIS REVISION SUBJECT WATER LEAK FROM PANORAMIC SUNROOF MODEL E53 (X5 SAV), E61 (5 SERIES SPORT WAGON) AND E83 (X3 SAV) EQUIPPED WITH PANORAMIC SUNROOF (S402A) SITUATION CUSTOMER MAY COMPLAIN OF A WATER LEAK FROM THE OVERHEAD CONSOLE AREA DURING HEAVY RAIN OR WHEN DRIVING/PARKING ON A STEEP SLOPE FACING DOWNHILL. CAUSE POSSIBLE CAUSES: A.OBSTRUCTED OR DAMAGED DRAINS OR DRAIN TUBES. B.VOID IN THE WINDSHIELD URETHANE BEAD. C.EXCESSIVE GAPS BETWEEN THE GLASS PANELS AND THE PERIMETER SEAL. D.INADEQUATE WATER MANAGEMENT SYSTEM IN THE SUNROOF CASSETTE. *TT
Seats
Filed Jan 24, 2014110,000 milesMD
DRIVER SIDE SEAT HEATER GETS VERY HOT, EVEN AT THE LOWEST SETTING. WILL BURN MY LEG IF LEFT ON. FOR THIS REASON, THE SEAT HEATER IN NO LONGER SAFE TO USE. *TR
Visibility/Wiper
Filed Aug 24, 2013GA
REAR WIPER AND WIPER FLUID PUMP STOPPED WORKING DURING A RAIN STORM. I COULD NOT SEE THROUGH THE REAR WINDOW AT ALL THROUGH THE REAR VIEW MIRROR OR BY TURNING AND LOOKING BEHIND ME. VERY UNSAFE FOR THIS SYSTEM TO BREAK. *TR
Structure › Body › Door
Filed Jun 13, 2013117,000 milesTX
RECENTLY PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE USED, THE EXTERNAL DRIVER DOOR LATCH NOT WORKING, HAVE TO CLIMB OVER FROM PASSENGER SIDE OF VEHICLE, THIS IS RIDICULOUS, THIS IS ONE OF SEVERAL ISSUES I AM HAVING WITH THIS VEHICLE. I HAVE DONE SOME RESEARCH AND SEE THIS IS COMMON PROBLEM AND IT SHOULD BE ADDRESSED BY BMW. I HAVE HAD 2 OTHER USED VEHICLES WHICH BOTH HAVE LASTED ME 10 YEARS FROM THE DATES I PURCHASED THEM (AND THEY WERE ALREADY 8 AND 10 YEARS OLD. THIS IS MY FIRST BMW AND MIGHT BE MY LAST IF BMW DOES NOT TAKE ISSUES WITH THEIR VEHICLES SERIOUSLY AND HELP CONSUMERS. I AM SO SURPRISED AND DISAPPOINTED BY ALL OF THE ISSUES THAT HAVE BEEN IGNORED. THE DIFFERENCE COULD BE BIG BECAUSE THEY COULD LOSE ALOT OF WOULD-BE LOYAL CONSUMERS. *TR
Electrical SystemFire
Filed May 14, 2013151,846 milesIA
I WAS CAME BACK FROM WORK TO HAVE LUNCH. CAR WAS PARKED IN DRIVE WAY. AFTER 30 MINS OF LUNCH WHEN I CAME OUT OF THE HOUSE, I SAW SMOKE COMING FROM THE FRONT OF THE CAR. CAR WAS NOT RUNNING. KEYS WERE IN MY POCKET. I OPENED THE HOOD AND SAW FIRE IN THE COOLING FAN. I PULLED MY WATER HOSE TO STOP THE FIRE. WAITING FOR TOWING TRUCK TO COME AND TAKE IT TO BMW SERVICE. I AM SURPRISED TO SEE HOW A NON-RUNNING CAR CAN CATCH FIRE. THERE IS SOMETHING WRONG WITH BMWS. *TR
Air Bags
Filed Feb 27, 201373,000 milesOH
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW X5. THE CONTACT STATED THE SENSOR MODULE ON THE PASSENGER SEAT THAT CONTROLLED THE AIR BAGS BECAME INOPERABLE AND CAUSED THE AIR BAG LIGHT TO REMAIN ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THEY HAD TO REPLACE THE AIR BAG SENSOR AT THE OWNERS EXPENSE. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THERE WERE NO RECALLS AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 73,000. UPDATED 05/10/2013 *JS
SeatsFire
Filed Feb 19, 201389,000 milesVT
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW X5. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE STARTED TO SMELL SOMETHING BURNING FROM UNDER THE DRIVER'S SEAT. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER AT A GAS STATION TO HAVE THE VEHICLE INSPECTED. THE ATTENDANT FOUND THAT THERE WAS A HOLE UNDER THE SEAT FROM THE HEATED SEAT ELEMENT. THE CONTACT THEN TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER WHERE THEY REPLACED THE HEATED SEAT ELEMENT, BUT NOT THE ACTUAL SEAT. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 89,000.
