The Lemon Index2003 BMW X5.
The 2003 BMW X5 has too few complaints to score: 18 in its first 3 years. Owners complain most about engine, it has 3 recalls, and it gets 14 to 16 mpg combined. The best BMW X5 year is 2010.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 100 owner complaints, owners reported:
Older model year: fewer owners filed complaints back then, so treat the score as rough.
Every BMW X5 year. 2003 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 50K to 114K miles on the car (78 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 47K–79K miles
Recalls 3
- 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.
- airbags 2015
The affected vehicles are equipped with a dual-stage driver frontal air bag that may be susceptible to moisture intrusio.
- brakes 2003
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, IT IS POSSIBLE THAT THE DISTANCE BETWEEN THE BRAKE LINE AND THE STEERING SHAFT JOINT IS NOT SUFFICIENT.
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 71 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Small number of vehicles experience problems ranging from leaking oil filler caps, leaking or…
- Various electrical problems are possible on the vehicle: warning lamps illuminated
- Driveability complaints due to cooling fan relay failure
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Safety
Crash stars (older test): front ★★★★★ · side ★★★★☆ · rollover ★★★☆☆
Fuel cost and engines
About $5000–5700 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 3.0L 6-cyl, 4.4L 8-cyl, 4.6L 8-cyl.
In owners' words
Model x5 rpm's increased rapidly with no pressure on the accelerator.
2003 BMW X5 owner · NHTSA complaint 10034533
More owner reports
My complaint is about a problem that I believe is getting seriously out of hand -- that of increasing numbers of cars and suvs on the road with extremely bright headlights.
NHTSA complaint 10000964
Quick answers
Is the 2003 BMW X5 reliable?
There isn't enough data to score it: owners filed only 18 complaints in its first 3 years.
What are the most common 2003 BMW X5 problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are engine (28%), lights (17%) and electrical (17%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2003 BMW X5 have?
3 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 2003 BMW X5 get?
14 to 16 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
At what mileage do 2003 BMW X5 problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 50,800 and 114,200 miles. The middle report was at 74,600 miles, from 78 complaints.
Does the 2003 BMW X5 have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 11% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2003 BMW X5 cost in fuel a year?
About $5000 to $5700 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2003 BMW X5 have?
3.0L 6-cyl, 4.4L 8-cyl, 4.6L 8-cyl.
What BMW X5 year is better than the 2003?
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