2008 BMW X5 SAV recalls and problems

The 2008 BMW X5 SAV has 3 safety recalls and 20 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any BMW dealer.

Recalls

Complaints

Crashes / fires

1 / 0

Injuries / deaths

2 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2008 BMW X5 SAV vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2008 BMW X5 SAV recalls

Recall 22V-119: Engine and Engine Cooling

Reported Mar 2, 2022 · 917,106 vehicles affected · BMW of North America, LLC

Problem: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2013 1 Series Coupe (128i); 2007-2013 3 Series Coupe (328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive); 2007-2010 X3 SAV (X3 3.0si, X3 xDrive30i); 2008-2013 1 Series Convertible (128i); 2006-2011 3 Series Sedan (325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 330i, 330xi); 2006-2012 3 Series Wagon (328i, 328i xDrive); 2007-2013 3 Series Convertible (328i); 2006-2010 5 Series Sedan (525i, 525xi, 528i, 528xi, 530i, 530xi); 2006-2007 5 Series Wagon (530xi); 2007-2010 X5 SAV (X5 3.0si, X5 xDrive30i); 2006-2008 Z4 Coupe (Z4 3.0si); and 2006-2011 Z4 Roadster (Z4 3.0i, Z4 3.0si, Z4 sDrive30i) vehicles. The heater for the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve may short circuit.

Risk: An electrical short can cause the PCV valve heater to overheat, increasing the risk of a fire while driving or, soon after driving when parked.

Fix: This recall supersedes and expands previous NHTSA recalls 17V-683 and 19V-273. Dealers will install an electrical wiring harness with fuse protection for the PCV Valve heater in potentially affected vehicles, free of charge. This recall supersedes and expands previous NHTSA recalls 17V-683 and 19V-273. Vehicles previously repaired under the prior recalls will need to come back for the new recall remedy. The remedy is currently being developed. Interim owner notification letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed on April 1, 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 22, 2022. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Recall 16V-071: Air Bags

Reported Feb 5, 2016 · 840,000 vehicles affected · BMW of North America, LLC

Problem: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2008-2013 128i and 135i coupes and convertibles and 1 Series M coupes, 2006-2011 325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi, 335i xDrive Sedans, 2009-2011 335d sedans, 2006-2012 325xiT, 328i and 328xi sports wagons, 2007-2013 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 335i, 335xi, 335i xDrive, 335is and M3 Coupes and Convertibles, 2013-2015 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i and X1 xDrive35i SAVs, 2007-2010 X3 xDrive30i SAVs, 2007-2013 X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i and X5 M SAVs, 2009-2013 BMW X5 xDrive35d SAVs, 2008-2014 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i, and X6 M SACs, 2010-2011 BMW X6 xDrive50i SACs and 2008-2011 M3 Sedan vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.

Risk: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with 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's frontal air bag module or inflator depending on the vehicle model, free of charge. The recall began March 9, 2018. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Recall 13V-045: Service Brakes, Service Brakes, Hydraulic

Reported Feb 7, 2013 · 30,265 vehicles affected · BMW of North America, LLC

Problem: BMW is recalling certain model year 2007-2010 X5 SAV vehicles, manufactured September 12, 2006, through March 18, 2010 and equipped with an 8-cylinder engine. The brake vacuum pump may leak a small amount of lubricating oil into the hose. The contamination could result in a loss of power assist braking.

Risk: The loss of power assist in braking could increase stopping distance and lead to a vehicle crash.

Fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake vacuum line with one that contains a check valve, free of charge. The recall began during March 2013. Owners may call BMW at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.

2008 BMW X5 SAV problems reported by owners

Problem area	Reports
Air Bags	9
Engine	4
Electrical System	4
Seats	3
Service Brakes, Hydraulic	2
Vehicle Speed Control	2
Power Train	2
Seat Belts	2
Service Brakes	2
Fuel/Propulsion System	2
Fuel System, Gasoline	1
Exterior Lighting	1

Most reported parts

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Power Assist › Vacuum — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 70,049 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2008 BMW X5 SAV complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Air Bags · at 61,250 miles · reported Mar 1, 2019

Bww has an ongoing problem with its seat sensor mat. These sensors are critical to the safety of the front passenger in the event of an accident. Bmw has only issued recalls for select model of its vehicle on this particular issue. It has failed to acknowledge that it is a widespread problem affecting all of its vehicles across years and models. I believe that the government should act to force bmw to take responsibility for its defective product. Human lives are being put in danger. Thank you.

Air Bags · reported Nov 8, 2017

Takata recall I called bmw of north america last year to complain about not receiving a replacement airbag for my 2008 bmw x5 3.0 si. They told me it will be available towards the end of summer 2016. I have not received any notification of its availability up to now (Late fall 2017). I think they completely ignored my complaint. The catastrophic risk still exists with my car. I need NHTSA's assistance for bmw to act on this problem. I have waited for over a year now and still no action from bmw.

Electrical System · reported Jul 30, 2017

Takata recall I have replace my key fob two time in one year each time it cost me $275.00 by bmw why can't bmw replace the key with a $2.00 like all its other models. Only the 2008 models cost that much

Engine · at 37,700 miles · reported Apr 19, 2017

Engine suddenly overheats due to defective water pump and shuts down quickly. Over heat warning came on a few seconds before engine immediately derated and went to idle. Very difficult to get out of harms way with no acceleration at all. Only 37,700 on vehicle. Bmw owners reporting high frequency of premature water pump failures. Repairs cost $1,499 with additional towing charges of $285. The electric water pumps have poor quality plastic impellers. Bmw should recall this costly repair due to safety concerns. My family and I were stranded for hours waiting on a tow during unsafe conditions.

Engine · at 85,000 miles · reported Mar 16, 2017

While vehicle is running transmission malfunction code comes on and vehicle instantly loses power. Almost been rear ended on highway several times.spent 1000 recently on transmission parts. Researched and found out this is a soft ware issue and bmw has not acknowledged although thousands of reports have been filed-some by owners with only 1000 miles on them this has been an ongoing issue that bmw has ignored.

Other BMW X5 SAV years

2013 2012 2011 2010 200920082007 2006 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000

Compare all BMW X5 SAV years · All BMW models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2008 BMW X5 SAV have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2008 BMW X5 SAV: 22V-119 (engine and engine cooling), 16V-071 (air bags), 13V-045 (service brakes, service brakes, hydraulic). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2008 BMW X5 SAV?

Owners report air bags problems most often (9 reports), followed by engine (4). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 70,049 miles.

Are BMW recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized BMW dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.