2001 BMW X5 Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 7about this part
- Share
- 4%of 160 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 188,530miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 7 complaints about the engine of the 2001 BMW X5, 4% of the 160 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 188,530 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers.
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.
“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 miles“This vehicle has the 4.4 liter v8 engine. Driving on a cold morning (about 15 f) the ccv (crank case ventilation) system appears to have frozen in a manner that lead to the intake sucking engine oil directly into the intake and trying to combust it. The engine immediately lost power and began to billow smoke. I was able to leave traffic and shut the engine down before the engine was destroyed. Total repairs (parts and labor) cost about $1000. …”
NHTSA complaint #10597257, filed 2014-06, 137,000 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 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10051299Dec 1, 2012Bmw: see document search button for owner letter. N52k engine dmtl pump: emissions warranty extensions to 10 years/120,000 miles. Bmw has become aware of a potential problem with…
Engine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 3 | 11% |
| 2025 | 3 | 5% |
| 2024 | 13 | 9% |
| 2023 | 5 | 15% |
| 2022 | 13 | 18% |
| 2021 | 25 | 23% |
| 2020 | 33 | 29% |
| 2019 | 52 | 27% |
| 2018 | 11 | 15% |
| 2017 | 12 | 16% |
| 2016 | 14 | 19% |
| 2015 | 42 | 28% |
| 2014 | 16 | 16% |
| 2013 | 45 | 30% |
| 2012 | 92 | 34% |
| 2011 | 110 | 42% |
| 2010 | 40 | 32% |
| 2009 | 30 | 22% |
| 2008 | 66 | 31% |
| 2007 | 9 | 13% |
| 2006 | 7 | 4% |
| 2005 | 12 | 15% |
| 2004 | 9 | 14% |
| 2003 | 11 | 11% |
| 2002 | 7 | 7% |
| 2001 | 7 | 4% |
| 2000 | 1 | 3% |
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 complaintsBrakes
11 complaintsSteering
11 complaintsBody and structure
10 complaintsExterior lighting
9 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