Power Train
Filed Feb 14, 201316,300 milesCA
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW X5. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED. IMMEDIATELY AFTER, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS LATER TOWED TO THE DEALER. AFTER DIAGNOSIS, THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND THEY OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 16,300. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 66,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Engine
Filed Nov 9, 2012120,000 milesCA
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW X5. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND THE TRANS FAIL SAFE PROGRAM WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE CONTACT PULLED THE VEHICLE OVER AND RESTARTED, AS IT FUNCTIONED PROPERLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION WHERE THEY STATED THAT THEY COULD NOT DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000.
EngineFire
Filed Oct 23, 201275,000 milesSC
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW X5. THE CONTACT STATED THAT BRUNING FUMES WERE EMITTED INTO THE VEHICLE THROUGH THE AIR VENTS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSE THAT THE DIAPHRAGM BROKE CAUSING AN OIL LEAKAGE INTO THE ENGINE AND AS A RESULT, THE CCV VALVE NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. ALSO, THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED ON ANY RECALLS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE ARE OF THE FAILURE WHO REFERRED HIM TO NHTSA. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 75,000.
Power Train
Filed Jul 13, 201274,160 milesWI
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW X5. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE GEAR SHIFTER FAILED. THE VEHICLE'S GEAR DID NOT ILLUMINATE TO DISPLAY WHICH GEAR THE VEHICLE WAS SHIFTED INTO. THE VEHICLE WENT INTO LIMP MODE AS A RESULT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, WHO STATED THAT THE GEAR CIRCUIT RANGE FAILED AND THE COMPUTER NEEDED TO BE REPROGRAMMED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 74,160.
Electrical SystemFire
Filed Jun 28, 201290,000 milesSC
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW X5. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE ENTIRE INSTRUMENT PANEL TURNED PINK. THE CONTACT ALSO NOTICED A FISHY ODOR IN THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTICS WHERE THE TECHNICIAN ADVISED THAT THE BATTERY CABLE HAD BURNED THE ALTERNATOR. THE TECHNICIAN REPLACED THE BATTERY AND THE ALTERNATOR. THERE WAS A MANUFACTURER'S RECALL THAT COULD HAVE BEEN RELATED TO THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000.
Exterior Lighting
Filed Oct 31, 201143,130 milesMA
THE TAIL LIGHT ASSEMBLIES (BRAKE LIGHTS AND RUNNING LIGHTS) HAS FAILED ON THIS VEHICLE THREE TIMES( THE LEFT ASSEMBLY AND ONCE ON THE RIGHT). ALL FAILURES WERE DUE TO CORROSION (VEHICLE HAS NEVER BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT). THE LEFT ASSEMBLY FAILED IN NOVEMBER 2006 (AT APPROXIMATELY 42,000 MILES) AND AGAIN IN MARCH 2011 (AT APPROXIMATELY 110,000 MILES). THE RIGHT ASSEMBLY FAILED IN FEBRUARY 2009 (AT APPROXIMATELY 68,000 MILES). THESE FAILURES ARE NOT LIGHT BULBS THAT BURNT OUT BUT COMPLETE FAILURE OF THE HOUSING THAT HOLDS THE LIGHT BULBS. THE PROBLEM IS INTERMITTENT. WHEN THE DASHBOARD MESSAGE INDICATES "CHECK BRAKE LIGHTS" OR "CHECK REAR LIGHTS" AND I DO THE LIGHTS APPEAR TO WORK FINE (ALL LIGHTS ON WHEN SWITCHED ON OR WHEN BRAKES APPLIED). MESSAGE GOES OFF AND MAY STAY OFF FOR SEVERAL DAYS AND THEN RETURNS AND LIGHTS UP WITH EVERY APPLICATION OF THE BRAKES. THERE ARE SEVERAL SIMILAR CARS IN USE AND ALL OF THEM HAVE EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEM WITH THE TAIL LIGHT ASSEMBLIES. *TR
Exterior Lighting
Filed Sep 16, 201151,000 milesAZ
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW X5. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE EXTERIOR BRAKE LIGHTS WERE INOPERABLE. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THERE WAS AN ELECTRICAL DEFECT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE BUT DENIED ANY ASSISTANCE WITH REPAIRS TO THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 51,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 55,000.
Exterior Lighting
Filed Sep 7, 2011CA
THE BRAKE LIGHTS ARE INTERMITTENTLY INOPERABLE. CHANGED BULBS WITH SAME RESULTS. APPEARS TO BE CORRODED AND/OR BURNED CONTACTS ON THE LAMP ASSEMBLY. *TR
Power Train
Filed Jun 15, 201185,000 milesPA
1. DID A 3 POINT TURN AND THEN PULLED ONTO A 45 MPH ROAD WAY 2. FRONT TIRES LOCKED UP AND I SKIDDED TO A STOP, EVEN AFTER I DEPRESSED THE CLUTCH. 3. FRONT DIFFERENTIAL FAILURE, WAS REPLACE TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM 4. FORTUNATELY THE PERSON FOLLOWING ME WAS NOT TAILGATING SO NO ACCIDENT. *TR
Latches/Locks/Linkages
Filed Jun 8, 2011110,000 milesCA
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW X5. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR HANDLE MALFUNCTIONED AND THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO OPEN THE DOOR. IN ORDER TO ENTER THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT WOULD CLIMB IN THROUGH THE PASSENGER SIDE. THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND THEY ADVISED HIM THAT THERE COULD BE A FRACTURED BRACKET AND TO BRING THE VEHICLE IN. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND THEY OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 110,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Dec 20, 2010102,000 milesMD
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW X5. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH THE BATTERY, 4X4, AND TRANS FAIL SAFE LIGHTS ILLUMINATED ON THE DASHBOARD. THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS TURNED ON AND THE VEHICLE STALLED. ONCE THE VEHICLE STALLED THE BRAKES NO LONGER FUNCTIONED CAUSING THE CONTACT TO COAST IN ORDER TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT RESTART SO IT WAS TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE FAILURE WAS IN THE PROCESS OF BEING DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 102,000.
SeatsFire
Filed Dec 17, 201058,495 milesVT
2004 X5, 58,000 MILE. DRIVERS HEATED SEAT BURNED A HOLE IN THE LEATHER AND MY LEFT LEG/BUTTOCK AREA WAS BURNED. I SWITCHED OFF THE SEAT BUTTON, AND PUT OUT THE GLOWING LEATHER SEAT FIRE. THIS BURNED ME SLIGHTLY AND COULD HAVE CAUSE A SERIOUS FIRE. I HAVE CONTACTED THE BMW DEALER AND SAID IT WOULD NOT BE COVERED UNDER A RECALL OR WARRANTY. APPROX. COST IS 750.00 TO REPAIR. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE THAT SHOULD BE COVERED BY MANUFACTURE. I SEE THERE IS A PATTERN OF PROBLEMS WITH THIS ITEM. HELP!! *TR
Seats
Filed Dec 15, 201090,000 milesMA
DRIVER SIDE SEAT OVERHEATED AND CAUSED A BURN TO SEAT. WHEN I CONTACTED THE DEALER, THEY FIXED THE SYSTEM BUT WANTED TO CHARGE ME APPROX$1000 FOR THE SEAT COVER. WHEN I RESISTED THE CHARGE, THEY CHANGED THE SEAT COVER AT NO CHARGE. NO PREVIOUS COMPLAINTS WERE FOUND. JUST CHECKED YOUR WEBSITE AN THERE SEEMS TO BE A SIMILAR PROBLEM IN RALEIGH NC. I SOLD THE CAR IN 2008. *TR
Power Train › Driveline
Filed Oct 4, 201099,000 milesTX
MY BMX 5 (2004) STALLS OCCASIONALLY AT LOW SPEEDS. THIS HAS OCCURRED 4 TIMES IN THE LAST THREE MONTHS. THE SERVICE CENTER HAS BEEN UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM OR DETERMINE THE CAUSE. I'M USUALLY EXITING A PARKING LOT OR SCHOOL WHEN IT OCCURS AND ESTIMATED SPEED IS BETWEEN 5 AND 10 MPH. THERE ARE NO SENSORS OR WARNING INDICATORS BEFORE OR AFTER THE INCIDENT AND A DIAGNOSTIC CHECK AT THE BMW SERVICE CENTER REVEALED NO SENSORS OR INDICATORS ACTIVATED. THERE WERE TWO RECALLS FOR BMW X 5 2004 MODELS THAT WERE RELATED TO STALLING BUT HAVE NOT BEEN ASSOCIATED WITH MY PARTICULAR VEHICLE. I'M CONCERNED THE PROBLEM WILL RESULT IN A CRASH. *TR
Structure › Body
Filed Jul 14, 201017,000 milesNY
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW X5. THE CONTACT STATED THERE WAS WATER ENTERING THE VEHICLE THROUGH THE FRONT WINDSHIELD, ONTO THE INSTRUMENT PANEL, INTO THE GLOVE COMPARTMENT AND ONTO THE FLOORBOARD OF THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER ADVISED HE WOULD NEED TO RUN A DIAGNOSTIC TEST FOR THE FAILURE BEFORE PROCEEDING WITH ANY REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED THE CONTACT TO HAVE THE DIAGNOSTIC TEST PERFORMED AT HIS EXPENSE. NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE WAS PROVIDED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 17,000.
