2002 BMW X5 problems
Owners have filed 136 complaints about the 2002 BMW X5 with NHTSA. Engine and engine cooling accounts for 15.4% of them — narrowly the most common, ahead of air bags at 14.7%.
Complaints136
Crashes3
Fires15
Injuries3
Deaths1
What owners report breaking
Engine and engine cooling 15.4% · 21
Air bags 14.7% · 20
Electrical system 11.8% · 16
Visibility 9.6% · 13
Structure 6.6% · 9
Exterior lighting 5.9% · 8
Engine 5.1% · 7
Latches/locks/linkages 4.4% · 6
Severity
Of those complaints, 3 describe a crash, 15 describe a fire, 3 report an injury and 1 report a death.
Reading the numbers
Across the 22 model years of the BMW X5 in this data, 2002 sits 14th by complaint volume. 2011 draws the most.
Filings have fallen off, 8 in the last three years against 23 in the three before. That is normal as a generation leaves the road.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 89,000 miles.
In owners' own words
On 2/11/08 cold day vehicle failed to start showing same signs as recalls on 2004 and 2007 models that are recalls. Vehicle sent to shop returned 2 days later while traveling on major expressway vehicle stalls out with out any advance warning as in 2004 and 2007 models sent back to shop vehicles oil and coolant mixing causing total engine failure. BMW's response not a recall for this year but aware of problem. Engine and engine cooling · reported at 143,553 miles
The contact owns a 2002 BMW X5. While driving approximately 45 mph, the vehicle suddenly stalled and smoke was emitting from under the hood. The vehicle was towed to the dealer for diagnostic testing where the technicians stated that the oil separator was frozen. The vehicle was not repaired. The vin was unavailable. The approximate failure mileage was 105,000. Engine and engine cooling · reported at 105,000 miles
The contact owns a 2002 BMW X5. When making a turn at 10 mph, the engine stalled without warning. The vehicle restarted after it was shifted into park. The dealer reprogrammed the dme, however, the failure recurred. The dealer was unable to correct the failure. The failure mileage was 63,000 and current mileage was 65,000. Engine and engine cooling · reported at 63,000 miles
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…