CarRecallWatchThe 2004 BMW 5 Series has 6 safety recalls on file with NHTSA.
Owners have filed 64 complaints with NHTSA, including 1 crash, 9 fires, 4 injuries.
The most-reported problem area is Air Bags (31 reports).
2004 BMW 5 Series recalls
Most common 2004 BMW 5 Series problems
Problem areas named in the 64 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.
| Problem area | Reports |
|---|---|
| Air Bags | 31 |
| Seats | 11 |
| Electrical System | 9 |
| Seat Belts | 7 |
| Exterior Lighting | 6 |
| Power Train | 6 |
| Steering | 5 |
| Tires | 3 |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 3 |
| Engine And Engine Cooling | 2 |
What owners report
PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELT AND AIRBAG LIGHT STAYS ON.
PASSENGER SEAT/AIRBAG WARNING MALFUNCTION. THIS WARNING HAS BEEN ON SINCE I PURCHASED VEHICLE. IT IS OBVIOUSLY THE COMMON SEAT MAT SENSOR FAILURE. AND IT WOULD APPEAR THAT EITHER MY VIN ISN'T ON THE PREVIOUS RECALL OR IT HAS EXPIRED FOR MY YEAR AND MODEL. BUT MY WIFE SITS IN THAT SEAT AND IF WE HAVE AN ACCIDENT AND HER AIRBAGS DO NOT DEPLOY WHOSE FAULT WILL THAT BE?
ABOUT 3 WEEKS AGO WE NOTICED IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT "A MARK" THAT LOOKS LIKE A BURNT - WE THOUGHT THAT IT WAS JUST A MARK OR SOMEBODY PUT A HOT BOTTLE O CUP ON THE SEAT - BUT THIS MORNING WE TURN THE HEATING IN BOTH SEAT TO WARM UP A LITTLE BIT THEN SMELL AND SMOKE START TO COME OUT THE BURNT MARK. WE TURNED IT OFF BOTH SIDES AND OPEN THE WINDOW - NOW OUR CONCLUSION IS THE HEATING ELEMENT CAUSED THAT BURN IN THE SEAT.
WIRE INSULATION DETERIORATION CAUSING SHORT, POTENTIAL FIRE HAZARD, 5 SEPARATE LIGHTING COMPONENTS ALL WIRING INSULATION SEVERELY DETERIORATED CAUSING SHORT CIRCUITING AND INOPERABLE HEADLIGHTS. BARE COPPER WIRES MAKING CONTACT I HAVE AN EXTENSIVE HISTORY IN ELECTRONICS AND FIREFIGHTING. THIS ISSUE WAS FOUND WHILE CHANGING A BULB. THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE AND FROM WHAT I HAVE READ THE MANUFACTURER SHOULD BE ASHAMED FOR USING INFERIOR MATERIALS THAT COULD CAUSE A FIRE (HTTPS://WWW.BIMMERFORUMS.COM/FORUM/SHOWTHREAD.PHP?2132684-HEADLIGHT-WIRE-JACKETS-JUST-FLAKE-OFF)
WIRE ROT DETERIORATION AT THE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY. CONCERN ELECTRICAL FIRE DUE TO BARE EXPOSED WIRES. NOTIFIED THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURE WITHOUT RESOLUTION. PERSONALLY HAD TO PAY OVER $500 TO HE DEALERSHIP JUST TO WRAPPED WITH ELECTRICAL TAPE. AFTER 3 MONTHS, CURRENTLY EXPERIENCING HIGH BEAM FAILURE (HID ADOPTIVE PASSENGER SIDE) WHICH THE DEALER TO REPLACEMENT COST OF $2599.
2004 BMW 5 Series questions
Does the 2004 BMW 5 Series have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 6 safety recalls for the 2004 BMW 5 Series: Electrical System:12V/24V/48V Battery:Cables; Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Power Assist:Vacuum; Air Bags:Frontal; Seats:Front Assembly:Seat Heater/Cooler; Power Train:Automatic Transmission:Control Module (Tcm/Pcm/Tecm). Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.
What are the most common problems with the 2004 BMW 5 Series?
Based on 64 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Air Bags (31), Seats (11), Electrical System (9).
How do I check if a recall on my 2004 BMW 5 Series has been fixed?
Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.