FaultScore

FaultScore report

2008 BMW X5 SAV problems

Owners have filed 34 complaints about the 2008 BMW X5 SAV with NHTSA between 2014 and 2019. The largest single group is the airbags. Across this model's run it ranks 4 of 8 worst.

B

FaultScore 37/100

Higher is worse. Measured against the other years of the BMW X5 SAV.

How this is worked out

The numbers

34

Complaints

1

Crashes reported

0

Fires reported

1

Injuries reported

69,000 mi

Median mileage at failure

Half of reported failures happened before this

13%

Failed under 36,000 miles

Inside a typical bumper-to-bumper warranty

What kind of bad

The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.

Complaint volume 47 vs 50 Severity 30 vs 50 Early failure 21 vs 50
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 47
Against the median year of the BMW X5 SAV. 50 means typical for this model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 30
5.9% of these complaints involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of 9.7%.
Early failure — 21
13% of failures with a mileage on record happened under 36,000 miles, against a national rate of 29%.

How 2008 compares with every other BMW X5 SAV

Click any bar to open that year's report.

Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade: A B C D F ungraded

What breaks on a 2008 BMW X5 SAV

Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.

Airbags 9 26.5%

1 crashes, 0 fires · median 72,155 mi

Brakes 4 11.8%

Median failure at 91,000 miles

Electrical System 4 11.8%

Median failure at 70,806 miles

Engine & Cooling 4 11.8%

Median failure at 68,000 miles

Seats 3 8.8%

Median failure at 61,250 miles

Fuel & Propulsion 3 8.8%

Median failure at 92,500 miles

Seat Belts 2 5.9%

Median failure at 46,625 miles

Acceleration & Cruise Control 2 5.9%

Median failure at 76,000 miles

Transmission & Drivetrain 2 5.9%

Median failure at 77,524 miles

Lights 1 2.9%

Median failure at 61,000 miles

When it fails

Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all complaints include one.

25,000 – 49,999 miles 4 16.7%
50,000 – 74,999 miles 11 45.8%
75,000 – 99,999 miles 6 25.0%
100,000 – 149,999 miles 3 12.5%

When owners complained

A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single owner can see from inside their own car.

Mar 2014 peak 7 Mar 2019

NHTSA investigations into the 2008 BMW X5 SAV

An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.

1 investigation is still open.

EA21002 Opened 17 Sep 2021 Still open AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture

From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.C...

Recalls on the 2008 BMW X5 SAV

A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous enough to fix for free — however old the car is.

United States — NHTSA

22V119000

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CRANKCASE (PCV)

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.

Risk: An electrical short can cause the PCV valve heater to overheat, increasing the risk of a fire while driving or, soon after driving when parked.

16V071000

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

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.

Risk: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

13V045000

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST

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.

Risk: The loss of power assist in braking could increase stopping distance and lead to a vehicle crash.

Recalls cover specific build ranges, so check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or, in Canada, Transport Canada.

Complaints that involved harm

Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.

at 83,061 miles Mcallen, TX Crash 2 injured

AIR BAGS

TRAVELING ON EXPRESSWAY AT APPROX 60 MPH COLLIDED WITH A VEHICLE HITTING HIM ON REAR. I SUSTAINED INJURY TO MY CHEST AS A RESULT OF IMPACT AGAINST THE STEERING WHEEL BECAUSE THE AIRBAG DIDN'T DEPLOY. I LEARNED THAT BMW HAS RECALLED AIRBAGS ON SEVERAL MODELS AND BELIEVE THE 2008 X5S SHOULD BE INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. MY VEHICLE IS AT A COLLISION CENTER BUT I CAN MAKE IT AVAILABLE IN CASE NHTSA EXPERTS WOULD LIKE TO INVESTIGATE IF AIRBAG SENSORS ARE WORKING PROPERLY ON THIS MODEL. IF INDEED THE AIRBAGS ON THE 2008 BMW X 5S ARE NOT WORKING PROPERLY, I'D LIKE FOR THE MANUFACTURER TO CREATE PUBLIC AWARENESS TO PREVENT ANY SERIOUS INJURIES AND/OR FATALITIES FROM HAPPENING.

NHTSA complaint #10606584 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

The most recent complaints

In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.

at 61,250 miles Marietta, GA

SEATS

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.

NHTSA complaint #11183395 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 61,250 miles Marietta, GA

SEAT BELTS

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.

NHTSA complaint #11183395 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 61,250 miles Marietta, GA

AIR BAGS

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.

NHTSA complaint #11183395 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Laguna Niguel, CA

AIR BAGS

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.

NHTSA complaint #11044739 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

NEW Rochelle, NY

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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

NHTSA complaint #11011505 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 37,700 miles Rockville, MD

ENGINE

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.

NHTSA complaint #10979346 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 85,000 miles Pensacola, FL

POWER TRAIN

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.

NHTSA complaint #10966379 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 85,000 miles Pensacola, FL

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

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.

NHTSA complaint #10966379 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 85,000 miles Pensacola, FL

ENGINE

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.

NHTSA complaint #10966379 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Hampton Bays, NY

AIR BAGS

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.

NHTSA complaint #10966098 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Kapolei, HI

AIR BAGS

"TAKATA RECALL" AIRBAGS HAVE NOT BEEN REPLACED NOR SERVICED. RECALL CAMPAIGN 13V-045: INSPECT BRAKE BOOSTER VACUUM SUPPLY LINE. INVOLVES THE E70 (X5) WITH THE N62TU ENGINE PRODUCED FROM SEPTEMBER 2006 TO MARCH 2010. SI B34 04 13 (LABOR OPERATION 00 61 028)- BRAKE BOOSTER VACUUM SUPPLY LINE WAS REPLACED IN JULY 2013 AT BMW HAWAI'I ... REQUESTING SAFETY RECALL REPAIR PROCEDURE FOR LABOR OPERATIONS 00 61 029 AND SUBLET CODE 4. DUE TO BRAKE BOOSTER 'TOTAL FAILURE'. VEHICLE WILL CONTINUE TO SLIGHTLY MOVE FORWARD WITH BRAKE PEDDLE FULLY PRESSED. VEHICLE WILL MOVE FORWARD WITH BRAKE PEDDLE FULLY PRESSED WHEN VEHICLE IS PLACED IN DRIVE. EXTREMELY DANGEROUS TO TRAVEL UPHILL OR DOWN HILL BECAUSE VEHICLE WILL NOT REMAIN STATIONARY WITH BRAKE FULLY PRESSED. OWNER UNAWARE OF BRAKE BOOSTER FAILURE DUE TO HAVING NO KNOWLEDGE OF BRAKE MECHANICS. ANNOTATED TOTAL FAILURE OF BRAKE BOOSTER AND POSSIBLE BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER. SI B34 04 13 - IF A PRIOR REPAIR WAS PERFORMED- APPLICABLE RECALL PROCEDURESMUST BE STILL PERFORMED. THE REPAIR DESCRIBED IN THIS BULLETIN IS COVERED UNDER WARRANTY REGARDLESS OF TIME OR MILEAGE (P. 4-5).

NHTSA complaint #10958745 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Kapolei, HI

SERVICE BRAKES

"TAKATA RECALL" AIRBAGS HAVE NOT BEEN REPLACED NOR SERVICED. RECALL CAMPAIGN 13V-045: INSPECT BRAKE BOOSTER VACUUM SUPPLY LINE. INVOLVES THE E70 (X5) WITH THE N62TU ENGINE PRODUCED FROM SEPTEMBER 2006 TO MARCH 2010. SI B34 04 13 (LABOR OPERATION 00 61 028)- BRAKE BOOSTER VACUUM SUPPLY LINE WAS REPLACED IN JULY 2013 AT BMW HAWAI'I ... REQUESTING SAFETY RECALL REPAIR PROCEDURE FOR LABOR OPERATIONS 00 61 029 AND SUBLET CODE 4. DUE TO BRAKE BOOSTER 'TOTAL FAILURE'. VEHICLE WILL CONTINUE TO SLIGHTLY MOVE FORWARD WITH BRAKE PEDDLE FULLY PRESSED. VEHICLE WILL MOVE FORWARD WITH BRAKE PEDDLE FULLY PRESSED WHEN VEHICLE IS PLACED IN DRIVE. EXTREMELY DANGEROUS TO TRAVEL UPHILL OR DOWN HILL BECAUSE VEHICLE WILL NOT REMAIN STATIONARY WITH BRAKE FULLY PRESSED. OWNER UNAWARE OF BRAKE BOOSTER FAILURE DUE TO HAVING NO KNOWLEDGE OF BRAKE MECHANICS. ANNOTATED TOTAL FAILURE OF BRAKE BOOSTER AND POSSIBLE BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER. SI B34 04 13 - IF A PRIOR REPAIR WAS PERFORMED- APPLICABLE RECALL PROCEDURESMUST BE STILL PERFORMED. THE REPAIR DESCRIBED IN THIS BULLETIN IS COVERED UNDER WARRANTY REGARDLESS OF TIME OR MILEAGE (P. 4-5).

