The 2001 BMW X5 has 11 recalls, the most serious being a driver's airbag inflator that can rupture and send metal fragments into the cabin, paired with multiple steering defects that can cause partial or complete loss of steering control.
Two airbag concerns affect this vehicle: the original driver's frontal inflator can rupture during deployment, and replacement sport steering wheels fitted with a Takata inflator carry the same fragmentation risk. BMW has issued a do-not-drive advisory for vehicles with the Takata inflator that have not yet been repaired.
Three steering issues exist independently. A loose nut on the left tie rod can allow it to disconnect from the steering gear box. The upper steering spindle may not be fully seated in its coupling and can pull free. A loose power steering pump pulley can shed its drive belt, cutting power steering assist along with other engine-driven functions.
Two additional concerns round out the list: the brake pedal assembly may be improperly fastened to the brake booster, reducing pedal travel and braking performance, and the front seatbelt anchor bolts on both front seats may not be properly secured, limiting how well the belts hold occupants in a crash.
At a glance
What can fail
The driver's air bag inflator may explode when it deploys because the propellant degrades after prolonged exposure to moisture, heat, and temperature changes.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and replace the driver's front air bag at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
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At a glance
What can fail
The driver-front airbag inflator may degrade due to humidity, temperature, and temperature changes, causing the airbag to deploy with excessive force. If the inflator ruptures, fragments could injure occupants or damage the airbag assembly.
What the fix does
BMW will replace the driver-front airbag module or inflator as needed after inspection by a dealer.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The driver-side air bag module may have an inflator that ruptures due to propellant breakdown from long-term exposure to low humidity, temperature changes, and temperature cycling.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the driver-side air bag module and replace it if necessary at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
During assembly, the self-locking nuts securing the pedal assembly to the brake booster may have been cross-threaded onto the studs. This causes the nut(s) to sit improperly on the stud(s).
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect both lock nuts for proper seating. If either nut is improperly seated or cross-threaded, the brake booster will be replaced.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
During manufacturing, the three bolts securing the power steering pump pulley may not have been tightened properly, causing the pulley to potentially loosen.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the pulley. If loose, they'll replace the pump, pulley, bolts, and drive belt. If tight, they'll tighten the bolts to specification.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The upper steering spindle may not be fully inserted into the coupling. If this happens, the fastening bolt won't properly secure the connection, and the spindle could disconnect from the coupling, causing loss of steering control.
What the fix does
The spindle will be inspected to confirm proper insertion into the coupling. If needed, it will be fully inserted and the fastening bolt will be replaced.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
During assembly, the spindle may not have been fully inserted into the coupling, preventing the fastening bolt from properly engaging. This could allow the spindle to disconnect while driving.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the spindle insertion, fully insert it if needed, and replace the fastening bolt.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The bolt that anchors the safety belt at the lower outboard position on driver and front passenger seats may not be properly tightened. In a crash, this could reduce the safety belt's ability to restrain occupants effectively.
What the fix does
Dealers will check the bolts and re-tighten them to the correct tension if needed.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The nut securing the left steering tie rod to the steering gearbox may not be tight enough, causing steering wheel play, misalignment, and noise. If loosening continues, the tie rod could disconnect, resulting in loss of steering control.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and tighten the nut on the left steering tie rod. If loose, they will also check and tighten the right side nut as needed.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The nut securing the left steering tie rod to the steering gearbox may not be tight enough. If loose, it can cause steering wheel play, misalignment, and noise. Continued driving could cause the tie rod to disconnect from the gearbox.
What the fix does
The dealer will inspect and tighten the left tie rod nut to proper specification. If loose, the right nut will also be checked and tightened, and front wheel alignment performed.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The safety belt lower outboard anchorage bolt on the driver's and front passenger's seats may not have been secured with proper tightness.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the bolts and adjust the tightness if needed.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
