2007 BMW X5 Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2007 BMW X5, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Airbags3933.9%
- Fuel system2824.3%
- Brakes1311.3%
- Engine1210.4%
- Electrical97.8%
- Driver assistance65.2%
- Exterior lighting21.7%
- Powertrain (other)21.7%
- Steering21.7%
- Body & structure10.9%
- Other / unspecified10.9%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2007 BMW X5. The contact stated the passenger’s side air bag warning light was illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with needing the passenger’s side air bag to be replaced. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 149,000.
2007 X5 4.8 WITH PANORAMIC SUNROOF, SUNROOF TRAY OVERFLOWS AND LEAKS INTO INTERIOR ELECTRICAL, AIRBAGS, AND CARPET DUE TO DEFECTIVE DESIGN/ASSEMBLY (BOTH WHEN STATIONARY AND IN MOTION). SUNROOF DRAINS BOTH FRONT AND REAR HAVE DRAIN TUBES WHICH ARE PRONE TO KINK AND BACK UP WATER INTO THE SUNROOF TRAY, WHICH THEN SPILLS OVER ONTO THE TOPSIDE OF THE HEADLINER AND FROM THERE ONTO JUST ABOUT EVERY ELECTRONIC ITEM IN THE CAR INCLUDING AIR BAGS AND CONTROLLERS, LIGHTING CONTROLS, AND ELECTRICAL BOXES ON THE FLOOR AND TRUNK AREA. SOME HAVE REPORTED ARCS AND CAR FIRES DUE TO THE WATER DAMAGE; BMW SAYS IT IS A MAINTENANCE ISSUE ALTHOUGH HAS ZERO LISTED FOR SUNROOF MAINTENANCE, AND NO AMOUNT OF CLEANING IS GOING TO FIX THE SUNROOF DRAIN LINES THAT I FOUND TWISTED...LIKELY BEEN THAT WAY SINCE INITIAL ASSEMBLY, BUT ROUTING DOWN INSIDE THE APILLARS MAKES IT NEARLY IMPOSSIBLE TO GET TO TRY TO FIX IT, MUCH LESS SEE IT. I CAN'T BELIEVE THIS DEFECT HASN'T INVOLVED NHTSA RECALL SINCE IT CAN VERY EASILY LEAD TO AN IN-USE ELECTRICAL FIRE AT WORST, OR AT BEST FAILURE OF AIRBAGS TO DEPLOY WHEN NEEDED DUE TO WATER/CORROSION ISSUES, AS WELL AS THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS IN ELECTRICAL DAMAGE FOR EACH OCCURRENCE.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE 2008 - 2014 BMW X5 ENGINE TROUBLES ARE THE SAME ISSUES MY 2007 ENGINE ARE HAVING, YET THERE IS NOT A RECALL FOR THE 2007. THERE SHOULD BE SINCE I AM EXPERIENCING THE SAME TYPE OF ISSUES.
I HAVE HAD SEVERAL ISSUES WITH THIS RECALL, I ONLY HAD THE CAR FOR 1.5 YEARS AND THIS IS THE THIRD RECALL! MY CURRENT MAIN CONCERN IS THERE IS A BURNING GAS LIKE OIL ODOR IN MY CAR. I RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE SAYING REMEDY IS UNAVAILABLE! THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE MY LIFE AND MY CHILDREN LIFE IS IN DANGER. BMW SHOULD PROVIDE AN IMMEDIATE RESOLUTION!! WHEN I START THE CAR I SMELL BURNING SMELL AND SOMETIMES SEE SMOKE COME FROM HOOD OF CAR. I TOOK MY CAR TO BMW 2 MONTHS AGO FOR SERVICE AND WAS TOLD ALL WAS WELL WITH MY CAR. TWO OTHER RECALLS WERE CORRECTED HOWEVER, I STILL HAVE THE SAME GAS ODOR WHICH WAS DUE TO ANOTHER RECALL DEALING WITH THE FUEL TANK. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY HAZARD DRIVING THIS CAR, AND ITS AN INSULT FOR BMW TO SEND A LETTER STATING THE ISSUE BUT STATE THERE IS NO REMEDY WHEN THE RECALL CONSEQUENCES CAN CAUSE A FIRE! AND YOU TELLING ME THERE IS NO IMMEDIATE REMEDY!! PLEASE INVESTIGATE THIS, I WILL ALSO BE CONTACTING BMW CUSTOMER RELATIONS IN REGARDS TO THIS MATTER.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2007 BMW X5. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The contact used force to pull over to the side of the road. The messages "Active Steering Inactive" and "Change of Steering Wheel and 4WD Malfunction" were displayed. The braking system warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the foot module had failed. The foot pedal was replaced; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer three times. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal and the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with an unknown failure. The cooling system was replaced. The contact related the failures to NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 13V045000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC, SERVICE BRAKES) and 12E029000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 112,000.