NHTSA complaint #10958745 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Kapolei, HI

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

"TAKATA RECALL" AIRBAGS HAVE NOT BEEN REPLACED NOR SERVICED. RECALL CAMPAIGN 13V-045: INSPECT BRAKE BOOSTER VACUUM SUPPLY LINE. INVOLVES THE E70 (X5) WITH THE N62TU ENGINE PRODUCED FROM SEPTEMBER 2006 TO MARCH 2010. SI B34 04 13 (LABOR OPERATION 00 61 028)- BRAKE BOOSTER VACUUM SUPPLY LINE WAS REPLACED IN JULY 2013 AT BMW HAWAI'I ... REQUESTING SAFETY RECALL REPAIR PROCEDURE FOR LABOR OPERATIONS 00 61 029 AND SUBLET CODE 4. DUE TO BRAKE BOOSTER 'TOTAL FAILURE'. VEHICLE WILL CONTINUE TO SLIGHTLY MOVE FORWARD WITH BRAKE PEDDLE FULLY PRESSED. VEHICLE WILL MOVE FORWARD WITH BRAKE PEDDLE FULLY PRESSED WHEN VEHICLE IS PLACED IN DRIVE. EXTREMELY DANGEROUS TO TRAVEL UPHILL OR DOWN HILL BECAUSE VEHICLE WILL NOT REMAIN STATIONARY WITH BRAKE FULLY PRESSED. OWNER UNAWARE OF BRAKE BOOSTER FAILURE DUE TO HAVING NO KNOWLEDGE OF BRAKE MECHANICS. ANNOTATED TOTAL FAILURE OF BRAKE BOOSTER AND POSSIBLE BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER. SI B34 04 13 - IF A PRIOR REPAIR WAS PERFORMED- APPLICABLE RECALL PROCEDURESMUST BE STILL PERFORMED. THE REPAIR DESCRIBED IN THIS BULLETIN IS COVERED UNDER WARRANTY REGARDLESS OF TIME OR MILEAGE (P. 4-5).

NHTSA complaint #10958745 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Laguna Nigue, CA

AIR BAGS

TAKATA RECALL. I RECEIVED A NOTIFICATION BY MAIL FROM BMW THAT MY VEHICLE IS INCLUDED IN THE RECALL AND THAT THE DRIVER'S AND PASSENGER'S FRONT AIRBAGS WILL BE REPLACED. I RECEIVED THE LETTERS IN MARCH 2016 (RECALL CAMPAIGN # 16V-071) AND JULY 2016 (CAMPAIGN RECALL # 16V-364). I CALLED BMW OF NORTH AMERICA REGARDING THESE RECALLS AND I WAS TOLD THAT I SHOULD BE RECEIVE A LETTER OF THE AVAILABILITY OF THE REPLACEMENT PARTS TOWARDS THE END OF SUMMER 2016. WE ARE APPROACHING THE START OF SUMMER 2017 AND I HAVE NOT HEARD ANYTHING FROM BMW REGARDING THIS MATTER. I DO NOT KNOW IF BMW IS STILL GOING TO FIX THIS DEFECT. THIS IS A VERY IMPORTANT MATTER THAT NEEDS TO BE RESOLVED AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.

NHTSA complaint #10957439 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Irvine, CA

AIR BAGS

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.

NHTSA complaint #10920384 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 118,000 miles West Hartford, CT

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

ON SEPTEMBER 2, AROUND MIDNIGHT, AFTER ABOUT 30 MINUTES OF STOP AND GO TRAFFIC AT THE BORDER, MY 2008 BMW SAV X5 AWD 4DR 3.0I COUGHED, CHOKED, STOPPED AND REFUSED TO BE REVIVED. WE WERE AT THE FRONT OF A LONG LINE OF FOLKS HEADING THROUGH CUSTOMS INTO CANADA. YES, AT THE HEAD OF THE LINE. IT WAS SO EMBARRASSING! AFTER FUSSING FOR ANOTHER 30 MINUTES TRYING TO GET IT INTO NEUTRAL, SEVERAL ABLE BODIED CANADIAN CUSTOMS OFFICERS PUSHED IT INTO THEIR COUNTRY. THE TOW TRUCK DRIVER CAME ANOTHER 40 MINUTES LATER AND TOOK US TO A BMW SERVICE SHOP IN MONTREAL. SIRS, WHAT'S SO HARD TO SWALLOW ABOUT THIS BREAKDOWN IS THAT WE COMPLETED THE ROUTINE MAINTENANCE SERVICE ON THE CAR JUST 7 DAYS BEFORE AT NEW COUNTRY BMW IN HARTFORD, CT. WITH THE EXCEPTION OF A NEGLIGIBLE OIL LEAK THAT THEY SAID WAS NO PROBLEM, I WAS ASSURED THAT MY CAR WAS FINE. BUT, IT TURNS OUT THAT IT WAS NOT; AND LIKE AN INCREASINGLY LARGE NUMBER OF BMWS, THE FUEL PUMP FAILED. WHAT'S MORE, IT IS CLEAR TO ME NOW THAT, BACK IN 2014, THE CAR WAS FAILING TO START AND WOULD CUT OFF WHILE DRIVING AROUND MY TOWN (I WAS TOO AFRAID TO TAKE IT ON THE HIGHWAY AT THAT TIME). ON MORE THAN ONE OCCASION, I TOOK IT IN FOR SERVICING AND EVENTUALLY IT WAS 'FIXED (THOUGH THE FUEL PUMP WAS NEVER REPLACED UNTIL THIS LAST FAILURE). AND SO, I SUSPECT THAT I HAVE PAID FOR A MANUFACTURING DEFECT AT LEAST THREE TIMES AND I'M SICK OF IT. I THINK THAT BMW SHOULD REIMBURSE ME FOR THE REPAIR AND THE COST OF TOWING AND THE RENTAL TO LEAVE CA AND RETURN TO PICK UP THE CAR.

