2008 Bmw X5 - Ratings, Complaints and Recalls

The 2008 BMW X5 received a front crash driver side rating of 5 and a front crash passenger side rating of 4, indicating good safety performance in frontal collisions. In side crash tests, both the driver and passenger side received a high rating of 5. The rollover rating was 4 out of 5, suggesting a moderate risk of rollover. This vehicle comes equipped with electronic stability control, which is a significant safety feature for maintaining control in difficult driving conditions. However, it does not have forward collision warning or lane departure warning systems.

Despite its solid safety ratings, it is important to note that the BMW X5 has had 327 complaints reported and 16 recalls issued. It's crucial for owners to address any recalls promptly to ensure the vehicle is safe to drive. Overall, the BMW X5 provides good protection in crash scenarios, especially with the inclusion of stability control, but owners should remain aware of any potential issues highlighted by the reported complaints and recalls.

Top stats at a glance

Complaint Count

327

Recall Count

16

Investigation Count

1

Safety Rating

Not Rated

Search Vehicle Details

Advanced Search

The advanced search lets you search by safety ratings and features. This will return a list of vehicles that match your search criteria.

Safety Features

2008 BMW X5 4-DR. w/SAB Safety Features

Here are the safety features that come as standard on the 2008 BMW X5 4-DR. w/SAB

Electronic Stability Control (ESC)

ESC is an advanced safety feature in vehicles designed to help drivers maintain control during challenging driving conditions. By continuously monitoring various factors such as steering angle, vehicle speed, and individual wheel speeds, ESC can detect and reduce the risk of skidding or loss of control. It achieves this by automatically applying brakes to specific wheels to stabilize the vehicle.

Standard
Forward Collision Warning (FCW)

Forward Collision Warning (FCW) is a safety feature in vehicles that helps prevent frontal collisions by alerting the driver of an imminent collision with a vehicle or obstacle ahead. Using sensors such as radar or cameras, FCW monitors the distance and speed of vehicles in front, and if it detects a potential collision, it provides visual and/or auditory warnings to prompt the driver to take evasive action.

No
Lane Departure Warning (LDW)

Lane Departure Warning (LDW) is a safety feature in vehicles that alerts drivers when their vehicle unintentionally drifts out of its lane without signaling. Utilizing cameras or sensors to monitor lane markings on the road, LDW detects when the vehicle crosses these lines and triggers visual, auditory, or haptic alerts to notify the driver of potential lane departure.

No

2008 BMW X5 4-DR. w/SAB Safety Ratings

Here we have the crash and rollover ratings for the 2008 BMW X5 4-DR. w/SAB Where possible we've included the ratings for the oldest and latest models of this car so you can compare how the safety ratings have changed over time.

Frontal Crash Ratings

Combines Driver and Passenger star ratings into a single frontal rating. The frontal barrier test simulates a head-on collision between two similar vehicles, each moving at 35 mph.

Test 2005 Score 2008 Score 2024 Score
Overall Front Crash Rating Not Rated Not Rated 4
Front Crash Driver Side Rating 5 5 4
Front Crash Passenger Side Rating 5 4 4

Side Crash Ratings

Combines Side Barrier and Side Pole Star Ratings into a single side rating.

Test 2005 Score 2008 Score 2024 Score
Overall Side Crash Rating Not Rated Not Rated 5
Side Crash Drivers Side Rating 4 5 5
Side Crash Passenger Side Rating 5 5 5
Combined Side Barrier Pole Rating - Front Not Rated Not Rated 5
Combined Side Barrier Pole Rating - Rear Not Rated Not Rated 5
Overall Side Barrier Rating Not Rated Not Rated 5

Rollover Ratings

The Rollover Resistance test measures the risk of rollover in a single-vehicle, loss-of-control scenario.

Test 2005 Score 2008 Score 2024 Score
Rollover Rating Not Rated 4 Not Rated
Rollover Possibility % 0% 0% 0%
Dynamic Tip Result No Tip
Side Pole Crash Rating Not Rated Not Rated 5

Complaints for the 2008 Bmw X5

This chart show the number of complaints for each car component. A Higher number of complaints could indicate that this car might have a common fault. Something to look out for when purchasing one.

Component Complaints

Choose a component to see what complaints people have made about them.

Complaint:
"the contact owns a 2008 bmw x5. the contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the air bags warning light was illuminated. there was an abnormal chiming sound detected. additionally, the digital screen was obstructed. the vehicle was taken to the local dealer and diagnosed the sensor mat needing to be replaced. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the failure mileage was 117,000."
Components Involved: AIR BAGS
Date of incident: 2021-01-03

Complaint:
"tl* the contact owns a 2008 bmw x5. while driving 40 mph, the contact depressed the accelerator pedal instead of the brake pedal. as a result, the vehicle crashed into the wall of a church. the frontal air bags did not deploy. the driver was sore, but there were no injuries. a police report was not filed. the vehicle was taken to peake bmw (2630 veterans memorial blvd, kenner, la 70062, (504) 469-6165), but the parts were not available for the air bag repair initially. a few months later, the dealer called the contact back to schedule an appointment to replace the air bags per an unknown recall, but the parts were not available again. the manufacturer was contacted by letter and they stated that the crash was not serious enough for the air bags to deploy. the failure mileage was 102,000. *tr *js .*bf consumer stated car remote key malfunctioned.*jb"
Components Involved: AIR BAGS
Date of incident: 2017-07-05

