2001 BMW X5 Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 24about this part
- Share
- 15%of 160 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 72,000miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 24 complaints about the electrical system of the 2001 BMW X5, 15% of the 160 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 72,000 miles. 5 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“04/30/16 I bought the SUV las month and have every thing original every thing was fine until today it caught on fire on the pasenger side under the glove compartment a 30 min after parking it on the drive way I hear the alarm and saw alot of smog coming from the truck at soon as I open the door.”
NHTSA complaint #10862371, filed 2016-04, 109,000 miles“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“On oct.16,2008 I was experiencing hesitation when accelerating after I bring it to auto repair shop, after they diagnosed the problem they informed me that the entire wiring harness and the throttle is bad and need to replaced and inform me there was service bulletin on it I call Bmw dealer speak to then about it but they said there nothing they could do for me because the car is out of warranty and the bulletin was over I, it cost me $1,200 to fit the problem 2001 X5 3.0 60,000 mi.”
NHTSA complaint #10246705, filed 2008-10, 60,000 miles“At 40k miles 4.4 x 5 had electrical failure, all dash lights and digital gauges went out when I turned the car on. Drove with only speedometer and non digital gauges working. Checked fuses and changed a few but could not get them to work. Charged for service to repair 200. Digital gauges are still not all lit. Only partial digits for time and odometer reading. These gauges should work until at least 100,000 miles on any car. I am considering a class action law suit as I feel robbed and cheated to by Bmw along with many others.”
NHTSA complaint #10160316, filed 2006-06, 40,200 miles“In 2001 I had a recall for the electric cooling fan, it was supposed to have been fixed then in 2007 electric cooling fan goes out again, then in 2011 the electric cooling fan goes out again, then in 2018 the electric cooling fan goes out again overheat and blows the head gasket while driving back from las vegas in gilroy california ???”
NHTSA complaint #11145180, filed 2018-11, 536 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10249437Jan 16, 2024The basic conditions for initializing the power windows are not met.
- 10245422Nov 22, 2023Customers may state that the alarm system (DWA) is not active after locking their unoccupied vehicle. Depending on the vehicleâÂÂs equipment and settings, no acoustic or…
- 10225115Sep 1, 2022Customer is unable to power up or charge accessories through a plug adapter inserted in the front 12-volt power socket plug. Alternatively, it will only operate when constant…
- 10218384Jun 1, 2022Vehicle cannot be opened or closed using comfort access, engine start is not possible, and the vehicle may not start when placing the key against the steering column. Note…
- 10218382Jun 1, 2022A check control message for the restraint system appears. In the Instrument cluster, the red air bag warning light lights up permanently. One of the following fault codes stored…
- 10149557Oct 1, 2018For the above-referenced vehicles with driver?s side airbag modules, BMW of North America, LLC (?BMW NA?) will provide a Customer Support Program as outlined in the Takata…
- 10147861Dec 1, 2015SI B12 08 08 Engine Electrical Systems December 2015 Technical Service This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI B12 08 08 dated April 2008. The vehicle's NOx emissions may…
- 10051971Mar 1, 2013Bmw: batter discharged because of unfavorable driving profile. This is caused on short trips (less than 3 miles) or when the telephone or entertainment system is used for up to…
- 10037078Sep 1, 2010Bmw: the airbag warning lamp is illuminated due to a software error.
- 10037027Aug 1, 2010Bmw: model e70 equipped with an automatic tailgate. The rear tailgate may not operate in either direction due to wiring damage.
Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 10 | 36% |
| 2025 | 8 | 13% |
| 2024 | 25 | 17% |
| 2023 | 8 | 24% |
| 2022 | 16 | 22% |
| 2021 | 38 | 35% |
| 2020 | 39 | 35% |
| 2019 | 72 | 37% |
| 2018 | 15 | 21% |
| 2017 | 17 | 23% |
| 2016 | 23 | 31% |
| 2015 | 13 | 9% |
| 2014 | 15 | 15% |
| 2013 | 21 | 14% |
| 2012 | 29 | 11% |
| 2011 | 19 | 7% |
| 2010 | 23 | 19% |
| 2009 | 16 | 12% |
| 2008 | 35 | 16% |
| 2007 | 9 | 13% |
| 2006 | 20 | 12% |
| 2005 | 15 | 18% |
| 2004 | 10 | 16% |
| 2003 | 17 | 17% |
| 2002 | 16 | 16% |
| 2001 | 24 | 15% |
| 2000 | 2 | 7% |
Other parts of the 2001 BMW X5
31 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
18 complaintsAir bags
16 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
15 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
14 complaintsBrakes
11 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 27, 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