NHTSA vehicle safety data

2008 BMW 5 Series Recalls, Ratings & Complaints

The 2008 BMW 5 Series has 4 NHTSA recall campaigns and 105 owner complaints on file as of November 3, 2026. Recall repairs are usually free at an authorized BMW dealer.

NHTSA recall and complaint data for the 2008 BMW 5 Series, plus NCAP crash-test ratings. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.

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2008 BMW 5 Series owner complaints

Owners have filed 105 complaints with NHTSA about the 2008 BMW 5 Series, describing incidents dated August 30, 2007 to October 14, 2025.

Most-cited components

Fuel/Propulsion System 48 complaints
Engine 40 complaints
Electrical System 16 complaints
Exterior Lighting 7 complaints
Power Train 7 complaints
Service Brakes 4 complaints

Of the 105 complaints on file, 1 reports a crash and 3 a fire; across all 105 complaints, owners report 1 injury (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).

Newest complaints

ODI #11697553 · Filed November 5, 2025
My vehicle had a faulty PCV valve that was under "Stop Drive," order. I received no correspondence from the NHTSA nor from BMW of North America in regards to this. My BMW X-5 had significant issues that are directly associated with this issue. After contacting BMW of North America directly because I…
ODI #11043668 · Filed November 6, 2017
I WAS DRIVING AND BUMPED UP AGAINST A SIDEWALK CURVE AND MY AIRBAGS DEPLOYED AS WELL AS MY CAR SHUT OFF. IT WILL NOT START ANOTHER MORE AND THE HOOD UNDERNEATH WAS ON FIRE. (SMOKE WAS PRESENT).
ODI #10892424 · Filed August 2, 2016
TAKATA RECALL. BMW IS NOT DOING ENOUGH TO RECTIFY THE SITUATION. I RECEIVED A NOTICE IN MARCH & 5 MONTHS LATER BMW DEALERS STILL DO NOT HAVE THE PARTS TO REPAIR THE AIRBAGS. HOW IS IT THAT THIS IS ACCEPTABLE?

Read all 105 complaints

Owner-reported

2008 BMW 5 Series mileage at failure

96 of the 105 complaints on file for the 2008 BMW 5 Series give the vehicle's mileage when the problem happened.

Mileage at failure by component, from owners' complaints to NHTSA
Component	Median	Middle half	Based on
Fuel/Propulsion System	Median 20,000 miles	Middle half 13,000–35,000 miles	Based on 46 complaints
Engine	Median 25,000 miles	Middle half 15,000–40,000 miles	Based on 36 complaints

A component's median is its 50th percentile, and its middle half runs from its 25th to its 75th percentile.

Owners give the mileage themselves, often as a round number, and NHTSA doesn't check it. A complaint that names several components counts under each one, and mileages that can't be right, such as 999,999, or 50 miles on a five-year-old car, are left out.

These figures describe the complaints owners filed. They don't predict when a particular vehicle will have a problem, and vehicles that never had one aren't counted.

Mileage from NHTSA's complaints file of October 31, 2026. How these figures are worked out

PCV Heater May Short Circuit

NHTSA #22V119000 · Engine and Engine Cooling — Exhaust System — Emission Control — Crankcase (PCV) · NHTSA notice

Reported March 2, 2022 · BMW of North America, LLC

Potentially affected: 917,106 vehicles

Repair completion: 35.82% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Owners notified July 22, 2022

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

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.

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Engine Cooling Fan Assemblies/Service Parts

NHTSA #12E029000 · Engine and Engine Cooling — Cooling System — Fan · NHTSA notice

Reported August 10, 2012 · Valeo

Potentially affected: 585 vehicles

Repair completion: 33.1% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Owners notified August 22, 2012

Defect description

This recall involves aftermarket parts sold by Valeo. Valeo is recalling certain engine cooling fans, part numbers 696121, 696273, and 696275, used as service replacement parts for model year 2008-2011 BMW 1-Series, 2006-2011 BMW 3-Series, 2000-2009 BMW 5-Series, 2004-2005 BMW 6-Series, and 2006-2007 BMW 7-Series vehicles. A metal-oxide semiconductor may overheat due to insufficient screwing of the semiconductor on the aluminum heat sink. This primary failure could cause adjacent components on the fan assembly motor circuit board to overheat and short.

