2001 BMW X5 Seats Problems
- Complaints
- 6about this part
- Share
- 4%of 160 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 140,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 6 complaints about the seats of the 2001 BMW X5, 4% of the 160 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 140,000 miles. 2 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.
“Failure of driver seat heating mechanism. Hole burned in bottom seat cushion and burn to occupant's (me) leg. This appears to be due to a short or break in the heating element. On-line research I've done indicates this is a widespread problem with this vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #10430782, filed 2011-10, 145,000 miles“The airbag warning light on the instrument cluster turned on when I had a passenger in the front passenger seat of the vehicle. It would go off after a few start cycles with no passengers, but then come back on the next time a passenger was in the front passenger seat. I was able to read the codes which indirectly indicated a fault in the occupancy sensor mat in the front passenger seat. I replaced the sensor mat and related wiring interface and the warning light and errors have not returned. …”
NHTSA complaint #10597253, filed 2014-06, 138,000 miles“Driver's seat heater malfunctioned. I first noticed a burning odor and ultimately found 2 scorch marks in the leather...1 on each side of the seat back near the base. The marks were dark brown and hard (from the dried leather).”
NHTSA complaint #10005136, filed 2003-02, 28,800 miles“The contact owns a 2001 Bmw X5. The contact stated that while driving 30 MPH, the front driver's seat caught on fire. The contact jumped up from the seat and hit his head on the ceiling, causing him to become dizzy. The contact was able to safely maneuver to the shoulder. The vehicle was then towed to a Bmw dealership. The contact stated that the heater for the seat became very hot. The failure and current mileages were 140,000. 8/6/12”
NHTSA complaint #10463273, filed 2012-06, 140,000 miles“Quote from dealer's repair notes: drivers heated seat became very hot, burning oder in vehicle, back of seat was very hot and leather was burned . Wife was driving at time. Seat was very hot to touch,she had skin burn sensation. We were told that there have been other similar failures, and were fortunate that situation was not worse but feel very strongly that Bmw should have addressed this proactively, not on the ad-hoc basis that seems to be its policy.”
NHTSA complaint #761999, filed 2002-05Related service bulletins
- 10244258Oct 20, 2023Second seat row blocking access to third seat row, program seat modules. Visible stitching on first row sport seat. Third seat row backrest Bowden cable routing and length change.
- 10225110Sep 1, 2022The driver's side (left rear) of the 60/40 split 2nd row seat may intermittently not fully latch into position on one side (inner rail).
- 10037238Oct 1, 2010Bmw: there are noises when adjusting the front driver or passenger seates.
Seats: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 1 | 1% |
| 2019 | 3 | 2% |
| 2017 | 4 | 5% |
| 2015 | 2 | 1% |
| 2013 | 4 | 3% |
| 2012 | 3 | 1% |
| 2011 | 1 | 0% |
| 2010 | 2 | 2% |
| 2009 | 9 | 7% |
| 2008 | 3 | 1% |
| 2006 | 25 | 15% |
| 2005 | 7 | 9% |
| 2004 | 7 | 11% |
| 2003 | 7 | 7% |
| 2001 | 6 | 4% |
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 complaintsEngine
7 complaintsFuel system
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