Total Complaints
82 filings
BMW X5 SAV · model year
82 NHTSA complaints, 9 crash reports, and 5 active recalls for this specific cohort.
NHTSA overall rating
Not crash-tested
New Car Assessment Program
The 2007BMWX5 SAV carries 82 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 9 crashes, 0 fires, 8 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 X5 SAV is electrical system with 12 filings, followed by service brakes (12) and air bags (7). 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 5 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 X5 SAV. 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.
Total Complaints
82 filings
Crashes Reported
9 reports
Source
NHTSA ODI
Federal complaints database
At or below the fleet median complaint volume.
| Component | Count |
|---|---|
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 12 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 12 |
| AIR BAGS | 7 |
| POWER TRAIN | 6 |
| ENGINE | 6 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | 5 |
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | 3 |
| STRUCTURE | 3 |
| STRUCTURE:BODY | 3 |
| PARKING BRAKE | 2 |
| ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) | 2 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 2 |
| WHEELS | 2 |
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING | 2 |
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC | 2 |
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 135, "PASSENGER CAR BRAKE SYSTEMS." THE CAP OF THE BRAKE FLUID RESERVOIR HAS BEEN DESIGNED IN ORDERTO RECOGNIZE A LOW FLUID LEVEL OF THE HYDRAULIC BRAKE SYSTEM BY TRIGGERING A RED WARNING L
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
ON CERTAIN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH V8 ENGINES, IN CONDITIONS OF BELOW FREEZING TEMPERATURES COMBINED WITH LOW HUMIDITY, IT IS POSSIBLE FOR ELECTROSTATIC DISCHARGE TO OCCUR AT THE FUEL RAILS. IF THIS WERE TO OCCUR, THE ENGINE ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT (ECU) COULD BE AFFECTED SO THAT ENGINE STALLING COU
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST
BMW is recalling certain model year 2007-2010 X5 SAV vehicles, manufactured September 12, 2006, through March 18, 2010 and equipped with an 8-cylinder engine. The brake vacuum pump may leak a small amount of lubricating oil into the hose. The contamination could result in a loss of power assist br
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2008-2013 128i and 135i coupes and convertibles and 1 Series M coupes, 2006-2011 325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi, 335i xDrive Sedans, 2009-2011 335d sedans, 2006-2012 325xiT, 328i and 328xi sports wagons,
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CRANKCASE (PCV)
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);
