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ProblemsByVin File / 2008-BMW-X5
2008 · BMW

BMW X5 problems

2 safety recalls. 333 owner complaints. We mapped every trouble spot before you sign the papers.

0 5 10
Reliability score
6.4 / 10

Average for the segment. Some recurring trouble spots worth knowing about.

1
Critical
1
Severe
0
Moderate

Top trouble spots 8 categories with 3+ complaints

engine
93 reports · avg $3,100
moderate
airbags
71 reports · avg $1,100
severe
fuel system
43 reports · avg $1,200
moderate
electrical
42 reports · avg $850
severe
powertrain
24 reports · avg $2,500
moderate
brakes
15 reports · avg $450
severe
lighting
13 reports · avg $250
severe
cruise control
3 reports · avg $600
moderate

What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim

2008 X5 · powertrain
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BMW X5. WHILE DRIVING OVER 40 MPH, AN ABNORMAL LOUD NOISE COULD BE HEARD FROM UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE DRIVESHAFT JOINTS WERE…
12/30/2016 · NHTSA ODI #10938746.0
2008 X5 · lighting Fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BMW X5. THE CONTACT STATED THAT A WARNING LIGHT ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL INDICATED THE REAR DRIVERS SIDE BRAKE LIGHT HAD MALFUNCTIONED. AFTER REMOVING THE BRAKE LIGHT ASSEMBLY IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE BULB HOUSING HAD MELTED AND WAS DAMAGED. THE…
12/29/2017 · NHTSA ODI #11057278.0
2008 X5 · electrical Fire
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. THE CONTACT COASTED THE VEHICLE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE…
12/29/2017 · NHTSA ODI #11057339.0
2008 X5 · engine
TL- THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BMW 535. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 60 MPH WHEN THE VEHICLE OVERHEATED AND STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING WHERE THE DEALER ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE ELECTRICAL WATER PUMP AND THERMOSTAT MALFUNCTIONED AND NEEDED…
12/28/2011 · NHTSA ODI #10441547.0

Estimate your repair exposure

Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.

0 mi 200k mi
At 80,000 miles
Likely repair cost in next 24 months
$0

Active recalls showing 2 of 2

critical NHTSA 10V518000 26/10/2010

BMW IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008 X5 SAVs VEHICLES WITH 6-CYLINDER ENGINES MANUFACTURED FROM NOVEMBER 1, 2007 THROUGH AUGUST 31, 2008

THIS WEAR COULD LEAD TO FUEL PUMP MALFUNCTION AND ENGINE STALLING. ENGINE STALLING COULD CREATE A POTENTIAL FOR A CRASH RESULTING IN INJURY OR DEATH.

Fix: 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.
severe NHTSA 08V170000 11/04/2008

BMW IS RECALLING 55 MY 2008 X5 SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES FOR PROBLEMS WITH THE REAR AXLE STABILIZER (ANTI-SWAY BAR)

IN CERTAIN DRIVING CONDITIONS, SUCH AS FAST LANE CHANGES AT HIGH SPEED, THE VEHICLE COULD EXPERIENCE AN 'OVER-STEER' BEHAVIOR AFFECTING VEHICLE HANDLING AND CONTROL, WHICH COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Fix: 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.

Common questions

Is the 2008 BMW X5 reliable?

It's got known weak points. With a reliability score of 6.4 out of 10 based on 333 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2008 BMW X5 has a higher-than-average rate of reported issues. The areas to watch are listed above. Whether it's worth owning depends on price, condition, and how much repair exposure you can absorb.

What's the most common problem on the 2008 BMW X5?

Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is engine, with 93 complaints filed. Average repair cost runs about $3,100 at an independent shop.

What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?

The engine is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $3,100 at an independent shop. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.

How do I check if my BMW X5 has open recalls?

Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.

Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2008 BMW X5?

Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 333 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $3,100, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans aren't always better value.

Related vehicles

Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database, last synced 1 day ago. Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics. We are not affiliated with BMW. Some links on this page are affiliate links and we may earn a commission if you complete a quote or purchase.
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