2002 BMW X5 Air bags Problems
- Complaints
- 19about this part
- Share
- 19%of 102 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 147,634miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 19 complaints about the air bags of the 2002 BMW X5, 19% of the 102 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 147,634 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 2 a fire, according to the filers. 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.
“Was driving home and my dash lights started to flash on and off after I shut the car off my and pulled the keys out my left rear tail light stayed on the next morning my battery was dead. So I pulled the battery and charged it now when I connect the battery all my lights flash randomly with no key in it. I have not driven the car for 3 months it is not safe and the nearest Bmw servies is 40 miles away . I have a recall for the air bag , but not taking a chance on driving it to get fixed”
NHTSA complaint #11320264, filed 2020-04, 179,000 miles“We were backing up the car from the restaurant and driver side air bag and curtain air bag popped open but not deployed with air for no reason. Took the car to dealer they said sensor underneath the car initiated, and to repair costs will be $4,000.00. I don't have money to fix the car and they released the car to me. The bags are not deployed and afraid of deploying while driving.”
NHTSA complaint #10240515, filed 2008-09, 82,944 miles“Received a notice from dmv of virginia that the air bag is recalled and needs to be replaced. Upon calling the Bmw recall line, they said the recall is new and is dated january 2019. Set up an appointment to have the bag replaced at flow Bmw in winston-salem, nc on september 13, 2019, they informed the bag had already been replaced and that no repair was necessary. I checked my records on this vehicle and the air bag has never been replaced. How does this make sense when the recall is dated january 2019 and my vehicle has not been serviced during 2019 by a Bmw dealer.”
NHTSA complaint #11257323, filed 2019-09, 150,705 miles“I got into a automobile accident on monday oct 19, 2009. I was driving my 2002 Bmw X5. Someone driving around 50mph hit my X5 rear impact to drivers side. Then I believe it dragged along the drivers side. The axles broke, tire went to the highway, the car was bent in a way that the roof was pointing upwards in the middle. The impact was so great that my car (X5) is considered totaled. The issue I have is that my car should be equipped with many airbags. However, non of the airbags opened to protect me.”
NHTSA complaint #10289636, filed 2009-10, 72,000 miles“Vehicle fire was parked for a couple of days and owner went to car and notice that the interior of the vehicle had a past tense fire. The airbags were deployed expect for the one on the passenger side door. No exterior damage noted to the vehicle or in the engine compartment. The fire origin was on the passenger side dashboard behind the glove compartment and airbag, please contact sioux city fire rescue for further information.”
NHTSA complaint #11082006, filed 2018-03, 142,000 milesRelated recalls
- 17V047000Jan 20, 2017DO NOT DRIVEBMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2000-2002 BMW 320i, 323i, 325i, 325xi, 330i, 330xi, 323Ci, 325Ci, 330Ci, M3, 323iT, 325iT and 325xiT…Covers: BMW X5 2001–2003, 320 2000–2002, 325 2000–2002 +7 more
Related service bulletins
- 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…
- 10160287Apr 1, 2019TAKATA AIR BAG RECALL-RELATED SHORT-TERM ALTERNATE TRANSPORTATION AND CONSEQUENTIAL REPAIRS This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI B01 31 18 dated October 2018.
- 10160244Apr 1, 2019TAKATA AIR BAG RECALL-RELATED SHORT-TERM ALTERNATE TRANSPORTATION AND CONSEQUENTIAL REPAIRS This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI B01 31 18 dated October 2018.
- 10153726Jan 1, 2019Takata class action settlement. Customer support program. Front driver side airbag modules.
- 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…
- 10154816Feb 1, 2018In an effort to improve the completion rate on Takata air bag recall affected vehicles; BMW NA has expanded the BMW Ultimate Rewards platform to include a new Recall Support…
- 10057707Feb 1, 2015Bmw:some bmw models may or may not display airbag warning light.
- 10029605Aug 1, 2011Bmw service campaign: see document search button for owner letter. The airbag warning lamp (awl) is illuminated, together with the passenger airbag status lamp (pol). The problem…
- 10037078Sep 1, 2010Bmw: the airbag warning lamp is illuminated due to a software error.
Air bags: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2 | 3% |
| 2024 | 3 | 2% |
| 2023 | 1 | 3% |
| 2022 | 1 | 1% |
| 2021 | 7 | 6% |
| 2020 | 6 | 5% |
| 2019 | 12 | 6% |
| 2018 | 4 | 5% |
| 2017 | 5 | 7% |
| 2016 | 5 | 7% |
| 2015 | 14 | 9% |
| 2014 | 6 | 6% |
| 2013 | 47 | 32% |
| 2012 | 83 | 31% |
| 2011 | 67 | 25% |
| 2010 | 35 | 28% |
| 2009 | 41 | 30% |
| 2008 | 65 | 30% |
| 2007 | 39 | 55% |
| 2006 | 83 | 49% |
| 2005 | 16 | 20% |
| 2004 | 6 | 9% |
| 2003 | 15 | 15% |
| 2002 | 19 | 19% |
| 2001 | 16 | 10% |
| 2000 | 1 | 3% |
Other parts of the 2002 BMW X5
21 complaintsElectrical system
16 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
14 complaintsBody and structure
9 complaintsExterior lighting
8 complaintsEngine
7 complaintsBrakes
6 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
6 complaintsSteering
6 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
6 complaintsOther or unknown
5 complaintsSeat belts
4 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2002 BMW X5
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 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