Electrical System
Filed Mar 25, 201035,000 milesIL
BRAKE LIGHTS KEEP FAILING DUE TO METAL USED FOR CONNECTIONS OR COMPUTER ALLOWING TOO MUCH ELECTRICAL JUICE TO CONNECTION. THIS HAPPENS EVERY FEW MONTHS WHEN THE METAL CONNECTION TURNS BLACK. IT NOW HAS MELTED & DAMAGED THE TAIL LITE UNIT AND THE ENTIRE TAIL LITE ASSEMBLY MUST BE REPLACED TO FIX IT. THE UNIT IS VERY EXPENSIVE. I HAVE NOT REPLACED IT. I HAVE BEEN SCRAPING THE BLACK OFF THE METAL CONNECTOR FOR PROBABLY 4 YEARS. NOW THE MECHANIC SAYS THE ENTIRE TAIL LITE ASSEMBLY NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. I HAVE NOT REPLACED IT. I ASK IF THERE WAS A RECALL AND THEY SAID NO.
Air Bags
Filed Mar 15, 2010CA
THE AIRBAG INDICATOR LIGHT HAS BEEN ON SINCE WE PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE FROM A PRIVATE PARTY TWO YEARS AGO. THE LOCAL DEALER AND ANOTHER SERVICE SHOP HAVE TOLD US THE AIRBAG SENSOR MAT IN THE PASSENGER SIDE SEAT IS NOT OPERATING PROPERLY. THE RESULT BEING THAT THE AIRBAGS WILL NOT DEPLOY IN AN ACCIDENT. THERE HAS BEEN A RECALL FOR THIS REPAIR FOR OUR SAME YEAR, MAKE AND MODEL. HOWEVER, WHEN WE CONTACTED BMW THEY SAID THAT THE RECALL IS VIN # SPECIFIC AND OUR VIN WAS NOT PART OF THE RECALL. IT IS OUR FEELING THAT OUR VEHICLE SHOULD BE REPAIRED AT BMW'S EXPENSE AS THEY ARE AWARE OF THIS EXACT SAME PROBLEM IN THE SAME YEAR AND MODEL OF OUR VEHICLE. *TR
Suspension
Filed Mar 5, 201073,000 milesCA
THE SELF LEVELING SUSPENSION IS MALFUNCTIONING. WE HAVE HAD THIS VEHICLE OVER A YEAR AND IT HAS BEEN INTO THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT 12 TIMES IN LESS THEN ONE YEAR AND I HAVE NOT HAD ME CAR FOR CLOSE TO 12 WEEKS DUE TO THE MULTIPLE REPAIRS TO THE SUSPENSION/ ABS/ 4X4 DIFFERENTIAL . MY CAR HAS LOST CONTROL OVER 4 TIMES AND IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE. WE BOUGHT THE X5 WITH THE ADDITIONAL WARRANTY NOVEMBER 2008. SINCE THEM I HAVE NOT HAD MY CAR FOR ALMOST 3 FULL MONTHS DUE TO MULTIPLE REPAIRS FOR THE SAME ISSUE. WE HAVE GOTTEN THE CAR BACK FROM SERVICE ONLY TO FAIL AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN. LAST TIME THE SUSPENSION WENT OUT WE WERE IN LAKE TAHOE IN THE MIDDLE OF A SNOW STORM AND EVEN THE BMW ASSIST WOULD NOT ACTIVATE. I HAVE INCLUDED A COPY OF AL THE SERVICE RECEIPTS. WE DO NOT FELL IN GOOD FAITH I COULD SELL THIS VEHICLE TO ANOTHER CONSUMER WITHOUT PUTTING THEIR FAMILY IN JEOPARDY. WE BOUGHT THE VEHICLE FOR ITS SAFETY SINCE I HAVE THREE CHILDREN, AND IT IS NOT SAFE. *TR
Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Feb 22, 201039,000 milesKY
