KnownCarProblems2008 BMW X5 Problems and Recalls
Owners filed 215 complaints with NHTSA about the 2008 BMW X5, most often about the engine (38% of complaints, typically around 69,500 miles). It is the 3rd most complained-about X5 model year since 2000 and has 10 recalls.
⚠ Safety advisory5 recalls for this car came with a do-not-drive warning. See below and check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Most common 2008 BMW X5 problems
Engine
81 complaints · 38%Half of these problems showed up before 69,500 miles. Parts named most often: cooling system, engine.
The contact owns a 2008 BMW X5. The contact stated that while driving 35 MPH, the check engine light illuminated as the engine overheated and caused the vehicle to stall. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who advised that the electric auxiliary water pump and the thermostat needed to be replaced. The manufacturer…
Overheating issue. I fixed the thermostat and the water hose but car immediately overheated once I got on the highway. This caused the car to immediately shut down on the freeway. This was a very dangerous situation.
Air bags
65 complaints · 30%Half of these problems showed up before 83,000 miles. Parts named most often: sensor.
When a people seat on the passenger seat, the light "airbag of the passenger seat is off" is on. And the LED panel shows "restrain system malfunction". I get my car checked at the dealership, they said this is due to the fault of the sensor in the seat and will make the airbag not deploy in an accident. Actually, this…
Takata recall. The contact owns a 2008 BMW X5. The contact stated there was a fuel odor in the vehicle. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign numbers: 16v071000 (air bags) and 16v746000 (fuel system, gasoline); however, the part for the repairs were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer…
Fuel system
41 complaints · 19%Half of these problems showed up before 71,000 miles. Parts named most often: delivery.
The contact owns a 2008 bwi X5. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning. The failure was recurring. In addition, the contact stated that the when accelerating, the vehicle would resist and feel as if it was attempting to stall. The vehicle was taken to a dealer…
Takata recall. The contact owns a 2008 BMW X5. The contact stated there was a fuel odor in the vehicle. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign numbers: 16v071000 (air bags) and 16v746000 (fuel system, gasoline); however, the part for the repairs were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer…
Electrical
35 complaints · 16%Half of these problems showed up before 83,000 miles. Parts named most often: 12v/24v/48v battery, instrument cluster/panel.
After the check engine light came on we took our vehicle to a local shop conway motors in everett, wa. Conway motors diagnosed the problem as a fuel pump and the wiring was burnt connecting the fuel pump. Mark at conway motors called BMW to see if there was a recall and was surprised when BMW parts in seattle stated…
Right rear sunroof drain did not drain properly causing electrical malfunction including failure of all safety and dash gauges - (including speedometer, gas gauge) on interstate at freeway speed. Repairs exceed $1,500.00.
Transmission
16 complaints · 7%Half of these problems showed up before 30,000 miles. Parts named most often: automatic transmission.
Car surges continuously after taking off from a red light or stop sign. I have had to pull off the road until it stops. This is a known defect of this auto. This happens every day. It is sporadic. Several complaints have been made, and I have been told by BMW's repair department that they know of no such problem, then…
In october of 2015 while making a right turn very slowly into a one lane drive thru, my BMW X5 accelerated climbed up a 2 foot wall that was on the drivers side rode the front drivers side wheel upon the wall. I tried to break and pull the hand brake the car would not stop. I turned the steering wheel to the right the…
Brakes
16 complaints · 7%Half of these problems showed up before 93,000 miles.
When the vehicle is moving a relatively slow speeds, it requires an excessive amount of pressure to be placed on the brake pedal in order to stop the vehicle. Also, when the vehicle is stopped,, it takes an excessive amount of pressure on the brake pedal to keep it stopped while in gear for example stopped at a…
The contact owns a 2008 BMW X5. While driving 20 MPH, the brakes malfunctioned and the vehicle failed to stop. The brake pads stiffened and the parking brake had to be engaged in order to stop the vehicle. In addition, the brake warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was diagnosed, but not repaired. The contact…
Other or unspecified
12 complaints · 6%Engine, acceleration shutdown (on interstate highway - 2/26/16); monitor display false message of "warning: engine hot; overheating." engine not hot or overheated; cool to touch. Coolant level full. Car disabled. Car gave 45 seconds at full acceleration before sounding high pitched fan noise, then displaying "warning…
Water leakage on driver side rear- as well as accumulating in spare tire well submerging battery in 3 inches of water. Hi-fi amplifier - bluetooth- navigation- radio- sos damaged from this. All windows shut and vehicle filled with water.
Lights
11 complaints · 5%Half of these problems showed up before 84,000 miles.
The contact owns a 2008 BMW X5. The contact stated that the headlight assembly wires were fractured. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the headlights needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 70,000.
The contact owns a 2008 BMW X5. The contact stated that a warning light on the instrument panel indicated the rear drivers side brake light had malfunctioned. After removing the brake light assembly it was discovered that the bulb housing had melted and was damaged. The vehicle was taken to the local BMW dealer BMW of…
Complaints are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.
