Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.
Key facts
20 owner complaints analyzed
1 distinct recall campaigns
81,500 mi median reported failure mileage
Scope: 2007 model year. Data updated: . 16 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.
Owner-reported patterns
Most common problems
Air Bags is the most frequently named component, appearing in 8 of 20 complaints (40.0%). A complaint can name multiple components.
Recurring terms in complaint narratives
Topic
Matching reports
Share of complaints
Steering behavior
5
25.0%
Braking behavior
1
5.0%
Electrical and battery issues
1
5.0%
Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.
Component breakdown
Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.
Air Bags
8
Steering
5
Electrical System
3
Engine
3
Seats
2
Air Bags:Frontal
1
Air Bags:Sensor:Occupant Classification:Front Passenger
1
Engine And Engine Cooling
1
Component breakdown data
Category
Count
Air Bags
8
Steering
5
Electrical System
3
Engine
3
Seats
2
Air Bags:Frontal
1
Air Bags:Sensor:Occupant Classification:Front Passenger
1
Engine And Engine Cooling
1
Air Bags: 8; Steering: 5; Electrical System: 3; Engine: 3; Seats: 2; Air Bags:Frontal: 1; Air Bags:Sensor:Occupant Classification:Front Passenger: 1; Engine And Engine Cooling: 1
Reported problems by failure mileage
Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.
Under 25,000
0
25,000 to 49,999
0
50,000 to 74,999
5
75,000 to 99,999
8
100,000 to 149,999
3
150,000 and above
0
Reported problems by failure mileage data
Category
Count
Under 25,000
0
25,000 to 49,999
0
50,000 to 74,999
5
75,000 to 99,999
8
100,000 to 149,999
3
150,000 and above
0
Under 25,000: 0; 25,000 to 49,999: 0; 50,000 to 74,999: 5; 75,000 to 99,999: 8; 100,000 to 149,999: 3; 150,000 and above: 0
75,000 to 99,999 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (8). 4 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.
Complaints over time
Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.
Air Bags leads the component reports. Steering behavior appears in 5 complaint narratives. Braking behavior appears in 1 complaint narratives. Electrical and battery issues appears in 1 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.
Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.
Examples from the source records
Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.
Owner report 10226603 · 2008-05-04 (May 4, 2008)
THIS COMPLAINT IS THE REQUEST FOR MONTHLY COMPLIANCE, ANALYSIS, INSPECTIONS IN ORDER TO KEEP ALL DEFECTIVE, UNSAFE VEHICLES OFF THE STREETS. PLEASE INSPECT FOR COMPLIANCE ALL NEW, USED, RENTAL, AUTO AUCTIONS FOR BMW, BENZ, CADILLAC IN THE TEXAS AREAS OF HOUSTON, SAN ANTONIO, DALLAS, AUSTIN. *TR
2007 BMW 525XI MODEL NOT LIMITED TO OR EXCLUSIVE OF THIS MAKE/MODEL BUT HAS A KNOWN ISSUE WHERE A RED LIGHT INDICATOR APPEARS ON THE DASH SIGNALING AN ELECTRONIC STEERING COLUMN FAULT HAS OCCURRED, DO NOT TURN THE ENGINE OFF OR THE CAR MAY NOT BE ABLE TO BE STARTED AGAIN, CONTACT YOUR LOCAL BMW SERVICE DEPARTMENT. THIS HAS YET TO MAKE IT ON THE NHTSA DATABASE AS AN OFFICIAL RECALL BUT I HAVE RESEARCHED AND MADE NOTE OF SEVERAL HUNDRED CUSTOMERS EXPERIENCING THIS SAME ISSUE ON THEIR BMW. THIS CAR IS OUT OF THE 3 YEAR SERVICE WARRANTY AND THI…
MY 2007 525XI HAS ENCOUNTERED THE SAME PROBLEM COVERED BY NHTSA CAMPAIGN 08V384000 IN 2008 WHICH DISABLES THE FRONT AIRBAG. MY FOR RECALL IN THAT CAMPAIGN ENDED IN 2006. I WAS ABLE TO VERIFY WITH BMW THAT THE PART NUMBER FOR THE SEAT TO REPAIR THE ISSUE IN MY2007 IS THE SAME AS MY2006. HAS ANY TRACKING OF THE OCCURRENCE IN MY2007 OCCURRED? WHY WOULD THE SAME PART NOT BE COVERED UNDER THE MANUFACTURES EXTENSION TO THE WARRANTY OF 10 YEARS UNLIMITED MILEAGE? THIS IS APPROXIMATELY A $1200.00 REPAIR TO REPLACE THE SEAT AS BMW DOES NOT SELL THE SENS…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 BMW 525 XI. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE ENGINE WAS STARTED, THE AIRBAG AND RESTRAINT WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE DEALER CONFIRMED THAT THE PASSENGER SEAT MAT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 79,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 81,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 BMW 525XI. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED STATING THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG WAS FAULTY AND WAS NOT ACTIVE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE PASSENGER SEAT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 95,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 BMW 525XI. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE POWER STEERING ASSIST FAILED. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO START THE VEHICLE. THE POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT WAS ALSO ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER; HOWEVER THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 60,000.
