2008 BMW X5 engine and engine cooling problems
16 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the engine and engine cooling on the 2008 BMW X5 — 7% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“The contact owns a 2008 BMW X5. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, several unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that two minutes later the instrument panel went blank. The contact stated that the infotainment system failed to display an image and a dealer was contacted. The…”
filed Jun 5, 2025
“The contact owns a 2008 BMW X5. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, she noticed an abnormally strong burning plastic odor inside the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to drive to the residence. The contact stated that she had stopped driving the…”
filed Mar 20, 2023
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Related recalls
- Heater for the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve may short circuitCampaign 17V683000 · Oct 30, 2017
Engine and Engine Cooling problems in other X5 years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 X5 | 1 | 2% |
| 2022 X5 | 3 | 5% |
| 2021 X5 | 6 | 6% |
| 2020 X5 | 14 | 14% |
| 2019 X5 | 11 | 6% |
| 2018 X5 | 9 | 13% |
| 2017 X5 | 4 | 5% |
| 2016 X5 | 7 | 10% |
| 2015 X5 | 8 | 5% |
| 2014 X5 | 5 | 5% |
| 2013 X5 | 6 | 4% |
| 2012 X5 | 12 | 4% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2008 BMW X5
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.