2001 BMW X5 Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 15about this part
- Share
- 9%of 160 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 95,500miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 15 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2001 BMW X5, 9% of the 160 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 95,500 miles. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“When driving my 2001 Bmw X5 on ice, soft dirt road, slush, (ice with pavement) the car fishtails in the rear. I had brand new winter tires put on and the vehicle was just aligned. I had 4 different mechanics look at it and no one can seem to figure it out. Please help.”
NHTSA complaint #11054090, filed 2017-12, 115,000 miles“I was at a intersection to a high way, about to merge in to on coming traffic, when I hit the gas to accelerate the front drive shaft going to the transfer case stripped, along with the transaxle gear. The car stop dead in the middle of the road and would not move.”
NHTSA complaint #10526118, filed 2013-07, 114,000 miles“2001 Bmw X5 4.4 with 88,000 miles. I shifted to reverse to back out of my parking spot, and when I tried to apply the gas the engine revved but the car did not reverse. Reverse was like another neutral. Took it into local Bmw dealership for inspection and they said we need to replace our transmission.”
NHTSA complaint #10252203, filed 2008-12, 88,570 miles“I bought my 2001 Bmw X5 last saturday... 7 days later, I got the no reverse problem that I am now hearing is typical in bmws. It just went out. Luckily the dealer I bought it from was nice enough to take the car back. They didn't have to as it was used. Otherwise I would have been out $5,000. This car had 107k miles on it. Bmw needs to acknowledge this serious problem and correct it at their expense. This is wrong.”
NHTSA complaint #10265338, filed 2009-04, 107,000 miles“I own a 2001 Bmw X5. The car is in working condition, repaired and maintained as needed. The automobile no longer goes in reverse at 91,000 miles. The transmission needs to be rebuilt. I hear this is a very common problem with Bmw's. I was told that it is the zf5hp19 or steptronic transmission. It is a failure of the d-g clutch drum. This is a huge safety hazard for the person driving the vehicle and for everyone around the vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #10264789, filed 2009-04, 91,265 milesRelated recalls
- 01V196000Jun 14, 2001Vehicle description: 4.4i sport utility vehicles. Over an extended period of time, abrasion particles could deposit on the electrical contacts within the…Covers: BMW X5 2000–2001
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…
- 10031624Sep 1, 2009Bmw: replacement of front outer cv joint. Complaints of clicking or grinding noises coming from the front axle area when making a turn. The front outer constant velocity joint…
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 4 | 14% |
| 2025 | 7 | 11% |
| 2024 | 16 | 11% |
| 2023 | 9 | 26% |
| 2022 | 25 | 35% |
| 2021 | 31 | 28% |
| 2020 | 17 | 15% |
| 2019 | 20 | 10% |
| 2018 | 10 | 14% |
| 2017 | 10 | 13% |
| 2016 | 13 | 18% |
| 2015 | 14 | 9% |
| 2014 | 12 | 12% |
| 2013 | 36 | 24% |
| 2012 | 53 | 20% |
| 2011 | 58 | 22% |
| 2010 | 6 | 5% |
| 2009 | 10 | 7% |
| 2008 | 16 | 7% |
| 2007 | 2 | 3% |
| 2006 | 7 | 4% |
| 2005 | 9 | 11% |
| 2004 | 11 | 17% |
| 2003 | 16 | 16% |
| 2002 | 6 | 6% |
| 2001 | 15 | 9% |
| 2000 | 7 | 24% |
Other parts of the 2001 BMW X5
31 complaintsElectrical system
24 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
18 complaintsAir bags
16 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 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