Safety consequence

This condition could cause the fan motor to become inoperative, or cause the motor circuit board in the assembly to overheat, potentially leading to a fire in the engine compartment.

Manufacturer remedy

Valeo will notify owners and replace the fans free of charge. The safety recall began on August 22, 2012. This recall is being conducted by Valeo, not by BMW. For further information, owners may contact Valeo at 1-888-718-2536.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

BATTERY CABLE INSULATED BULKHEAD CONNECTOR

NHTSA #12V126000 · Electrical System — 12V/24V/48V Battery — Cables · NHTSA notice

Reported March 26, 2012 · BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, LLC

Potentially affected: 367,682 vehicles

Owners notified April 30, 2012 · Vehicles built June 1, 2003 – December 31, 2009 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

BMW IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2004-2010 5-SERIES, MODEL YEAR 2004-2010 6-SERIES, MODEL YEAR 2006-2010 M5, AND MODEL YEAR 2007-2010 M6 VEHICLES. THE INSULATED BULKHEAD CONNECTOR FOR THE POSITIVE BATTERY CABLE MAY HAVE BEEN INCORRECTLY ATTACHED TO THE TRUNK FLOOR PANEL, WHICH CAN LEAD TO A LOOSENING OF THE BOLT CONNECTION. AS IT LOOSENS, AN INCREASE IN ELECTRICAL RESISTANCE AT THIS CABLE CONNECTION IS POSSIBLE AND COULD CAUSE THE CABLE CONNECTION TO OVERHEAT.

Safety consequence

OVERHEATING COULD LEAD TO A FIRE, EVEN WHILE THE VEHICLE IS NOT IN USE. AS A PRECAUTION, OWNERS ARE ADVISED TO PARK OUTSIDE UNTIL THE REMEDY HAS BEEN MADE.

Manufacturer remedy

BMW WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND SECURE THE BATTERY BOLT CABLE CONNECTION AS NECESSARY, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 30, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW CUSTOMER RELATIONS AND SERVICES AT 1-800-525-7417.

Notes

CUSTOMERS MAY CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153); OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.

BRAKE VACUUM PUMP

NHTSA #10V446000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic — Power Assist — Vacuum · NHTSA notice

Reported October 1, 2010 · BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, LLC

Potentially affected: 198,352 vehicles

Owners notified November 24, 2010

Defect description

BMW IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2004-2010 5-SERIES, 6-SERIES, AND MODEL YEAR 2002-2008 7-SERIES VEHICLES. A CHECK VALVE OF THE BRAKE VACUUM PUMP MAY LEAK A SMALL AMOUNT OF LUBRICATING OIL. OVER TIME THIS COULD RESULT IN CONTAMINATION OF THE BRAKE BOOSTER.

Safety consequence

POWER ASSIST BRAKING PERFORMANCE COULD BE ADVERSELY AFFECTED. IN EXTREME CASES THERE COULD BE A COMPLETE LOSS OF POWER ASSIST BRAKING. AN UNEXPECTED REDUCTION OR LOSS IN POWER BRAKING ASSIST MAY INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Manufacturer remedy

BMW WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL REPAIR THE VEHICLES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 24, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-525-7417.

Notes

OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO <A HREF=HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV>HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV</A> .

2008 BMW 5 Series Wagon w/SAB

—

out of 5

Overall Safety Rating

Not Rated

Frontal Crash

Not Rated

Driver: 3, Passenger: 5

Side Crash

Not Rated

Driver: 5, Passenger: 5

Side Pole

Not Rated

Rollover

11% rollover risk

Safety Technology

Electronic Stability Control Lane Departure Warning (Optional)

2008 BMW 5 Series 4-DR w/SAB

—

out of 5

Overall Safety Rating

Not Rated

Frontal Crash

Not Rated

Driver: 3, Passenger: 5

Side Crash

Not Rated

Driver: 5, Passenger: 5

Side Pole

Not Rated

Rollover

11% rollover risk

Safety Technology

Electronic Stability Control Lane Departure Warning (Optional)

105 owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2008 BMW 5 Series.

