BMW X5 Recall R/2003/039: Seat Belt Tensioners, Who Is Affected And What To Do
- Urgent
- How serious
- 24 Feb 2003
- Launched
- 445
- vehicles in the UK
- R/2003/039
- DVSA reference
BMW recalled X5 vehicles built between 15 April 2002 and 4 September 2002. The reinforcement ring in the front seat belt tensioner has not been securely crimped onto the belt tensioner's steel cable. The dealer will check the production date on both front seat belt tensioners and replace if they fall within the affected production period. You won't usually pay for it.1
What’s Wrong
The reinforcement ring in the front seat belt tensioner has not been securely crimped onto the belt tensioner's steel cable. This connection could give in the event of a severe collision and could work loose in extreme cases.
DVSA's Original Wording
Concern: SEAT BELT TENSIONERS Defect: It is possible that the reinforcement ring in the front seat belt tensioner has not been securely crimped onto the belt tensioner's steel cable. This connection could give in the event of a severe collision and could work loose in extreme cases. Remedy: Check the production date on both front seat belt tensioners and replace if they fall within the affected production period.
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
The Risk
The recall notice describes the concern as: seat belt tensioners.
The Fix
The dealer will check the production date on both front seat belt tensioners and replace if they fall within the affected production period.
Are You Affected?
X5 built between 15 April 2002 and 4 September 2002 may be included. BMW estimates 445 vehicles in the UK. Enter your registration to check, then confirm by VIN with BMW, because not every car in the date range may be included.
Which Car Is It?
Choose the make and model so we can match recalls to your car.
What To Do Now
- Check your car by registration above, then by VIN with BMW.
- Book with any franchised BMW dealer, quoting the DVSA reference R/2003/039. See how to get a BMW recall fixed.
- Follow the letter's instructions until the repair is done. See can you drive a car with a recall?.
Related Recalls
| Launched | Vehicle and fault | Severity | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 Series, 3 Series, 3 Series Touring, 4 Series and 7 moreReplace the engine starter motor | Urgent | R/2026/054 | |
| 1 Series, 1 Series 3 Door Hatch, 1 Series 5 Door Hatch, 2 Series and 22 moreTakata driver and/or passenger airbag recall (Global VINs) | Urgent | R/2025/349 | |
| X5Replace the engine starter motor | Urgent | R/2025/406 | |
| X5Check Windscreen Bonding reworking if necessary | Book soon | R/2025/360 | |
| 2 Series Active, 5 Series, 5 Series Touring, 7 Series and 5 moreHydraulic brake system unit replacement | Urgent | R/2024/414 |
This is one of 275 BMW recalls in DVSA’s data. The BMW recall launched before it was R/2003/026 on 3 Feb 2003, for front brake hose could rub on tyre. The one launched after it was R/2003/043 on 28 Feb 2003, for possible fluid leak from power steering. You can also see every BMW recall, all recalls launched in 2003 and seat belt recalls across every make.
Source: DVSA recall R/2003/039, launched 24 February 2003. Data updated 15 October 2026. How we grade urgency.
Sources
- The Code does not itself say repairs are free. GOV.UK guidance says "You will not usually have to pay for any repairs or parts under a safety recall." gov.uk Checked 15 Oct 2026.