2008 BMW 7 Series Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Avoid The 2008 BMW 7 Series carries a complaint index of 86, ranking it 2nd worst among 8 model years, with a verdict of Avoid. Owners most often reported structural and body issues (36% of complaints) and airbag problems (27%), alongside one brake-related recall.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 86/100
- #2 of 8 7 Series years
- Verdict
- Avoid
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 11
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 1
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 2
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 1
- Injuries
- 2
- Top issue
- Structure & Body
Top 2008 BMW 7 Series problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Structure & Body4 (36%)
- Airbags3 (27%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires2 (18%)
- Brakes1 (9%)
- Electrical System1 (9%)
- Other1 (9%)
- Seat Belts1 (9%)
- Transmission & Powertrain1 (9%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Doors fail to latch closed after hitting bumps or after fueling stops, sometimes requiring drivers to hold the door shut by hand.
- Front passenger airbag occupant-detection mats reportedly develop cracks over time, similar to an issue BMW recalled on 2006-2007 model 7 Series cars, but not extended to the 2008.
- Airbags reportedly did not deploy during a side-impact collision at over 45 mph.
- Brakes reportedly failed to stop the vehicle at an intersection despite being pressed for a distance, resulting in a low-speed collision.
- A headlight assembly with an aftermarket HID conversion kit reportedly caught fire while driving at 70 mph.
- Transmission reportedly hesitated on inclines with a fault light illuminating, requiring the engine to be restarted.
2008 BMW 7 Series recalls
1 NHTSA recall campaign list this model year.
- 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.
2008 compared with other 7 Series years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2008 BMW 7 Series reliable?
- Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2008 model ranks 2nd worst out of 8 model years for the 7 Series, with a complaint index of 86 and a verdict of Avoid.
- What are the most common problems with the 2008 BMW 7 Series?
- Owners most frequently reported issues with structure and body (36% of complaints, including door latch failures) and airbags (27% of complaints, including occupant-detection mat cracking and non-deployment during a crash).
- Does the 2008 BMW 7 Series have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists one recall for the 2008 model year, covering a brake vacuum pump check valve that may leak lubricating oil.
- How does the 2008 7 Series compare to other years?
- The 2008 model's complaint index of 86 is higher than 2005 (43), 2006 (71), 2007 (57), 2010 (14), 2011 (29), and 2012 (0), and just below 2009 (100), which also carries an Avoid verdict.
- What mileage do 2008 7 Series problems tend to show up at?
- NHTSA data shows a median mileage at failure of 86,500 for the 2008 model year overall, with structure and body complaints occurring at a median of 82,000 miles and airbag complaints at 138,250 miles.