VehicleVerdict

2007 BMW X5 Sav problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

The 2007 BMW X5 Sav carries two red flags at once: 82 consumer complaints filed with NHTSA — 3.0× the X5 Sav norm — and an open NHTSA defect investigation (subject: Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture). It is one of the X5 Sav years to avoid.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across brakes (16), electrical system (14), and engine (11), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

82

NHTSA complaints

5

Recalls

1

Investigations · 1 open

9

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

8

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2007 compare to other X5 Sav years?

X5 Sav NHTSA complaints by model year, 2007 highlighted82 complaints2000: 0 complaints2001: 0 complaints2002: 0 complaints2003: 1 complaints2004: 0 complaints2006: 36 complaints2007: 82 complaints2008: 34 complaints2009: 30 complaints2010: 27 complaints2011: 38 complaints2012: 29 complaints2013: 16 complaints
X5 Sav NHTSA complaints by model year, 2007 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all X5 Sav years to avoid →

What are the most common 2007 BMW X5 Sav problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Brakes1620%
Electrical System1417%
Engine1113%
Airbags79%
Body & Structure79%
Transmission79%
Tires & Wheels34%
Suspension34%
Speed Control34%
Seat Belts22%
Lighting22%
Other22%
Seats22%
Latches & Locks11%
Fuel System11%
Visibility & Wipers11%

Does the 2007 BMW X5 Sav have recalls?

5 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

22V119000EngineMarch 2, 2022 · 917,106 units

Defect

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); 2006-2012 3 Series Wagon (328i, 328i xDrive); 2007-2013 3 Series Convertible (328i); 2006-2010 5 Series Sedan (525i, 525xi, 528i, 528xi, 530i, 530xi); 2006-2007 5 Series Wagon (530xi); 2007-2010 X5 SAV (X5 3.0si, X5 xDrive30i); 2006-2008 Z4 Coupe (Z4 3.0si); and 2006-2011 Z4 Roadster (Z4 3.0i, Z4 3.0si, Z4 sDrive30i) vehicles. The heater for the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve may short circuit.

Consequence

An electrical short can cause the PCV valve heater to overheat, increasing the risk of a fire while driving or, soon after driving when parked.

Remedy

This recall supersedes and expands previous NHTSA recalls 17V-683 and 19V-273. Dealers will install an electrical wiring harness with fuse protection for the PCV Valve heater in potentially affected vehicles, free of charge. This recall supersedes and expands previous NHTSA recalls 17V-683 and 19V-273. Vehicles previously repaired under the prior recalls will need to come back for the new recall remedy. The remedy is currently being developed. Interim owner notification letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed on April 1, 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 22, 2022. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

16V071000AirbagsFebruary 5, 2016 · 840,000 units

Defect

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, 2007-2013 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 335i, 335xi, 335i xDrive, 335is and M3 Coupes and Convertibles, 2013-2015 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i and X1 xDrive35i SAVs, 2007-2010 X3 xDrive30i SAVs, 2007-2013 X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i and X5 M SAVs, 2009-2013 BMW X5 xDrive35d SAVs, 2008-2014 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i, and X6 M SACs, 2010-2011 BMW X6 xDrive50i SACs and 2008-2011 M3 Sedan vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.

Consequence

In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy

BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag module or inflator depending on the vehicle model, free of charge. The recall began March 9, 2018. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

13V045000BrakesFebruary 7, 2013 · 30,265 units

Defect

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 braking.

Consequence

The loss of power assist in braking could increase stopping distance and lead to a vehicle crash.

Remedy

BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake vacuum line with one that contains a check valve, free of charge. The recall began during March 2013. Owners may call BMW at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.

07V479000EngineOctober 12, 2007 · 29,250 units

Defect

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 COULD RESULT.

Consequence

IF STALLING WERE TO OCCUR, THE DRIVER MAY NOT BE ABLE TO MAINTAIN VEHICLE SPEED OR ACCELERATE AND THE POWER STEERING COULD FAIL INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL ATTACH TWO GROUND CABLES IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 29, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-831-1117.

07V391000BrakesAugust 29, 2007 · 6,595 units

Defect

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 LAMP IN THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER. A SWITCH THAT IS ATTACHED TO THIS CAP COULD MALFUNCTION AT HIGH TEMPERATURES.

Consequence

IF THIS HAPPENED, THE RED WARNING LAMP IN THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER WOULD NOT BE ACTIVATED. LOSS OF THE HYDRAULIC BRAKE SYSTEM MAY CAUSE INCREASED STOPPING DISTANCES WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE BRAKE FLUID RESERVOIR CAP FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 20, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-831-1117.

