2002 BMW X5 Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 16about this part
- Share
- 16%of 102 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 146,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 16 complaints about the electrical system of the 2002 BMW X5, 16% of the 102 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 146,000 miles. 3 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The suspension/subframe of the vehicle is rotted. Also, the electrical system is wacky. My speedometer and ABS light turn on and off - including my engine and transmission light flash on and off. The vehicle has been check and there is anything wrong with the engine or transmission.”
NHTSA complaint #11169931, filed 2019-01, 170,000 miles“The dashboard went dark, only gauge that worked was the tachometer which I couldnt see because I had no dashboard lights. Stopped vehicle and took the keys out couldnt turn my lights off had no turn signals,the 3rd brake light was on all night long killing the battery I tried every fuse. Also my headlights wouldnt turn off the lighting controls were useless, and just kept smelling an electronic burning smell. I managed to disconnect all the lights except the 3rd brake light. …”
NHTSA complaint #11319639, filed 2020-03, 150,000 miles“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“Car was parked. I tried to unlock my car with the key fob and nothing happened. I unlocked the door with the key and after getting in the central locking system would not work. After researching the problem I found that the gmiii controls the central locking as well as other items like the windshield wipers, interior lights, sun roof, and rear upper and lower hatch. I orders a new one and when I took the old one out to replace it I found that it had caught on fire and blew fuse 14. It appears a thyristor or tiac got to hot and set the board and case on fire. …”
NHTSA complaint #11405711, filed 2021-03, 230,000 miles“Two safety concerns: (1) LED on dashboard faded out. Key driving information is now not available in order to safely drive the car. (2) rear tailgate will now unexpectedly un-latch and pop open in which I have to pull over, get out of the car and close it. It is caused by poor sealing which doesn't keep out rain and snow. Once I close the tailgate, it will eventually open again! Bmw knows about these safety problems on the X5 and would not help with material and labor cost of $ 1565.”
NHTSA complaint #10405068, filed 2011-05, 70,123 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10249437Jan 16, 2024The basic conditions for initializing the power windows are not met.
- 10245422Nov 22, 2023Customers may state that the alarm system (DWA) is not active after locking their unoccupied vehicle. Depending on the vehicleâÂÂs equipment and settings, no acoustic or…
- 10225115Sep 1, 2022Customer is unable to power up or charge accessories through a plug adapter inserted in the front 12-volt power socket plug. Alternatively, it will only operate when constant…
- 10218384Jun 1, 2022Vehicle cannot be opened or closed using comfort access, engine start is not possible, and the vehicle may not start when placing the key against the steering column. Note…
- 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…
- 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…
- 10147861Dec 1, 2015SI B12 08 08 Engine Electrical Systems December 2015 Technical Service This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI B12 08 08 dated April 2008. The vehicle's NOx emissions may…
- 10051971Mar 1, 2013Bmw: batter discharged because of unfavorable driving profile. This is caused on short trips (less than 3 miles) or when the telephone or entertainment system is used for up to…
- 10037078Sep 1, 2010Bmw: the airbag warning lamp is illuminated due to a software error.
- 10037027Aug 1, 2010Bmw: model e70 equipped with an automatic tailgate. The rear tailgate may not operate in either direction due to wiring damage.
Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 10 | 36% |
| 2025 | 8 | 13% |
| 2024 | 25 | 17% |
| 2023 | 8 | 24% |
| 2022 | 16 | 22% |
| 2021 | 38 | 35% |
| 2020 | 39 | 35% |
| 2019 | 72 | 37% |
| 2018 | 15 | 21% |
| 2017 | 17 | 23% |
| 2016 | 23 | 31% |
| 2015 | 13 | 9% |
| 2014 | 15 | 15% |
| 2013 | 21 | 14% |
| 2012 | 29 | 11% |
| 2011 | 19 | 7% |
| 2010 | 23 | 19% |
| 2009 | 16 | 12% |
| 2008 | 35 | 16% |
| 2007 | 9 | 13% |
| 2006 | 20 | 12% |
| 2005 | 15 | 18% |
| 2004 | 10 | 16% |
| 2003 | 17 | 17% |
| 2002 | 16 | 16% |
| 2001 | 24 | 15% |
| 2000 | 2 | 7% |
Other parts of the 2002 BMW X5
21 complaintsAir bags
19 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 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