MY VEHICLE HAS THE COMMONLY AND POPULARLY KNOWN WEEP HOLE COOLANT LEAK. APPARENTLY, BMW HAS HAD THIS PROBLEM IN PREVIOUS YEAR MODEL CARS, DATING BACK TO 2002. THEY HAVE KNOWN THAT THIS WAS A FLAW IN THEIR DESIGN. HOWEVER, THERE HAS BEEN NO RECALLS ON THE REPAIR OF THIS ISSUE, WHICH COSTS OWNERS THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS FOR LABOR ALONE FOR A RATHER 'INEXPENSIVE' PART. IT WOULD ONLY BE FAIR FOR BMW TO ISSUE A RECALL ON THIS COMMONLY KNOWN ISSUE THAT SEEMS TO AFFECT HUNDREDS OF OWNERS OF BMWS WITH THE SAME ENGINES. THE COOLANT LEAKS ON THE FRONT SIDE OF THE ENGINE THROUGH A RANDOM HOLE AROUND THE ENGINE. IT IS A RATHER COSTLY FIX DUE TO SEVERAL COMPONENTS NEEDING TO BE REMOVED BEFORE ONE CAN GET TO THE BROKEN PART TO BE REPLACED. IT IS UNFAIR FOR CURRENT OWNERS TO HAVE TO PAY SIGNIFICANTLY FOR A CAR THAT HAS A MAJOR DESIGN FLAW. VERY UNHAPPY WITH THIS CURRENT UNFORTUNATE DISCOVERY. MY CAR SUDDENLY LEAKED ALL THE COOLANT OUT OF THE CAR AND INTO THE ROAD AND MY DRIVEWAY. THANKFULLY I WAS ALMOST
Mileage: 117,000
I'M GETTING WARNING LIGHTS ON MY DASH STATING MY TAILLIGHTS ARE OUT. I CHECKED BOTH TAILLIGHTS AND THE HOUSING THAT HOLDS THE BULBS ARE MELTED THROUGH. THERE IS AN ELECTRICAL ISSUE THAT CAUSES THE BULBS TO OVERHEAT POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A FIRE. THIS HAPPENS IN PARK OR DRIVE. THE TAILLIGHTS WILL NEED TO BE REPLACED AND SOME TYPE OF CODING OR RESISTER WILL NEED TO BE INSTALLED TO PREVENT THEM FROM OVERHEATING AGAIN
Mileage: 90,000
I'M GETTING WARNING LIGHTS ON MY DASH STATING MY TAILLIGHTS ARE OUT. I CHECKED BOTH TAILLIGHTS AND THE HOUSING THAT HOLDS THE BULBS ARE MELTED THROUGH. THERE IS AN ELECTRICAL ISSUE THAT CAUSES THE BULBS TO OVERHEAT POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A FIRE. THIS HAPPENS IN PARK OR DRIVE. THE TAILLIGHTS WILL NEED TO BE REPLACED AND SOME TYPE OF CODING OR RESISTER WILL NEED TO BE INSTALLED TO PREVENT THEM FROM OVERHEATING AGAIN
Mileage: 90,000
INSTRUMENT PANEL IS NOR WORKING PROPERLY. UNABLE TO SET TIME AND DATE SERVICE SCHEDULE ETC. SOFTWARE IN THE INSTRUMENT PANEL DEFINITELY HAS DEFLECTS. CD IS NOT WORKING TOO. THESE PROBLEMS OCCYRS TWO YEARS AGO AND STILL REMAIN. *TT
Mileage: 90,000
TAKATA RECALL I WAS IN A SERIOUS ACCIDENT ON THE INTERSTATE GOING DOWNWARD ON THE RAMP WITH MY 2007 X5. MY TIRE BLEW OFF THE RIM CAUSING ME TO LOSE CONTROL AND EVENTUALLY STRIKE THE SIDE WALL. WAS WEARING SEAT BELT DURING ACCIDENT,SEAT BELT DID NOT RESTRAIN ME AND HEAD HIT WINDSHIELD. DEBRIS FROM AIRBAG IN STEERING WHEEL CUT ME IN VARIOUS PLACES. NOT ALL OF MY AIRBAGS DEPLOYED, ONLY STEERING WHEEL AND CURTAIN. SECOND ACCIDENT WITH A BMW TRUCK WHERE EITHER ONLY A FEW DEPLOYED OR NONE AT ALL. THIS ISSUE REALLY CAUSED A SAFETY CONCERN WITH ME BECAUSE I WAS PREGNANT AT THE TIME OF ACCIDENT AND WASN'T FULLY PROTECTED AT ALL. BMW ARE TOO GOOD OF CARS FOR THIS MAJOR FLAW. ALSO, I CONTACTED BMW AROUND DECEMBER 2015 IN REFERENCE TO RECALL AND WAS TOLD THAT THEY WOULD CALL WHEN THE PART CAME IN. CONTACTED THEM MULTIPLE TIMES AFTERWARDS AND WAS TOLD BMW STILL HASN'T SENT PART OUT. ...UPDATED 06/13/17 *BF UPDATED 09/19/217*JS
Mileage: 46
TAKATA RECALL I WAS IN A SERIOUS ACCIDENT ON THE INTERSTATE GOING DOWNWARD ON THE RAMP WITH MY 2007 X5. MY TIRE BLEW OFF THE RIM CAUSING ME TO LOSE CONTROL AND EVENTUALLY STRIKE THE SIDE WALL. WAS WEARING SEAT BELT DURING ACCIDENT,SEAT BELT DID NOT RESTRAIN ME AND HEAD HIT WINDSHIELD. DEBRIS FROM AIRBAG IN STEERING WHEEL CUT ME IN VARIOUS PLACES. NOT ALL OF MY AIRBAGS DEPLOYED, ONLY STEERING WHEEL AND CURTAIN. SECOND ACCIDENT WITH A BMW TRUCK WHERE EITHER ONLY A FEW DEPLOYED OR NONE AT ALL. THIS ISSUE REALLY CAUSED A SAFETY CONCERN WITH ME BECAUSE I WAS PREGNANT AT THE TIME OF ACCIDENT AND WASN'T FULLY PROTECTED AT ALL. BMW ARE TOO GOOD OF CARS FOR THIS MAJOR FLAW. ALSO, I CONTACTED BMW AROUND DECEMBER 2015 IN REFERENCE TO RECALL AND WAS TOLD THAT THEY WOULD CALL WHEN THE PART CAME IN. CONTACTED THEM MULTIPLE TIMES AFTERWARDS AND WAS TOLD BMW STILL HASN'T SENT PART OUT. ...UPDATED 06/13/17 *BF UPDATED 09/19/217*JS
Mileage: 46
TAKATA RECALL I WAS IN A SERIOUS ACCIDENT ON THE INTERSTATE GOING DOWNWARD ON THE RAMP WITH MY 2007 X5. MY TIRE BLEW OFF THE RIM CAUSING ME TO LOSE CONTROL AND EVENTUALLY STRIKE THE SIDE WALL. WAS WEARING SEAT BELT DURING ACCIDENT,SEAT BELT DID NOT RESTRAIN ME AND HEAD HIT WINDSHIELD. DEBRIS FROM AIRBAG IN STEERING WHEEL CUT ME IN VARIOUS PLACES. NOT ALL OF MY AIRBAGS DEPLOYED, ONLY STEERING WHEEL AND CURTAIN. SECOND ACCIDENT WITH A BMW TRUCK WHERE EITHER ONLY A FEW DEPLOYED OR NONE AT ALL. THIS ISSUE REALLY CAUSED A SAFETY CONCERN WITH ME BECAUSE I WAS PREGNANT AT THE TIME OF ACCIDENT AND WASN'T FULLY PROTECTED AT ALL. BMW ARE TOO GOOD OF CARS FOR THIS MAJOR FLAW. ALSO, I CONTACTED BMW AROUND DECEMBER 2015 IN REFERENCE TO RECALL AND WAS TOLD THAT THEY WOULD CALL WHEN THE PART CAME IN. CONTACTED THEM MULTIPLE TIMES AFTERWARDS AND WAS TOLD BMW STILL HASN'T SENT PART OUT. ...UPDATED 06/13/17 *BF UPDATED 09/19/217*JS
Mileage: 46
VEHICLE KEEPS STALLING AND ACCELERATING SHUTS OFF IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD WHILE DRIVING MAINLY IN THE CITY I COULD B TURNING OR DRIVING STRAIGHT AND SHUTS OFF AND TAKES AWHILE TO RESTART...ELECTRICAL WIRING KEEPS SHORTING OUT SUNROOF SHORTS OUT AND TAIL LIGHT KEEPS BURNING OUT...I TOOK IT TO DEALER PAID $5000 AND SAME PROBLEM CONTINUES TO OCCUR
Mileage: 100,921
VEHICLE KEEPS STALLING AND ACCELERATING SHUTS OFF IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD WHILE DRIVING MAINLY IN THE CITY I COULD B TURNING OR DRIVING STRAIGHT AND SHUTS OFF AND TAKES AWHILE TO RESTART...ELECTRICAL WIRING KEEPS SHORTING OUT SUNROOF SHORTS OUT AND TAIL LIGHT KEEPS BURNING OUT...I TOOK IT TO DEALER PAID $5000 AND SAME PROBLEM CONTINUES TO OCCUR
Mileage: 100,921
VEHICLE KEEPS STALLING AND ACCELERATING SHUTS OFF IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD WHILE DRIVING MAINLY IN THE CITY I COULD B TURNING OR DRIVING STRAIGHT AND SHUTS OFF AND TAKES AWHILE TO RESTART...ELECTRICAL WIRING KEEPS SHORTING OUT SUNROOF SHORTS OUT AND TAIL LIGHT KEEPS BURNING OUT...I TOOK IT TO DEALER PAID $5000 AND SAME PROBLEM CONTINUES TO OCCUR
Mileage: 100,921
VEHICLE EXPERIENCES DSC AND AWD AND 4X4 MALFUNCTION WHILE DRIVING. WHEN THE ERROR OCCURS WITH GAS PEDAL DEPRESSED, CAR WILL HESITATE BY GOING INTO NEUTRAL AND JUMPING BACK INTO DRIVE ACCOMPANIED BY ENGINE REVVING UP TO ABOVE 3000 RPM. WHEN THE ERROR OCCURS AND THE GAS IS NOT DEPRESSED, CAR WILL GO INTO NEUTRAL AND COAST, UNTIL I ENGAGE THE TRANSMISSION. IF THE CAR IS TRAVELING LESS THAN 5 MPH AND THE ERROR OCCURS, THEN THE CAR JERKS TO A HALT AND THE TRANSMISSION IS SWITCHED INTO PARK AUTOMATICALLY. THIS TYPICALLY HAPPENED IN STOP AND GO TRAFFIC. HAD DEALER DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM, PRESUMED IT WAS DUE TO STEERING ANGLE SENSOR NEEDING TO BE REINITIALIZED, BUT THE ERROR STILL OCCURRED. OFTEN TIMES, WHEN I START MY CAR AND THE ERROR OCCURS PRIOR TO BE EVEN SELECTING A GEAR.
Mileage: 101,000
VEHICLE EXPERIENCES DSC AND AWD AND 4X4 MALFUNCTION WHILE DRIVING. WHEN THE ERROR OCCURS WITH GAS PEDAL DEPRESSED, CAR WILL HESITATE BY GOING INTO NEUTRAL AND JUMPING BACK INTO DRIVE ACCOMPANIED BY ENGINE REVVING UP TO ABOVE 3000 RPM. WHEN THE ERROR OCCURS AND THE GAS IS NOT DEPRESSED, CAR WILL GO INTO NEUTRAL AND COAST, UNTIL I ENGAGE THE TRANSMISSION. IF THE CAR IS TRAVELING LESS THAN 5 MPH AND THE ERROR OCCURS, THEN THE CAR JERKS TO A HALT AND THE TRANSMISSION IS SWITCHED INTO PARK AUTOMATICALLY. THIS TYPICALLY HAPPENED IN STOP AND GO TRAFFIC. HAD DEALER DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM, PRESUMED IT WAS DUE TO STEERING ANGLE SENSOR NEEDING TO BE REINITIALIZED, BUT THE ERROR STILL OCCURRED. OFTEN TIMES, WHEN I START MY CAR AND THE ERROR OCCURS PRIOR TO BE EVEN SELECTING A GEAR.
Mileage: 101,000
VEHICLE EXPERIENCES DSC AND AWD AND 4X4 MALFUNCTION WHILE DRIVING. WHEN THE ERROR OCCURS WITH GAS PEDAL DEPRESSED, CAR WILL HESITATE BY GOING INTO NEUTRAL AND JUMPING BACK INTO DRIVE ACCOMPANIED BY ENGINE REVVING UP TO ABOVE 3000 RPM. WHEN THE ERROR OCCURS AND THE GAS IS NOT DEPRESSED, CAR WILL GO INTO NEUTRAL AND COAST, UNTIL I ENGAGE THE TRANSMISSION. IF THE CAR IS TRAVELING LESS THAN 5 MPH AND THE ERROR OCCURS, THEN THE CAR JERKS TO A HALT AND THE TRANSMISSION IS SWITCHED INTO PARK AUTOMATICALLY. THIS TYPICALLY HAPPENED IN STOP AND GO TRAFFIC. HAD DEALER DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM, PRESUMED IT WAS DUE TO STEERING ANGLE SENSOR NEEDING TO BE REINITIALIZED, BUT THE ERROR STILL OCCURRED. OFTEN TIMES, WHEN I START MY CAR AND THE ERROR OCCURS PRIOR TO BE EVEN SELECTING A GEAR.