I OWN A 2004 BMW X5, I PURCHASED THE CAR USED FROM SAM SWOPE BMW IN LOUISVILLE KY # 502-499-5080 THE CAR WAS CERTIFIED AND STILL UNDER WARRANTY WITH 37,000 MILES ON IT. I ALSO PURCHASED A EXTENDED WARRANTY AS WELL. MY COMPLAINT IS THE TRANSMISSION IS CAUSING THE CAR TO BE UNSAFE, AT TIMES WHEN STARTING FROM A STOP OR ROLL IT WILL CAUSE THE CAR TO LURCH FORWARD UNEXPECTEDLY I HAVE COMPLAINED SEVERAL TIMES TO THE DEALERSHIP AS WELL AS BMW. THE FIRST TIME IT DID IT THE DEALER SAID THE SOFTWARE NEEDED TO BE UPDATED I PAID OVER $150.00 TO HAVE THIS DONE THEY SAID IT WOULD FIX IT. FOR AWHILE I THOUGHT IT HAD TAKEN CARE OF IT BUT SEVERAL MONTHS LATER IT STARTED DOING IT AGAIN. AFTER MORE COMPLAINTS TO BMW DEALER THEY DID ANOTHER SOFTWARE UPDATE AND CHARGED ME AGAIN. THIS TIME IT SEEMED LIKE THEY RESTARTED THE PERFORMANCE OF THE CAR. BMW CLAIMS THAT IT IS NOT SHOWING ANY MALFUNCTIONS IN THE COMPUTER THEY CLAIM THERE IS NOTHING WRONG, IF THAT IS TRUE THEN WHY DO THEY KEEP SAYING I NEED TO UPDATE THE SOFTWARE AND KEEP CHARGING ME FOR THIS, WHEN THE TRANSMISSION DOES THIS IT ALL MOST LIKE SOME HAS HIT YOU FROM THE REAR. THE CAR HAS 88,000 MILES ON IT AND HAS CONTINUED TO THIS, I HAVE ACTUALLY ALTERED THE WAY I TAKE OFF FROM A STAND STILL TO AVOIDING THIS FROM HAPPENING. THERE ARE A NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS ISSUE IF YOU LOOK ON LINE AT EDMUNDS CARS. *TR
Steering
Filed Feb 19, 20106,000 milesWI
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW X5. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH THE STEERING WHEEL BEGAN TO SHAKE AND VIBRATE WHICH MADE IT DIFFICULT TO CONTROL THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT HAS NOT TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR A DIAGNOSTIC TEST. THE CONTACT IS CONCERNED THAT THE FAILURE COULD POTENTIALLY CAUSE A CRASH TO OCCUR. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000.
Seats
Filed Feb 16, 2010101,000 milesNC
2004 BMW X5. DRIVER'S SIDE HEATED SEAT MALFUNCTIONED CAUSING A BURN IN THE SEAT AND BURNED THE PANTS OF THE DRIVER. CONTACTED THE BMW SERVICE CENTER IN RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA WHERE THE SITUATION WILL BE RECTIFIED SOON. *TR
Suspension
Filed Jan 26, 201043,702 milesCA
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW X5. WHILE DRIVING 3 MPH AND MAKING A TURN THE VEHICLE BEGAN MOVING FROM LEFT TO RIGHT AND FELT AS IF THERE WERE NO TIRES ON THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE SUSPENSION WAS BROKEN. THE SUSPENSION HAS FAILED FIVE TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER THE WARRANTY. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 43702 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 69075.
Latches/Locks/Linkages
Filed Jan 21, 201056,000 milesCA
WE HAVE A 2004 BMW X5, AND THE DRIVER'S DOOR INSIDE OPENING MECHANISM HAS BROKEN TWICE; ONCE UNDER WARRANTY AND ONCE AFTER. THE REPAIR COSTS NEARLY $800, SO MANY WILL NOT PAY TO HAVE IT FIXED. THE PROBLEM ENDANGERS THE DRIVER IF IN AN ACCIDENT AND NEEDING TO EXIT THE VEHICLE, AND IT IS CAUSED BY THE ROUTING OF THE CABLE THROUGH A PLASTIC PART. *TR
Complaints 1-50 of 64, newest first, reproduced as filed.
No unusual pattern of severe incidents in the complaint record.
Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.
Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.
Most recent recall on file: Aug 18, 2004. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.