RoadVitals

2008 BMW X6

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

NHTSA has issued a “do not drive” advisory affecting this model year.

Campaign 20V016000. Confirm whether your specific vehicle is covered using its VIN before acting on this.

Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov
Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
4
Latest Jun 18, 2020
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
8
Latest Jan 15, 2020
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
0
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
0

Overview

Our database contains 4 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2008 BMW X6, most frequently naming the airbags, driver assistance and electrical categories. 8 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 241 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

  • Airbags120.0%
  • Driver assistance120.0%
  • Electrical120.0%
  • Engine120.0%
  • Interior & seats120.0%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

8 campaigns cover this model year

View all 8

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov
20V017000

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Jan 15, 2020
59,965 units potentially affected
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2013 128i and 135i Convertibles, 128i, 135i, and M Coupes, 2007-2010 X3 30si and X3 xDrive30i, 2013-2015 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i and X1 xDrive35i, 2007-2013 328i, 328i xDrive, 335i, 335is, 335i xDrive and M3 Coupes, 2006-2011 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 325i, 325xi, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi, 335i xDrive and M3, 2009-2011 335D, 2006-2012 325xi, 328i, 328xi and 328i xDrive, 2010-2011 X6 ActiveHybrid, 2007-2013 328i, 335i, 335is, M3 Coupes, X5 30si, X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 48i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i and X5 M, 2009-2013 X5 xDrive35d and 2008-2014 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6M vehicles equipped with non-desiccated driver frontal air bag inflators containing phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) 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.
The risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver air bag. On X5 and X6 vehicles, only the inflator will be replaced. All repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began March 11, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
BMW of North America, LLCView on NHTSA.gov
20V016000NHTSA advisory: do not drive

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Jan 15, 2020
4,007 units potentially affected
The defect: 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.
The risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The remedy: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until this remedy is performed. 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.
BMW of North America, LLCView on NHTSA.gov
19V017000NHTSA advisory: do not drive

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Jan 14, 2019
83,016 units potentially affected
The defect: 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.
The risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The remedy: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the remedy is performed. 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.
BMW of North America, LLCView on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

Electrical
Filed Jun 18, 2020

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BMW X6. THE CONTACT STATED THAT VEHICLE FAILED TO START AFTER MULTIPLE ATTEMPTS. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT SEVERAL ELECTRIC FEATURES FAILED TO FUNCTION AS DESIGNED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND DIAGNOSED WITH AN INTELLIGENT BATTERY SENSOR CABLE MALFUNCTION. THE CONTACT CALLED BMW OF HONOLULU (777 KAPIOLANI BLVD, HONOLULU, HI 96813) WHERE HE WAS INFORMED OF AN UNKNOWN MANUFACTURER'S RECALL THAT WAS INITIATED ON SIMILAR VEHICLES HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE CONTACT WAS REFERRED TO THE MANUFACTURER FOR ASSISTANCE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND CONFIRMED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE WAS PROVIDED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE 58,000.

NHTSA ID
11329640
Incident
May 19, 2020
Mileage
58,000 mi
Airbags
Filed Aug 16, 2016

DEFECTED AIR BACK HAS BEEN RECALLED SINCE MARCH. SO FAR, I DO NOT KNOW WHAT HAPPEN TO THE REPLACEMENT PART. CAN YOU PUT A LOT OF PRESSURE TO THE COMPANY FOR THIS PROBLEM. I HAVE BEEN DRIVING THIS SUV SINCE I RECEIVED THE RECALLED LETTER. EVERY TIME WE GET OUT WITH THIS SUV, WE PUT OUR LIFE ON THE LINE. HOW CAN WE DO TO GET IT REPLACE SOONER. PLEASE HELP.

NHTSA ID
10896455
Incident
Mar 28, 2016
Driver assistanceEngine
Filed Feb 4, 2010

