Recall 10V518 affects 20,750 2008 BMW X5 SUVs for fuel pump wear that can stall the engine. Repair is free at any franchised BMW dealer.
BMW recall 10V518 covers 20,750 2008 X5 SAVs with 6-cylinder engines because a fuel pump manufacturing fault can increase commutator wear and lead to pump malfunction. If the engine stalls while driving, crash risk rises; the BMW dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The fuel pump on the 2008 BMW X5 with a 6-cylinder engine moves gasoline from the tank to the engine at the pressure the engine needs to run. Inside the pump, an electrical contact surface called a commutator helps the pump motor keep turning. When that surface wears correctly, the pump can keep a steady fuel supply.
In this recall, the pump was not built to BMW specifications because of a manufacturing process fault. Under certain operating conditions, the commutator wears faster than intended. As that wear increases, the pump motor is stressed and fuel delivery becomes less dependable. The defect is inside the pump, so it is not something an owner can inspect from outside the vehicle.
There is no warning sign before failure. If the pump wear reaches the point of failure, the first sign can be a hard start, rough running, or the engine not staying on.
Who's affected?
| 2008 BMW X5 | fuel system |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 20,750 |
Not every 2008 BMW X5 is on the list. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific SUV is included.
What's the safety risk?
Fuel pump wear can cause the pump to malfunction and the engine to stall. An engine stall while driving creates crash risk, including injury or death. Schedule the recall repair soon if your VIN is included. Repair will be free at any franchised BMW dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2008 BMW X5 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised BMW dealer to ask whether the free in-tank fuel-pump replacement is ready for your VIN.
- Reference recall number 10V518 when you call BMW or the dealer.
- Bring the recall notice if BMW mailed one, or bring your VIN and the recall number to the service desk.
- Drive cautiously until the repair is complete, and pull over safely if the engine stalls.
What happens at the repair
BMW's remedy calls for the in-tank fuel pump to be replaced at a BMW dealer, free of charge. The source record says the safety recall began on January 11, 2011. At the dealer, a BMW technician removes the fuel pump inside the fuel tank and installs a replacement pump built to specification. Parts and labor are covered by the recall.
Timeline
| October 26, 2010 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| January 11, 2011 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 10V518?
Recall 10V518 covers 20,750 2008 BMW X5 SAVs with 6-cylinder engines. The in-tank fuel pump was produced outside specification, which can increase commutator wear, lead to fuel-pump malfunction, and stall the engine. BMW dealers replace the fuel pump for free.
What should I do if my 2008 BMW X5 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific X5 is included in recall 10V518. If it is, call a franchised BMW dealer and reference recall 10V518. Ask for replacement of the in-tank fuel pump. The dealer repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires BMW to repair this defect at no cost. A franchised BMW dealer will replace the in-tank fuel pump free of charge for vehicles included in recall 10V518.
Is it safe to drive my BMW X5 before the recall repair?
Recall 10V518 does not include a do-not-drive instruction. The risk is engine stalling from fuel-pump malfunction, which increases crash risk and the chance of injury or death. Check your VIN, and if your X5 is included, schedule the free fuel-pump replacement.
What if I bought my BMW X5 used?
The free recall repair still applies. Federal recall law follows the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific X5 is included, then call a franchised BMW dealer and reference recall 10V518.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/10V518000 |
|---|---|
| BMW customer service | 1-800-525-7417 |
| NHTSA recall # | 10V518 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 10V518000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Defect / Noncompliance Notice (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on June 3, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →