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Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)Part report

2001 BMW X5 Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) Problems

Complaints
14about this part
Share
9%of 160 total for the year
Median mileage
65,000miles
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 14 complaints about the visibility of the 2001 BMW X5, 9% of the 160 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 65,000 miles.

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.

“Vehicle electric windows stick full open and cannot close. I bought the Bmw X5 4.4i new in 2001, I still own the vehicle, and this has happened 4 times since new (2004, 2005, 2006, 2010). Each time it renders the vehicle unusable since it cannot be secured and left unattended. The window motor regulator was replaced twice under warranty and twice I had to pay. This should not even happen once!”

NHTSA complaint #10343189, filed 2010-07, 86,500 miles

“Driver side front and rear window regulator failure with sixty days, which caused the windows to become stuck in the down postion. In both occasions, knauz Bmw dealership replaced regulator and motor . To date, the manufacturer Bmw has failed to provide any assistance, last failure and repair mileage was 78,089 .”

NHTSA complaint #10274821, filed 2009-06, 78,059 miles

“The window regulators for all four windows have had to be replaced over a 2 year period. Was told by Bmw dealer that this is a common problem but Bmw refuses to issue a recall. Each window would make a clinking noise just prior to the window regulator breaking leaving the window stuck in the down position.”

NHTSA complaint #10146725, filed 2006-01, 65,000 miles

“The window regulator failed. As a result, the rear driver side window fell into the door. The consumer stated that the same thing happened with all the windows. The cause has yet to be determined. The consumer was driving on the highway when the rear drivers side window suddenly fell into the door.”

NHTSA complaint #10115787, filed 2005-07, 83,000 miles

“Bmw x-5 coolant system failure with only 26,800 miles. The coolant reservoir and tubes to the radiator burned out. Also 3 power window regulators malfunctioned. At this moment fixed but unacceptable for the cost and engineering of the car. All parts were replaced and supposedly new. Did not see new or old parts.”

NHTSA complaint #10104079, filed 2004-12, 26,780 miles

Related service bulletins

Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors): other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
202546%
202453%
202326%
202211%
202133%
202022%
201942%
201834%
201711%
201657%
201521%
201433%
201321%
201231%
201131%
201032%
200921%
200852%
200621%
200458%
200311%
20021414%
2001149%
2000724%

Other parts of the 2001 BMW X5

Engine cooling
31 complaints
Electrical system
24 complaints
Latches, locks and linkages
18 complaints
Air bags
16 complaints
Transmission and drivetrain
15 complaints
Brakes
11 complaints
Steering
11 complaints
Body and structure
10 complaints
Exterior lighting
9 complaints
Engine
7 complaints
Fuel system
7 complaints
Suspension
7 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2001 BMW X5

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 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