NHTSA complaint #10910984 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 61,000 miles Lake Elsinore, CA

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

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

NHTSA complaint #10881530 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 70,806 miles Marietta, GA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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.

NHTSA complaint #10825005 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 91,000 miles Beaverton, OR

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

THE REAR BRAKE LIGHTS MOUNTED IN THE TAILGATE FAILED. THIS IS DUE TO A KNOWN FAULT ON THE E70 MODEL, WHERE THE POOR QUALITY SEALANT AND METHOD USED TO PREVENT THE INGRESS OF WATER INTO THE LAMP HOUSING FAILS. THIS LEADS TO CORROSION OF THE CONNECTOR HOUSINGS AND THE FAILURE OF THE UNIT WHICH MUST BE REPLACED IN ITS ENTIRITY AT GREAT COST. AS BMW ARE AWARE OF THIS HAPPENING (INDEED THEY ISSUED A SERVICE BULLETIN ADMITTING SAME ) SI B 63 11 10 AND THE ITEM IS A SAFETY COMPONENT, I FEEL THE CARS SHOULD BE RECALLED AND THE WORK UNDERTAKEN AT THE COST OF BMW AND NOT THE UNFORTUNATE OWNERS. THEY SHOULD AT THE VERY LEAST, REPLACE THE SEALS WITH THE UPDATED ITEM (A NEOPRENE GASKET RATHER THAN SOMETHING RESEMBLING BATHROOM CAULK) AT THE NEXT SHEDULED SERVICE BEFORE THE DRIVER FINDS THEMSELVES WITH TWO FAILED BRAKE LIGHT UNITS?

NHTSA complaint #10721584 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 91,000 miles Beaverton, OR

SERVICE BRAKES

THE REAR BRAKE LIGHTS MOUNTED IN THE TAILGATE FAILED. THIS IS DUE TO A KNOWN FAULT ON THE E70 MODEL, WHERE THE POOR QUALITY SEALANT AND METHOD USED TO PREVENT THE INGRESS OF WATER INTO THE LAMP HOUSING FAILS. THIS LEADS TO CORROSION OF THE CONNECTOR HOUSINGS AND THE FAILURE OF THE UNIT WHICH MUST BE REPLACED IN ITS ENTIRITY AT GREAT COST. AS BMW ARE AWARE OF THIS HAPPENING (INDEED THEY ISSUED A SERVICE BULLETIN ADMITTING SAME ) SI B 63 11 10 AND THE ITEM IS A SAFETY COMPONENT, I FEEL THE CARS SHOULD BE RECALLED AND THE WORK UNDERTAKEN AT THE COST OF BMW AND NOT THE UNFORTUNATE OWNERS. THEY SHOULD AT THE VERY LEAST, REPLACE THE SEALS WITH THE UPDATED ITEM (A NEOPRENE GASKET RATHER THAN SOMETHING RESEMBLING BATHROOM CAULK) AT THE NEXT SHEDULED SERVICE BEFORE THE DRIVER FINDS THEMSELVES WITH TWO FAILED BRAKE LIGHT UNITS?

NHTSA complaint #10721584 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 114,511 miles Mooresville, NC

SEATS

FRONT PASSENGER SEAT AIRBAG SENSOR FAILURE.

NHTSA complaint #10681079 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 114,511 miles Mooresville, NC

AIR BAGS

FRONT PASSENGER SEAT AIRBAG SENSOR FAILURE.

NHTSA complaint #10681079 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 32,000 miles Fountain Valley, CA

SEATS

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.

NHTSA complaint #10650153 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 32,000 miles Fountain Valley, CA

SEAT BELTS

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.

NHTSA complaint #10650153 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 32,000 miles Fountain Valley, CA

AIR BAGS

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.

NHTSA complaint #10650153 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.