2002 BMW X5 Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 7about this part
- Share
- 7%of 102 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 93,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 7 complaints about the engine of the 2002 BMW X5, 7% of the 102 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 93,000 miles. 1 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.
“Over several occasions, the car engine shut down while we are driving. We can turn it on just after when we can get the car to a safe spot. I took the car to the Bmw and they tell me nothing is wrong with the car!! This is a major safety issue and my wife had almost had a bad accident for this.”
NHTSA complaint #10578900, filed 2014-04, 89,000 miles“I replaced the oil separator at Bmw dealership 1/10/08 because oil was becoming polluted with water even after I explained to dealership previous times the oil looked milky when I did a dipstick check. The dealer told me the part failed before it caused extensive damage and a condition known as hydrolock, which could cause engine to seize. Last week in very cold weather conditions,1/13,2015 my cars cabin filled with black smoke. I pulled over and found the engine spoiled with smoking oil, I took it to an independent repair shop and it was the oil separator again. …”
NHTSA complaint #10680661, filed 2015-02, 50,775 miles“I've had to replace all 4 window regulators, my rear hatch seems to open for no reason, my rear window wiper is working with the switch in the off position, LED's are going out again and now the dreaded apparent oil separator with tons of grey smoke billowing out the back of the car after being left in an airport parking lot for 4 days whilst it snowed outside. Seems I've had every typical problem other than the car catching fire for no apparent reason. I have owned bmws in germany and the us for a long time, however, I think I'll be switching brands with my next vehicle. …”
NHTSA complaint #10668801, filed 2014-12, 86,000 miles“As my wife and I driving to her md appointment on 11/26/12. I've noticed gas smell inside the car,and car suddenly losing power, when I've step on the gas pedal. It's like gaining power to go and suddenly loses power. I was kind of confused what happened . We were on the road right behind the intersection. We had to stop for the red light,when I've tried to go, the car was not moving like it should. We made it to the other side of the intersection, which there is denny's restaurant parking lot. By the time I've pulled over to see what is going on,we were still in the car. …”
NHTSA complaint #10486154, filed 2012-11, 153,000 miles“'takata recall ' when starting my vehicle it is a rough start lots of shaking causing the engine to fail after heating drives normally but does this everyday no engine check light . Car has shut off twice prior while driving on city streets due to engine failure”
NHTSA complaint #11100317, filed 2018-06, 93,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10051299Dec 1, 2012Bmw: see document search button for owner letter. N52k engine dmtl pump: emissions warranty extensions to 10 years/120,000 miles. Bmw has become aware of a potential problem with…
Engine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 3 | 11% |
| 2025 | 3 | 5% |
| 2024 | 13 | 9% |
| 2023 | 5 | 15% |
| 2022 | 13 | 18% |
| 2021 | 25 | 23% |
| 2020 | 33 | 29% |
| 2019 | 52 | 27% |
| 2018 | 11 | 15% |
| 2017 | 12 | 16% |
| 2016 | 14 | 19% |
| 2015 | 42 | 28% |
| 2014 | 16 | 16% |
| 2013 | 45 | 30% |
| 2012 | 92 | 34% |
| 2011 | 110 | 42% |
| 2010 | 40 | 32% |
| 2009 | 30 | 22% |
| 2008 | 66 | 31% |
| 2007 | 9 | 13% |
| 2006 | 7 | 4% |
| 2005 | 12 | 15% |
| 2004 | 9 | 14% |
| 2003 | 11 | 11% |
| 2002 | 7 | 7% |
| 2001 | 7 | 4% |
| 2000 | 1 | 3% |
Other parts of the 2002 BMW X5
21 complaintsAir bags
19 complaintsElectrical system
16 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
14 complaintsBody and structure
9 complaintsExterior lighting
8 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