The 2007 BMW X5 has 15 recalls, the most serious being multiple airbag inflator defects where the inflators can explode and send metal fragments into the cabin, posing a risk of serious injury or death.
Both the driver and passenger frontal inflators are affected. Heat and humidity degrade the inflator propellant over time, causing the airbag to deploy with far more force than intended and rupture the housing. Prior repair attempts on some vehicles did not fully resolve the problem, and those vehicles are covered by follow-up recalls.
On the fuel system side, poorly crimped wiring at the in-tank fuel pump connector can overheat, melt surrounding plastic, and leak fuel. The pump can also fail outright, potentially stalling the engine. There is also a fire risk from the positive crankcase ventilation valve heater, which can short circuit and ignite even when the vehicle is parked.
Two brake recalls round out the list. A leaking check valve in the brake vacuum pump can contaminate the brake booster over time and reduce braking power. A separate issue affects the brake fluid reservoir cap's float switch, which can fail at high temperatures and not trigger a low fluid warning light.
At a glance
What can fail
The driver frontal air bag inflator may explode due to chemical breakdown after prolonged exposure to humidity, heat, and temperature changes.
What the fix does
Replace the driver air bag inflator. On X5 and X6 models, only the inflator is replaced. Repair is free.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
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At a glance
What can fail
Heat and humidity can slowly degrade the propellant in the passenger-front airbag inflator installed during a previous recall. A degraded airbag may deploy with excessive force, and if it ruptures, metal fragments could injure occupants or damage the airbag assembly.
What the fix does
A dealer will inspect your passenger-front airbag module and replace it if needed to ensure safe operation.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The passenger front air bag inflator may explode due to propellant breakdown after prolonged exposure to heat and humidity.
What the fix does
BMW dealers will replace the passenger front air bag inflator at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The driver-front airbag inflator propellant can degrade over time from heat and humidity, potentially causing the airbag to deploy with excessive force or rupture, scattering fragments.
What the fix does
A dealer will inspect and replace the driver-front airbag module or inflator as needed.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Heat and humidity may degrade the propellant in the passenger-front airbag over time, potentially causing it to deploy with excessive force or rupture, sending fragments toward occupants or damaging the airbag assembly.
What the fix does
The passenger-front airbag module will be replaced with a new one at a dealer.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The passenger front air bag inflator may explode during deployment due to propellant breakdown from long-term heat and humidity exposure.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the passenger front air bag module at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The passenger front air bag inflator may explode during deployment due to propellant breakdown from long-term exposure to humidity and temperature changes.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the passenger front air bag module at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The heater inside the positive crankcase ventilation valve may short circuit, potentially causing it to malfunction.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the PCV valve heater at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The front passenger air bag inflator may rupture during a crash due to propellant breakdown from long-term exposure to high heat and humidity.
What the fix does
BMW will replace the front passenger air bag inflator or module at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Heat and humidity can degrade the airbag propellant over time, causing the passenger airbag to deploy with excessive force in a crash, which may scatter fragments and damage the airbag assembly.
What the fix does
The dealer will replace the passenger frontal airbag module or inflator.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The fuel pump inside the tank may have wire contacts that aren't crimped tightly enough, potentially causing electrical connection problems.
What the fix does
The fuel pump module will be replaced with a properly assembled unit at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Wires connecting to the fuel pump inside the tank may not be crimped properly. Poor crimping increases electrical resistance, causing the contact pin to overheat and melt surrounding plastic, which can stop the fuel pump and stall the vehicle.
What the fix does
The fuel delivery module will be replaced.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The passenger front air bag inflator may rupture during a crash due to propellant degradation from prolonged exposure to high humidity and temperature changes.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator or air bag module at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A check valve in the brake vacuum pump may leak lubricating oil. Over time, oil contamination can reach the brake booster, reducing brake power assist.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and replace the brake booster and master cylinder as needed. The brake vacuum line and check valve will be replaced.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The float switch in the brake fluid reservoir cap may malfunction at high temperatures, failing to illuminate the low fluid warning light when brake fluid runs low.
What the fix does
The brake fluid reservoir cap will be replaced with a corrected version.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