Open NHTSA investigations

EA21002

Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture

From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.Consequently, all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a substance that traps and holds moisture) in US vehicles are under recall. These "non-desiccated" inflators either have been or are required to be replaced.In some cases, the remedy part for these recalled inflators was, or will be, an inflator using either propellant 2004 or 2004L that does contain a desiccant. None of these "desiccated" remedy parts (which were installed in older model year vehicles) are currently under recall for a degradation concern. Certain subsets of desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004 for use as original equipment, however, have been recalled for a degradation concern. All Takata inflators produced with propellant 2004L contain desiccant, and none of these desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L are under recall for a degradation concern. There have been no reported field ruptures in any non-recalled desiccated PSAN inflators.It is understood that desiccants fully saturate at some threshold, at which point any additional moisture will not be captured. This means the degradation process observed in non-desiccated inflators using propellant 2004 may also occur in non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004, assuming additional moisture enters the inflator and high temperature cycling occurs. Based on available information, desiccant saturation can occur within the first five years in the worst environments, and the time required for full saturation is affected by multiple factors. While no present safety risk has been identified, further work is needed to evaluate the future risk of non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004.Three entities -- Takata (now known as TK Global), the Independent Testing Coalition, and Exponent -- have been studying the long-term behavior of Takata desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004L (as well as 2004) in the presence of moisture and temperature cycling. The research efforts, which include development of predictive modeling techniques and field sample analysis, are ongoing. To date, none of the researchers have identified field evidence showing that propellant 2004L is undergoing a degradation process that leads to aggressive deployment and potential rupture. However, the time in service of such inflators remains short compared to that of the inflators using propellant 2004. Further study is needed to assess the long-term safety of desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L.The Office of Defects Investigation is opening this investigation to examine whether a safety defect related to propellant degradation exists in non-recalled desiccated PSAN frontal inflators manufactured by Takata. This investigation will require extensive information on Takata production processes and surveys of inflators in the field. Lists of recall actions that may have used desiccated PSAN inflators as remedy parts, as well as the makes and models originally manufactured with them, is available with the downloadable version of this document (see nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=EA21002 -- note this information is subject to change/revision as the investigation proceeds). This investigation does not supersede EA15-001, which remains open.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 BMW X5. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL TRAVELED TO THE FLOORBOARD ABNORMALLY WHEN DEPRESSED. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · July 11, 2013 · crash

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · November 1, 2016

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · November 1, 2016

“I WAS EXITING A PARKING GARAGE AND HIT A COLUMN, THE AIRBAG WENT OFF. I WAS TRANSPORTED TO THE HOSPITAL. I SUSTAINED A C1 NECK FRACTURE AND AN ABRASION ON MY FOREHEAD. I WAS IN A NECK COLLAR FOR 3 MONTHS WITH VERY LIMITED ACTIVITY AND NO DRIVING. MY CAR WAS DECLARED A TOTAL LOSS. I AM PRESENTLY…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · July 10, 2014 · crash

“I WAS EXITING A PARKING GARAGE AND HIT A COLUMN, THE AIRBAG WENT OFF. I WAS TRANSPORTED TO THE HOSPITAL. I SUSTAINED A C1 NECK FRACTURE AND AN ABRASION ON MY FOREHEAD. I WAS IN A NECK COLLAR FOR 3 MONTHS WITH VERY LIMITED ACTIVITY AND NO DRIVING. MY CAR WAS DECLARED A TOTAL LOSS. I AM PRESENTLY…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · July 10, 2014 · crash

2007 BMW X5 Sav — common questions

Is the 2007 BMW X5 Sav reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 82 complaints put the 2007 model at #1 of 13 X5 Sav years, and a defect investigation remains open. It is one of the X5 Sav years to avoid.

What are the most common 2007 X5 Sav problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are brakes (16 complaints), electrical system (14 complaints), engine (11 complaints).

Does the 2007 BMW X5 Sav have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns affecting the 2007 BMW X5 Sav. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2007 BMW X5 Sav under NHTSA investigation?

Yes — an investigation remains open (Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture). An open ODI action means NHTSA is actively assessing a possible defect.

Which BMW X5 Sav years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the X5 Sav years to avoid are 2007, 2011, 2008, 2009, 2012, 2010, 2013. The cleanest record among X5 Sav years belongs to 2004.

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.