Complaint:
"it fault in passenger-restraint system affecting airbag, belt tensioner or belt-force limiter. continue to wear the safety belf."
Components Involved: AIR BAGS
Date of incident: 2019-03-10

Complaint:
"tl* the contact owns a 2008 bmw x5. after retrieving the vehicle from the independent mechanic, the driver's side air bag warning indicator illuminated; however, the passenger side air bag was off. the vehicle was taken to bmw concord (1967 market st, concord, ca 94520, (925) 682-3577) where it was diagnosed that there was a cracked sensor in the passenger seat that needed replacement. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was not informed of the failure. the failure mileage and vin were not available."
Components Involved: AIR BAGS
Date of incident: 2018-04-06

Complaint:
"tl* the contact owns a 2008 bmw x5. the contact received notification of nhtsa campaign numbers: 16v071000 (air bags) and 17v020000 (air bags); however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. the contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. bmw of manhattan (555 w 57th st, new york, ny 10019) was made aware of the recall and stated that the parts were unavailable. the manufacturer was made aware of the issue. the contact had not experienced a failure. parts distribution disconnect."
Components Involved: AIR BAGS
Date of incident: 2016-05-02

Complaint:
"tl* takata recall. the contact owns a 2008 bmw x5. the contact stated that nhtsa campaign numbers: 16v071000 (air bags) and 16v364000 (air bags) exceeded a reasonable amount of time for repair. the dealer (bmw of springfield, 391 u.s 22, springfield township, nj 07081) stated that the parts were unavailable for the repair. the contact also contacted bmw of bloomfield (425 bloomfield ave, bloomfield, nj 07003) where it was confirmed that parts were unavailable for the repair. the manufacturer was not contacted. the contact had not experienced a failure. parts distribution disconnect."
Components Involved: AIR BAGS
Date of incident: 2016-05-02

Complaint:
""takata recall' i think the dealers are not doing the right job for this recal li had the driver-side airbag recall done at bmw south albany ny and the passenger side at keeler bmw ny and i still have the airbag warning light on......... attached photo i dont feel safe driving this car please help"
Components Involved: AIR BAGS
Date of incident: 2019-03-12

Complaint:
"vehicle has 0 recalls -- passenger airbag inflator was recalled 12 months ago --- contact called her local dealership they are refusing to fix vehicle stated there are no recalls ---- contact was given bmw number -- called bmw north america -- stated vehicle was used in military overseas that there is a passenger side airbag recall--- has not been replaced-- dealership stated no problem with airbag does not have a recall. -- contact had received a recall letter from bmw in september of 2017.0recalls associated with this vin-- cb"
Components Involved: AIR BAGS
Date of incident: 2018-03-09

Complaint:
"tl* the contact owns a 2008 bmw x5. the contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 17v020000 (air bags); however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. the contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. the contact called bmw of manhattan at 212-586-2269 and was informed that the parts were not available. the manufacturer was notified. the contact had not experienced a failure. vin tool confirms parts not available."
Components Involved: AIR BAGS
Date of incident: 2017-04-03

Complaint:
"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."
Components Involved: AIR BAGS
Date of incident: 2016-12-04

Recalls for the 2008 Bmw X5

Component Recalls

Choose a component to see what recalls people have made about them.

Recall:
"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 activehybrid vehicles. these vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. in the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling."
Consequence:
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy:

BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag module, free of charge. The recall began March 14, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Component(s) Involved: AIR BAGS > FRONTAL > PASSENGER SIDE > INFLATOR MODULE
Date of incident: 2019-01-14

Recall:
"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 vehicles equipped with non-desiccated, passenger frontal air bag inflators containing phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (pspi-2) propellant that were used as interim remedy parts for previous takata recalls. these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling."
Consequence:
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy:

BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger front air bag, free of charge. The recall began March 11, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Component(s) Involved: AIR BAGS > FRONTAL > PASSENGER SIDE > INFLATOR MODULE
Date of incident: 2020-01-15

Recall:
"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 alabama, california, florida, georgia, hawaii, louisiana, mississippi, south carolina, texas, puerto rico, american samoa, guam, the northern mariana islands (saipan), and the u.s. virgin islands or "zone a." bmw is also recalling certain 2007-2010 x5 xdrive30i, x5 xdrive35i, x5 xdrive48i, x5 xdrive50i, x5 m, x5 xdrive35d, x6 xdrive35i, x6 xdrive50i and x6m vehicles ever registered in the states of arizona, arkansas, delaware, district of columbia, illinois, indiana, kansas, kentucky, maryland, missouri, nebraska, nevada, new jersey, new mexico, north carolina, ohio, oklahoma, pennsylvania, tennessee, virginia, and west virginia or "zone b." bmw is also recalling certain 2007-2009 x5 xdrive30i, x5 xdrive35i, x5 xdrive48i, x5 xdrive50i, x5 m, x5 xdrive35d, x6 xdrive35i,..."
Consequence:
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy:

