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BMW X5 SAVModel year report

2007 BMW X5 SAV Problems

Complaints
59filed with NHTSA
Median mileage
67,000miles, 52 complaints with mileage
Recalls
5campaigns on record
Trend
StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.

Sources: NHTSA records for the 2007 BMW X5 SAV (complaints, recalls, investigations). Report an error

What owners report

Owners of this model year most often describe brake assist problems — a pedal that travels to the floor or feels stiff and does not slow the vehicle — along with electrical trouble such as battery drain, modules getting wet, and warning lights. Many reports come in between roughly 50,000 and 100,000 miles, and the electrical complaints are frequently tied to water intrusion or short-trip driving.

  1. Brakes

    Brake pedal to the floor / loss of power assist

    • 8 complaints (14%)
    • median 96,000 mi at 7.4 yrs old (8 state mileage, few)
    • 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
    • filed 2013–2015

    Owners describe the brake pedal sinking to the floorboard or feeling very stiff, with the vehicle failing to slow normally and, in some cases, hitting another vehicle or passing through an intersection. Complaints mention a failed brake booster and, in some cases, a leaking vacuum pump or master cylinder being identified. Several owners say a dealer could not diagnose the cause, and others report the reinforcement was done under a recall but the symptom returned. Mostly reported between about 50,000 and 100,000 miles, often during low-speed or in-town braking.

    Recall 13V045000Recall 07V391000

    What to check: Have the brake booster, vacuum pump and fluid level inspected, and ask whether recall 13V045000 was performed and whether any oil was found in the vacuum hose. Test the pedal for firmness and travel on a test drive.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “The car looses power to brake and almost crashed. The brakes become really stiff when coming to a stop and no matter how hard you push on them it does not stop. I read online other people have crashed with the same issue. Called Bmw but they said there is no recall for my vehicle,”

    NHTSA complaint #10734446, filed 2015-07, 98,000 miles

    “The vehicle has no brakes what so ever. The pedal goes all the way to the floor. The only way to get it to stop is if you put it into neutral. I had it towed to the local dealership d patrick, and matt has told me that the recall replacement part was serviced a year and a half ago (which the vehicle has sat since october of 2014) that even though it failed it is not covered. There is a red brake light warning on the dash, they said no brake fluid came out due to the failure of the brake booster brake master cylinder and faulty lines.”

    NHTSA complaint #10787398, filed 2015-10, 165,000 miles
  2. Electrical system

    Battery drain and electrical faults / no-start

    • 24 complaints (41%)
    • median 72,302 mi at 6.8 yrs old (20 state mileage)
    • 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
    • filed 2007–2018

    Complaints describe repeated high battery discharge warnings, intermittent no-start conditions, and clusters of warning messages for stability control, transmission, all-wheel drive and parking brake. In some cases an independent shop described widespread electrical and data bus faults, and owners report dealers replacing batteries without resolving the drain. Reported from low mileage up to around 90,000 miles, often after short trips or periods of limited use.

    6 related service bulletins

    What to check: Ask whether a battery energy diagnosis was performed and how the vehicle has been driven (short trips drain the battery). Check that all warning lamps go out after start-up and that modules under the seats and in the rear compartment are dry.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “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”

    NHTSA complaint #10980933, filed 2017-04, 100,921 miles

    “It was the night of independence day 2012, it had rained moderately hard earlier in the day. When I started my 2007 Bmw x5 3.0si to drive home, I was greeted with a bunch of warnings and errors on both my instrument cluster and navigation display. The most major one read electronic system malfunction: take to nearest Bmw center. The ABS light was also lit up. Since it was late at night, the dealership was closed and so I proceeded to try to drive home. …”

    NHTSA complaint #10468057, filed 2012-07, 58,000 miles
  3. Body and structure

    Water leaks soaking carpet and electrical modules

    • 7 complaints (12%)
    • median 41,500 mi at 4.0 yrs old (6 state mileage, few)
    • 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
    • filed 2011–2015

    Owners report the passenger-side floor carpet getting wet after rain and water reaching the satellite radio module and rear compartment electronics, causing shorts and lost radio or navigation function. Some describe the source as a drain or seal issue near the sunroof or front footwell and ask whether it is repairable. Typically reported in the 35,000-50,000 mile range, generally after rain or washing.