Engine; Fuel/Propulsion System

ODI #11697553

Incident: October 14, 2025 · Filed: November 5, 2025

My vehicle had a faulty PCV valve that was under "Stop Drive," order. I received no correspondence from the NHTSA nor from BMW of North America in regards to this. My BMW X-5 had significant issues that are directly associated with this issue. After contacting BMW of North America directly because I could not reach anyone at my nearest BMW Service Department, it was escalated twice to attempt to arrange for my vehicle that I unknowingly continued to drive. My vehicle has sat undriven since May of 2024. It was finally picked up, towed to the dealership for repairs related to the PCV recall. The PCV valve was replaced and my vehicle was returned to me in undriveable condition. None of the rough idle, burning smell or engine issues were attended to. They simply replaced the valve without further investigation into the damage done by continued driving of a "Stop Drive," order. BMW of North America is placing blame solely on the NHTSA for not sending me correspondence relative to this recall. My vehicle was identified as having the faulty Takata airbags and I received all of the documents sent by both the NHTSA and BMW USA. I now have a undriveable, unsafe vehicle due to the servicer simply replacing a recalled object but not the damage caused by continuing to drive a vehicle that should have had immediate service. Please advise what steps should be taken. Tara Catalano-Smith

Electrical System; Air Bags; Electronic Stability Control (ESC)

ODI #11043668

Incident: October 28, 2017 · Filed: November 6, 2017

I WAS DRIVING AND BUMPED UP AGAINST A SIDEWALK CURVE AND MY AIRBAGS DEPLOYED AS WELL AS MY CAR SHUT OFF. IT WILL NOT START ANOTHER MORE AND THE HOOD UNDERNEATH WAS ON FIRE. (SMOKE WAS PRESENT).

Air Bags

ODI #10892424

Incident: March 1, 2016 · Filed: August 2, 2016

TAKATA RECALL. BMW IS NOT DOING ENOUGH TO RECTIFY THE SITUATION. I RECEIVED A NOTICE IN MARCH & 5 MONTHS LATER BMW DEALERS STILL DO NOT HAVE THE PARTS TO REPAIR THE AIRBAGS. HOW IS IT THAT THIS IS ACCEPTABLE?

Exterior Lighting; Seats; Unknown or Other

ODI #10852388

Incident: February 24, 2016 · Filed: March 30, 2016

FRAUD ACTIVITY POSSIBLE CLONE REFINANCED IDENTITY THEFT REMOTE ACCESS WAS PUT ON UNAUTHORIZED THREAT SAFETY FOR OWNER. TWO LOAN START DATES ONE IN REPO

Electrical System; Exterior Lighting

ODI #10836474

Incident: February 15, 2016 · Filed: February 16, 2016

JUST BOUGHT A USED 2008 528I (E60) W/94K MILES, IN OTHERWISE PERFECT CONDITION. WENT TO CHANGE THE ANGEL EYES FROM DRAB YELLOW TO LUX LED'S. NOTICED BARE WIRES ON BOTH SIDES OF THE BULB CONNECTORS, ON BOTH SIDES OF THE CAR. TRIED TO USE ELECTRICAL TAPE, JUST MADE MORE BARE WIRE. THE MORE I TOUCHED THE WIRES, THE MORE INSULATION FLAKED OFF, ALMOST LIKE A POWDER. I'VE NEVER SEEN ANYTHING LIKE IT. CAN'T POSSIBLY BE SAFE. DEFINITELY A FIRE HAZARD. NEIGHBOR BROUGHT OVER A BOTTLE OF LIQUID TAPE, AND I RE-COATED ALL THE BARE WIRE I COULD SEE, MAKING SURE EACH WIRE WAS SEPARATED SO A SHORT WOULD NOT OCCUR. THAT IS A GOOD TEMPORARY FIX. WILL HAVE TO STAY ON TOP OF THIS PROBLEM, SINCE MOST, IF NOT ALL, OF THE HEADLIGHT WIRING IS MADE WITH BAD, QUICKLY DEGRADING WIRE INSULATION. A REAL DISAPPOINTMENT IN OTHERWISE GOOD GERMAN QUALITY AND ENGINEERING. I GUESS THE SOURCE PROCURER AT THE FACTORY SAVED BMW SOME BIG BUCKS ON THAT WIRE!! THIS IS DEFINITELY A NHTSA SAFETY RECALL ISSUE. TORT LAWYERS SHOULD HAVE A FIELD DAY ON THIS ONE. PHOTOS OF THIS PROBLEM ARE AVAILABLE AT: HTTP://WWW.BIMMERFORUMS.COM/FORUM/SHOWTHREAD.PHP?2132684-HEADLIGHT-WIRE-JACKETS-JUST-FLAKE-OFF

