2003 BMW X5 Suspension Problems
- Complaints
- 3about this part
- Share
- 3%of 99 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 85,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 3 complaints about the suspension of the 2003 BMW X5, 3% of the 99 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 85,000 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.
“As I was driving my Bmw X5 I stopped at a red light and once the light turned green I begin to press the accelerator to move it didn't move and it made a loud rowing noise. U was then stuck in the middle of the hwy with moving traffic. I took it to the mechanic shop and they said it was the transfer case. He then said he see alot of them like that being worked on because of this problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10967325, filed 2017-03, 120,000 miles“No event necessary leading up to failure air strut failed which causes a significant steering and handling problem because the computer thinks the car is in a possible roll, and begins to compensate by automatically braking. I have replaced three air struts - all in the front over the past two years. The cost is approximately $2,000 per. The air strut option was not on very many Bmw X5 autos - but they are a serious problem when they fail. The dealer replace the first one - and would not let me drive the vehicle because it could be dangerous .”
NHTSA complaint #10373812, filed 2011-01, 50,000 miles“Premature wear of rear tires: the factory set angle of camber leads to severe cupping of the rear tires on a 2003 Bmw X5 4.4 after 30000 miles, cord is showing on the inside of the tire. (bridgestone turanza er30(tz) 285-45r19 107v). Dealer said this is normal wear. In addition, the dealer said the vehicle is setup with high negative camber because it is meant to be driven at 100 MPH. The rest of the tread is normal, the vehicle has been driven conservatively, and the tire pressure is checked often. Repair includes replacing the rear tires and a 4 wheel alignment. ($800).”
NHTSA complaint #10140239, filed 2005-10Related service bulletins
- 10025775Jan 1, 2008Bmw: dynamic drive (ars) front sway bar repairs. E70 (x5) with sport package option code zsp.
Suspension: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 1 | 3% |
| 2022 | 3 | 4% |
| 2021 | 2 | 2% |
| 2020 | 3 | 3% |
| 2019 | 2 | 1% |
| 2018 | 6 | 8% |
| 2017 | 4 | 5% |
| 2016 | 4 | 5% |
| 2015 | 5 | 3% |
| 2014 | 2 | 2% |
| 2013 | 2 | 1% |
| 2012 | 6 | 2% |
| 2011 | 3 | 1% |
| 2009 | 3 | 2% |
| 2008 | 3 | 1% |
| 2006 | 1 | 1% |
| 2005 | 2 | 2% |
| 2004 | 3 | 5% |
| 2003 | 3 | 3% |
| 2002 | 2 | 2% |
| 2001 | 7 | 4% |
| 2000 | 1 | 3% |
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 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