HELLO, MY 2007 BMW 525XI HAS AN ERROR WITH THE AIRBAGS AND PASSENGER RESTRAINT SYSTEM. I WAS TOLD THERE IS A RECALL BUT BMW SAYS I DON'T HAVE ONE CURRENTLY MY AIRBAGS WILL NOT DEPLOY IN THE CASE OF AN ACCIDENT AND BMW DOES NOT WANT TO COVER. PLEASE HELP. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
CLICKING NOISE ON CAR OFTEN. AFTER RESEARCHING THERE WERE MORE COMPLAINTS OF THE SAME PROBLEM HAPPENING WITH OTHER BMW'S. WAS TOLD BY THE BMW SERVICE CENTER THAT THE LIFTERS NEED REPLACING. THERE ARE FAULTY LIFTERS ON THE CAR COULD EVENTUALLY RUIN THE ENGINE HEAD. *TR
1 distinct campaigns affect this selection. Announcement dates below are different from vehicle model years. A campaign may cover multiple years.
13V564000 · Air Bags:Sensor:Occupant Classification
Reported: 2013-11-12 (November 12, 2013)
BMW of North America LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2006 325i, 325xi, 330i, 330xi sedans and 325xi sports wagons, model year 2007 328i, 328xi, 335i, 335xi sedans and 328i and 328xi sports wagons, model year 2006-2007 525i, 525xi, 530i, 530xi, 550i sedans and 530xi sports wagons, model year 2006 760i sedans, model year 2006-2007 750i, 750Li, and 760Li sedans, and model year 2006 X5 sports activity vehicles, equipped with certain seat types. The front passenger seat occupant detection mat that determines if and how the passenger frontal air bag should deploy in a crash may fatigue and develop cracks which could lead to a system failure.
Consequence: Should the system fail, in the event of a crash, the front passenger air bag would be deactivated, increasing the risk of personal injury.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners with an interim notification letter in January 2014 since parts are not currently available. When parts are available, BMW sent a second letter in August and dealers will repair the occupant detection mat to eliminate the possibility that it may crack, free of charge. Additionally, owners of model year 2006-2007 3 Series with standard seats, 5 Series with comfort seats, and Z4 models, will receive an extended warranty on their front passenger seat occupant detection mat. Owners may contact BMW customer relations at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at [email protected].
Inspect model-year patterns, reported mileage, monthly activity and the evidence behind each signal.
Data completeness
20 unique complaints in this selection. Analysis snapshot: 2026-10-01.
80.0%Usable mileage16 / 20 records
100.0%Valid incident date20 / 20 records
100.0%Valid filing date20 / 20 records
100.0%Ordered incident and filing dates20 / 20 records
Missing, zero and invalid mileage is excluded. Dates after the snapshot are excluded. Examples are limited selections, not a representative sample.
Problems by model year
Model-wide comparison of the eight most reported components across the model. Cells show counts and shares within each model year. Open a cell for source examples.
Component complaint heatmap
Component
2006
2007
2011
Air Bags
1346.4%ODI 10445046 · 101,000 mi
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW 525XI. THE CONTACT STATED THERE WAS A CRACK IN THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE SEAT CUSHION AND THE CRACK CAUSED THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT TO ILLUMINATE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION OR REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED TO THE CONTACT THAT THE VIN FAILED TO QUALIFY FOR A REPAIRS UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER:08V384000 (AIR BAGS:FRONTAL). THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 101,000.
MY 2007 525XI HAS ENCOUNTERED THE SAME PROBLEM COVERED BY NHTSA CAMPAIGN 08V384000 IN 2008 WHICH DISABLES THE FRONT AIRBAG. MY FOR RECALL IN THAT CAMPAIGN ENDED IN 2006. I WAS ABLE TO VERIFY WITH BMW THAT THE PART NUMBER FOR THE SEAT TO REPAIR THE ISSUE IN MY2007 IS THE SAME AS MY2006. HAS ANY TRACKING OF THE OCCURRENCE IN MY2007 OCCURRED? WHY WOULD THE SAME PART NOT BE COVERED UNDER THE MANUFACTURES EXTENSION TO THE WARRANTY OF 10 YEARS UNLIMITED MILEAGE? THIS IS APPROXIMATELY A $1200.00 REPAIR TO REPLACE THE SEAT AS BMW DOES NOT SELL THE SENS…
MCM BURNED UP GOT WET AND STANK UP WHOLE TRUNK BECAUSE OF DESIGN FLAW BY BMW WE WERE DRIVING AS IT BURNED UP TILL WE HAD TO PULL OVER BECAUSE OF THE AWFUL SMELL
2007 BMW 525XI MODEL NOT LIMITED TO OR EXCLUSIVE OF THIS MAKE/MODEL BUT HAS A KNOWN ISSUE WHERE A RED LIGHT INDICATOR APPEARS ON THE DASH SIGNALING AN ELECTRONIC STEERING COLUMN FAULT HAS OCCURRED, DO NOT TURN THE ENGINE OFF OR THE CAR MAY NOT BE ABLE TO BE STARTED AGAIN, CONTACT YOUR LOCAL BMW SERVICE DEPARTMENT. THIS HAS YET TO MAKE IT ON THE NHTSA DATABASE AS AN OFFICIAL RECALL BUT I HAVE RESEARCHED AND MADE NOTE OF SEVERAL HUNDRED CUSTOMERS EXPERIENCING THIS SAME ISSUE ON THEIR BMW. THIS CAR IS OUT OF THE 3 YEAR SERVICE WARRANTY AND THI…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW 525XI. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE EXHIBITED AN OIL LEAK. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A MECHANIC, WHO DETERMINED THAT THE ENGINE CYLINDER HEAD WAS FRACTURED AND CAUSING THE OIL LEAK. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER BUT WAS PROVIDED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 77,000.
CLICKING NOISE ON CAR OFTEN. AFTER RESEARCHING THERE WERE MORE COMPLAINTS OF THE SAME PROBLEM HAPPENING WITH OTHER BMW'S. WAS TOLD BY THE BMW SERVICE CENTER THAT THE LIFTERS NEED REPLACING. THERE ARE FAULTY LIFTERS ON THE CAR COULD EVENTUALLY RUIN THE ENGINE HEAD. *TR
WHEN I CAME TO RED LIGHT AND WENT TO PUSH MY BRAKE A WARNING LIGHT APPEARED ON DASH WITH THE MESSAGE LEFT BRAKE LAMP MALFUNCTION AND MY BRAKE WOULD NOT PUSH DOWN. THIS HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES SINCE LAST WEEK AND I FOUND AN OPEN RECALL THAT FITS MY CAR EXACTLY BUT MY CAR IN NOT COVERED. WHY???? *TR
I WAS TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH ON A CITY CAUSEWAY. I WENT TO APPLY THE BRAKES FOR A RED LIGHT AND HAD NONE. THE PEDAL WAS VERY STIFF AND HAD NO HYDRAULIC ASSIST. I PUSHED THE PEDAL AS HARD AS I COULD AND DOWNSHIFTED, FINALLY STOPPING ABOUT 8 FEET INTO THE INTERSECTION. THE CAR ACTED FINE ALL MORNING UP TO THAT POINT. I HAD NO WARNING LIGHT OR ANYTHING TO ALERT ME TO THE FAILURE. I HAVE SINCE FOUND OUT THAT BMW ISSUED A RECALL FOR THIS VERY ISSUE ON THE V8 ENGINE BUT NOT FOR THE I6 ENGINE WHICH I HAVE. *TR
2007 BMW 525XI MODEL NOT LIMITED TO OR EXCLUSIVE OF THIS MAKE/MODEL BUT HAS A KNOWN ISSUE WHERE A RED LIGHT INDICATOR APPEARS ON THE DASH SIGNALING AN ELECTRONIC STEERING COLUMN FAULT HAS OCCURRED, DO NOT TURN THE ENGINE OFF OR THE CAR MAY NOT BE ABLE TO BE STARTED AGAIN, CONTACT YOUR LOCAL BMW SERVICE DEPARTMENT. THIS HAS YET TO MAKE IT ON THE NHTSA DATABASE AS AN OFFICIAL RECALL BUT I HAVE RESEARCHED AND MADE NOTE OF SEVERAL HUNDRED CUSTOMERS EXPERIENCING THIS SAME ISSUE ON THEIR BMW. THIS CAR IS OUT OF THE 3 YEAR SERVICE WARRANTY AND THI…
THE PASSENGER RESTRAINT SYSTEM ALARM CAME ON FOR THE FIRST TIME WHILE SITTING IN A PARKING LOT. BMW SAYS THAT MY VEHICLE, A 2006 BMW 525XI IS NOT CAPTURED UNDER THE CURRENT RECALL 13V564000, WHICH FIXES THIS PROBLEM. *TR
MY 2007 525XI HAS ENCOUNTERED THE SAME PROBLEM COVERED BY NHTSA CAMPAIGN 08V384000 IN 2008 WHICH DISABLES THE FRONT AIRBAG. MY FOR RECALL IN THAT CAMPAIGN ENDED IN 2006. I WAS ABLE TO VERIFY WITH BMW THAT THE PART NUMBER FOR THE SEAT TO REPAIR THE ISSUE IN MY2007 IS THE SAME AS MY2006. HAS ANY TRACKING OF THE OCCURRENCE IN MY2007 OCCURRED? WHY WOULD THE SAME PART NOT BE COVERED UNDER THE MANUFACTURES EXTENSION TO THE WARRANTY OF 10 YEARS UNLIMITED MILEAGE? THIS IS APPROXIMATELY A $1200.00 REPAIR TO REPLACE THE SEAT AS BMW DOES NOT SELL THE SENS…
HELLO, MY 2007 BMW 525XI HAS AN ERROR WITH THE AIRBAGS AND PASSENGER RESTRAINT SYSTEM. I WAS TOLD THERE IS A RECALL BUT BMW SAYS I DON'T HAVE ONE CURRENTLY MY AIRBAGS WILL NOT DEPLOY IN THE CASE OF AN ACCIDENT AND BMW DOES NOT WANT TO COVER. PLEASE HELP. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
The contact owns a 2006 BMW 525XI. The contact stated that the vehicle was overheating while driving. The coolant temperature warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the thermostat and radiator were replaced; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the computer needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact later received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V273000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, th…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 BMW 525XI. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V683000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. WHILE DRIVING UNKNOWN SPEEDS, THE CONTACT DETECTED AN ABNORMAL BURNING ODOR. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT CALLED A LOCAL DEALER (DANIELS BMW, 4600 CRACKERSPORT ROAD, ALLENTOWN, PA 18104) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE RECALL PARTS WE…
Darker cells indicate a larger share of submitted complaints. Components overlap. This measures complaint composition, not failure probability.
Failure mileage by component
Median and middle 50% of usable owner-reported mileages. Ranges require at least five records.
Component failure mileage distribution
Component
Mileage range (25th–75th percentile)
Median
Usable records
Examples
Air Bags
81,500–89,000 mi
85,000 mi
7
ODI 10433573 · 88,000 mi
MY 2007 525XI HAS ENCOUNTERED THE SAME PROBLEM COVERED BY NHTSA CAMPAIGN 08V384000 IN 2008 WHICH DISABLES THE FRONT AIRBAG. MY FOR RECALL IN THAT CAMPAIGN ENDED IN 2006. I WAS ABLE TO VERIFY WITH BMW THAT THE PART NUMBER FOR THE SEAT TO REPAIR THE ISSUE IN MY2007 IS THE SAME AS MY2006. HAS ANY TRACKING OF THE OCCURRENCE IN MY2007 OCCURRED? WHY WOULD THE SAME PART NOT BE COVERED UNDER THE MANUFACTURES EXTENSION TO THE WARRANTY OF 10 YEARS UNLIMITED MILEAGE? THIS IS APPROXIMATELY A $1200.00 REPAIR TO REPLACE THE SEAT AS BMW DOES NOT SELL THE SENS…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 BMW 525 XI. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE ENGINE WAS STARTED, THE AIRBAG AND RESTRAINT WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE DEALER CONFIRMED THAT THE PASSENGER SEAT MAT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 79,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 81,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 BMW 525XI. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED STATING THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG WAS FAULTY AND WAS NOT ACTIVE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE PASSENGER SEAT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 95,000.
2007 BMW 525XI MODEL NOT LIMITED TO OR EXCLUSIVE OF THIS MAKE/MODEL BUT HAS A KNOWN ISSUE WHERE A RED LIGHT INDICATOR APPEARS ON THE DASH SIGNALING AN ELECTRONIC STEERING COLUMN FAULT HAS OCCURRED, DO NOT TURN THE ENGINE OFF OR THE CAR MAY NOT BE ABLE TO BE STARTED AGAIN, CONTACT YOUR LOCAL BMW SERVICE DEPARTMENT. THIS HAS YET TO MAKE IT ON THE NHTSA DATABASE AS AN OFFICIAL RECALL BUT I HAVE RESEARCHED AND MADE NOTE OF SEVERAL HUNDRED CUSTOMERS EXPERIENCING THIS SAME ISSUE ON THEIR BMW. THIS CAR IS OUT OF THE 3 YEAR SERVICE WARRANTY AND THI…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 BMW 525XI. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE POWER STEERING ASSIST FAILED. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO START THE VEHICLE. THE POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT WAS ALSO ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER; HOWEVER THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 60,000.
2007 BMW 525XI MODEL NOT LIMITED TO OR EXCLUSIVE OF THIS MAKE/MODEL BUT HAS A KNOWN ISSUE WHERE A RED LIGHT INDICATOR APPEARS ON THE DASH SIGNALING AN ELECTRONIC STEERING COLUMN FAULT HAS OCCURRED, DO NOT TURN THE ENGINE OFF OR THE CAR MAY NOT BE ABLE TO BE STARTED AGAIN, CONTACT YOUR LOCAL BMW SERVICE DEPARTMENT. THIS HAS YET TO MAKE IT ON THE NHTSA DATABASE AS AN OFFICIAL RECALL BUT I HAVE RESEARCHED AND MADE NOTE OF SEVERAL HUNDRED CUSTOMERS EXPERIENCING THIS SAME ISSUE ON THEIR BMW. THIS COULD LEAVE YOU IN A DANGEROUS POSITION IF YOU NEEDED…
2007 BMW 525XI MODEL NOT LIMITED TO OR EXCLUSIVE OF THIS MAKE/MODEL BUT HAS A KNOWN ISSUE WHERE A RED LIGHT INDICATOR APPEARS ON THE DASH SIGNALING AN ELECTRONIC STEERING COLUMN FAULT HAS OCCURRED, DO NOT TURN THE ENGINE OFF OR THE CAR MAY NOT BE ABLE TO BE STARTED AGAIN, CONTACT YOUR LOCAL BMW SERVICE DEPARTMENT. THIS HAS YET TO MAKE IT ON THE NHTSA DATABASE AS AN OFFICIAL RECALL BUT I HAVE RESEARCHED AND MADE NOTE OF SEVERAL HUNDRED CUSTOMERS EXPERIENCING THIS SAME ISSUE ON THEIR BMW. THIS CAR IS OUT OF THE 3 YEAR SERVICE WARRANTY AND THI…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 BMW 525XI. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS BEING SERVICED AT THE DEALER, THE IGNITION WAS TURNED TO THE ON POSITION BUT THE ENGINE DID NOT START. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL LOCK MECHANISM FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 73,000. UPDATED 8/10/15*CN UPDATED 10/17/2017*CN
CLICKING NOISE ON CAR OFTEN. AFTER RESEARCHING THERE WERE MORE COMPLAINTS OF THE SAME PROBLEM HAPPENING WITH OTHER BMW'S. WAS TOLD BY THE BMW SERVICE CENTER THAT THE LIFTERS NEED REPLACING. THERE ARE FAULTY LIFTERS ON THE CAR COULD EVENTUALLY RUIN THE ENGINE HEAD. *TR
I WAS TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH ON A CITY CAUSEWAY. I WENT TO APPLY THE BRAKES FOR A RED LIGHT AND HAD NONE. THE PEDAL WAS VERY STIFF AND HAD NO HYDRAULIC ASSIST. I PUSHED THE PEDAL AS HARD AS I COULD AND DOWNSHIFTED, FINALLY STOPPING ABOUT 8 FEET INTO THE INTERSECTION. THE CAR ACTED FINE ALL MORNING UP TO THAT POINT. I HAD NO WARNING LIGHT OR ANYTHING TO ALERT ME TO THE FAILURE. I HAVE SINCE FOUND OUT THAT BMW ISSUED A RECALL FOR THIS VERY ISSUE ON THE V8 ENGINE BUT NOT FOR THE I6 ENGINE WHICH I HAVE. *TR
MY 2007 525XI HAS ENCOUNTERED THE SAME PROBLEM COVERED BY NHTSA CAMPAIGN 08V384000 IN 2008 WHICH DISABLES THE FRONT AIRBAG. MY FOR RECALL IN THAT CAMPAIGN ENDED IN 2006. I WAS ABLE TO VERIFY WITH BMW THAT THE PART NUMBER FOR THE SEAT TO REPAIR THE ISSUE IN MY2007 IS THE SAME AS MY2006. HAS ANY TRACKING OF THE OCCURRENCE IN MY2007 OCCURRED? WHY WOULD THE SAME PART NOT BE COVERED UNDER THE MANUFACTURES EXTENSION TO THE WARRANTY OF 10 YEARS UNLIMITED MILEAGE? THIS IS APPROXIMATELY A $1200.00 REPAIR TO REPLACE THE SEAT AS BMW DOES NOT SELL THE SENS…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 BMW 525XI. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED STATING THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG WAS FAULTY AND WAS NOT ACTIVE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE PASSENGER SEAT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 95,000.
MY 2007 525XI HAS ENCOUNTERED THE SAME PROBLEM COVERED BY NHTSA CAMPAIGN 08V384000 IN 2008 WHICH DISABLES THE FRONT AIRBAG. MY FOR RECALL IN THAT CAMPAIGN ENDED IN 2006. I WAS ABLE TO VERIFY WITH BMW THAT THE PART NUMBER FOR THE SEAT TO REPAIR THE ISSUE IN MY2007 IS THE SAME AS MY2006. HAS ANY TRACKING OF THE OCCURRENCE IN MY2007 OCCURRED? WHY WOULD THE SAME PART NOT BE COVERED UNDER THE MANUFACTURES EXTENSION TO THE WARRANTY OF 10 YEARS UNLIMITED MILEAGE? THIS IS APPROXIMATELY A $1200.00 REPAIR TO REPLACE THE SEAT AS BMW DOES NOT SELL THE SENS…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 BMW 525XI. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V683000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. WHILE DRIVING UNKNOWN SPEEDS, THE CONTACT DETECTED AN ABNORMAL BURNING ODOR. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT CALLED A LOCAL DEALER (DANIELS BMW, 4600 CRACKERSPORT ROAD, ALLENTOWN, PA 18104) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE RECALL PARTS WE…
Explore monthly filing activity alongside recall announcements. Up to ten years of monthly history is available.
