2001 BMW X5 Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 11about this part
- Share
- 7%of 160 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 130,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 11 complaints about the brakes of the 2001 BMW X5, 7% of the 160 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 130,000 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers. 3 recall campaigns on record are filed under a similar system.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Today I brought my Bmw X5 to dealer because the warning light goes on and off indicating a problem with the rear brake lights. Dealer said that the bulb holder had failed because of excessive heat melting the bulb holder. Last september, I had a new bulb holder assembly replaced for the rear turn signal after the same warning light came on and was then told that the device failed because of excess heat, melting the bulb assembly. These would seem to be related problems and safety issues.”
NHTSA complaint #10482786, filed 2012-10, 72,000 miles“The contact owns a 2001 Bmw X5. The contact stated that the brake light failed to shut off and the ABS warning lamp illuminated. The contact mentioned that after parking the vehicle, black smoke started to emit from the engine compartment. After inspecting the vehicle, he noticed that the master cylinder was completely melted. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 157,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10567679, filed 2014-03, 157,000 miles“The contact owns a 2001 Bmw X5. Without warning, the motor assembly fan failed and caused extensive radiator and engine damage. The radiator was extremely hot due to the failure. The vehicle was towed to an authorized dealer who diagnosed that the motor assembly fan needed to be replaced. The contact also mentioned that there was intermittent brake failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who made several unknown repairs, but the failure recurred. The brake pedal was not completely stopping the vehicle when it was depressed. …”
NHTSA complaint #10715611, filed 2015-05, 181,060 miles“My husband and I have both experienced total brake failure with our brand new Bmw X5. I experienced the brake failure two and a half weeks after purchase. We immediately took the vehicle to vob Bmw for work. Vob said they never found any problem, and claimed to have replaced the hydralic system. They had the car for 14 days. We picked up the vehicle on a march 15th. The brakes failed again, with my husband driving on the 17th. We had the vehicle towed to vob, where it is still sitting today 4/2/01. Both brake failures were simular. My husband and I were both driving on dry pavement. …”
NHTSA complaint #743433, filed 2001-04“Abs brake system problem. While driving a noise was heard when braking. Abs light illuminated even after the vehicle has been fixed by the dealer. This has been happening for about a year and a half. Vehicle has been to the dealer six times.”
NHTSA complaint #10024601, filed 2003-06Related recalls
- 03V001000Jan 9, 2003On 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…Covers: BMW X5 2000–2002
- 02V194000Jul 24, 2002On certain passenger vehicles, due to a manufacturing problem, the brake pedal arm pivot shaft could loosen from its support bracket.Covers: BMW X5 2000–2001
- 01V197000Jun 14, 2001Vehicle 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…Covers: BMW X5 2001
Related service bulletins
- 10147008Aug 1, 2016"REPAIRING TRANSFER CASE ACTUATOR (VTG SERVO-MOTOR). The Anti-lock Brakes (ABS), Brakes and Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) warnings are on and there may also be a ""Drivetrain…
- 10025586Apr 1, 2008The parking brake warning is illuminated and fault code 6032 is stored. For model e70 (x5).
Brakes: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 2 | 7% |
| 2025 | 30 | 48% |
| 2024 | 90 | 62% |
| 2023 | 3 | 9% |
| 2022 | 6 | 8% |
| 2021 | 6 | 5% |
| 2020 | 6 | 5% |
| 2019 | 13 | 7% |
| 2018 | 3 | 4% |
| 2017 | 8 | 11% |
| 2016 | 2 | 3% |
| 2015 | 3 | 2% |
| 2014 | 4 | 4% |
| 2013 | 7 | 5% |
| 2012 | 4 | 1% |
| 2011 | 8 | 3% |
| 2010 | 3 | 2% |
| 2009 | 10 | 7% |
| 2008 | 16 | 7% |
| 2007 | 13 | 18% |
| 2006 | 29 | 17% |
| 2005 | 15 | 18% |
| 2004 | 2 | 3% |
| 2003 | 3 | 3% |
| 2002 | 6 | 6% |
| 2001 | 11 | 7% |
| 2000 | 3 | 10% |
Other parts of the 2001 BMW X5
31 complaintsElectrical system
24 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
18 complaintsAir bags
16 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
15 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
14 complaintsSteering
11 complaintsBody and structure
10 complaintsExterior lighting
9 complaintsEngine
7 complaintsFuel system
7 complaintsSuspension
7 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2001 BMW X5
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology