VehicleVerdict

2007 BMW 525xi problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2007 BMW 525xi sits mid-pack among 525xi years: 31 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 31, with a single recall and no defect investigations.

Airbags leads the complaint categories with 10 reports (32% of the total).

31

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2007 compare to other 525xi years?

525xi NHTSA complaints by model year, 2007 highlighted34 complaints2006: 34 complaints2007: 31 complaints2011: 2 complaints
525xi NHTSA complaints by model year, 2007 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all 525xi years to avoid →

What are the most common 2007 BMW 525xi problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Airbags1032%
Steering619%
Engine516%
Electrical System310%
Seats26%
Other13%
Seat Belts13%
Brakes13%
Fuel System13%
Lighting13%

Does the 2007 BMW 525xi have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

13V564000AirbagsNovember 12, 2013 · 76,565 units

Defect

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 year 2006 760i sedans, model year 2006-2007 750i, 750Li, and 760Li sedans, and model year 2006 X5 sports activity vehicles, equipped with certain seat types. The front passenger seat occupant detection mat that determines if and how the passenger frontal air bag should deploy in a crash may fatigue and develop cracks which could lead to a system failure.

Consequence

Should the system fail, in the event of a crash, the front passenger air bag would be deactivated, increasing the risk of personal injury.

Remedy

BMW will notify owners with an interim notification letter in January 2014 since parts are not currently available. When parts are available, BMW sent a second letter in August and dealers will repair the occupant detection mat to eliminate the possibility that it may crack, free of charge. Additionally, owners of model year 2006-2007 3 Series with standard seats, 5 Series with comfort seats, and Z4 models, will receive an extended warranty on their front passenger seat occupant detection mat. Owners may contact BMW customer relations at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“HELLO, MY 2007 BMW 525XI HAS AN ERROR WITH THE AIRBAGS AND PASSENGER RESTRAINT SYSTEM. I WAS TOLD THERE IS A RECALL BUT BMW SAYS I DON'T HAVE ONE CURRENTLY MY AIRBAGS WILL NOT DEPLOY IN THE CASE OF AN ACCIDENT AND BMW DOES NOT WANT TO COVER. PLEASE HELP. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · April 4, 2014

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 BMW 525XI. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE POWER STEERING ASSIST FAILED. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO START THE VEHICLE. THE POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT WAS ALSO ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER; HOWEVER THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · April 24, 2013

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 BMW 525XI. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V683000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. WHILE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · October 30, 2017 · fire

“battery problems, was supposedly recalled for it and now the car is dying and the alarm is going off in my driveway at 10:30pm after being off for hours. the alarm doesn’t turn off with the fob or if key is in ignition, i need to remove the battery panel find a ratchet and remove one of the…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · October 16, 2024

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 BMW 525XI. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED STATING THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG WAS FAULTY AND WAS NOT ACTIVE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE PASSENGER SEAT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seats · March 4, 2013

2007 BMW 525xi — common questions

Is the 2007 BMW 525xi reliable?

It is close to typical for the 525xi: 31 NHTSA complaints, 1 recall, and no investigations on file.

What are the most common 2007 525xi problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are airbags (10 complaints), steering (6 complaints), engine (5 complaints).

Does the 2007 BMW 525xi have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2007 BMW 525xi. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.