2008 BMW X5 recalls
Air bags: inflator module
Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until this remedy is performed. Bmw will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger front air bag, free of charge. The recall began march 11, 2020. Owners may contact bmw customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Full defect summary
Bmw of north america, llc (bmw) is recalling certain 2009-2012 x5 xdrive35d, 2008-2012 x6 xdrive35i, x6 xdrive50i and x6 m, 2007-2012 x5 30si, x5 xdrive30i, x5 xdrive35i, x5 48i, x5 xdrive48i, x5 xdrive50i and x5 m and 2010-2011 x6 activehybrid vehicles equipped with non-desiccated, passenger frontal air bag inflators containing phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (pspi-2) propellant that were used as interim remedy parts for previous takata recalls. These inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.
Air bags: inflator module
Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: Bmw will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver air bag. On x5 and x6 vehicles, only the inflator will be replaced. All repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began march 11, 2020. Owners may contact bmw customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Full defect summary
Bmw of north america, llc (bmw) is recalling certain 2008-2013 128i and 135i convertibles, 128i, 135i, and m coupes, 2007-2010 x3 30si and x3 xdrive30i, 2013-2015 x1 sdrive28i, x1 xdrive28i and x1 xdrive35i, 2007-2013 328i, 328i xdrive, 335i, 335is, 335i xdrive and m3 coupes, 2006-2011 328i, 328xi, 328i xdrive, 325i, 325xi, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi, 335i xdrive and m3, 2009-2011 335d, 2006-2012 325xi, 328i, 328xi and 328i xdrive, 2010-2011 x6 activehybrid, 2007-2013 328i, 335i, 335is, m3 coupes, x5 30si, x5 xdrive30i, x5 xdrive35i, x5 48i, x5 xdrive48i, x5 xdrive50i and x5 m, 2009-2013 x5 xdrive35d and 2008-2014 x6 xdrive35i, x6 xdrive50i and x6m vehicles equipped with non-desiccated driver frontal air bag inflators containing phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (psan) that were used as interim remedy parts for previous takata recalls. These inflators may explode due to propellant degradat
Air bags: inflator module
Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the remedy is performed. Bmw will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag module, free of charge. The recall began march 14, 2019. Owners may contact bmw customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Full defect summary
Bmw of north america, llc (bmw) is recalling certain 2007-2013 x5 xdrive30i, x5 xdrive35i, x5 xdrive48i, x5 xdrive50i and x5 m vehicles, 2008-2014 x6 xdrive35i, x6 xdrive50i and x6 m vehicles, 2009-2013 x5 xdrive35d vehicles and 2010-2011 x6 activehybrid vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Air bags: inflator module
Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the remedy is performed. Bmw will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger front air bag module, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin march 2018. Owners may contact bmw customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Full defect summary
Bmw of north america, llc (bmw) is recalling certain 2007-2013 x5 xdrive30i, x5 xdrive35i, x5 xdrive48i, x5 xdrive50i, x5 m, 2009-2010 x5 xdrive35d vehicles and 2009-2013 x6 xdrive35i, x6 xdrive50i, and x6 m vehicles ever registered in the states of alabama, california, florida, georgia, hawaii, louisiana, mississippi, south carolina, texas, puerto rico, american samoa, guam, the northern mariana islands (saipan), and the u.s. Virgin islands or "zone a." bmw is also recalling certain 2007-2010 x5 xdrive30i, x5 xdrive35i, x5 xdrive48i, x5 xdrive50i, x5 m, x5 xdrive35d, x6 xdrive35i, x6 xdrive50i and x6m vehicles ever registered in the states of arizona, arkansas, delaware, district of columbia, illinois, indiana, kansas, kentucky, maryland, missouri, nebraska, nevada, new jersey, new mexico, north carolina, ohio, oklahoma, pennsylvania, tennessee, virginia, and west virginia or "zone b."
Engine: crankcase (pcv)
Risk: An electrical short can cause the parts within the pcv valve to melt, increasing the risk of a fire, even when the vehicle is not in use.
Fix: Bmw will notify owners, and dealers will replace the pcv valve heater, free of charge. Interim letters were mailed on november 27, 2017. Owners will receive a second notification by the end of october 2018. Owners may contact bmw customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Full defect summary
Bmw of north america, llc (bmw) is recalling certain 2008-2011 128i and 2007-2011 328i, 328xi, 328i xdrive, 525i, 525xi, 528i, 528xi, 530i, 530xi, x3 3.0si, x3 xdrive30i, x5 xdrive30i, z4 3.0i, z4 3.0si and z4 sdrive30i vehicles. The heater for the positive crankcase ventilation (pcv) valve may short circuit.
