2003 BMW X5 Latches, locks and linkages Problems
- Complaints
- 3about this part
- Share
- 3%of 99 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 63,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 3 complaints about the latches, locks and linkages of the 2003 BMW X5, 3% of the 99 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 63,000 miles.
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.
“I own a 2003 X5. I live in ny. Whenever the weather goes below 20 degrees my door locks freeze. I am able to pull open the drivers side door, but once I get in and try to close it the door swings back open. I have pulled the door closed and manually pushed down the lock, but when I try to exit the car I am locked in. The locks will not open and I am stuck in the car until it warms up. There have been times that I had to crawl over to the passenger side door to get out. The windows will not go down and the locks will not engage. …”
NHTSA complaint #10257406, filed 2009-02, 63,000 miles“Takata recall. The contact owns a 2003 Bmw X5. The contact stated that the driver side door failed to lock when exiting the vehicle. The failure recurred numerous. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 15v318000 (air bags) and stated that the part needed for the repair was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 75,000. Vin tools confirms parts not available.”
NHTSA complaint #10870873, filed 2016-05, 75,000 miles“The contact owns a 2003 Bmw X5. The contact stated that the exterior driver's side door latch failed to operate properly. The vehicle was unlocked manually with a spare key and the contact entered the vehicle through the rear driver's side door. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection where the contact was advised that the door latch was fractured and needed replacing. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the incident. The approximate failure mileage was 61,600.”
NHTSA complaint #10552069, filed 2013-11, 61,600 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10021405Feb 1, 2007Install hood latch corrosion resistant clip.
Latches, locks and linkages: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 3% |
| 2020 | 1 | 1% |
| 2018 | 1 | 1% |
| 2014 | 2 | 2% |
| 2012 | 1 | 0% |
| 2009 | 2 | 1% |
| 2004 | 7 | 11% |
| 2003 | 3 | 3% |
| 2002 | 6 | 6% |
| 2001 | 18 | 11% |
| 2000 | 3 | 10% |
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 complaintsFuel system
5 complaintsVehicle speed control
5 complaintsBody and structure
4 complaintsBrakes
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