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BMW 5 Series

2001–2004 only

78 classified complaints 2 recalls

2001–2004 BMW 5 Series models have 78 classified complaints on record for these years specifically, plus 2 recalls. The most common issue in this range is Airbags, seatbelts and restraints, typically surfacing around 88,000 miles.

Computed directly from stored federal records for 2001–2004 model years only — not blended with the rest of this vehicle's production run. See the full BMW 5 Series report for every year combined.

Where this range fits

2001–2004

2005–2009

2010–2012

Complaints filed per 5-year model-year window — highlighted bars link to their own dedicated page.

What breaks, and when — 2001–2004 only

Airbags, seatbelts and restraints · Body and interior 34 complaints

Median onset: 88,000 miles. 2.9% of these reported an injury, a death, or a crash with fire.

More common in older model years.

Doors, windows, latches, seats and trim · Body and interior 8 complaints

Median onset: 112,316 miles. 12.5% of these reported an injury, a death, or a crash with fire.

More common in older model years.

Body control and other modules · Electrical 8 complaints

Median onset: 99,000 miles.

More common in older model years.

Harsh, delayed or erratic shifting · Transmission 6 complaints

Median onset: 70,719 miles.

Wiring harness, grounds and connectors · Electrical 5 complaints

Median onset: 101,000 miles.

More common in older model years.

Electric power steering motor and module · Steering 4 complaints

Median onset: 79,000 miles.

More common in newer model years. · Typical repair: $750–$2,230 nationally.

Cooling system: radiator, water pump, thermostat, fan · Engine 3 complaints

Median onset: 160,000 miles.

Tends to show up later than this model's other issues. · More common in newer model years. · Typical repair: $260–$1,910 nationally.

Master cylinder and booster · Brakes 3 complaints

Median onset: 76,785 miles.

More common in older model years.

From owner-filed complaints to NHTSA, not independently verified. Federal mileage reporting on recent complaints is sparse — see how it works. Cost ranges are national estimates from book labor hours and parts pricing, not this vehicle's actual repair history — they don't account for your location or shop type.

Cost estimator: what will this one cost you?

Enter the car's year and mileage. See which known problems are due in your next 3 years, what each costs at your state's labor rates, which ones to ask the seller about, and routine maintenance to budget for.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — complaints and recalls, scoped to 2001–2004 model years. See the full BMW 5 Series report for every year and full specs/safety data.