Is the 2008 BMW X5 reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2008 BMW X5 is rated "significantly worse".

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

The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 31% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2008 BMW X5 have?

10 recalls on file for this model year.

2008 BMW X5

■ Significantly worse — known issue year

2008 BMW X5
BUILT 2026-10-10

This year had more than double the complaints of this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

Complaints: 215
Recalls: 10
Investigations: 0
Top problem: Air bags

Complaints per year

2008: 215 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
1999	0
2000	29
2001	160
2002	102
2003	99
2004	64
2005	82
2006	168
2007	71
2008	215
2009	138
2010	124
2011	263
2012	271
2013	149
2014	99
2015	152
2016	74
2017	75
2018	72
2019	189
2020	112
2021	107
2022	68
2023	33
2024	145
2025	62
2026	25

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Air bags

31% · 67 reports

Most commonly citing occupant classification.

CRASH

Engine

31% · 66 reports

FIRE

Show complaint excerpts

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 2023-11-17

Also filed under Electrical system

Electrical system

16% · 35 reports

Most commonly citing 12v/24v/48v battery and instrument cluster/panel.

FIRE

Show complaint excerpts

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 2025-08-16

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 BMW X5. The contact stated that the air conditioner failed to function while attempting to be used. Also, while driving approximately 55 MPH, smoke appeared under the hood of the vehicle.

NHTSA ODI report, 2017-12-29

Also filed under Visibility

Fuel/propulsion system

13% · 29 reports

CRASH

Engine and engine cooling

8% · 17 reports

Most commonly citing turbo/supercharger and cooling system.

FIRE

Show complaint excerpts

I was driving under heavy rain on April 20, 2012 in houston, tx. I first saw engine overheating warning sign on the dash and then misty smoke came out under the hood. I had to get off the highway and drove to a nearby repair shop.

NHTSA ODI report, 2012-04-30

Safety timeline

10 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

▮
2008Complaint volume 215 complaints filed for this model year.
R

2008-05-14Suspension08V170000 BMW is recalling 55 my 2008 X5 sport utility vehicles for problems with the rear axle stabilizer (Anti-sway bar). These vehicles were equipped with a sports-suspension stabilizer rather than a…

Remedy: Dealers will replace the rear axle stabilizer. The recall began on May 14, 2008. Owners may contact BMW at 1-800-831-1117 or via e-mail to customerrelations@bmwusa.com.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2011-01-11Fuel system, gasoline10V518000 BMW IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008 X5 SAVs VEHICLES WITH 6-CYLINDER ENGINES MANUFACTURED FROM NOVEMBER 1, 2007 THROUGH AUGUST 31, 2008. DUE TO A MANUFACTURING PROCESS FAULT, THE FUEL PUMP WAS…

Remedy: Dealers will replace the in-tank fuel pump free of charge. The safety recall began on January 11, 2011. Owners may contact BMW at 1-800-525-7417.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2017-02-08Fuel system, gasoline16V746000 BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2007-2011 BMW X5 3.0si, X5 4.8i, X5 M, X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive48i and X5 xDrive50i, 2008-2011 X6 x Drive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6 M, 2010-2011 X6 ActiveHybrid, 535i xDrive...

Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump module, free of charge. The recall began February 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2017-07-28Air bags16V364000 BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2007-2011 X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i and X5M vehicles, 2009-2011 X5 xDrive35d vehicles, 2008-2011 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6 M vehicles, and 2010-2011...

Remedy: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until they have been repaired. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator or air bag module, free of charge. The recall began July 28, 2017.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2017-12-28Air bags17V020000 BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2012 X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i, X5 M, X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i, and X6 M vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia,...

Remedy: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the remedy is performed. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator or air bag module, free of charge. Interim letters were mailed March 2017.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2018-03-09Air bags18V030000 BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2007-2013 X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i, X5 M, 2009-2010 X5 xDrive35d vehicles and 2009-2013 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i, and X6 M vehicles ever registered in the states of...

Remedy: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the remedy is performed. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger front air bag module, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin March 2018.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2018-06-18Engine and engine cooling17V683000 BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2011 128i and 2007-2011 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 525i, 525xi, 528i, 528xi, 530i, 530xi, X3 3.0si, X3 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive30i, Z4 3.0i, Z4 3.0si and Z4 sDrive30i vehicles.

Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the PCV valve heater, free of charge. Interim letters were mailed on November 27, 2017. Owners will receive a second notification by the end of October 2018.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2019-03-14Air bags19V017000 BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2007-2013 X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i and X5 M vehicles, 2008-2014 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6 M vehicles, 2009-2013 X5 xDrive35d vehicles and 2010-2011 X6...

Remedy: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the remedy is performed. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag module, free of charge. The recall began March 14, 2019.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2020-03-11Air bags20V016000 BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2009-2012 X5 xDrive35d, 2008-2012 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6 M, 2007-2012 X5 30si, X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 48i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i and X5 M and 2010-2011 X6 ActiveHybrid...

Remedy: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until this remedy is performed. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger front air bag, free of charge. The recall began March 11, 2020.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2020-03-11Air bags20V017000 BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2013 128i and 135i Convertibles, 128i, 135i, and M Coupes, 2007-2010 X3 30si and X3 xDrive30i, 2013-2015 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i and X1 xDrive35i, 2007-2013 328i, 328i xDrive, 335i, 335is,...

Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver air bag. On X5 and X6 vehicles, only the inflator will be replaced. All repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began March 11, 2020.

Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2008 BMW X5 — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Air bags: 67 reports on file for this year.
Engine: 66 reports on file for this year.
Electrical system: 35 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 08V170000 · Suspension
Recall 10V518000 · Fuel system, gasoline
Recall 16V746000 · Fuel system, gasoline
Recall 16V364000 · Air bags
Recall 17V020000 · Air bags
Recall 18V030000 · Air bags
Recall 17V683000 · Engine and engine cooling
Recall 19V017000 · Air bags
Recall 20V016000 · Air bags
Recall 20V017000 · Air bags

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 2008 BMW X5 reliable?: Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2008 BMW X5 is rated "significantly worse".
What are the most common problems with the 2008 BMW X5?: The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 31% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2008 BMW X5 have?: 10 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.

2008 BMW X5

Complaints per year

Known problem areas

Air bags

Engine

Electrical system

Fuel/propulsion system

Engine and engine cooling

Safety timeline

Buy-smart checklist

Inspect

Verify these recalls were completed

Other years of this model

▲Best years3 years

■Worst years3 years

FAQ

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years