repaired · 2021 Q2
Driver side: inflator module
Risk. An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
2008 BMW X5Problems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 215 owner complaints about the 2008 BMW X5, most often about the engine. It is covered by 10 safety recalls, and for recall 16V-364 the manufacturer reports only 48% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through August 16, 2025. Updated daily. Photo: IFCAR, Public domain.
Complaints by system
Where the 2008 BMW X5 has problems
215 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
66Engine5 crash/fire/injury
65Air bags1 crash/fire/injury
35Electrical system6 crash/fire/injury
29Fuel/propulsion system1 crash/fire/injury
16Power train
16Engine and engine cooling
13Service brakes
11Exterior lighting
11Fuel system, gasoline
4013 other systems2 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 66 | 5 |
| Air bags | 65 | 1 |
| Electrical system | 35 | 6 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 29 | 1 |
| Power train | 16 | 1 |
| Engine and engine cooling | 16 | 3 |
| Service brakes | 13 | 0 |
| Exterior lighting | 11 | 2 |
| Fuel system, gasoline | 11 | 0 |
| 13 other systems | 40 | 2 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
10 recalls
2008 BMW X5 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 · 2021 Q2
Passenger side: inflator module
Do not driveRisk. An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
repaired · 2020 Q2
Passenger side: inflator module
Do not driveRisk. An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
repaired · 2019 Q2
Passenger side: inflator module
Do not driveRisk. An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Show 6 more recalls
repaired · 2019 Q3
Emission control: 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.
repaired · 2019 Q1
Passenger side: inflator module
Do not driveRisk. An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
repaired · 2018 Q2
Delivery: fuel pump
Risk. The loose wires may cause the connector to melt, resulting in a fuel leak.
repaired · 2018 Q4
Passenger side: inflator module
Do not driveRisk. An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
no report yet
Delivery: fuel pump
Risk. THIS WEAR COULD LEAD TO FUEL PUMP MALFUNCTION AND ENGINE STALLING.
no report yet
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…
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.
Mileage at failure
When do engine problems start?
65kmiles, median
Based on the odometer reading in 49 engine complaints. 84% were reported before 100,000 miles.
3under 30k miles41under 100k miles8100k miles or more
Best & worst years
2008 vs. every other X5 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 median. How we score
'99'00'01'02'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19'20'21'22'23'24'25'26
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2008 BMW X5 safety ratings
2008 BMW X5 4-DR. w/SAB in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
Frontal crashNot rated
Side barrierNot rated
- Rollover: 4 stars (17.4% risk)
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: No
- Lane departure warning: No
In owners' words
What X5 owners report
Recent engine complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
X5 was off, parked and the engine compartment burst into flames. Car was totaled There was apparently a recall issues in 2022 in which I was unaware and had no direct contact from the BMW dealer I purchased it from. The recall states that in some vehicles, this part could cause a fire. Well, I had…
My 2008 BMW X5 was taken to a shop to be diagnosed due to Diagnosis as followed:( low coolant light coming on) “coolant crossover pipe from timing belt cover leaking” it is available for inspection, although it is not safe to drive. The low coolant light went off after I put more in it and did not…
On 12/10/2022 I was driving to work and my BMW started smelling of like electrical fire. I pulled over on a exit in Sweetwater, TN and upon exiting the vehicle I noticed flames under the hood of the car. The car was on fire somewhere in the engine. A passerbuyer stopped and called 911 for me…
Own a 2008 X5?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.