BMW 525I · model year

2007 BMW 525I

98 NHTSA complaints, 3 crash reports, and 2 active recalls for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

Not crash-tested

New Car Assessment Program

The 2007BMW525I carries 98 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 3 crashes, 4 fires, 5 injuries, and 0 fatalities. No NCAP 5-star crash-test rating is available for this model year in the federal database.

Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2007 525I is air bags with 25 filings, followed by electrical system (13) and steering (12). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 2 active recall campaigns, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle — the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.

NHTSA currently has 34 investigation files overlapping the 2007 525I. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page — a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.

98
Complaints
3
Crashes
4
Fires
5
Injuries
0
Deaths

Total Complaints

98 filings

Crashes Reported

3 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

At or below the fleet median complaint volume.

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
AIR BAGS25
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM13
STEERING12
SEATS6
SEAT BELTS6
UNKNOWN OR OTHER6
ENGINE6
SERVICE BRAKES4
EXTERIOR LIGHTING4
POWER TRAIN3
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING3
STRUCTURE:BODY2
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING: REAR COMPARTMENT/TRUNK1
TIRES1
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION1

Recalls (2)

17V68300030/10/2017

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

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2011 128i and 2007-2011 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 525i, 525xi, 528i, 528xi, 530i, 530xi, X3 3.0si, X3 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive30i, Z4 3.0i, Z4 3.0si and Z4 sDrive30i vehicles. The heater for the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve may sho

13V56400012/11/2013

AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION

BMW of North America LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2006 325i, 325xi, 330i, 330xi sedans and 325xi sports wagons, model year 2007 328i, 328xi, 335i, 335xi sedans and 328i and 328xi sports wagons, model year 2006-2007 525i, 525xi, 530i, 530xi, 550i sedans and 530xi sports wagons, model yea

Recent Complaints

20250729UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Unknown, the car shut down on me two time in a month.

20230130AIR BAGS

The contact owns a 2007 BMW 535I. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the passenger’s side air bag warning light remain illuminated, indicating a possible failure to the air bag system. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was not yet notified. The failure mileage was 100,000.

Mileage: 100,000

20230124AIR BAGS

The contact owns a 2007 BMW 525I. The contact stated that the air bag warning light was illuminated. The dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 102,000.

Mileage: 102,000

20221018ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

The contact owns a 2007 BMW 525I. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V119000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The vehicle was taken to the dealer for the recall repair however, upon retrieving the vehicle, the contact noticed that the vehicle was shaking while driving at various speeds. The contact stated that the failure had worsened while at a complete stop. Over time, the service engine warning light illuminated. The dealer was notified of the failure and the contact was placed on an indefinite hold until the call disconnected. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 284,191.

Mileage: 284,191

20220810ENGINE

The contact owns a 2007 BMW 525i. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 75-85 MPH, she smelled smoke coming from the hood of the vehicle. The contact was unsure if any warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where he referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V119000 (Engine And Engine Cooling) , but the vehicle was not diagnosed for the failure. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 189,000.

Mileage: 189,000

20220511ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

The contact owns a 2007 BMW 525i. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V119000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

20220310FireENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

The contact owns a 2007 BMW 525i. The vehicle had previously been serviced by the dealer under an unknown NHTSA campaign; however, the failure recurred with a burning odor detected. Additionally, several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact then received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V119000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was made aware of the failure but confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but confirmed that parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 34,406. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Mileage: 34,406

20210909EXTERIOR LIGHTING

I purchased said automobile from my neighbor for my son to drive. I figured it was a good car to buy because it was serviced by Hendrick BMW (Charlotte, NC) only and regularly. BMW's also have a reputation for being safe as well as reputable so this also weighed into my decision. Fast forward 18 months. The passenger rear brake bulb went out. We replaced the bulb, it worked for a short time, then went out. We replaced the bulb again. This time it didnt work. About a week later the front passenger side head light went out, then the other side. We took it to Hendrick BMW for repair. Hendrick has told us the car wiring basically needs to be replaced due to the protective coat wearing off and corroding the bare wire underneath. The headlights/ brake light will also need to be replaced due to the corrosion blowing out the bulb. For the front headlight the whole assembly needs to be replaced at a tremendous cost. I performed a google search on this and found many, many instances of the sam

