2003 BMW X5 Fuel system Problems
- Complaints
- 5about this part
- Share
- 5%of 99 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 64,250miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the fuel system of the 2003 BMW X5, 5% of the 99 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 64,250 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.
“While driving on a freeway at about 80 miles per hour, with the cruise control on, it was necessary to dis-engage the cruise control for a slower vehicle. When I then applied my foot to the gas pedal, it suddenly felt unstable and wobbly. I found it difficult to maintain steady pressure on it and maintain my speed in heavy freeway traffic. I was very uncomfortable with the situation. Fortunately I was just 20 miles from my destination, and I was able to very carefully and repeatedly re-position my foot on the gas pedal to maintain speed in heavy traffic. …”
NHTSA complaint #10471730, filed 2012-08, 33,500 miles“The vehicle stalls while in motion. Purchased an X5 in december 2002. Prior to reaching 400 total miles, the car stalled twice while in motion, thus causing all electrical systems to fail. The dealer reported the problem solved. Last week, while driving at 25 MPH through the ez pass lanes on the pa turnpike, the car stalled, once again losing power while in motion. Luckily, no one was behind me as they would have certainly rear ended my vehicle. I took the car to the dealer and they acknowledged that another customer had this problem. …”
NHTSA complaint #10093172, filed 2004-09, 33,000 miles“Driving slowly down street, saw smoke coming from front right under hood, puled over to side, flames visible coming from hood, within 15 minutes, entire front on fire, fire department came within 5-10 minutes, major fire, total loss. All this took about 30 minutes. Fortunately, no injuries.”
NHTSA complaint #11022057, filed 2017-09, 95,000 miles“The car started losing power while on the road. It got slower and slower, till it finally came to a complete stop. It had to be towed the rest of the way to the house. The engine would start up, but it would not engage any of the gears.”
NHTSA complaint #11384008, filed 2020-12, 180,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10247567Dec 20, 2023Engine will crank but not start. There is no communication with the integrated fuel module (TFE) whendiagnosing with ISTA. The following two fault codes will be stored in the…
- 10218412Jul 1, 2022The fuel gauge may indicate the incorrect fuel level (full and reserve).
- 10051419Dec 1, 2012Bmw: service action: replace the left and right fuel level sensor. Due to high proportion of ethanol in the fuel, the internal mechanisms of the fuel level sensors may swell…
- 10036984Jun 1, 2010Bmw: it is now possible to perform a fuel quality detection test on vehicles with an n54 engine.
- 10036981Jun 1, 2010Bmw: warning message on about low diesel exhaust fuel level and that the engine will not restart within 999 miles. The light comes on a few thousand miles earlier than a…
- 10033130Dec 1, 2009Bmw vehicles: fuel level sensor repairs. Where it is necessary to replace the right or the left side fuel level sensor due to a failure, the entire pump and housing or delivery…
- 10029544Mar 1, 2009Bmw: diesel: diagnosis for low pressure fuel supply faults. Service engine soon lamp is illuminated (a fuel pump malfunction message is displayed in the cc) and a combination of…
Fuel system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 2 | 7% |
| 2025 | 1 | 2% |
| 2024 | 4 | 3% |
| 2023 | 1 | 3% |
| 2022 | 3 | 4% |
| 2021 | 3 | 3% |
| 2020 | 2 | 2% |
| 2019 | 5 | 3% |
| 2018 | 18 | 25% |
| 2017 | 20 | 27% |
| 2016 | 12 | 16% |
| 2015 | 50 | 33% |
| 2014 | 32 | 32% |
| 2013 | 9 | 6% |
| 2012 | 29 | 11% |
| 2011 | 43 | 16% |
| 2010 | 29 | 23% |
| 2009 | 42 | 30% |
| 2008 | 41 | 19% |
| 2007 | 28 | 39% |
| 2006 | 5 | 3% |
| 2005 | 8 | 10% |
| 2004 | 2 | 3% |
| 2003 | 5 | 5% |
| 2002 | 1 | 1% |
| 2001 | 7 | 4% |
Other parts of the 2003 BMW X5
24 complaintsElectrical system
17 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
16 complaintsAir bags
15 complaintsEngine
11 complaintsOther or unknown
7 complaintsSeats
7 complaintsExterior lighting
6 complaintsVehicle speed control
5 complaintsBody and structure
4 complaintsBrakes
3 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2003 BMW X5
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 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