2002 BMW X5 Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 6about this part
- Share
- 6%of 102 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 85,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 6 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2002 BMW X5, 6% of the 102 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 85,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, 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.
“Transmission problems on a 2002 Bmw X5 3.0 automatic with 69000 miles. The vehicle slips in reverse, at times it does not work at all. I've conducted all scheduled maintenance since purchased from original owner. I took car to a shop who services Bmw's and they checked the transmission fluid, which was ok. Later after doing research on problems with Bmw transmission I was amazed on how many complaints there are with the Bmw transmission. If I would of known of the problem I would of not bought this vehicle or any Bmw. …”
NHTSA complaint #10250085, filed 2008-11, 65,000 miles“After vehicle is parked for a few hours, when you crank it and put the transmission in reverse it slips and does not want to engage. Problem does not appear when vehicle is in drive, only reverse so far. As the vehicle warms up the problem goes away.”
NHTSA complaint #10424043, filed 2011-09, 91,000 miles“Car has been well maintained with regular service. 80,000 miles. No indication of any problem on start up. Experienced sudden total loss of transmission function. The car rolls when in park. A grinding sound is noted in cabin.”
NHTSA complaint #10236300, filed 2008-07, 85,000 miles“02 Bmw X5 5 spd the shift lever will go into reverse rather than first because there is no resistance to pushing the lever into reverse. The dealer says it is normal. Bmw na says dealers don't like to fix cars for independent.”
NHTSA complaint #10114541, filed 2005-03, 47,861 miles“Over the years after purchasing my 2002 Bmw X5, I have reported to the service department of weatherford Bmw that the transmission would not shift gears properly and that the engine would all of a sudden start revving up. As this is happening, the engine would surge and buck at the same time. Even though, I and my wife have been aware of these issues, the service department was not been able to duplicate the scenario or experienced these problems while servicing my vehicle. …”
NHTSA complaint #10114059, filed 2005-03Related 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 2002 BMW X5
21 complaintsAir bags
19 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 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 29, 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