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).
2008 BMW X5 recalls
Passenger air bag may explode and spray metal fragments
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
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
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
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
The heater for the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve may short circuit.
Passenger Air Bag May Rupture and Spray Metal Fragments
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
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
The passenger-side frontal airbag inflator in certain BMW X5 and X6 vehicles may rupture when the airbags deploy in a crash.
Most common 2008 BMW X5 problems
Problem areas named in the 215 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.
| Problem area | Reports |
|---|---|
| Air Bags | 67 |
| Engine | 66 |
| Electrical System | 35 |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 29 |
| Power Train | 17 |
| Engine And Engine Cooling | 17 |
| Service Brakes | 13 |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 12 |
| Unknown Or Other | 12 |
| Exterior Lighting | 11 |
What owners report
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.
Airbag light is on for passenger and fuel injectors messed up. This is a 2008 and other ones had recalls. I donât 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.
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
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
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.