Solid line: filed complaints. Dashed amber lines: recall announcement dates for this vehicle selection; markers include all recall components. The latest month is partial. Temporal proximity does not establish causation.
Monthly counts, recall campaigns and complaint examples
Monthly complaint and recall timeline
Month
Complaints
Campaigns announced
Examples
2024-11
0
None
No examples available for this selection.
2024-12
0
None
No examples available for this selection.
2025-01
0
None
No examples available for this selection.
2025-02
0
None
No examples available for this selection.
2025-03
0
None
No examples available for this selection.
2025-04
0
None
No examples available for this selection.
2025-05
0
None
No examples available for this selection.
2025-06
0
None
No examples available for this selection.
2025-07
0
None
No examples available for this selection.
2025-08
0
None
No examples available for this selection.
2025-09
0
None
No examples available for this selection.
2025-10
0
None
No examples available for this selection.
2025-11
0
None
No examples available for this selection.
2025-12
0
None
No examples available for this selection.
2026-01
0
None
No examples available for this selection.
2026-02
0
None
No examples available for this selection.
2026-03
0
None
No examples available for this selection.
2026-04
0
None
No examples available for this selection.
2026-05
0
None
No examples available for this selection.
2026-06
0
None
No examples available for this selection.
2026-07
0
None
No examples available for this selection.
2026-08
0
None
No examples available for this selection.
2026-09
0
None
No examples available for this selection.
2026-10 (partial)
0
None
No examples available for this selection.
Emerging complaint spikes
Complete months in the latest six months with at least 10 complaints, at least twice the preceding 12-month average, and at least three square-root deviations above that average.
This is a descriptive screening rule, not a statistical defect finding. Publicity and reporting changes can increase submissions.
No complete months meet the spike thresholds for this selection.
Equal-age model-year comparison
Model-wide cumulative reports during the first three or five calendar years, starting with the model year (age 0). Only fully elapsed windows are compared.
2007: 2 complaints · 2011: 1 complaints
Equal observation windows
Model year
Through age 0
Through age 1
Through age 2
2007
0
1
2
2011
1
1
1
Date coverage across each selected cohort
Date basis for all complaints in selected model years
Year
Incident dates used
Filing date fallbacks
Excluded dates
2007
20
0
0
2011
1
0
0
Incident date is preferred when valid and no later than filing; otherwise filing date is used. Model year approximates age. Equal observation time does not adjust for sales, distance driven or reporting delays. One complaint linked to multiple model years can appear in each cohort.
Components reported together
Each cell counts unique complaints naming both components. Open a nonzero cell for examples.
Component co-occurrence matrix
Component
Air Bags
Steering
Electrical System
Engine
Seats
Air Bags:Frontal
Air Bags:Sensor:Occupant Classification:Front Passenger
Engine And Engine Cooling
Air Bags
—
0
0
0
2ODI 10433573 · 88,000 mi
MY 2007 525XI HAS ENCOUNTERED THE SAME PROBLEM COVERED BY NHTSA CAMPAIGN 08V384000 IN 2008 WHICH DISABLES THE FRONT AIRBAG. MY FOR RECALL IN THAT CAMPAIGN ENDED IN 2006. I WAS ABLE TO VERIFY WITH BMW THAT THE PART NUMBER FOR THE SEAT TO REPAIR THE ISSUE IN MY2007 IS THE SAME AS MY2006. HAS ANY TRACKING OF THE OCCURRENCE IN MY2007 OCCURRED? WHY WOULD THE SAME PART NOT BE COVERED UNDER THE MANUFACTURES EXTENSION TO THE WARRANTY OF 10 YEARS UNLIMITED MILEAGE? THIS IS APPROXIMATELY A $1200.00 REPAIR TO REPLACE THE SEAT AS BMW DOES NOT SELL THE SENS…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 BMW 525XI. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED STATING THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG WAS FAULTY AND WAS NOT ACTIVE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE PASSENGER SEAT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 95,000.
MY 2007 525XI HAS ENCOUNTERED THE SAME PROBLEM COVERED BY NHTSA CAMPAIGN 08V384000 IN 2008 WHICH DISABLES THE FRONT AIRBAG. MY FOR RECALL IN THAT CAMPAIGN ENDED IN 2006. I WAS ABLE TO VERIFY WITH BMW THAT THE PART NUMBER FOR THE SEAT TO REPAIR THE ISSUE IN MY2007 IS THE SAME AS MY2006. HAS ANY TRACKING OF THE OCCURRENCE IN MY2007 OCCURRED? WHY WOULD THE SAME PART NOT BE COVERED UNDER THE MANUFACTURES EXTENSION TO THE WARRANTY OF 10 YEARS UNLIMITED MILEAGE? THIS IS APPROXIMATELY A $1200.00 REPAIR TO REPLACE THE SEAT AS BMW DOES NOT SELL THE SENS…
My car is seeing error lights for the passenger restraint system, and the dealer informed me that I should replace the OC3 mat at a cost of $2021. I see that this part is covered under recall for some similar age 525xi models, so I am unclear why this problem doesn't extend to my vehicle if this is a common problem with these models. Is this under evaluation for a possible future recall?