Air bags: inflator module
Risk: An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the remedy is performed. Bmw will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator or air bag module, free of charge. Interim letters were mailed march 2017. Owners will receive a second notice when remedy parts become available. Owners may contact bmw customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Full defect summary
Bmw of north america, llc (bmw) is recalling certain 2012 x5 xdrive30i, x5 xdrive35i, x5 xdrive48i, x5 xdrive50i, x5 m, x6 xdrive35i, x6 xdrive50i, and x6 m vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in alabama, california, florida, georgia, hawaii, louisiana, mississippi, south carolina, texas, puerto rico, american samoa, guam, the northern mariana islands (saipan), and the u.s. Virgin islands, or "zone a." additionally, unless included in "zone a" above, bmw is recalling certain 2009 x5 xdrive30i, x5 xdrive35i, x5 xdrive48i, x5 xdrive50i, and x5 m vehicles, 2008-2009 x6 xdrive 35i, x6 xdrive50i, x6 m, and 2009 x5 xdrive35d vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in arizona, arkansas, delaware, district of columbia, illinois, indiana, kansas, kentucky, maryland, missouri, nebraska, nevada, new jersey, new mexico, north carolina, ohio, oklahoma, pennsylvania, tennessee, virgini
Fuel system: fuel pump
Risk: The loose wires may cause the connector to melt, resulting in a fuel leak. Additionally, the fuel pump may stop working, possibly causing an engine stall and increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Bmw will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump module, free of charge. The recall began february 2017. Owners may contact bmw customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Full defect summary
Bmw of north america, llc (bmw) is recalling certain model year 2007-2011 bmw x5 3.0si, x5 4.8i, x5 m, x5 xdrive30i, x5 xdrive35i, x5 xdrive48i and x5 xdrive50i, 2008-2011 x6 x drive35i, x6 xdrive50i and x6 m, 2010-2011 x6 activehybrid, 535i xdrive gran turismo, 535i gran turismo, 550i xdrive gran turismo and 550i gran turismo, 2011-2012 528i, 535i, 535i xdrive, 550i and 550i xdrive and 2012 535i activehybrid, 640i convertible, 650i convertible, 650i xdrive convertible, 650i coupe and 650i coupe xdrive vehicles. The affected vehicles have in-tank fuel pumps that may have insufficiently crimped wire contacts.
Air bags: inflator module
Risk: An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until they have been repaired. Bmw will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator or air bag module, free of charge. The recall began july 28, 2017. Owners may contact bmw customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Full defect summary
Bmw of north america, llc (bmw) is recalling certain model year 2007-2011 x5 xdrive30i, x5 xdrive35i, x5 xdrive48i, x5 xdrive50i and x5m vehicles, 2009-2011 x5 xdrive35d vehicles, 2008-2011 x6 xdrive35i, x6 xdrive50i and x6 m vehicles, and 2010-2011 x6 activehybrid vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in alabama, california, florida, georgia, hawaii, louisiana, mississippi, south carolina, texas, puerto rico, american samoa, guam, the northern mariana islands (saipan), and the u.s. Virgin islands, or "zone a." additionally, unless included in "zone a" above, bmw is recalling certain model year 2007-2008 x5 xdrive30i, x5 xdrive35i, x5 xdrive48i, x5 xdrive50i and x5m vehicles, and 2008 bmw x6 xdrive35i, x6 xdrive50i and x6 m vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in arizona, arkansas, delaware, district of columbia, illinois, indiana, kansas, kentucky, maryland, missouri, n
Fuel system: fuel pump
Risk: This wear could lead to fuel pump malfunction and engine stalling. Engine stalling could create a potential for a crash resulting in injury or death.
Fix: Dealers will replace the in-tank fuel pump free of charge. The safety recall began on january 11, 2011. Owners may contact bmw at 1-800-525-7417.
Full defect summary
Bmw is recalling certain model year 2008 x5 savs vehicles with 6-cylinder engines manufactured from november 1, 2007 through august 31, 2008. Due to a manufacturing process fault, the fuel pump was not produced to specifications. Under specific vehicle operating conditions, the fuel pump's commutator could experience an increase in wear.
Suspension: rear
Risk: In certain driving conditions, such as fast lane changes at high speed, the vehicle could experience an 'over-steer' behavior affecting vehicle handling and control, which could increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the rear axle stabilizer. The recall began on may 14, 2008. Owners may contact bmw at 1-800-831-1117 or via e-mail to [email protected].
Full defect summary
Bmw is recalling 55 my 2008 x5 sport utility vehicles for problems with the rear axle stabilizer (anti-sway bar). These vehicles were equipped with a sports-suspension stabilizer rather than a standard suspension stabilizer on the rear axle.
Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which recalls are still open on your car.
Questions about the 2008 BMW X5
- What are the most common problems with the 2008 BMW X5?
- By NHTSA owner complaints: engine (81 complaints, typically around 69,500 miles); air bags (65 complaints, typically around 83,000 miles); fuel system (41 complaints, typically around 71,000 miles).
- How many recalls does the 2008 BMW X5 have?
- 10 recalls listed by NHTSA, the latest from January 15, 2020 (air bags). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which ones are still open on your car.
- Is the 2008 a bad year for the BMW X5?
- It is the 3rd most complained-about X5 model year since 2000, with 215 complaints. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular years collect more of them, and the newest years have had less time to.