2004 BMW X5 Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 5about this part
- Share
- 8%of 64 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 53,600miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 2004 BMW X5, 8% of the 64 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 53,600 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.
“The tail light assemblies (brake lights and running lights) has failed on this vehicle three times( the left assembly and once on the right). All failures were due to corrosion (vehicle has never been in an accident). The left assembly failed in november 2006 (at approximately 42,000 miles) and again in march 2011 (at approximately 110,000 miles). The right assembly failed in february 2009 (at approximately 68,000 miles). These failures are not light bulbs that burnt out but complete failure of the housing that holds the light bulbs. The problem is intermittent. …”
NHTSA complaint #10433716, filed 2011-10, 43,130 miles“The contact owns a 2004 Bmw X5. The contact stated that the exterior brake lights were inoperable. The dealer diagnosed that there was an electrical defect. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but denied any assistance with repairs to the vehicle. The vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was 51,000 and the current mileage was 55,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10425743, filed 2011-09, 51,000 miles“The contact owns a 2004 Bmw X5. She stated that the passenger tail lights failed to illuminate. The dealer stated that burned connectors caused the failure. The dealer made the repair. Approximately two days later the failure occurred on the driver side tail light. As of january 29, 2008, the dealer had not repaired the vehicle. The failure mileage was 65,000 and current mileage was 67,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10216437, filed 2008-01, 65,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10057566Oct 1, 2014Bmw: some vehicles, with 552 option, are experiencing a malfunction of led headlight on one where it flickers on an doff during driving and the control check message is…
- 10040177Mar 1, 2013Bmw: the brake light fails and the bulb holder is deformed due to high temperatures and the composition of the holder. *rm updated on 4/25/2013.
- 10042704Sep 1, 2011Bmw: on certain vehicles, the xenon headlamp often have no trouble found when returned and tested thru warranty parts system. The root cause is not possible to be identify.
- 10037025Aug 1, 2010Bmw: procedure for determining and replacing incandescent and halogen light bulbs under warranty.
- 10041804Mar 1, 2010Bmw: the bulb has failed on the daytime running lamp.
- 10025983Jun 1, 2008Bmw: headlamp moisture: fault diagnostics. Water or condensation in one or both headlamps. Models 5 series, 6 series, 7 series, x5, x6, 1 series, and 3 series. Model years…
Exterior lighting: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2 | 3% |
| 2024 | 1 | 1% |
| 2023 | 1 | 3% |
| 2021 | 1 | 1% |
| 2020 | 5 | 4% |
| 2019 | 5 | 3% |
| 2016 | 1 | 1% |
| 2015 | 3 | 2% |
| 2012 | 3 | 1% |
| 2011 | 6 | 2% |
| 2010 | 2 | 2% |
| 2009 | 5 | 4% |
| 2008 | 11 | 5% |
| 2007 | 2 | 3% |
| 2006 | 4 | 2% |
| 2005 | 5 | 6% |
| 2004 | 5 | 8% |
| 2003 | 6 | 6% |
| 2002 | 8 | 8% |
| 2001 | 9 | 6% |
| 2000 | 2 | 7% |
Other parts of the 2004 BMW X5
11 complaintsElectrical system
10 complaintsEngine
9 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
7 complaintsSeats
7 complaintsBody and structure
7 complaintsAir bags
6 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
5 complaintsSteering
4 complaintsOther or unknown
3 complaintsSuspension
3 complaintsBrakes
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2004 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