The contact owns a 2007 BMW X5. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed, and the brakes delayed in responding. The failure had occurred on several occasions. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the secondary hydraulic pump needed to be replaced. The contact researched and was made aware of an unknown NHTSA Campaign Number; however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 217,000.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2007 BMW X5. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for an inspection. While the dealer was inspecting the ABS and struts, the contact was informed that the PCV valve was damaged. The ABS was repaired. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V683000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). The contact stated that the repair was not completed. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that, per their records, the recall repair was completed in 2021. The failure mileage was unknown.
The contact owns a 2007 BMW X5. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The contact used force to pull over to the side of the road. The messages "Active Steering Inactive" and "Change of Steering Wheel and 4WD Malfunction" were displayed. The braking system warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the foot module had failed. The foot pedal was replaced; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer three times. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal and the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with an unknown failure. The cooling system was replaced. The contact related the failures to NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 13V045000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC, SERVICE BRAKES) and 12E029000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 112,000.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
2007 X5 4.8 WITH PANORAMIC SUNROOF, SUNROOF TRAY OVERFLOWS AND LEAKS INTO INTERIOR ELECTRICAL, AIRBAGS, AND CARPET DUE TO DEFECTIVE DESIGN/ASSEMBLY (BOTH WHEN STATIONARY AND IN MOTION). SUNROOF DRAINS BOTH FRONT AND REAR HAVE DRAIN TUBES WHICH ARE PRONE TO KINK AND BACK UP WATER INTO THE SUNROOF TRAY, WHICH THEN SPILLS OVER ONTO THE TOPSIDE OF THE HEADLINER AND FROM THERE ONTO JUST ABOUT EVERY ELECTRONIC ITEM IN THE CAR INCLUDING AIR BAGS AND CONTROLLERS, LIGHTING CONTROLS, AND ELECTRICAL BOXES ON THE FLOOR AND TRUNK AREA. SOME HAVE REPORTED ARCS AND CAR FIRES DUE TO THE WATER DAMAGE; BMW SAYS IT IS A MAINTENANCE ISSUE ALTHOUGH HAS ZERO LISTED FOR SUNROOF MAINTENANCE, AND NO AMOUNT OF CLEANING IS GOING TO FIX THE SUNROOF DRAIN LINES THAT I FOUND TWISTED...LIKELY BEEN THAT WAY SINCE INITIAL ASSEMBLY, BUT ROUTING DOWN INSIDE THE APILLARS MAKES IT NEARLY IMPOSSIBLE TO GET TO TRY TO FIX IT, MUCH LESS SEE IT. I CAN'T BELIEVE THIS DEFECT HASN'T INVOLVED NHTSA RECALL SINCE IT CAN VERY EASILY LEAD TO AN IN-USE ELECTRICAL FIRE AT WORST, OR AT BEST FAILURE OF AIRBAGS TO DEPLOY WHEN NEEDED DUE TO WATER/CORROSION ISSUES, AS WELL AS THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS IN ELECTRICAL DAMAGE FOR EACH OCCURRENCE.
ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS WHILE DRIVING THE CAR, FIRST THE ABS LIGHT WOULD COME ON, THEN MOST OTHER WARNING LIGHTS, THEN THE CAR WOULD LOSE ALL POWER, ENGINE WOULD STOP, CAN'T SHIFT TRANSMISSION, BASICALLY DID ON THE ROAD. HAD BATTERY REPLACED AND REGISTERED. HAPPENED MULTIPLE TIMES AGAIN. SEEMS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM HTTPS://WWW.BIMMERFEST.COM/FORUMS/SHOWTHREAD.PHP?T=888938 ONE LINK IN THERE SENT ME TO HTTPS://WWW.EBAY.COM/ITM/BMW-135I-335I-435I-535I-X4-X5-X6-ENGINE-WIRING-HARNESS-12517592511-7592511-OEM/123598545546?HASH=ITEM1CC70C228A:G:PUEAAOSWPYXCP-MK ALL HAPPENED WHEN CAR WAS IN MOTION DRIVING, TYPICALLY ON A HIGHWAY IN TRAFFIC.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
Unintended acceleration with loss of braking effectiveness. We hit a tree head on going at least 50 by the time we struck it. The vehicle was inspected before we bought it and we only bought it 3 days before the accident occurred. The check engine light came on that afternoon and we were going to get it checked out on Monday.
ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS WHILE DRIVING THE CAR, FIRST THE ABS LIGHT WOULD COME ON, THEN MOST OTHER WARNING LIGHTS, THEN THE CAR WOULD LOSE ALL POWER, ENGINE WOULD STOP, CAN'T SHIFT TRANSMISSION, BASICALLY DID ON THE ROAD. HAD BATTERY REPLACED AND REGISTERED. HAPPENED MULTIPLE TIMES AGAIN. SEEMS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM HTTPS://WWW.BIMMERFEST.COM/FORUMS/SHOWTHREAD.PHP?T=888938 ONE LINK IN THERE SENT ME TO HTTPS://WWW.EBAY.COM/ITM/BMW-135I-335I-435I-535I-X4-X5-X6-ENGINE-WIRING-HARNESS-12517592511-7592511-OEM/123598545546?HASH=ITEM1CC70C228A:G:PUEAAOSWPYXCP-MK ALL HAPPENED WHEN CAR WAS IN MOTION DRIVING, TYPICALLY ON A HIGHWAY IN TRAFFIC.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
When purchased, it was discovered that the OE Passenger Side (Right) brake light/indicator housing of this vehicle had melted from the heat of the standard OE halogen brake bulb, causing the brake light to fall out of its placement in the housing. This results in the brake light indicator to emit little or no visible warning to other drivers, since the indicator bulb has fallen down outside of the casing. Because the indicator may not be visible to other drivers, it presents a hazard of others not being warned that I am braking and could result in drivers of other vehicles not being prepared to brake and therefore could result in a collision that can vary from minor fender bender to fatal collision. It could also result in a more devastating vehicle fire that could destroy more than just the indicator housing. It is visible and is reproduced every time vehicle brake pedal is depressed and brake indicators are engaged. Problem has been confirmed by BMW of South Austin. This specific vehicle has yet to be inspected by insurance, police, manufacturer or others, but is a known problem with these rear indicator housing assemblies that are present on both sides of the vehicle. No warning chimes or signals were present before, during, or after incident, and to this day, there are still no warning signals, signs, chimes, or indicators present.
COMPLAINT SENT. REAR PASSENGER TAIL LAMP BULBS HOUSING IS BURNT AND MELTED NOT ALLOWING BULB TO BE REPLACED CAUSING A SAFETY HAZARD FROM FIRE AS WELL AS NOT HAVING APPROPRIATE SIGNALING. I HAVE ATTEMPTED TO REPLACE WITH A RECYCLED PART AND EACH HAS ARRIVED WITH THE SAME BURNT HOUSING UNIT. THIS IS CLEARLY A SAFETY ISSUE. I HAVE ADDITIONALLY GOOGLED PROBLEMS WITH THE TURNING SIGNAL AND THIS IS SEEN AS A CONTINUED PROBLEM WITH THESE TAIL LIGHTS. HTTP://M.CARCOMPLAINTS.COM/BMW/X5/2008/LIGHTS/EXTERIOR_LIGHTING.SHTML 1. VIN #(XXXXX) AT 81683MILES (MY VEHICLE) 2. LKQ ORDER 108179700 VIN # 5UXFE83537L(XXXX) 3. LKQ ORDER 108075022 VIN #5UXFE43578L(XXXX) 4. LKQ ORDER 108268187 (ON ORDER) VIN # 5UXFE435X8L(XXXX) ANOTHER IS ORDERED AND I WILL UPDATE WITH ADDITIONAL PICTURES IF NECESSARY ONCE IT IS RECEIVED. THANK YOU. REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
TAKATA RECALL- MY 2007 BMW X5 AFTER START UP AND PULLING IT IN GEAR (RATHER DRIVE OR REVERSE ) WOULD AUTOMATICALLY GO BACK TO PARK. EVEN STOPPING AT STOP SIGN OR TRAFFIC LIGHTS IT WOULD GO BACK TO PARK. I CALLED THE BMW SERVICE CENTER AND THEY ARE SUPPOSE TO REACH BACK OUT TO ME FOR AN APPOINTMENT. I WAS IN CINCINNATI A FEW DAYS AGO AND NEARLY GOT IN A ACCIDENT BECAUSE IT STOPPED AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT AND WENT INTO PARK AGAIN WHEN I STOPPED FOR A RED LIGHT AND WENT TO GO ON GREEN.