2007 BMW 525XI MODEL NOT LIMITED TO OR EXCLUSIVE OF THIS MAKE/MODEL BUT HAS A KNOWN ISSUE WHERE A RED LIGHT INDICATOR APPEARS ON THE DASH SIGNALING AN ELECTRONIC STEERING COLUMN FAULT HAS OCCURRED, DO NOT TURN THE ENGINE OFF OR THE CAR MAY NOT BE ABLE TO BE STARTED AGAIN, CONTACT YOUR LOCAL BMW SERVICE DEPARTMENT. THIS HAS YET TO MAKE IT ON THE NHTSA DATABASE AS AN OFFICIAL RECALL BUT I HAVE RESEARCHED AND MADE NOTE OF SEVERAL HUNDRED CUSTOMERS EXPERIENCING THIS SAME ISSUE ON THEIR BMW. THIS CAR IS OUT OF THE 3 YEAR SERVICE WARRANTY AND THI…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 BMW 525XI. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS BEING SERVICED AT THE DEALER, THE IGNITION WAS TURNED TO THE ON POSITION BUT THE ENGINE DID NOT START. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL LOCK MECHANISM FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 73,000. UPDATED 8/10/15*CN UPDATED 10/17/2017*CN
2007 BMW 525XI MODEL NOT LIMITED TO OR EXCLUSIVE OF THIS MAKE/MODEL BUT HAS A KNOWN ISSUE WHERE A RED LIGHT INDICATOR APPEARS ON THE DASH SIGNALING AN ELECTRONIC STEERING COLUMN FAULT HAS OCCURRED, DO NOT TURN THE ENGINE OFF OR THE CAR MAY NOT BE ABLE TO BE STARTED AGAIN, CONTACT YOUR LOCAL BMW SERVICE DEPARTMENT. THIS HAS YET TO MAKE IT ON THE NHTSA DATABASE AS AN OFFICIAL RECALL BUT I HAVE RESEARCHED AND MADE NOTE OF SEVERAL HUNDRED CUSTOMERS EXPERIENCING THIS SAME ISSUE ON THEIR BMW. THIS CAR IS OUT OF THE 3 YEAR SERVICE WARRANTY AND THI…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 BMW 525XI. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS BEING SERVICED AT THE DEALER, THE IGNITION WAS TURNED TO THE ON POSITION BUT THE ENGINE DID NOT START. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL LOCK MECHANISM FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 73,000. UPDATED 8/10/15*CN UPDATED 10/17/2017*CN
MY 2007 525XI HAS ENCOUNTERED THE SAME PROBLEM COVERED BY NHTSA CAMPAIGN 08V384000 IN 2008 WHICH DISABLES THE FRONT AIRBAG. MY FOR RECALL IN THAT CAMPAIGN ENDED IN 2006. I WAS ABLE TO VERIFY WITH BMW THAT THE PART NUMBER FOR THE SEAT TO REPAIR THE ISSUE IN MY2007 IS THE SAME AS MY2006. HAS ANY TRACKING OF THE OCCURRENCE IN MY2007 OCCURRED? WHY WOULD THE SAME PART NOT BE COVERED UNDER THE MANUFACTURES EXTENSION TO THE WARRANTY OF 10 YEARS UNLIMITED MILEAGE? THIS IS APPROXIMATELY A $1200.00 REPAIR TO REPLACE THE SEAT AS BMW DOES NOT SELL THE SENS…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 BMW 525XI. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED STATING THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG WAS FAULTY AND WAS NOT ACTIVE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE PASSENGER SEAT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 95,000.
