2007 BMW 5 Series Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Good The 2007 BMW 5 Series has a complaint index of 38, ranking 6th worst out of 9 model years, and earns a Good verdict. NHTSA lists 13 complaints, 3 recalls, and no crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths for this year.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 38/100
- #6 of 9 5 Series years
- Verdict
- Good
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 13
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 3
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 0
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Top issue
- Airbags
Top 2007 BMW 5 Series problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Airbags6 (46%)
- Seat Belts5 (38%)
- Electrical System3 (23%)
- Steering2 (15%)
- Brakes1 (8%)
- Engine1 (8%)
- Structure & Body1 (8%)
- Transmission & Powertrain1 (8%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Owners report the passenger seat airbag/seat belt warning light illuminating due to a broken seat mat sensor, sometimes appearing around 79,000 miles.
- Some describe the electrical system draining the battery completely after washing the car, with exterior lights malfunctioning afterward.
- Several drivers report a persistent passenger restraint system fault message on the iDrive screen and dashboard that turns on and off intermittently.
- One owner reported the engine leaking transmission fluid before 40,000 miles, with a dealership warning that unresolved leaks could cause the transmission to lock up.
- A driver reported the brake pedal traveling to the floor near 40 mph at 126,000 miles, requiring repeated pumping to stop.
- One owner described a steering wheel lock warning light staying on continuously while the vehicle still started and drove normally.
2007 BMW 5 Series recalls
3 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 22V119000Mar 2, 2022Engine917,106 vehicles
Engine and engine cooling:exhaust system:emission control:crankcase (pcv)
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.
Risk: 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.
- NHTSA 12V126000Mar 26, 2012Electrical System367,682 vehicles
Electrical system:12v/24v/48v battery:cables
Bmw is recalling certain model year 2004-2010 5-series, model year 2004-2010 6-series, model year 2006-2010 m5, and model year 2007-2010 m6 vehicles. The insulated bulkhead connector for the positive battery cable may have been incorrectly attached to the trunk floor panel, which can lead to a loosening of the bolt connection. As it loosens, an increase in electrical resistance at this cable connection is possible and could cause the cable connection to overheat.
Risk: Overheating could lead to a fire, even while the vehicle is not in use. As a precaution, owners are advised to park outside until the remedy has been made.
Remedy: Bmw will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and secure the battery bolt cable connection as necessary, free of charge. The safety recall began on april 30, 2012. Owners may contact bmw customer relations and services at 1-800-525-7417.
- NHTSA 10V446000Oct 1, 2010Brakes198,352 vehicles
Service brakes, hydraulic:power assist:vacuum
Bmw is recalling certain model year 2004-2010 5-series, 6-series, and model year 2002-2008 7-series vehicles. A check valve of the brake vacuum pump may leak a small amount of lubricating oil. Over time this could result in contamination of the brake booster.
Risk: Power assist braking performance could be adversely affected. In extreme cases there could be a complete loss of power assist braking. An unexpected reduction or loss in power braking assist may increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Bmw will notify owners and dealers will repair the vehicles free of charge. The safety recall began on november 24, 2010. Owners may contact bmw at 1-800-525-7417.
2007 compared with other 5 Series years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2007 BMW 5 Series reliable?
- Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2007 model year has a complaint index of 38 and ranks 6th worst of 9 years, earning a Good verdict relative to other 5 Series years.
- What problems does the 2007 BMW 5 Series have?
- NHTSA complaints most often cite Airbags (46% of complaints) and Seat Belts (38%), including passenger restraint warning lights and non-deploying airbag concerns. Electrical, steering, brakes, and engine issues were also reported, each in smaller numbers.
- Does the 2007 BMW 5 Series have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2007 5 Series, covering the engine wiring, electrical system battery cable connector, and a brake vacuum pump check valve. None of these are do-not-drive recalls.
- How does the 2007 5 Series compare to other years?
- The 2007 model's complaint index of 38 is lower than the 2006 (75), 2008 (100), and 2011 (88) years, all of which carry Avoid verdicts. The 2010 model year has the lowest complaint index at 13 and is rated Best.
- What mileage do 5 Series airbag problems show up at?
- NHTSA data shows a median mileage of 79,000 miles for Airbags complaints in the 2007 model year.