Electrical System; Exterior Lighting; Visibility/Wiper

ODI #10787407

Incident: October 1, 2015 · Filed: October 31, 2015

ELECTRICAL WIRING INSULATION/SHEATHING WITHIN THE HEADLIGHT UNIT/HOUSING IS SHOWING SIGNS OF AND OR OUTRIGHT DETERIORATION WHICH IN TURN EXPOSES BARE WIRES WITHIN THE HEADLIGHT HOUSING. AT THIS POINT, THE DAYTIME RUNNING LAMPS HAVE BEEN THE ONLY EFFECTED LIGHTS BUT THE WIRES FOR THE HEADLIGHTS ARE ALSO NOTICEABLY TROUBLED. THE ISSUE IS NOT SPEED, MOVEMENT OR AREA DEPENDENT. FOR FURTHER REFERENCE, I WILL PROVIDE A LINK TO AN OWNER'S FORUM DETAILING OTHER'S DILEMMAS DUE TO THIS EXACT ISSUE: HTTP://WWW.BIMMERFEST.COM/FORUMS/SHOWTHREAD.PHP?T=798640 I LOOK FORWARD TO A RESPONSE.

Electrical System

ODI #10713565

Incident: July 30, 2012 · Filed: April 29, 2015

( I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER THIS VEHICLE) WHILE REPLACING A BURNT OUT HEADLIGHT, I NOTICED THAT THE INSULATION IN THE SEALED HEADLIGHT WAS MISSING. WHEN I CHECKED THE OPPOSITE SIDE, I FOUND THE SAME THING, THE INSULATION WAS BROKEN AND MISSING. BEING THAT THIS IS A SEALED HEADLIGHT HOUSING, I AM UNABLE TO REMOVE AND REPAIR THE PROBLEM. BMW PARTS STATED THAT THE WIRING HARNESS IS NOT SOLD FOR THOSE LIGHTS. ONE HAS TO PURCHASE A COMPLETELY NEW HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY AT A AVERAGE COST OF $700.00+. *TR

Steering; Electrical System

ODI #10678436

Incident: January 15, 2015 · Filed: January 22, 2015

OUR 2007 BMW 530XI DEVELOPED A STEERING WHEEL LOCK MALFUNCTION WARNING. A RED STEERING WHEEL WITH A PADLOCK APPEARS ON THE DASH SCREEN WITH A WARNING ON THE COMPUTER. THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKS AND UNLOCKS PERFECTLY EVERY TIME. THE CAR IS DRIVABLE. THE DEALER SAYS THE STEERING LOCK MODULE MUST BE REPLACED FOR $600. I FOUND THAT THIS IS A RAMPANT PROBLEM ON BMWS AND THAT BMW CORPORATION IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL FOR THIS PROBLEM. *TR

Visibility/Wiper

ODI #10667819

Incident: December 22, 2014 · Filed: December 22, 2014

WHILE TRAVELING DOWN THE HIGHWAY, I HEARD A LOUD NOISE - VERY LOUD - ON THE TOP OF MY CAR. IT SOUNDED LIKE SOMETHING FELL OR LANDED ON THE SUNROOF. I SAFELY BROUGHT THE CAR TO A STOP AND THEN SAW THE HUGE HOLE IN MY SUNROOF! *TR

Fuel/Propulsion System

ODI #10654546

Incident: July 16, 2014 · Filed: November 12, 2014

GASOLINE IS LEAKING FROM THE FUEL LEVEL SENSOR, WHICH IS ACCESSED BENEATH THE LEFT REAR PASSENGER SEAT, DUE TO A CRACK IN THE PLASTIC HOUSING. MY INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO SPECIALIZES IN BMW REPAIR, TELLS ME THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH BMW AND MERCEDES VEHICLES. *TR

Other BMW 5 Series model years

Check your 2008 BMW 5 Series VIN

Not every recall applies to every VIN in a given year. Enter the 17-character VIN from your BMW 5 Series at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether your specific vehicle has an unrepaired recall.

Check a BMW VIN