VehicleVerdict

2008 BMW X5 fuel system problems

The 2008 BMW X5 has 42 fuel system complaints filed with NHTSA — 13% of the year's total, and up sharply from the prior model year.

42

Fuel System complaints

13%

Share of year

1

Crash-involved

2

Related recalls

Fuel System complaints by year

Related recalls

16V746000Fuel SystemOctober 17, 2016 · 136,188 units

Defect

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2007-2011 BMW X5 3.0si, X5 4.8i, X5 M, X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive48i and X5 xDrive50i, 2008-2011 X6 x Drive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6 M, 2010-2011 X6 ActiveHybrid, 535i xDrive Gran Turismo, 535i Gran Turismo, 550i xDrive Gran Turismo and 550i Gran Turismo, 2011-2012 528i, 535i, 535i xDrive, 550i and 550i xDrive and 2012 535i ActiveHybrid, 640i Convertible, 650i Convertible, 650i xDrive Convertible, 650i Coupe and 650i Coupe xDrive vehicles. The affected vehicles have in-tank fuel pumps that may have insufficiently crimped wire contacts.

Consequence

The loose wires may cause the connector to melt, resulting in a fuel leak. Additionally, the fuel pump may stop working, possibly causing an engine stall and increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump module, free of charge. The recall began February 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

10V518000Fuel SystemOctober 26, 2010 · 20,750 units

Defect

BMW IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008 X5 SAVs VEHICLES WITH 6-CYLINDER ENGINES MANUFACTURED FROM NOVEMBER 1, 2007 THROUGH AUGUST 31, 2008. DUE TO A MANUFACTURING PROCESS FAULT, THE FUEL PUMP WAS NOT PRODUCED TO SPECIFICATIONS. UNDER SPECIFIC VEHICLE OPERATING CONDITIONS, THE FUEL PUMP'S COMMUTATOR COULD EXPERIENCE AN INCREASE IN WEAR.

Consequence

THIS WEAR COULD LEAD TO FUEL PUMP MALFUNCTION AND ENGINE STALLING. ENGINE STALLING COULD CREATE A POTENTIAL FOR A CRASH RESULTING IN INJURY OR DEATH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE IN-TANK FUEL PUMP FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 11, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-525-7417.

What owners report

IN OCTOBER OF 2015 WHILE MAKING A RIGHT TURN VERY SLOWLY INTO A ONE LANE DRIVE THRU, MY BMW X5 ACCELERATED CLIMBED UP A 2 FOOT WALL THAT WAS ON THE DRIVERS SIDE RODE THE FRONT DRIVERS SIDE WHEEL UPON THE WALL. I TRIED TO BREAK AND PULL THE HAND BRAKE THE CAR WOULD NOT STOP. I TURNED THE STEERING…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · October 11, 2015 · crash

Common questions

How many fuel system complaints does the 2008 BMW X5 have?

NHTSA has 42 complaints about the 2008 BMW X5 fuel system — 13% of all complaints filed for that model year.

Are there recalls for the 2008 BMW X5 fuel system?

Yes — 2 NHTSA recall campaigns for this model year are tied to the fuel system: 10V518000, 16V746000.

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.