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. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Component(s) Involved: AIR BAGS > FRONTAL > PASSENGER SIDE > INFLATOR MODULE
Date of incident: 2018-01-09

Recall:
"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, hawaii, louisiana, mississippi, south carolina, texas, puerto rico, american samoa, guam, the northern mariana islands (saipan), and the u.s. virgin islands, or "zone a." additionally, unless included in "zone a" above, bmw is recalling certain 2009 x5 xdrive30i, x5 xdrive35i, x5 xdrive48i, x5 xdrive50i, and x5 m vehicles, 2008-2009 x6 xdrive 35i, x6 xdrive50i, x6 m, and 2009 x5 xdrive35d vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in arizona, arkansas, delaware, district of columbia, illinois, indiana, kansas, kentucky, maryland, missouri, nebraska, nevada, new jersey, new mexico, north carolina, ohio, oklahoma, pennsylvania, tennessee, virginia, and west virginia, or "zone b." additionally, unless included in "zone a" or "zone b" above, bmw is recalling certain..."
Consequence:
An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy:

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. Owners will receive a second notice when remedy parts become available. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Component(s) Involved: AIR BAGS > FRONTAL > PASSENGER SIDE > INFLATOR MODULE
Date of incident: 2017-01-10

Recall:
"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 x6 activehybrid vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in alabama, california, florida, georgia, hawaii, louisiana, mississippi, south carolina, texas, puerto rico, american samoa, guam, the northern mariana islands (saipan), and the u.s. virgin islands, or "zone a." additionally, unless included in "zone a" above, bmw is recalling certain model year 2007-2008 x5 xdrive30i, x5 xdrive35i, x5 xdrive48i, x5 xdrive50i and x5m vehicles, and 2008 bmw x6 xdrive35i, x6 xdrive50i and x6 m vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in arizona, arkansas, delaware, district of columbia, illinois, indiana, kansas, kentucky, maryland, missouri, nebraska, nevada, new jersey, new mexico, north carolina, ohio, oklahoma, pennsylvania, tennessee, virginia, and west virginia, or "zone b." vehicles of..."
Consequence:
An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy:

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. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Component(s) Involved: AIR BAGS > FRONTAL > PASSENGER SIDE > INFLATOR MODULE
Date of incident: 2016-05-26

BMW Overall Complaint Ranking

This table shows the ranking of car manufacturers when it comes to most complaints and recalls. The manufacturer with the most complaints is at the top. However this doesn't necassarily mean they should be avoided. Some manufacturers might just have more popular or affordable cars which a lot of people have bought. Which means there's more scope for a complaint to be made. Use the ranking table below as a part your wider research into buying a car.

BMW ranks 12 out of 44 in the complaints ranking table.

Manufacturer Complaint Count Recall Count Ranking
FORD 208,358 3,259 1
CHEVROLET 111,306 2,082 2
TOYOTA 81,019 1,852 3
HONDA 61,937 1,268 4
NISSAN 56,226 930 5
DODGE 45,756 827 6
HYUNDAI 44,150 649 7
GMC 34,441 1,410 8
KIA 29,832 501 9
CHRYSLER 27,698 254 10
TESLA 26,230 730 11
BMW 24,890 1,877 12
VOLKSWAGEN 23,125 829 13
MERCEDES-BENZ 19,066 2,925 14
SUBARU 18,513 703 15
MAZDA 10,599 364 16
PONTIAC 10,430 138 17
CADILLAC 9,434 444 18
AUDI 7,865 1,093 19
BUICK 7,851 279 20
SATURN 7,672 84 21
MERCURY 7,374 135 22
LEXUS 6,373 408 23
LINCOLN 5,897 423 24
ACURA 5,722 382 25
MINI 5,585 366 26
INFINITI 4,000 187 27
MITSUBISHI 3,912 397 28
VOLVO 3,875 727 29
PORSCHE 2,646 1,231 30
SUZUKI 2,272 123 31
FIAT 2,205 80 32
SAAB 1,536 76 33
JAGUAR 1,195 198 34
SMART 528 17 35
GENESIS 436 42 36
ISUZU 249 37 37
ALFA ROMEO 161 37 38
MASERATI 76 46 39
BENTLEY 46 159 40
POLESTAR 42 2 41
LUCID 14 6 42
CODA 4 2 43
MAYBACH 0 0 44

Related Vehicles

Why not check out other BMW vehicles?

2013 328I XDRIVE
BMW
  • Overall Safety Rating: 5
  • Complaints Count: 239
  • Recall Count: 5
View Car
2020 X7
BMW
  • Overall Safety Rating: Not Rated
  • Complaints Count: 12
  • Recall Count: 10
View Car
2012 550I XDRIVE
BMW
  • Overall Safety Rating: 5
  • Complaints Count: 45
  • Recall Count: 2
View Car
2007 Z4
BMW
  • Overall Safety Rating: Not Rated
  • Complaints Count: 33
  • Recall Count: 2
View Car