    2 related service bulletins

    What to check: Check the front passenger footwell carpet and the rear side compartment for dampness or water stains after rain, and ask whether the electronics box lid and sunroof drains have been checked.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “This is my second complaint of problems caused by water intrusion of my 2007 Bmw x-5. First complaint was the passenger-side floorboard carpet getting wet. Now, I have a problem with electrical components getting wet. My satellite radio receiver was destroyed by moisture. I would like to know if this problem with water intrusion is truly repairable or should Bmw recall these vehicles.”

    NHTSA complaint #10399708, filed 2011-05

    “Complaint is of a 2007 Bmw x-5(purchased 6 months ago). I have experienced the carpet in the floor board(passenger side) gets wet. Since has discovered that other owners have experienced the same problem. Bmw issued a service bulletin on nov. 2008. Would like for this to become a recall issue.”

    NHTSA complaint #10383904, filed 2011-02, 35,000 miles
  4. Brakes

    Electronic parking brake malfunction or stuck

    • 8 complaints (14%)
    • median 59,600 mi at 5.0 yrs old (8 state mileage, few)
    • 2 mention a crash, fire or injury
    • filed 2010–2015

    Complaints describe a parking brake malfunction message, a vehicle that will not move because the brake will not release, and a plastic switch that broke during normal use and required the whole switch assembly to be replaced. After a tow, some owners say a dealer updated module coding, and others report the problem returned. Reported from around 30,000 to 80,000 miles, often at start-up or when releasing the brake.

    What to check: Cycle the parking brake on and off several times during a test drive and confirm the switch feels solid, and ask whether the parking brake module has had a software update.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “After putting parking brake on Bmw x5 2007, tried to release parking brake. System displayed parking brake malfunction. Was unable to drive the car until a Bmw assist supervisor told me that I need to manually release by pulling a cable in the trunk of a car. After searching online it seems to be a common problem with this car. I don't feel safe driving a car that has malfunction brakes.”

    NHTSA complaint #10328613, filed 2010-05, 31,000 miles

    “Electronic parking brake totally lock up the car. The car is totally lock up, can't move forward or backward. Have to be tow on the tow truck bed to the dealer. They stated it needs to update the coding on the module. This re-occur again on 7/3/2013.”

    NHTSA complaint #10524213, filed 2013-07, 30,000 miles
  5. Engine cooling

    Coolant loss and water pump failure

    • 7 complaints (12%)
    • median 64,000 mi at 6.7 yrs old (7 state mileage, few)
    • filed 2011–2019

    Owners describe low-coolant messages that return after topping up, overheating with the check engine light on, and stalling on the road, with the electric water pump identified as the failed part. Some complaints mention repeated pump replacement and a coolant leak at the front of the engine. Mostly reported between about 50,000 and 120,000 miles, sometimes at highway speed.

    1 related service bulletin

    What to check: Ask for service records on the electric water pump and thermostat, check the coolant level and look for dried coolant residue near the front of the engine.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “Bmw recalled x5 from 2008-2011 for water pump failure. My x5 is 2007 and it is identical model as 2008-2011 Bmw x5. Same design and same water pump part. However Bmw manufacturer said it will not be covered by recall because it is not 2008-2011 model. This does not make sense that they do not recall 2007 x5 even if it is identical car to 2008-2011 Bmw x5.”

    NHTSA complaint #10437507, filed 2011-11, 54,000 miles

    “The electric water pump has constantly failed even after replacing it and caused also damage to fuse box and thermostat most of the time. Bmw must be forced to recall the 2007 x5 3.0i and get this problem fixed once and for all.”