I WAS TRYING TO PASS A CAR ON THE INTERSTATE WHEN THE POWER TO MY ENGINE WAS CUT BY THE CAR'S COMPUTER. THE CAR FOLLOWING ME ALMOST RAN INTO THE BACK OF ME. THIS HAPPENED THREE TIMES OVER 4 MONTHS. IN NUMEROUS WRITTEN LETTERS TO BMW AND TO THE DEALER, THEY RESPONDED BY SAYING IT WAS MY FAULT, BECAUSE I HAD NOT INSTALLED THE "PROPER" TIRES ON THE CAR WHEN THE ORIGINAL ONES WORE OUT. OR COURSE, THEY SOLD AND INSTALLED THE REPLACEMENTS, AND NEVER WARNED ME ABOUT ANYTHING. THE ORIGINAL 20" TIRES, AND THE ONLY "APPROVED" ONES, ARE RUN-FLAT HIGH PERFORMANCE TIRES THAT RIDE TERRIBLY, AND ARE NOT RECOMMENDED FOR WINTER DRIVING. SO I WANTED TO INSTALL ALL-SEASON TIRES - BMW DOESN'T APPROVE ANY ALL-SEASON TIRES FOR THIS CAR- NOT IN THE 20" SIZE REQUIRED. SO I PICKED A MODEL TIRE THAT MICHELIN SALES FOR SUMMER AND WINTER USE, AND THE DEALER OBTAINED THEM INSTALLED THEM - SAYING NOTHING ABOUT ANY PROBLEMS. TO MAKE A LONG STORY SHORT - THE BMW STABILITY CONTROL SYSTEM WAS PROGRAMMED FOR ONLY THIS ONE TIRE, AND NOW WITH DIFFERENT TIRES THE COMPUTER THINKS THE CAR IS SLIDING WHEN IT IS NOT, AND CUTS FUEL TO THE ENGINE. THIS HAPPENS IF I TRY TO PASS A CAR ON A CURVE. SO NOW I HAVE A CHOICE - I CAN DRIVE ON ALL SEASON TIRES THAT ARE REASONABLY EFFECTIVE IN THE SNOW - AND HOPE I DON'T HAVE TO ACCELERATE IN A CURVE ON INTERSTATE - OR I CAN USE THE RECOMMENDED TIRES - THAT ARE NOT SUITABLE FOR WINTER DRIVING IN KY. FRANKLY, THIS IS A DISASTER WAITING TO HAPPEN. *TR

NHTSA ID
10305469
Incident
Oct 1, 2009
Mileage
18,000 mi
Interior & seats
Filed Jul 8, 2009

I BOUGHT A BRAND NEW 2008 BMW X6 IN APRIL 08 AND VARIOUS PROBLEMS KEEP RE-OCCURRING WITH IT. THE MAIN PROBLEM NOW IS THE BACK COVERS OF THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER FRONT SEAT KEEP COMING OUT OF PLACE. IT HAS OCCURRED 3 TIMES IN THE PAST 12 MONTHS. THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY CONCERN FOR ME IF THE CAR IS IN AN ACCIDENT, THE BACK COVER WOULD LOOSE AND DETACH FROM THE SEAT DURING IMPACT AND CAUSE SERIOUS INJURY TO MY 20 MONTHS CHILD. THE BMW DEALERS REFUSED TO REPAIR THE ISSUE AND CLAIMING THAT THEY ARE ONLY COSMETIC PROBLEMS. BUT THE VEHICLE SHOULD BE RETESTED BY NHTSA FOR THE SEAT ISSUES AND RECALL THE VEHICLES FOR SUCH PROBLEM DUE TO CHILDRENS' SAFETY CONCERNS. *TR

NHTSA ID
10276114
Incident
Aug 1, 2008
Mileage
500 mi

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

B510819

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS

The basic conditions for initializing the power windows are not met.

B611305

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The electrical system of BMW vehicles has been subject to an ongoing development process over the last few years. This has led to increased demands being placed on the battery. This document covers important information for the dealer on how to handle “discharged battery” complaints.

B612723

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

When using the Key Reader to retrieve CBS information from the customer key, no current vehicle data is available, or the data does not match the maintenance schedule.

B653423

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; EQUIPMENT

Customers may state that the alarm system (DWA) is not active after locking their unoccupied vehicle. Depending on the vehicle’s equipment and settings, no acoustic or optical confirmation (folding the mirrors/blinking confirmation) is noticeable. Additionally, the red anti-theft alarm LED in the interior mirror does not briefly flash every 2 seconds, indicating the alarm is armed.

B612723

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; EQUIPMENT

When using the Key Reader to retrieve CBS information from the customer key, no current vehicle data is available, or the data does not match the maintenance schedule.

B522319

SEATS

Second seat row blocking access to third seat row, program seat modules. Visible stitching on first row sport seat. Third seat row backrest Bowden cable routing and length change.

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

BMW X6 by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2026320—
2025140—
2024950—
2023110—
2022311—
2021771—
20209100—
2019540—
2018441—
2017321—
2016911—
2015911—
2014113048.2
2013255045.7
2012327048.2
20113111057.7
2010159057.9
20091910047.7
2008Viewing480—
2007100—
2006100—
2005000—
2004000—
2003000—
2002000—
2001000—
2000000—

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. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.