repaired · 2024 Q2
Emission control: crankcase (pcv)
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.
2008 BMW X5 SAVProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 20 owner complaints about the 2008 BMW X5 SAV, most often about the air bags. It is covered by 3 safety recalls, and for recall 22V-119 the manufacturer reports only 27% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through March 2, 2022. Updated daily.
Complaints by system
Where the 2008 BMW X5 SAV has problems
20 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
9Air bags1 crash/fire/injury
4Electrical system
4Engine
3Seats
2Vehicle speed control
2Fuel/propulsion system
2Power train
2Seat belts
2Service brakes
33 other systems
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Air bags | 9 | 1 |
| Electrical system | 4 | 0 |
| Engine | 4 | 0 |
| Seats | 3 | 0 |
| Vehicle speed control | 2 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 2 | 0 |
| Power train | 2 | 0 |
| Seat belts | 2 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 2 | 0 |
| 3 other systems | 3 | 0 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
3 recalls
2008 BMW X5 SAV recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
repaired · 2018 Q1
Driver side: inflator module
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…
no report yet
Service brakes
Risk. The loss of power assist in braking could increase stopping distance and lead to a vehicle crash.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with BMW.
Best & worst years
2008 vs. every other X5 SAV year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the X5 SAV median. How we score
'00'01'02'03'04'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
1 investigation
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2008 BMW X5 SAV, and the recalls they led to.
- Desiccated Air Bag Inflator RuptureOpen
In owners' words
What X5 SAV owners report
Recent air bags complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
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…
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…
TAKATA RECALL. I WAS NOTIFIED OVER A YEAR AGO, SINCE HAVE BROUGHT IN MY CAR TWICE FOR SERVICE. DEALER SAYS THE AIRBAG REPLACEMENTS ARE NOT AVAILABLE FOR ME YET. I AM CONCERNED FOR OUR SAFETY.
Own a 2008 X5 SAV?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.