    NHTSA complaint #10520291, filed 2013-06, 63,000 miles

Buying note. A pre-purchase inspection by a shop familiar with these vehicles is worth the cost here, focusing on brake assist, the electric water pump, and water intrusion into the footwells and rear electronics. Ask for records of recall work and of any water pump or battery replacement.

Summary written with AI from a sample of 58 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.

NHTSA recorded 59 consumer complaints for the 2007 BMW X5 SAV. 52 of the complaints include a mileage, and 33% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 67,000 miles. Of all complaints, 5 involved a crash, 4 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns and 73 technical service bulletins for this model year.

Not compared (before 2008). Model years 2008–2023 of the same vehicle that have at least 25 complaints are compared, and a model needs at least 3 of them.

Which parts are reported most

Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.

Also reported: Exterior lighting (2), Other or unknown (2), Seat belts (2), Seats (2), Wheels (2), Fuel system (1), Latches, locks and linkages (1), Tires (1), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (1).

Example complaints

Brakes: “Recurring parking brake malfunctions since summer 2012 when I purchased the vehicle. It leads to failure to engage parking brake when vehicle is put in park increasing risk of rolling and in several incidents resulting in the vehicle not being able to move when placed into drive requiring manual release of parking brake and later repair by Bmw service center with no resolution to the problem . The problem has been increasing over the past several months.”

NHTSA complaint #10604504, filed 2014-06, 63,000 miles

Electrical system: “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”

NHTSA complaint #11156823, filed 2018-12, 90,000 miles

Air bags: “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 going to physical therapy 2-3 times per week for my neck.”

NHTSA complaint #10650165, filed 2014-10, 55,000 miles

Body and structure: “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. …”

NHTSA complaint #10990820, filed 2017-05, 46 miles

Mileage when problems were reported

33% of the 52 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 38,000 and 94,000 miles.

6%0–108%10–2519%25–5025%50–7525%75–10013%100–1504%150+
Share of complaints by mileage when the problem was reported, in thousands of miles (52 complaints with mileage). Red bars: under 50,000 miles. Bucket widths differ. Median: 67,000 miles.

Complaints by year filed

Trend: stable. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.

20092011112013201520172019
Complaints by year the complaint was filed with NHTSA. Red bars: the last 3 full calendar years used for the trend. The current year (2026) is partial.

Recalls and investigations

Recall details for the 2007 BMW X5 SAV → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls

Technical service bulletins

TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 73 on record; the latest 10 are shown.

See all 73 bulletins →

Other model years of the BMW X5 SAV

YearComplaintsMedian miRecallsCrash ★MPGScore (50 = typical)Trend
20131345,0001———Not enough data
20122154,2504———Stable
20112478,6203———Stable
20101964,0005———Stable
20091980,0004———Rising
20082070,0493———Stable
20075967,0005——Not compared (before 2008)Stable
20062796,0000——Not compared (before 2008)Stable

All BMW X5 SAV model years

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2007 BMW X5 SAV?

Owners of this model year most often describe brake assist problems — a pedal that travels to the floor or feels stiff and does not slow the vehicle — along with electrical trouble such as battery drain, modules getting wet, and warning lights. The issues reported most often: Brake pedal to the floor / loss of power assist; Battery drain and electrical faults / no-start; Water leaks soaking carpet and electrical modules.

How many NHTSA complaints does the 2007 BMW X5 SAV have?

NHTSA recorded 59 consumer complaints for the 2007 BMW X5 SAV as of Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

What part of the 2007 BMW X5 SAV is reported most often?

Brakes is named most often, in 16 complaints (27% of the total), followed by electrical system with 12.

Has the 2007 BMW X5 SAV been recalled?

NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

At what mileage are problems with the 2007 BMW X5 SAV reported?

Among the 52 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 67,000 miles and the middle half falls between 38,000 and 94,000 miles; 33% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.