2001 BMW X5
The Verdict
Worst problem area
Engine
Engine leads by volume: 38 of 160 complaints (24%) mention it. Complaints mentioning Airbags & Restraints include more reported injuries (6) than those mentioning any other identified area.
Complaints filed rose from 29 in 2000 to 160 in 2001.
Data last changed . Sources: NHTSA complaints and recalls, EPA fuel economy data. Methodology
Cost, Fuel Economy & Complaint History
| Category | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | vs. 2001 Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annual fuel cost ($) | 5,550 | 4,850–5,550 | 4,850–5,950 | 4,850–5,550 | |
| Combined MPG | 14 | 14–16 | 13–16 | 14–16 | |
| City / Highway MPG | 12 / 16 | 12–14 / 16–19 | 11–14 / 16–19 | 12–14 / 16–19 | |
| CO₂ tailpipe (g/mi) | 635 | 555–635 | 555–684 | 555–635 | |
| Complaints filed | 29 | 160 | 102 | 100 | |
| Recalls issued | 7 | 13 | 4 | 4 | |
| Crash-involved complaints | 2 | 4 | 3 | 4 | |
| Fire-involved complaints | 1 | 16 | 7 | 13 | |
| Injuries reported | 1 | 11 | 3 | 3 | |
| Deaths reported | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | |
| Configurations compared | 1 | 5 | 4 | 4 |
Not compared: this database has no vehicle sales or registration figures, so a raw count mostly reflects how many were sold, not how safe the vehicle is.
Common questions
How many recalls does the 2001 BMW X5 have?
13 NHTSA recall campaigns as of Sep 16, 2026. Check your VIN with NHTSA to see whether one applies to your car.
What is the most common complaint about the 2001 BMW X5?
Engine: 38 of 160 NHTSA complaints (24%) mention it.
What gas mileage does the 2001 BMW X5 get?
EPA rates it 14–16 MPG combined across 5 configurations.
How much does it cost to fuel a 2001 BMW X5?
EPA estimates $4,850–$5,550 a year in fuel costs, using EPA's assumptions.
Similar Vehicles
EPA-Rated Configurations (5)
| Configuration | Transmission | Cylinders | Displacement | Drivetrain | Fuel Type | Vehicle Class | City | Highway | Combined | Annual Fuel Cost | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Configuration 1 | Manual 5-spd | 6 | 3.0L | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | Premium | Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD | 14 mpg (high) | 19 mpg (high) | 16 mpg (high) | $4,850 (low) | 555 g/mi (low) |
| Configuration 2 | Manual 5-spd | 6 | 3.0L | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | Premium | Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD | 14 mpg (high) | 19 mpg (high) | 16 mpg (high) | $4,850 (low) | 555 g/mi (low) |
| Configuration 3 | Automatic (S5) | 6 | 3.0L | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | Premium | Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD | 14 mpg (high) | 19 mpg (high) | 16 mpg (high) | $4,850 (low) | 555 g/mi (low) |
| Configuration 4 | Automatic (S5) | 6 | 3.0L | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | Premium | Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD | 14 mpg (high) | 19 mpg (high) | 16 mpg (high) | $4,850 (low) | 555 g/mi (low) |
| Configuration 5 | Automatic (S5) | 8 | 4.4L | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | Premium | Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD | 12 mpg (low) | 16 mpg (low) | 14 mpg (low) | $5,550 (high) | 635 g/mi (high) |
Complaints by Category
| Category | Complaints | Crash-Involved | Fire-Involved | Injuries | Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 38 | 0 | 5 | 0 | 0 |
| Transmission & Drivetrain | 15 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel System | 7 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical | 24 | 0 | 5 | 0 | 0 |
| Brakes | 12 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Steering | 11 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Suspension, Wheels & Tires | 9 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Airbags & Restraints | 16 | 2 | 2 | 6 | 0 |
| Driver Assistance & Speed Control | 3 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 0 |
| Body, Seats & Latches | 32 | 0 | 3 | 3 | 0 |
| Visibility & Lighting | 22 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Other | 8 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
A complaint that names more than one category is counted in each, so the rows can add up to more than the total number of complaints.
Recalls (13)
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE · Campaign 25V748000 · Nov 3, 2025
Defect: 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.
Consequence: 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 NHTSA.gov beginning December 23, 2025. This recall expands previous NHTSA recall number 19V015.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE · Campaign 19V015000 · Jan 31, 2019
Defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2000-2003 525i Sedan, 530i Sedan, 540i Sedan, 2001-2003 525i Sports Wagon and 540i Sports Wagon vehicles, and 2000-2004 X5 SAV 3.0i, X5 SAV 4.4i, and X5 SAV 4.6is vehicles. This recall affects certain vehicles where the original steering wheel has been replaced with the optional sports steering wheel. The sports steering wheel has a frontal air bag inflator that may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
Consequence: 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 vehicle has been remedied. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicle for an optional sports steering wheel with an affected inflator. Dealers will replace the air bag module as necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 14, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE · Campaign 17V047000 · Jan 26, 2017
Defect: 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.
Consequence: 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.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS · Campaign 03V001000 · Feb 4, 2003
Defect: 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.
Consequence: 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.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:PEDALS AND LINKAGES · Campaign 02V194000 · Jul 26, 2002
Defect: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, DUE TO A MANUFACTURING PROBLEM, THE BRAKE PEDAL ARM PIVOT SHAFT COULD LOOSEN FROM ITS SUPPORT BRACKET.
Consequence: 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.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:FAN · Campaign 02V138000 · May 20, 2002
Defect: 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.
Consequence: 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.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:VACUUM · Campaign 01V197000 · Jul 2, 2001
Defect: 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).
Consequence: 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.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:FAN · Campaign 01V206000 · Jul 2, 2001
Defect: 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.
Consequence: 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.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:PARK/NEUTRAL START INTERLOCK SWITCH · Campaign 01V196000 · Jul 2, 2001
Defect: 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.
Consequence: 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.
STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:PUMP · Campaign 01V173000 · Jun 1, 2001
Defect: 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.
Consequence: 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.
Show 3 earlier campaigns
STEERING:LINKAGES:KNUCKLE:SPINDLE:ARM · Campaign 01V030000 · Feb 9, 2001
Defect: 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.
Consequence: 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.
STEERING:LINKAGES:ROD:RELAY:CONNECTING · Campaign 00V341000 · Oct 27, 2000
Defect: 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.
Consequence: 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.
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE · Campaign 00V261000 · Sep 14, 2000
Defect: 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.
Consequence: 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.