2000 BMW X5: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2000 BMW X5: 6 recalls, 29 owner complaints and up to 14 mpg combined.
Recalls
6 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Steering Vehicle recall #00V010000 · 2000 · 190 vehicles
What's wrong: The lower steering shaft coupling includes a plastic collar which fits over the lower steering rack input shaft. This collar is pushed down onto the steering rack and tightened during assembly. On some of the affected vehicles, the collar May not have been pushed down fully onto the rack at the assembly plant.
Why it matters: Operation of the vehicle, especially in rough road conditions, can cause the clearance between the collar and the steering rack to increase to the point where the input shaft can separate from the rack, resulting in a loss of steering capability.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the steering rack input shaft collar for proper positioning, and reposition is necessary.
Brakes (hydraulic) Vehicle recall #01V195000 · 2001 · 13,721 vehicles
What's wrong: 4i sport utility vehicles. There is a plastic carrier to which the oil filter housing is attached. Oil supply and return lines are attached to the filter housing. Over time, this carrier could sag slightly. If this happens, one of the oil lines, which are armored with steel mesh, could come into contact and chafe a steel brake line located immediately underneath.
Why it matters: Continued chaffing can cause the anticorrosion coating of this brake line to fail, allowing the brake line to rust through and leading to loss of brake fluid, failure of the rear brake circuit, and extended stopping distances, and a possible crash.
The fix: Dealers will install a rubber spacer below the plastic carrier to prevent sagging and subsequent contact between the oil and brake lines. Brake lines whose anticorrosion layer is found to be damaged as a result of contact with the oil line will be replaced. Owner notification began August 14, 2001.
Transmission & drivetrain Vehicle recall #01V196000 · 2001 · 14,300 vehicles
What's wrong: 4i sport utility vehicles. Over an extended period of time, abrasion particles could deposit on the electrical contacts within the switch, causing a disruption of the electric current through the contacts. If the disruption occurs when the vehicle is stationary with the transmission in the neutral or park positions, the transmission will switch automatically into the emergency program, which is displayed in the…
Why it matters: If this problem occurs, the ability to maintain speed in traffic and/or accelerate could be greatly diminished, possibly leading to a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the transmission gear position indicator switch. Owner notification began August 14, 2001.
Brakes (hydraulic) Vehicle recall #02V194000 · 2002 · 34,860 vehicles
What's wrong: On certain passenger vehicles, due to a manufacturing problem, the brake pedal arm pivot shaft could loosen from its support bracket.
Why it matters: Eventually, the brake pedal arm could detach from the bracket, rendering the service braking system ineffective, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will check the brake pedal arm pivot shaft for proper seating in its support bracket. In addition, a pin will be installed to secure the shaft to the bracket. Owner notification began August 14, 2002.
Brakes (hydraulic) Vehicle recall #03V001000 · 2003 · 84,000 vehicles
What's wrong: 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. The brake hose that is attached to the brake line could come in contact with the tire and be subjected to wear and abrasion.
Why it matters: This could initially cause some brake fluid leakage, and eventually lead to a substantial loss of brake fluid. There could be a noticeable reduction in brake performance if a loss of front brake performance occurs.
The fix: Dealers will install an additional retaining clip to further secure the brake line to the front strut. Additionally, if inspection of any brake hose indicates that it has experienced damage, the hose will be replaced. Owner notification began February 14, 2003.
Airbags Vehicle recall #25V748000 · 2025 · 5,361 vehicles
What's wrong: The inflator May explode during deployment due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature, and temperature cycling.
Why it matters: An inflator explosion May result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
The fix: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the remedy is complete. Dealers will inspect and replace the driver's front air bag, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 29, 2025.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 1 mention a fire, 1 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Visibility (wipers, glass) (7): the most common themes are electrical failure (2).
- Transmission & drivetrain (7): the most common themes are noise or vibration (2), hard / delayed shifting (2).
- Latches & locks (3): the most common themes are door / lock issues (3).
- Exterior lights (2): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
The 2000 BMW X5 has 29 owner complaints, ranking #26 of 28 X5 model years for complaints (well below the 113 average). Complaints peaked in 2000 (6 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 4 years old, at a median of 70,000 miles. Neighboring years: 1999 (0 complaints, 1 recalls), 2001 (160 complaints, 12 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4.4 L 8-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 12 | 16 | 14 | Premium |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2000 BMW X5.
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Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
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FAQ
Does the 2000 BMW X5 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 6 vehicle recalls for the 2000 BMW X5. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2000 BMW X5 problems?
Owners have filed 29 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are visibility (wipers, glass) (7), transmission & drivetrain (7), latches & locks (3).
What gas mileage does the 2000 BMW X5 get?
EPA ratings run up to 14 mpg combined (4.4 L, Automatic 5-spd), across 1 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2000 BMW X5 repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.