YearToAvoid

2008 BMW X5 Brakes Problems

NHTSA has 22 owner complaints about brake problems in the 2008 BMW X5, 9% of all 235 complaints for this model year. That is #5 highest brake complaint count among 21 X5 model years. Median mileage at failure: 90,000 miles.

Brakes complaints
22
9% of 235
Crashes reported
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
0
Median mileage
90,000 mi
Related recalls
1

When 2008 BMW X5 brake complaints were filed

First complaint May 28, 2009, latest Jun 16, 2020.

2008 BMW X5 brakes complaints: complaints filed per month1May 2009Oct 2012Jan 2014Aug 2014Sep 2015May 2016Nov 2017Jun 2020
22 complaints filed with NHTSA from May 2009 to Jun 2020; peak May 2009 (1).

Brakes recalls for the 2008 BMW X5

  1. NHTSA 13V045000Feb 7, 2013Brakes30,265 vehicles

    Service brakes

    BMW is recalling certain model year 2007-2010 X5 SAV vehicles, manufactured September 12, 2006, through March 18, 2010 and equipped with an 8-cylinder engine. The brake vacuum pump may leak a small amount of lubricating oil into the hose. The contamination could result in a loss of power assist braking.

    Risk: The loss of power assist in braking could increase stopping distance and lead to a vehicle crash.

    Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake vacuum line with one that contains a check valve, free of charge. The recall began during March 2013. Owners may call BMW at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at [email protected].

Brakes complaints by X5 model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

  1. 200515 (18%)
  2. 200635 (18%)
  3. 200734 (26%)
  4. 200822 (9%)
  5. 200914 (9%)
  6. 20103 (2%)
  7. 201112 (4%)
  8. 20126 (2%)
  9. 201310 (6%)
  10. 20146 (6%)
  11. 20153 (2%)
  12. 20163 (4%)
  13. 20178 (11%)
  14. 20184 (6%)
  15. 201913 (7%)
  16. 20205 (5%)
  17. 20216 (6%)
  18. 20226 (9%)
  19. 20233 (9%)
  20. 202490 (62%)
  21. 202529 (48%)

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2008 BMW X5 have brake problems?
NHTSA has 22 owner complaints about the brake in the 2008 BMW X5, 9% of all complaints for this model year. Median mileage at failure is 90,000 miles.
Which BMW X5 year has the most brake complaints?
The 2024 BMW X5 has the most brake complaints (90), compared with 22 for the 2008.
Is there a brake recall for the 2008 BMW X5?
Yes — 1 NHTSA recall campaign for the 2008 BMW X5 concerns the brake: 13V045000.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.