Mileage: 101,000
RECEIVED RECALL LATER BACK IN DECEMBER 2016. CONTACTED STEVENS CREEK BMW IN SAN JOSE, CA MULTIPLE TIMES BUT ONLY RECEIVED VOICEMAIL SERVICE. LET NUMEROUS VOICE MESSAGE TO CALL BACK, BUT NEVER RECEIVED A CALL BACK ONCE. EVER SINCE, I HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT FOR THE RECALL. PRIVATE GARAGE HAS TOLD ME THE IN-TANK FUEL PUMP NEEDS TO BE REPLACED ASAP. RECALL CAMPAIGN NO. 16V-746.
Mileage: 95,000
TAKATA RECALL. CONTACT HAS RECEIVED THREE LETTERS FROM MANUFACTURER ADVISING TO CONTACT DEALER FOR AN INTERIM REPAIR OF THE AIR BAG INFLATOR FAILURE. DEALER WAS UNAWARE OF RECALL CAMPAIGN NO. 16V-071. DEALER SAYS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE AND CANNOT BE ORDERED. DEALER SAYS REPAIR KIT IS ISSUED SPECIFIC TO VIN AND THERE IS NOTHING TO DO BUT WAIT. PART HAS NOT FAILED YET BUT CONTACT FEARS DRIVING THE VEHICLE DUE TO RISK OF DEATH OR SERIOUS INJURY AS DESCRIBED IN RECALL INVESTIGATION.
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 BMW X5 SAV. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V071000 (AIR BAGS) AND THE DEALER INDICATED THAT THE PARTS MIGHT NOT BECOME AVAILABLE FOR APPROXIMATELY SIX MONTHS TO A YEAR. THE DEALER INDICATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER WAS ONLY SUPPLYING 100 PARTS PER MONTH. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND WAS UNABLE TO PROVIDE A REASONABLE TIME FRAME TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE SO THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE WHEN THE VEHICLE WOULD BE REPAIRED. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 BMW X5. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH MAKING A LEFT TURN, THE ENGINE STALLED AND THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO RESTART. THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE COIL SPRINGS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 94,000.
Mileage: 94,000
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 BMW X5. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH MAKING A LEFT TURN, THE ENGINE STALLED AND THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO RESTART. THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE COIL SPRINGS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 94,000.
Mileage: 94,000
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 BMW X5. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO DECELERATE. WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, IT TRAVELED TO THE FLOORBOARD AND FAILED TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A PARKED VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE BRAKE WARNING LIGHT AND PARKING BRAKE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS INOPERABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE BRAKE LIGHT, BRAKE BOOSTER, MASTER CYLINDER, AND FAULTY LIGHTS, AND SENSOR FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 154,000.
Mileage: 154,000
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 BMW X5. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WATER DRAINED INTO THE MODULE ON THE REAR DRIVER SIDE COMPARTMENT OF THE VEHICLE, WHICH CAUSED THE RADIO AND NAVIGATION SYSTEM TO EXPERIENCE A SHORT CIRCUIT FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED THAT DUE TO A DESIGN FLAW IN THE DRAINING SYSTEM IN THE REAR SUN ROOF OF THE VEHICLE, THAT WATER COULD ENTER THE COMPARTMENT WHERE THE MODULES WERE LOCATED, CAUSING AN ELECTRICAL FAILURE, A VEHICLE STALL, OR AN ELECTRICAL FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT DRAIN NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 49,000.
Mileage: 49,000
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.
Read our methodology — how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.