MY 2007 525XI HAS ENCOUNTERED THE SAME PROBLEM COVERED BY NHTSA CAMPAIGN 08V384000 IN 2008 WHICH DISABLES THE FRONT AIRBAG. MY FOR RECALL IN THAT CAMPAIGN ENDED IN 2006. I WAS ABLE TO VERIFY WITH BMW THAT THE PART NUMBER FOR THE SEAT TO REPAIR THE ISSUE IN MY2007 IS THE SAME AS MY2006. HAS ANY TRACKING OF THE OCCURRENCE IN MY2007 OCCURRED? WHY WOULD THE SAME PART NOT BE COVERED UNDER THE MANUFACTURES EXTENSION TO THE WARRANTY OF 10 YEARS UNLIMITED MILEAGE? THIS IS APPROXIMATELY A $1200.00 REPAIR TO REPLACE THE SEAT AS BMW DOES NOT SELL THE SENS…
MY 2007 525XI HAS ENCOUNTERED THE SAME PROBLEM COVERED BY NHTSA CAMPAIGN 08V384000 IN 2008 WHICH DISABLES THE FRONT AIRBAG. MY FOR RECALL IN THAT CAMPAIGN ENDED IN 2006. I WAS ABLE TO VERIFY WITH BMW THAT THE PART NUMBER FOR THE SEAT TO REPAIR THE ISSUE IN MY2007 IS THE SAME AS MY2006. HAS ANY TRACKING OF THE OCCURRENCE IN MY2007 OCCURRED? WHY WOULD THE SAME PART NOT BE COVERED UNDER THE MANUFACTURES EXTENSION TO THE WARRANTY OF 10 YEARS UNLIMITED MILEAGE? THIS IS APPROXIMATELY A $1200.00 REPAIR TO REPLACE THE SEAT AS BMW DOES NOT SELL THE SENS…
MY 2007 525XI HAS ENCOUNTERED THE SAME PROBLEM COVERED BY NHTSA CAMPAIGN 08V384000 IN 2008 WHICH DISABLES THE FRONT AIRBAG. MY FOR RECALL IN THAT CAMPAIGN ENDED IN 2006. I WAS ABLE TO VERIFY WITH BMW THAT THE PART NUMBER FOR THE SEAT TO REPAIR THE ISSUE IN MY2007 IS THE SAME AS MY2006. HAS ANY TRACKING OF THE OCCURRENCE IN MY2007 OCCURRED? WHY WOULD THE SAME PART NOT BE COVERED UNDER THE MANUFACTURES EXTENSION TO THE WARRANTY OF 10 YEARS UNLIMITED MILEAGE? THIS IS APPROXIMATELY A $1200.00 REPAIR TO REPLACE THE SEAT AS BMW DOES NOT SELL THE SENS…
Air Bags:Sensor:Occupant Classification:Front Passenger
1ODI 11432915
My car is seeing error lights for the passenger restraint system, and the dealer informed me that I should replace the OC3 mat at a cost of $2021. I see that this part is covered under recall for some similar age 525xi models, so I am unclear why this problem doesn't extend to my vehicle if this is a common problem with these models. Is this under evaluation for a possible future recall?
Co-reporting does not establish that one component caused another concern.
Recurring narrative patterns
Specific keyword mentions beyond broad component labels. Matching includes negations and comparisons and does not confirm a diagnosis.
3 patterns with matching reports.
Warning lights and dashboard alerts
4 mentions · 20.0% of complaints
Median mileage: 82,000 mi (4 usable records).
ODI 10454082 · 79,000 mi
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 BMW 525 XI. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE ENGINE WAS STARTED, THE AIRBAG AND RESTRAINT WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE DEALER CONFIRMED THAT THE PASSENGER SEAT MAT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 79,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 81,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 BMW 525XI. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE POWER STEERING ASSIST FAILED. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO START THE VEHICLE. THE POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT WAS ALSO ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER; HOWEVER THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 60,000.
I WAS TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH ON A CITY CAUSEWAY. I WENT TO APPLY THE BRAKES FOR A RED LIGHT AND HAD NONE. THE PEDAL WAS VERY STIFF AND HAD NO HYDRAULIC ASSIST. I PUSHED THE PEDAL AS HARD AS I COULD AND DOWNSHIFTED, FINALLY STOPPING ABOUT 8 FEET INTO THE INTERSECTION. THE CAR ACTED FINE ALL MORNING UP TO THAT POINT. I HAD NO WARNING LIGHT OR ANYTHING TO ALERT ME TO THE FAILURE. I HAVE SINCE FOUND OUT THAT BMW ISSUED A RECALL FOR THIS VERY ISSUE ON THE V8 ENGINE BUT NOT FOR THE I6 ENGINE WHICH I HAVE. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 BMW 525XI. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE POWER STEERING ASSIST FAILED. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO START THE VEHICLE. THE POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT WAS ALSO ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER; HOWEVER THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 60,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 BMW 525XI. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS BEING SERVICED AT THE DEALER, THE IGNITION WAS TURNED TO THE ON POSITION BUT THE ENGINE DID NOT START. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL LOCK MECHANISM FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 73,000. UPDATED 8/10/15*CN UPDATED 10/17/2017*CN
2007 BMW 525XI MODEL NOT LIMITED TO OR EXCLUSIVE OF THIS MAKE/MODEL BUT HAS A KNOWN ISSUE WHERE A RED LIGHT INDICATOR APPEARS ON THE DASH SIGNALING AN ELECTRONIC STEERING COLUMN FAULT HAS OCCURRED, DO NOT TURN THE ENGINE OFF OR THE CAR MAY NOT BE ABLE TO BE STARTED AGAIN, CONTACT YOUR LOCAL BMW SERVICE DEPARTMENT. THIS HAS YET TO MAKE IT ON THE NHTSA DATABASE AS AN OFFICIAL RECALL BUT I HAVE RESEARCHED AND MADE NOTE OF SEVERAL HUNDRED CUSTOMERS EXPERIENCING THIS SAME ISSUE ON THEIR BMW. THIS COULD LEAVE YOU IN A DANGEROUS POSITION IF YOU NEEDED…