10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
1 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
2 / 0
Average Mileage:
65,766 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2004 BMW X5 accessories - exterior problems

accessories - exterior problem

Find something helpful? Spread the word.
Get notified about new defects, investigations, recalls & lawsuits for the 2004 BMW X5:

Unsubscribe any time. We don't sell/share your email.

2004 BMW X5 Owner Comments

problem #7

May 012013

X5

  • 117,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

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. I am so surprised and disappointed by all of the issues that have been ignored. The difference could be big because they could lose alot of would-be loyal consumers.

- Houston, TX, USA

problem #6

Jun 052011

X5

  • 110,000 miles
The contact owns a 2004 BMW X5. The contact stated that the driver side door handle malfunctioned and the contact was unable to open the door. In order to enter the vehicle, the contact would climb in through the passenger side. The dealer was contacted and they advised him that there could be a fractured bracket and to bring the vehicle in. The manufacturer was contacted and they offered no assistance. The vehicle has not been repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000. The VIN was unavailable.

- Escondido, CA, USA

problem #5

Dec 202009

X5

  • 56,000 miles
We have a 2004 BMW X5, and the driver's door inside opening mechanism has broken twice; once under warranty and once after. The repair costs nearly $800, so many will not pay to have it fixed. The problem endangers the driver if in an accident and needing to exit the vehicle, and it is caused by the routing of the cable through a plastic part.

- Huntington Beach, CA, USA

problem #4

Dec 262009

X5

  • 98,365 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Latch jam on driver door of BMW X5 year 2004. The door will not always shut when it is very cold. It will take 30 to 45 minutes after the car warms up to shut. BMW of North America does not claim this is faulty for a recall. They have received other complaints with this issue on older model X5's. since alot of the X5's are not outside as much as mine (I.e. overnight) you will not have a huge amount of complaints. The complaints will be with the ones that are in the cold weather regions of american and are outside for extended period of times and very frequently outside.. this issue is a safety hazard that BMW of North America should recall and fix.

- Mission Hills, KS, USA

problem #3

May 292008

X5

  • miles
On May 21, 2008, I reported a problem regarding my BMW X5 having a door failure problem regarding the electronic system. On May 29, 2008 I was in a motor vehicle accident. The accident was not my fault. I was hit from behind. My son and I were injured. I had to be extracted from the vehicle. The emergency personal could not open the passenger door to remove me from the vehicle. They had to go through the back seat. I had complained to you and BMW regarding the safety hazard of this vehicle. BMW was slow to reply. The original reply was that I didn't provide a clear explanation regarding this issue. So, I complained again. There response was untimely and this entire safety issue has resulted in a very traumatic experience. I had advised you and BMW that this was a safety issue. No one responded in a timely manner. How many more families will have to experience this type of trauma before you recall this vehicle" what are you going to do about this" this is a safety issue and should be addressed.

- Alexandria, LA, USA

Search CarComplaints.com for these popular complaint phrases...

problem #2

Mar 012008

X5

  • 79,000 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. None of the passenger doors can be opened with a manual key or a manual release. None of the devices on the vehicle will open the passenger door. Nothing works. We can't remove the panel, because we can't open the door. This is a major safety risk and I fear that my family and numerous other families lives are at risk due to this problem. I am requesting immediate assistance and an investigation regarding the BMW door failure. The problem started, with a delay in the door unlocking upon pressing the buttons to open the door. Then, it just stopped working completely. I tried to get an appointment with the local BMW dealership, but it would be weeks before I could get assistance. And I have been advised that this expense will come out of my pocket, B/C it's not listed as a recall or safety hazard. How can a door failure not be a safety hazard?

- Alexandria, LA, USA

problem #1

Dec 212004

X5

  • miles
2004 BMW X5 steering vibrates and pulls slightly to the left, cigarette lighter came apart, center console opens on its own. ** answer required*** when the consumer looked under the vehicle, he noticed one side of the vehicle was lower than the other, which may have been the cause of the vehicle pulling to right and the horrendous vibration. The seat frame was loud because it moved back and fourth and did not fully lay flat. The sunroof leaked. The lights flashed on and off at regular intervals, the left rear window was inoperative, the right rear door never opened, the horn starting blaring on and off for no reason. The audio controls on the steering wheel did not work. The key sometimes did not unlock or lock the doors.

- Ann Arbor, MI, USA

Not what you are looking for?