20210909ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

I purchased said automobile from my neighbor for my son to drive. I figured it was a good car to buy because it was serviced by Hendrick BMW (Charlotte, NC) only and regularly. BMW's also have a reputation for being safe as well as reputable so this also weighed into my decision. Fast forward 18 months. The passenger rear brake bulb went out. We replaced the bulb, it worked for a short time, then went out. We replaced the bulb again. This time it didnt work. About a week later the front passenger side head light went out, then the other side. We took it to Hendrick BMW for repair. Hendrick has told us the car wiring basically needs to be replaced due to the protective coat wearing off and corroding the bare wire underneath. The headlights/ brake light will also need to be replaced due to the corrosion blowing out the bulb. For the front headlight the whole assembly needs to be replaced at a tremendous cost. I performed a google search on this and found many, many instances of the sam

20210909VISIBILITY/WIPER

I purchased said automobile from my neighbor for my son to drive. I figured it was a good car to buy because it was serviced by Hendrick BMW (Charlotte, NC) only and regularly. BMW's also have a reputation for being safe as well as reputable so this also weighed into my decision. Fast forward 18 months. The passenger rear brake bulb went out. We replaced the bulb, it worked for a short time, then went out. We replaced the bulb again. This time it didnt work. About a week later the front passenger side head light went out, then the other side. We took it to Hendrick BMW for repair. Hendrick has told us the car wiring basically needs to be replaced due to the protective coat wearing off and corroding the bare wire underneath. The headlights/ brake light will also need to be replaced due to the corrosion blowing out the bulb. For the front headlight the whole assembly needs to be replaced at a tremendous cost. I performed a google search on this and found many, many instances of the sam

20200818POWER TRAIN

TRANSMISSION GOES IN TO SAFE MODE SUDDENLY ON THE FREEWAY AT HIGH SPEED RANDOMLY AND SLOWS DOWN MAKING IT DANGEROUS SITUATION. CODE P17EC .

Mileage: 188,000

20200721ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

HEADLIGHT WIRING INSULATION ROT LEAD TO FAILED HIGH AND LOW BEAMS ON DRIVER SIDE AND INTERMITTENT FAILURES OF BOTH BEAMS ON PASSENGER SIDE. SEE PHOTO FOR EXAMPOLE OF DISINTEGRATED WIRING ON DRIVER HIGH BEAM WIRING HARNESS. ONLY KNOWN OPTION IS TO BUY A COMPLETE NEW HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY ($1250+ PER SIDE) OR ATTEMPT DIY. THIS PROBLEM IS WELL-KNOWN AND HAS LONG BEEN REPORTED BY OTHER BMW E60 (5 SERIES 2004-2010) OWNERS AT BIMMERFEST.COM AND 5SRIEST.NET. SEE THESE URLS FOR MORE INFORMATION: HTTPS://WWW.BIMMERFEST.COM/FORUMS/SHOWTHREAD.PHP?T=798640 HTTPS://WWW.BIMMERFEST.COM/FORUMS/SHOWTHREAD.PHP?T=883000 HTTPS://5SERIES.NET/FORUMS/E60-E61-PARTS-ACCESSORIES-MODS-22/OPENING-UP-E60-HEADLIGHTS-138473/

Mileage: 103,500

20200721EXTERIOR LIGHTING

HEADLIGHT WIRING INSULATION ROT LEAD TO FAILED HIGH AND LOW BEAMS ON DRIVER SIDE AND INTERMITTENT FAILURES OF BOTH BEAMS ON PASSENGER SIDE. SEE PHOTO FOR EXAMPOLE OF DISINTEGRATED WIRING ON DRIVER HIGH BEAM WIRING HARNESS. ONLY KNOWN OPTION IS TO BUY A COMPLETE NEW HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY ($1250+ PER SIDE) OR ATTEMPT DIY. THIS PROBLEM IS WELL-KNOWN AND HAS LONG BEEN REPORTED BY OTHER BMW E60 (5 SERIES 2004-2010) OWNERS AT BIMMERFEST.COM AND 5SRIEST.NET. SEE THESE URLS FOR MORE INFORMATION: HTTPS://WWW.BIMMERFEST.COM/FORUMS/SHOWTHREAD.PHP?T=798640 HTTPS://WWW.BIMMERFEST.COM/FORUMS/SHOWTHREAD.PHP?T=883000 HTTPS://5SERIES.NET/FORUMS/E60-E61-PARTS-ACCESSORIES-MODS-22/OPENING-UP-E60-HEADLIGHTS-138473/

