2008 BMW X5 Recalls, Problems & Safety Rating

10 safety recalls on file

The 2008 BMW X5 has 10 safety recalls on file with NHTSA.

Owners have filed 215 complaints with NHTSA, including 2 crashes, 12 fires.

The most-reported problem area is Air Bags (67 reports).

10Recalls
215Owner complaints
2Crashes reported
n/aNHTSA safety rating
Is the repair still open on your X5?

A recall covers specific vehicles. Your VIN shows whether yours still needs the free repair.

2008 BMW X5 recalls

Passenger air bag may explode and spray metal fragments

Recall 20V016Jan 15, 20204,007 vehicles affected

The passenger frontal air bag inflator in these BMW vehicles uses a propellant that can degrade over time after long exposure to high humidity, high temperatures, and repeated temperature changes.

Driver Airbag Inflator May Explode, Sending Metal Fragments

Recall 20V017Jan 15, 202059,965 vehicles affected

The driver-side frontal airbag inflator in certain vehicles contains an ammonium nitrate propellant that was not properly dried.

Passenger airbag may explode and spray metal shrapnel

Recall 19V017Jan 14, 201983,016 vehicles affected

The passenger-side frontal airbag inflator in certain BMW X5 and X6 vehicles can degrade over time from long-term exposure to humidity and temperature changes.

Passenger airbag inflator may explode, sending metal fragments

Recall 18V030Jan 9, 201841,808 vehicles affected

Certain BMW X5 and X6 vehicles from 2007 through 2013 have a passenger frontal airbag inflator that can degrade over time from long-term exposure to humidity and temperature changes.

PCV Valve Heater Can Short and Cause a Fire

Recall 17V683Oct 30, 2017740,561 vehicles affected

The heater for the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve may short circuit.

Passenger Air Bag May Rupture and Spray Metal Fragments

Recall 17V020Jan 10, 201748,951 vehicles affected

The front passenger air bag inflator in these BMW X5 and X6 vehicles can rupture if the air bag deploys in a crash.

Fuel Pump Wires Can Melt, Causing Leaks or Stalls

Recall 16V746Oct 17, 2016136,188 vehicles affected

Some vehicles have in-tank fuel pumps with wire contacts that may not be crimped tightly enough.

Passenger airbag may rupture in a crash, risking injury

Recall 16V364May 25, 201697,738 vehicles affected

The passenger-side frontal airbag inflator in certain BMW X5 and X6 vehicles may rupture when the airbags deploy in a crash.

Fuel System, Gasoline:Delivery:Fuel Pump

Recall 10V518Oct 26, 201020,750 vehicles affected

Suspension:Rear

Recall 08V170Apr 11, 200855 vehicles affected

Most common 2008 BMW X5 problems

Problem areas named in the 215 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.

Problem areaReports
Air Bags67
Engine66
Electrical System35
Fuel/Propulsion System29
Power Train17
Engine And Engine Cooling17
Service Brakes13
Fuel System, Gasoline12
Unknown Or Other12
Exterior Lighting11

What owners report

2025-08-16, Electrical System
Last night my 2008 BMW X5 caught fire while parked in a parking lot - the fire was in the engine compartment and appeared to be an electrical fire - police and fire were at the scene and a report was made.
2025-06-16, Air Bags
Airbag 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.
2025-06-05, Engine And Engine Cooling
The contact owns a 2008 BMW X5. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, several unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that two minutes later the instrument panel went blank. The contact stated that the infotainment system failed to display an image and a dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the fuel pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V683000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hot
2025-01-25, Suspension
Component Malfunctioned, All dashboard light are on. service check needed immediately. PCV heater not working ,cruise control not working, loose suspensions, knocking noise from the front and rear of the car. Air bags driver and passenger. All other UNKnown problems. I was told my Casey BMW of Newport News Va. That my car had no recalls? I am spending so much money just to try to keep my car updated. I can no longer do it. I am on a fixed income. If you can be of any assistance, please help! Thanks
2024-12-18, Air Bags
Seat Calibration; Airbag/Seat Belt Tensioner, level control system malfunction etc

2008 BMW X5 questions

Does the 2008 BMW X5 have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 10 safety recalls for the 2008 BMW X5: Passenger air bag may explode and spray metal fragments; Driver Airbag Inflator May Explode, Sending Metal Fragments; Passenger airbag may explode and spray metal shrapnel; Passenger airbag inflator may explode, sending metal fragments; PCV Valve Heater Can Short and Cause a Fire. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.

What are the most common problems with the 2008 BMW X5?

Based on 215 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Air Bags (67), Engine (66), Electrical System (35).

How do I check if a recall on my 2008 BMW X5 has been fixed?

Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.

Other BMW X5 years

Other 2008 BMW models