2005 BMW X5: problems, recalls and reliability
3 recalls and 82 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is air bags (19% of complaints).
Data updated weekly · latest recall Sep 2007
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 82 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Faulty Check valve connected to brake booster leaks oil into brake booster causing contamination and loss of power braking. Recall issued for roughly 30,000 BMW X5 vehicles produced from 2007-2010 for a similar issue but none issued for this vehicle.”Owner report · Service Brakes · Feb 2022
“Car starts to shake almost uncontrollably when going at a high speed on freeway and noticing leaks but not sure from where”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Feb 2020
“Takata recall? Driving at low speed a very large explosion noise (sound like shotgun) from passenger side. Did not com through dash but sound like it tore through the heater fan. Could hear pieces when heater on. Ears still ringing.”Owner report · Air Bags · May 2019
Show 7 more owner reports
“The wiring harness inside the headlights are loosing the insulation, and there all the bare wires are exposed. This is a high fire hazard, what may cause death of the occupants and others in the traffic. This problem is not just in my vehicle, there are many forums over the internet with the same problem what is not the fault of the owner of the vehicle”Owner report · Electrical System · Mar 2019
“Takata recall I just switch my car on the airbag light comes on after doing some research online I notice it seems to be a problem also saw people saying there was a recall for it but when checking my VIN it said 0 recall”Owner report · Air Bags · Oct 2018
“As my car sat in my driveway (with no key in the ignition), it burst into flames, spreading to nearby trees and bushes, and cracking several windows in my house. The fire department put it out before it could burn the house down and I managed to escape the home without injury.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Jul 2018
“Tl* the contact owns a 2005 bmw x5. The contact stated that the emergency brake was fractured. On one occasion, the contact attempted to pull the emergency brake and the vehicle continued to move forward and almost struck a wall. The emergency brake warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was taken to ray cantena bmw (543 tarrytown rd, white plains, ny 10607, (914) 761-5555), but was not diagnosed or repaired because the VIN was not included in a recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and did not assist. The failure mileage was 70,000.”Owner report · Parking Brake · Jun 2018
“Leaving house we found the brake pedal not functioning properly and pedal going all the way to the floor before engaging. Brake lines damaged. Brake lines needed to be fabricated and replaced.”Owner report · Service Brakes · Mar 2018
“Both taillight housing circuit boards shorts out. Burns between housing and adapter . Thus causes a break in the circuit and you don't have any taillights. This is a safety concern and is illegal to go with no taillights.”Owner report · Exterior Lighting · Nov 2017
“I currently have a bmw x5 2005, with 4.4. VIN # [xxx]. Brakes are not working properly. Brake system hardens when vehicle slows down and doesn't work properly until car is restarted. Same engine and same brake system in different model (740i) has been recalled to fix the issue. According to bmw service desk, the x5 models hasn't been recalled with same issues with the brake hydraulic system. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6). *tr”Owner report · Service Brakes · Aug 2017
When filing, owners marked a crash in 3 of these complaints and injuries in 10 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 3 campaigns
CERTAIN AFTERMARKET BMW BIKE CARRIERS, P/N 82110393954, SOLD FOR USE ON MY 2005 BMW X3 AND X5 VEHICLES. A PINCH BOLT EXISTS BETWEEN THE BIKE ARM BRACKET AND THE UPRIGHT ASSEMBLY OF THE HITCH STYLE BICYCLE RACK.
Remedy: BMW WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND PROVIDE A REPAIR KIT ALONG WITH REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 13, 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT BMW CUSTOMER RELATIONS AND SERVICES TOLL-FREE AT 800-831-1117.
CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN BUILT WITH AN INCORRECTLY MANUFACTURED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION PARKING PAWL GUIDE PLATE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPAIR AND REPLACE THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION GUIDE PLATE FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 30, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-332-4269.
ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE ATTACHMENT OF THE BRAKE LINE SUPPORT BRACKET WITHIN THE FRONT LEFT WHEEL WELL WAS NOT WELDED ACCORDING TO SPECIFICATIONS. IT COULD LOOSEN AND OVER TIME THE BRAKE HOSE COULD RUB AGAINST THE WHEEL WELL.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL RE-ATTACH THE BRAKE LINE SUPPORT BRACKET TO THE FRONT LEFT WHEEL WELL FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 20, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-831-1117.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 2005 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.
How other years compare
Check your exact X5 by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2005 BMW X5 reliable?
NHTSA has 82 owner complaints and 3 recall campaigns on record for the 2005 BMW X5. The most complained-about area is air bags (19% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2005 BMW X5 problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 89,075 miles or less.
Does the 2005 BMW X5 have open recalls?
3 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning equipment. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.