Vehicle recall 03V197000 · May 27, 2003
2003 BMW X5
On certain passenger vehicles, it is possible that the distance between the brake line and the steering shaft joint is not sufficient.
Source: NHTSA data as of September 22, 2026. Last refreshed Sep 23, 2026, 2:43 AM UTC.
- Summary
- On certain passenger vehicles, it is possible that the distance between the brake line and the steering shaft joint is not sufficient. If this occurs, the brake line could come into contact with the joint and eventually suffer damage and corrosion.
- Consequence
- A loss of brake fluid, indicated by a warning light in the instrument panel, could occur. This will be accompanied by a reduction in front brake performance. This could lead to a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect the distance between the brake line and the steering shaft joint, and if necessary, increase the distance. Owner notification began June 23, 2003. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact BMW at 1-800-831-1117.
- Notes
- Customers can also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's auto safety hotline at 1-888-dash-2-dot (1-888-327-4236).
Recall details
- NHTSA campaign
- 03V197000
- Reported to NHTSA
- May 27, 2003
- Filed by
- BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE
- Owner notification
- June 23, 2003
- Vehicles potentially affected
- 357
- Initiated by
- the manufacturer
- Components
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Vehicles covered
As listed by NHTSA. A recall usually covers only some vehicles of each model and year, often a production date range.
Has your BMW been repaired?
Recalls here come from NHTSA’s records for the model and year. Not every vehicle of a model is included in every recall, and this site can’t see whether a repair has been done. Only a VIN lookup can tell you that.
NHTSA’s VIN search doesn’t show recalls that were already repaired, recalls more than 15 years old, or some small manufacturers’ recalls. A BMW dealer can also check your VIN. Recall repairs are free.