2004 BMW X5 Seats Problems
- Complaints
- 7about this part
- Share
- 11%of 64 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 94,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 7 complaints about the seats of the 2004 BMW X5, 11% of the 64 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 94,000 miles. 4 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.
“Driver side seat overheated and caused a burn to seat. When I contacted the dealer, they fixed the system but wanted to charge me approx$1000 for the seat cover. When I resisted the charge, they changed the seat cover at no charge. No previous complaints were found. Just checked your website an there seems to be a similar problem in raleigh nc. I sold the car in 2008.”
NHTSA complaint #10370715, filed 2010-12, 90,000 miles“2004 X5, 58,000 mile. Drivers heated seat burned a hole in the leather and my left leg/buttock area was burned. I switched off the seat button, and put out the glowing leather seat fire. This burned me slightly and could have cause a serious fire. I have contacted the Bmw dealer and said it would not be covered under a recall or warranty. Approx. Cost is 750.00 to repair. This is a serious safety issue that should be covered by manufacture. I see there is a pattern of problems with this item. Help!!”
NHTSA complaint #10371048, filed 2010-12, 58,495 miles“Driver side seat heater gets very hot, even at the lowest setting. Will burn my leg if left on. For this reason, the seat heater in no longer safe to use.”
NHTSA complaint #10561295, filed 2014-01, 110,000 miles“2004 Bmw X5. Driver's side heated seat malfunctioned causing a burn in the seat and burned the pants of the driver. Contacted the Bmw service center in raleigh, north carolina where the situation will be rectified soon.”
NHTSA complaint #10310898, filed 2010-02, 101,000 miles“The contact owns a 2004 Bmw X5. The contact stated that the driver side seat heat warmer burned a hole through the seat. There were no injuries; however, the contact felt the heat of the burner coming through the seat. The dealer determined that the seat would need to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 170,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10948644, filed 2017-01, 170,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10244258Oct 20, 2023Second seat row blocking access to third seat row, program seat modules. Visible stitching on first row sport seat. Third seat row backrest Bowden cable routing and length change.
- 10225110Sep 1, 2022The driver's side (left rear) of the 60/40 split 2nd row seat may intermittently not fully latch into position on one side (inner rail).
- 10037238Oct 1, 2010Bmw: there are noises when adjusting the front driver or passenger seates.
Seats: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 1 | 1% |
| 2019 | 3 | 2% |
| 2017 | 4 | 5% |
| 2015 | 2 | 1% |
| 2013 | 4 | 3% |
| 2012 | 3 | 1% |
| 2011 | 1 | 0% |
| 2010 | 2 | 2% |
| 2009 | 9 | 7% |
| 2008 | 3 | 1% |
| 2006 | 25 | 15% |
| 2005 | 7 | 9% |
| 2004 | 7 | 11% |
| 2003 | 7 | 7% |
| 2001 | 6 | 4% |
Other parts of the 2004 BMW X5
11 complaintsElectrical system
10 complaintsEngine
9 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
7 complaintsBody and structure
7 complaintsAir bags
6 complaintsExterior lighting
5 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 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