2005 BMW X5 Seats Problems
- Complaints
- 7about this part
- Share
- 9%of 82 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 97,500miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 7 complaints about the seats of the 2005 BMW X5, 9% of the 82 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 97,500 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.
“Bmw X5 2005 a hole was burned into the drivers seat, burning my leg and a hole in my sweater, while driving on a city street. I purchased this vehicle new in 2005 and have had it serviced regularly.”
NHTSA complaint #11122032, filed 2018-08, 100,000 miles“2005 Bmw X5 - passenger seat heater heated up excessively to the point of burning a hole through the back of seat. Noticed a burning smell of leather and then discovered hole burned through. Passenger also felt excessive heat on back by left shoulder. Reported this to Bmw and they made no offer to fix. Cost to repair this is $1750.00. The concern I have is when I resell this car to someone else if not fixed could cause a fire in the future.”
NHTSA complaint #10317308, filed 2010-03, 54,000 miles“Bmw x-5 2005 heated seats turn instantly burning hot to the touch. Resulting charred black seat underneath leather exterior. This can cause a fire or and individual be burned. Bmw charged $200.00 to verify there is a problem but unwilling to recall. The seat underneath the leather is burned black and lucky is did not start fire.”
NHTSA complaint #10384214, filed 2011-02, 40,000 miles“The contact owns a 2005 Bmw X5. While the vehicle was stationary, the driver's side seat heater burned a hole in the seat and the contact's pants. The contact was not injured. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 100,000. The VIN was not available.”
NHTSA complaint #10969783, filed 2017-03, 100,000 miles“The contact owns a 2005 Bmw X5. While driving approximately 15 MPH with the seat heater activated, the front driver side seat began to get hot and there was a burning odor. The contact reduced the heat for the seat, but the failure recurred whenever the seat heating option was activated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 135,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10692061, filed 2015-03, 135,000 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.
- 10225112Sep 1, 2022When returning the 2nd row seat 40% (right) side from Easy-Entry: The seat stops moving before reaching the final home position, a check control message (CCM) appears alerting…
- 10225111Sep 1, 2022When returning the 2nd row seat 60% (left) side from Easy-Entry: The seat stops moving before reaching the final home position, a check control message (CCM) appears alerting the…
- 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 2005 BMW X5
16 complaintsBrakes
15 complaintsElectrical system
15 complaintsEngine
12 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
9 complaintsFuel system
8 complaintsEngine cooling
5 complaintsExterior lighting
5 complaintsBody and structure
5 complaintsOther or unknown
4 complaintsTires
3 complaintsSuspension
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2005 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