The Lemon Index2001 BMW X5.
The 2001 BMW X5 is worse than average by owner complaints: 61 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 142, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about engine, it has 12 recalls, and it gets 14 to 16 mpg combined. The best BMW X5 year is 2010.
Worse than average. 1.4× the average car's complaints.
Best year 2010
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 160 owner complaints, owners reported:
Older model year: fewer owners filed complaints back then, so treat the score as rough.
Every BMW X5 year. 2001 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 56K to 115K miles on the car (95 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
- engine complaints mostly came at 56K–107K miles
Recalls 12
- airbags 2025
The inflator may explode during deployment due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature, and temperature cycling.
- airbags 2017
These vehicles may have had a driver-side air bag module installed as replacement equipment such as after a vehicle crash necessitating replacement of the original air bag, or as a remedy part for a prior recall.
- brakes 2003
ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, IT MAY BE POSSIBLE FOR THE FRONT BRAKE LINE TO SLIP OUT OF THE RETAINING BRACKET LOCATED AT THE FRONT STRUT.
Show all 12 recalls
- brakes 2002
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, DUE TO A MANUFACTURING PROBLEM, THE BRAKE PEDAL ARM PIVOT SHAFT COULD LOOSEN FROM ITS SUPPORT BRACKET.
- engine 2002
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE ENGINE AUXILIARY/COOLING FAN OPERATION, INCLUDING VARIABLE SPEED, IS ELECTRONICALLY CONTROLLED.
- engine 2001
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES.
- brakes 2001
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES.
- transmission & drivetrain 2001
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: 4.4I SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES.
- steering 2001
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES.
- steering 2001
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES.
- steering 2000
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES.
- seat belts 2000
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems BMW told dealers about
BMW sent dealers 72 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Install hood latch corrosion resistant clip
- Water leak in the front right footwell area causing the carpet to become wet
- Small number of vehicles experience problems ranging from leaking oil filler caps, leaking or…
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Fuel cost and engines
About $5000–5700 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 3.0L 6-cyl, 4.4L 8-cyl.
In owners' words
2001 and later BMW x5's have a known problem with the oil separator freezing in very cold weather, causing the engine to sieze suddenly. This is a majoir issue BMW needs to recall!!!
2001 BMW X5 owner · NHTSA complaint 10056832
More owner reports
Nar 04/28/2003. Mr in the cold weather the door freezes up making it impossible to secure the door shut.
NHTSA complaint 10017747
Recall 01 v 206 003/engine auxiliary cooling fan: unable to get dealer ; global import; atlanta, ga; phone# 770/951-9382 to honor recall, parts were unavailble. Feel free to provide any further information.
NHTSA complaint 897652
Quick answers
Is the 2001 BMW X5 reliable?
No, it is worse than average by government complaints. It drew 1.4× the average car's complaints filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 142; 100 is average, lower is better). The best BMW X5 year by this measure is 2010.
What are the most common 2001 BMW X5 problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are engine (30%), body structure (13%) and electrical (11%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2001 BMW X5 have?
12 safety recalls (latest: airbags). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2001 BMW X5 get?
14 to 16 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
At what mileage do 2001 BMW X5 problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 56,700 and 115,000 miles. The middle report was at 80,200 miles, from 95 complaints.
Does the 2001 BMW X5 have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues aren't among its top 5 complaint areas.
How much does the 2001 BMW X5 cost in fuel a year?
About $5000 to $5700 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2001 BMW X5 have?
3.0L 6-cyl, 4.4L 8-cyl.
What BMW X5 year is better than the 2001?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2010, 2016 and 2015.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works