CAR HAD 56000 MILES ON IT, AT 99500 MOTOR WENT, THEN AIR SPRINGS, PARKING BRAKE, TAKATA RECALL,WHEN THE TRANSMISSION, VACUUM PUMP, AND HOW THE RECALL ON THE FUEL PUMP. TODAY THE I DRIVE WENT OUT IN TOTAL MYSELF AND THE WARRANTY COMPANY HAVE SPEND OVER 24000. DOLLARS ON A CAR THAT PER BMW IS THE ULTIMATE DRIVING MACHINE, MORE LIKE JUNK!!! AND NO PARTS IN SIGHT TO REPAIR THE AIR BAGS OR THE FUEL PUMP. I THINK A CLASS ACTION SHOULD BE FILED. I'M 58 YEARS OLD NOT 18 I TAKE GOOD CARE OF MY CARS. THE CAR VALUE ON KELLY BLUE BOOK IS ONLY 12000. WE NEED HELP TO MAKE BMW STAND BEHIND WHERE QUALITY NOT THEIR HAND IN OUR BACK POCKETS, NO CAR THAT COST 77500.00 IN 2007 SHOULD HAVE ALL THESE PROBLEMS. A FORD OR CHEVY WOULD DO BETTER. I'VE BEEN TOLD THAT BMW KNEW THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE 2007-2010 X5 WITH THE 4.8 I ENGINE AND I DRIVE BUT NEVER MADE IT GOOD, JUST ASK ANYONE THAT OWNED ONE. MY LAST ONE I THINK KIA WOULD HOLD UP BETTER!!!!!!!!!!!! BY THE WAY THE CAR HAS 125200 NOW, I'M AFRAID TO DRIVE IT, IT JUST QUITS WITH NO WARNING. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2007 BMW X5. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The contact used force to pull over to the side of the road. The messages "Active Steering Inactive" and "Change of Steering Wheel and 4WD Malfunction" were displayed. The braking system warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the foot module had failed. The foot pedal was replaced; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer three times. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal and the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with an unknown failure. The cooling system was replaced. The contact related the failures to NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 13V045000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC, SERVICE BRAKES) and 12E029000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 112,000.
ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS WHILE DRIVING THE CAR, FIRST THE ABS LIGHT WOULD COME ON, THEN MOST OTHER WARNING LIGHTS, THEN THE CAR WOULD LOSE ALL POWER, ENGINE WOULD STOP, CAN'T SHIFT TRANSMISSION, BASICALLY DID ON THE ROAD. HAD BATTERY REPLACED AND REGISTERED. HAPPENED MULTIPLE TIMES AGAIN. SEEMS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM HTTPS://WWW.BIMMERFEST.COM/FORUMS/SHOWTHREAD.PHP?T=888938 ONE LINK IN THERE SENT ME TO HTTPS://WWW.EBAY.COM/ITM/BMW-135I-335I-435I-535I-X4-X5-X6-ENGINE-WIRING-HARNESS-12517592511-7592511-OEM/123598545546?HASH=ITEM1CC70C228A:G:PUEAAOSWPYXCP-MK ALL HAPPENED WHEN CAR WAS IN MOTION DRIVING, TYPICALLY ON A HIGHWAY IN TRAFFIC.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
2007 X5 4.8 WITH PANORAMIC SUNROOF, SUNROOF TRAY OVERFLOWS AND LEAKS INTO INTERIOR ELECTRICAL, AIRBAGS, AND CARPET DUE TO DEFECTIVE DESIGN/ASSEMBLY (BOTH WHEN STATIONARY AND IN MOTION). SUNROOF DRAINS BOTH FRONT AND REAR HAVE DRAIN TUBES WHICH ARE PRONE TO KINK AND BACK UP WATER INTO THE SUNROOF TRAY, WHICH THEN SPILLS OVER ONTO THE TOPSIDE OF THE HEADLINER AND FROM THERE ONTO JUST ABOUT EVERY ELECTRONIC ITEM IN THE CAR INCLUDING AIR BAGS AND CONTROLLERS, LIGHTING CONTROLS, AND ELECTRICAL BOXES ON THE FLOOR AND TRUNK AREA. SOME HAVE REPORTED ARCS AND CAR FIRES DUE TO THE WATER DAMAGE; BMW SAYS IT IS A MAINTENANCE ISSUE ALTHOUGH HAS ZERO LISTED FOR SUNROOF MAINTENANCE, AND NO AMOUNT OF CLEANING IS GOING TO FIX THE SUNROOF DRAIN LINES THAT I FOUND TWISTED...LIKELY BEEN THAT WAY SINCE INITIAL ASSEMBLY, BUT ROUTING DOWN INSIDE THE APILLARS MAKES IT NEARLY IMPOSSIBLE TO GET TO TRY TO FIX IT, MUCH LESS SEE IT. I CAN'T BELIEVE THIS DEFECT HASN'T INVOLVED NHTSA RECALL SINCE IT CAN VERY EASILY LEAD TO AN IN-USE ELECTRICAL FIRE AT WORST, OR AT BEST FAILURE OF AIRBAGS TO DEPLOY WHEN NEEDED DUE TO WATER/CORROSION ISSUES, AS WELL AS THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS IN ELECTRICAL DAMAGE FOR EACH OCCURRENCE.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
TIRE BLEW OUT. SPEED LESS THAN 10MPH. I DID NOT RUN OVER ANYTHING
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .