2008 BMW X5 Sav: problems, recalls and reliability
3 recalls and 20 owner complaints on record; most reports concern air bags.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Mar 2022
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 20 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“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.”Owner report · Seat Belts · Feb 2019
“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”Owner report · Electrical System · Jun 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.”Owner report · Engine · Mar 2017
Show 7 more owner reports
“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.”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · Mar 2017
“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.”Owner report · Air Bags · Mar 2017
“Takata recall. Bmw north america and my local bmw dealership in irvine, california have not provided options for alternative transportation while waiting for parts to become available to complete the air bag replacement. *tr”Owner report · Air Bags · Oct 2016
“I opened the drivers side panel to replace the bulbs but found that the drivers side brake light housing was burned and melted and needed to be replaced. After looking over other lightening complaints, it seems as though this is a common issue with the 2008 bmw x5 and a potential fire hazard. This should be addressed by bmw before there are any fires as a result of the defective tail light housing”Owner report · Exterior Lighting · Jun 2016
“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.”Owner report · Air Bags · Apr 2016
“After parking suv, drivers side door will not unlock/open with double pull, however, using unlock button (unlocks all doors) door will unlock. In an accident, especially one involving fire, this could be a fatal safety issue. Worked fine up until yesterday, now it won't unlock; made three trips in the vehicle yesterday and the issue occurred all three times after parking.”Owner report · Electrical System · Feb 2016
“My son lean forward and turned left to grab an item from my daughter in the back seat. All of the sudden the passenger safety restraint system malfunction light came on. Now it comes on continuously when a front seat passenger moves slightly. I researched online and noted that recall has been done for numerous bmw cars, but just not my year model. I believe this is manufacture defect and they should fix it. *tr”Owner report · Seats · Oct 2014
When filing, owners marked a crash in 1 of these complaints and injuries in 2 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 3 campaigns
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.
Remedy: 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.
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.
Remedy: 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.
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.
Remedy: 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.
How other years compare
Counts are not adjusted for time on the road here - see all X5 Sav years ranked fairly for the age-adjusted comparison.
Check your exact X5 Sav by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2008 BMW X5 Sav reliable?
NHTSA has 20 owner complaints and 3 recall campaigns on record for the 2008 BMW X5 Sav. The most complained-about area is air bags.
Does the 2008 BMW X5 Sav have open recalls?
3 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning engine and engine cooling. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.