Mileage: 103,500

20191024ENGINE

THE NHTSA DATABASE IS SHOWING A RECALL FOR MY CAR HAS NOT BEEN COMPLETED. HOWEVER I AM CURRENTLY IN SOUTH KOREA WITH MY CAR AND THE DEALERSHIP HERE IS TELLING ME THAT THE RECALL HAS BEEN COMPLETED. THIS IS A CONFLICT. I CAN NOT SHIP MY CAR BACK TO THE US WITHOUT THIS RECALL BEING CLEARED. CAN SOMEONE PROVIDE ME DOCUMENTATION SHOWING THAT THE RECALL HAS BEEN SATISFIED.

Mileage: 50,000

20191024UNKNOWN OR OTHER

THE NHTSA DATABASE IS SHOWING A RECALL FOR MY CAR HAS NOT BEEN COMPLETED. HOWEVER I AM CURRENTLY IN SOUTH KOREA WITH MY CAR AND THE DEALERSHIP HERE IS TELLING ME THAT THE RECALL HAS BEEN COMPLETED. THIS IS A CONFLICT. I CAN NOT SHIP MY CAR BACK TO THE US WITHOUT THIS RECALL BEING CLEARED. CAN SOMEONE PROVIDE ME DOCUMENTATION SHOWING THAT THE RECALL HAS BEEN SATISFIED.

Mileage: 50,000

20181025ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

2007 BMW 525I. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE RECALLED POSITIVE BATTERY CABLE CONNECTION. *AS *JS

20180302ENGINE

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 BMW 525I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V683000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. AN UNKNOWN BMW DEALER IN HEMET, CALIFORNIA WAS MADE AWARE OF THE RECALL AND STATED THAT THE PARTS WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENGINE OVERHEATED ON MORE THAN ONE OCCASION. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

20180125ENGINE

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 BMW 525I. UPON DRIVING THE VEHICLE FOR SEVERAL MINUTES, AN UNKNOWN ODOR WAS DETECTED IN THE VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC OR DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V683000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); HOWEVER, THE PARTS DO TO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE DEALER (BMW OF OCALA 5145 SW COLLEGE RD, OCALA, FL 34474, (352) 861-0234) WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REMEDY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 56,000. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

Mileage: 56,000

20171219AIR BAGS

MY WARNING LIGHT "FAULT IN THE PASSENGER RESTRAINT SYSTEM" ILLUMINATED WHEN I TURNED THE CAR ON. HAS NOT COME OFF.

Mileage: 125,000

20171219SEAT BELTS

MY WARNING LIGHT "FAULT IN THE PASSENGER RESTRAINT SYSTEM" ILLUMINATED WHEN I TURNED THE CAR ON. HAS NOT COME OFF.

Mileage: 125,000

Compare 2007BMW525I to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations

View all investigations

Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2007 BMW 525I have?
The 2007 BMW 525I has 98 NHTSA complaints, 3 crashes, 4 fires, 5 injuries, and 0 deaths reported.
Are there any recalls for the 2007 BMW 525I?
Yes, the 2007 BMW 525I has 2 recall(s). The most common affected component is ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CRANKCASE (PCV). Recalls are issued by NHTSA and manufacturers must provide a free remedy.
What are the most common problems with the 2007 BMW 525I?
The most-complained component for the 2007 BMW 525I is AIR BAGS with 25 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include ELECTRICAL SYSTEM and STEERING.
Is the 2007 BMW 525I safe to buy?
Review the complaint history, crash and fire reports, safety ratings, and recall status on this page to make an informed decision. No NHTSA crash test rating is available for this model year. Compare with other model years using the links above.
Where does this data come from?
All complaint, recall, and safety rating data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are filed by vehicle owners through NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation.

Vehicle Safety Guides

Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.