2004 BMW X5 Body and structure Problems
- Complaints
- 7about this part
- Share
- 11%of 64 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 67,600miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 7 complaints about the body and structure of the 2004 BMW X5, 11% of the 64 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 67,600 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.
“Recently purchased this vehicle used, the external driver door latch not working, have to climb over from passenger side of vehicle, this is ridiculous, this is one of several issues I am having with this vehicle. I have done some research and see this is common problem and it should be addressed by Bmw. I have had 2 other used vehicles which both have lasted me 10 years from the dates I purchased them (and they were already 8 and 10 years old. This is my first Bmw and might be my last if Bmw does not take issues with their vehicles seriously and help consumers. …”
NHTSA complaint #10519727, filed 2013-06, 117,000 miles“Our 2004, Bmw x-5 door jammed on the front passenger side. I have contacted Bmw, but they denied any problems concerning doors jamming. However, I conducted an internet search and found numerous postings discussing the door jamming. I advised Bmw that I feel like my families safety is at risk due to the door failure. I asked them to please note that this was a safety risk and could put my family at risk. This is my only vehicle that I have to transport my family, due to my husband being activated with the military. Bmw denied any problems with the door. …”
NHTSA complaint #10228603, filed 2008-05, 79,000 miles“The vehicle started smoking from under the hood while driving in town to the post office. Upon parking the vehicle at the post office, it caught fire under the hood and the fire dept. Had to be called to force open the hood to put out the fire. The entire front of the vehicle was damaged in front of the fire wall. The usps moved employees/customers to the rear of the building for precaution of explosion and smoke inhalation of the burning plastic, rubber and related parts. It was fortunate I could quickly park rather than being on the highway.”
NHTSA complaint #10786161, filed 2015-10, 125,000 miles“The contact owns a 2004 Bmw X5. The contact stated that when he closed the trunk, his finger got caught due to a manufacturer defect. He opened the hatch and it came down forcefully onto his finger. The failure occurred once one year ago and damaged the contact's finger. He stated that the lid needs to be opened completely and halfway. The vehicle has not been diagnosed by the dealer. The failure mileage was 31,000 and current mileage was 43,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10275269, filed 2009-06, 31,000 miles“The contact owns a 2004 Bmw X5. The contact stated there was water entering the vehicle through the front windshield, onto the instrument panel, into the glove compartment and onto the floorboard of the vehicle. The dealer advised he would need to run a diagnostic test for the failure before proceeding with any repairs. The manufacturer advised the contact to have the diagnostic test performed at his expense. No further assistance was provided. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileages were 17,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10343217, filed 2010-07, 17,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10244239Oct 18, 2023This situation can result in two customer complaints: 1. Wind noise 2. Excess water entry
- 10037027Aug 1, 2010Bmw: model e70 equipped with an automatic tailgate. The rear tailgate may not operate in either direction due to wiring damage.
- 10029008Nov 1, 2008Bmw: water leak in the front right footwell area causing the carpet to become wet.
Body and structure: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 3 | 11% |
| 2025 | 1 | 2% |
| 2023 | 4 | 12% |
| 2022 | 1 | 1% |
| 2021 | 4 | 4% |
| 2020 | 4 | 4% |
| 2019 | 6 | 3% |
| 2018 | 2 | 3% |
| 2017 | 5 | 7% |
| 2016 | 4 | 5% |
| 2015 | 6 | 4% |
| 2014 | 15 | 15% |
| 2013 | 5 | 3% |
| 2012 | 7 | 3% |
| 2011 | 4 | 2% |
| 2010 | 3 | 2% |
| 2009 | 1 | 1% |
| 2008 | 1 | 0% |
| 2007 | 1 | 1% |
| 2006 | 4 | 2% |
| 2005 | 5 | 6% |
| 2004 | 7 | 11% |
| 2003 | 4 | 4% |
| 2002 | 9 | 9% |
| 2001 | 10 | 6% |
| 2000 | 1 | 3% |
Other parts of the 2004 BMW X5
11 complaintsElectrical system
10 complaintsEngine
9 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
7 complaintsSeats
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 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