Model year
2003 BMW X5
NHTSA lists 3 recalls and 99 complaints for the 2003 BMW X5 (recall file dated Oct 23, 2026; complaint file dated Oct 23, 2026). NHTSA also lists 1 recall and 1 complaint under X5 SAV. Those counts are separate from the numbers above. 2 recalls marked do not drive. The components listed on the most complaints are ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (15), AIR BAGS (14), ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (12). NHTSA star ratings from before model year 2011 use an older method and are not shown here. EPA rates it 14–16 mpg combined depending on configuration (fuel economy file dated Sep 29, 2026). EPA's annual fuel-cost figures for these configurations are $5,150–$5,850, based on 15,000 miles and 55% city driving.
- 2000 29 complaints
- 2001 160 complaints
- 2002 102 complaints
- 2003 99 complaints
- 2004 64 complaints
- 2005 82 complaints
- 2006 168 complaints
- 2007 71 complaints
- 2008 215 complaints
- 2009 138 complaints
- 2010 124 complaints
- 2011 263 complaints
- 2012 271 complaints
- 2013 149 complaints
- 2014 99 complaints
- 2015 152 complaints
- 2016 74 complaints
- 2017 75 complaints
- 2018 73 complaints
- 2019 193 complaints
- 2020 113 complaints
- 2021 110 complaints
- 2022 72 complaints
- 2023 33 complaints
- 2024 145 complaints
- 2025 63 complaints
- 2026 28 complaints
- 2027 0 complaints
Recalls
17V047000 · Jan 20, 2017
Do not driveAIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2000-2002 BMW 320i, 323i, 325i, 325xi, 330i, 330xi, 323Ci, 325Ci, 330Ci, M3, 323iT, 325iT and 325xiT vehicles, 2001-2002 525i, 530i, 540i, M5, 525iT and 540iT vehicles, and 2001-2003 X5 3.0i, X5 4.4i, and X5 4.6is vehicles.…
15V318000 · May 28, 2015
Do not driveAIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2002-2005 325i, 325xi, 330i, and 330xi Sedans, and 325xi and 325i Sportswagons, 2002-2006 330Ci, 325Ci, and M3 Convertibles and 325i, 330i, and M3 Coupes, 2002-2003 M5, 540i, 525i Sedan, and 530i Sedans, and 540i…
03V197000 · May 27, 2003
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, IT IS POSSIBLE THAT THE DISTANCE BETWEEN THE BRAKE LINE AND THE STEERING SHAFT JOINT IS NOT SUFFICIENT. IF THIS OCCURS, THE BRAKE LINE COULD COME INTO CONTACT WITH THE JOINT AND EVENTUALLY SUFFER DAMAGE AND CORROSION.
Complaints
99 distinct complaints. Crash flag on 4, fire flag on 13, injury field 3, deaths field 0. A complaint can be counted under more than one component. The injury and death figures are the file's numbers (the highest value on each complaint, then added), not a separate verified count of people.
Other NHTSA names
These names matched the same EPA model but are not included in the headline counts above.
| Name | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|
| X5 SAV | 1 | 1 |
Investigations
No investigations are matched to this name.
Safety ratings
NHTSA star ratings from before model year 2011 use an older method and are not shown here.
Fuel economy
| Configuration | Fuel | City | Hwy | Comb | kWh/100 mi | Range | Annual fuel cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| X5 · 3L · Automatic 5-spd · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | Premium Gasoline | 14 | 19 | 16 | — | — | $5,150 |
| X5 · 3L · Manual 5-spd · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | Premium Gasoline | 14 | 19 | 16 | — | — | $5,150 |
| X5 · 4.4L · Automatic 5-spd · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | Premium Gasoline | 13 | 17 | 14 | — | — | $5,850 |
| X5 4.6is · 4.6L · Automatic 5-spd · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | Premium Gasoline | 12 | 16 | 14 | — | — | $5,850 |
Open this model year in the fuel-cost calculator. The calculator starts with no fuel price filled in.
Check a vehicle
This page is not a VIN lookup. NHTSA's recall tool checks a specific vehicle: nhtsa.gov/recalls. NHTSA's page for this model year is 2003 BMW X5 at NHTSA. Complaint narratives stay on NHTSA's site and are not copied here.