IllustrationAirbag light is on for passenger and fuel injectors messed up. This is a 2008 and other ones had recalls. I don’t understand why mine did not lights are flickering a little bit and before it was smoking really bad and I had to get that fixed.
2008 BMW X5
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
More warning signs than most X5 years
Owner complaints for the 2008 BMW X5 are substantially higher than the model-year median of 100.5.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all X5 years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
140–25K
2125–50K
3050–75K
2475–100K
36100–150K
4150K+
129 reports with mileage · 86 unknown
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
- Engine. Review the 66 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Air Bags. Review the 65 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Electrical System. Review the 35 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
2 crash reports12 fire reports0 injury reports
Air Bags complaints
65 reportsSeat Calibration; Airbag/Seat Belt Tensioner, level control system malfunction etc
The contact owns a 2008 BMW X5. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the air bags warning light was illuminated. There was an abnormal chiming sound detected. Additionally, the digital screen was obstructed. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer and diagnosed the sensor mat needing to be replaced. The ve…
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The contact owns a 2008 BMW X5. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the air bags warning light was illuminated. There was an abnormal chiming sound detected. Additionally, the digital screen was obstructed. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer and diagnosed the sensor mat needing to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 117,000.
I HAVE BEEN EXPERIENCING SEAT BELT PROBLEMS FOR YEARS. THERE'S A RECALL ON THE BMW X5 BUT I'M NOT SURE WHY MY VEHICLE IS NOT ON THE RECALL LIST. THERE ARE 3 OTHERS THAT HAVE THE SAME SEAT BELT ISSUES. *TR
BROUGHT MY 2008 X5 IN FOR THE CRANKCASE (PCV) RECALL. THE DEALER (THE BMW STORE IN CINCINNATI) TOLD ME THE SERPENTINE BELT HAD TO BE REMOVED FOR THE REPAIR AND WHILE REMOVING THE BELT, THE TENSIONER PULLY FELL OFF. THIS WAS DESCRIBED AS "DUE TO AN EXISTING BROKEN BOLT" IN THE ENGINE BLOCK. THE DEALER SAID I WOULD EITHER HAVE …
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BROUGHT MY 2008 X5 IN FOR THE CRANKCASE (PCV) RECALL. THE DEALER (THE BMW STORE IN CINCINNATI) TOLD ME THE SERPENTINE BELT HAD TO BE REMOVED FOR THE REPAIR AND WHILE REMOVING THE BELT, THE TENSIONER PULLY FELL OFF. THIS WAS DESCRIBED AS "DUE TO AN EXISTING BROKEN BOLT" IN THE ENGINE BLOCK. THE DEALER SAID I WOULD EITHER HAVE TO PAY TO REPAIR OR THEY WOULD PUT THE CAR BACK AS FOUND AND CAN NOT BE HELD IF THE CAR BROKE DOWN. IS THE DEALER LIABLE TO REPAIR THIS SINCE THE CAR WAS FULLY OPERATIONAL WHEN IT WAS BROUGHT IN FOR THE RECALL?
TAKATA RECALL. AIRBAG FRONT PASSENGER AND RESTRAINT SEAT BELT, DON'T WANT ANYTHING HAPPENING WHEN I'M DRIVING IT MIGHT CAUSE A ACCIDENT.
TAKATA RECALL! MY AIRBAG SEAT KEEP ON RINGING TO PUT SEATBELT ON WHEN NO ONE IS SITTING THERE, AND THE RESTRAINT WARNING ON MY TV SCREEN WON'T GO AWAY. I'M AFRAID MY SEAT WILL EXPLODE ON US WHEN WE ARE ON THE ROAD. THEY NEED TO CHECK IT OUT, DANGEROUS ITS BETTER TO SAVE LIVES, THEN SORRY.
TAKATA RECALL. MY BMW QUIT ONE DAY AND THE BMW DEALER IN PADUCA WILL NOT TAKE IT. IT HAS 2 OR 3 RECALLS AND THEY WILL NOT EVEN TAKE IT FOR THE RECALLS. THEY HAVE COST ME A LOT OF MONEY AND HAVE NO REASON AT ALL FOR NOT TAKEING IT FOR RECALLS ONLY.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BMW X5. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL INSTEAD OF THE BRAKE PEDAL. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE WALL OF A CHURCH. THE FRONTAL AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE DRIVER WAS SORE, BUT THERE WERE NO INJURIES. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN T…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BMW X5. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL INSTEAD OF THE BRAKE PEDAL. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE WALL OF A CHURCH. THE FRONTAL AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE DRIVER WAS SORE, BUT THERE WERE NO INJURIES. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO PEAKE BMW (2630 VETERANS MEMORIAL BLVD, KENNER, LA 70062, (504) 469-6165), BUT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE AIR BAG REPAIR INITIALLY. A FEW MONTHS LATER, THE DEALER CALLED THE CONTACT BACK TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT TO REPLACE THE AIR BAGS PER AN UNKNOWN RECALL, BUT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE AGAIN. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED BY LETTER AND THEY STATED THAT THE CRASH WAS NOT SERIOUS ENOUGH FOR THE AIR BAGS TO DEPLOY. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 102,000. *TR *JS .*BF CONSUMER STATED CAR REMOTE KEY MALFUNCTIONED.*JB
IT FAULT IN PASSENGER-RESTRAINT SYSTEM AFFECTING AIRBAG, BELT TENSIONER OR BELT-FORCE LIMITER. CONTINUE TO WEAR THE SAFETY BELF.
Official recalls
1020V016000 · Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module
Jan 15, 2020
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: 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.
20V017000 · Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module
Jan 15, 2020
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 degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: 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.
19V017000 · Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module
Jan 14, 2019
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: 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.
18V030000 · Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module
Jan 9, 2018
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." BMW is also recalling certain 2007-2009 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 AK, CO, CT, ID, IA, ME, MA, MI, MN, MT, NH, NY, ND, OR, RI, SD, UT, VT, WA, WI, and WY or "Zone C." 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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: 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.
17V683000 · Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System:emission Control:crankcase (pcv)
Oct 30, 2017
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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.
17V020000 · Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module
Jan 10, 2017
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, Virginia, and West Virginia, or "Zone B." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" or "Zone B" above, BMW is recalling certain 2007-2008 X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i and X5 M vehicles, and 2008 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i, and X6 M vehicles originally sold, or ever registered in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. 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 front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: 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.
16V746000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump
Oct 17, 2016
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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.
16V364000 · Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module
May 25, 2016
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, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, or "Zone B." Vehicles of these model years and models that were not originally sold or ever registered in either Zones A or B are not subject to this safety recall. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: 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.
10V518000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump
Oct 26, 2010
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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.
08V170000 · Suspension:rear
Apr 11, 2008
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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 CUSTOMERRELATIONS@BMWUSA.COM.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
0No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.