2003 BMW X5 problems
Owners have filed 134 complaints about the 2003 BMW X5 with NHTSA. Engine and engine cooling accounts for 18.7% of them — narrowly the most common, ahead of power train at 12.7%.
Complaints134
Crashes5
Fires20
Injuries5
Deaths0
What owners report breaking
Engine and engine cooling 18.7% · 25
Power train 12.7% · 17
Electrical system 12.7% · 17
Air bags 11.2% · 15
Engine 8.2% · 11
Unknown or other 5.2% · 7
Seats 5.2% · 7
Exterior lighting 4.5% · 6
Severity
Of those complaints, 5 describe a crash, 20 describe a fire and 5 report an injury.
Reading the numbers
Across the 22 model years of the BMW X5 in this data, 2003 sits 15th by complaint volume. 2011 draws the most.
Filings have fallen off, 7 in the last three years against 20 in the three before. That is normal as a generation leaves the road.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 90,000 miles.
In owners' own words
The drain valve in 2003 BMW X5 disintegrates due to manufacturing defect, it is inherently defective and is a source of leaks and if not replaced would case the radiator to drain out, causing overheating and ruining the engine. This problem has been noted on BMW owner websites. Http://www.Bimmerfest.Com/forums/showthread.Php?T=154553 http://www.Bimmerfest.Com/forums/showthread.Php?T=287894. Engine and engine cooling · reported at 40,000 miles
The engine seized without warning. At the time the engine stalled; light, white smoke came from the exhaust. The car and engine seemed to operate fine for about 20 minutes prior. No warning lights came up or smoke came from the exhaust during the 20 minutes of driving. Regular engine and oil changes were previously done. The mechanic is saying a new engine is required. Engine and engine cooling · reported at 48,000 miles
2003 BMW X5 radiator cracked during driving and water spilled. Car was idling and smoky smell and oil press, stop engine problems. Had 2 children in the car while driving and seems like connection/hose problems which do not allow the engine to work properly. Do not feel safe driving the car, won't hold the coolant water in. A car this expensive should not be so defective. Engine and engine cooling
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…