Owners filed 152 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the engine. It has been recalled 6 times.
When it fails
06800068,000 milesMedian miles at failure
71 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 75,000–90,000 miles.
What fails
Component
Reports
Crashes
Fires
Injuries
Engine
39
1
3
1
Fuel/Propulsion System
21
0
0
0
Fuel System, Diesel
19
0
0
0
Air Bags
14
3
0
4
Unknown or Other
10
0
0
0
Power Train
10
1
0
0
Electrical System
7
0
2
0
Engine and Engine Cooling
5
0
1
0
Structure › Body
4
0
1
0
Steering
4
0
0
0
6 safety recalls
Part 573 reports
Fuel System, Diesel21V907000
Filed Nov 19, 202150,404 vehiclesBmw Of North America, Llc
Defect. BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2013-2018 328d, 328d xDrive, 2014-2018 328d Sports Wagon, 328d xDrive Sports Wagon, 2014-2016 535d, 535d xDrive, 2015 740Ld xDrive, 2015-2017 X3 xDrive28d SAV, and 2014-2017 X5 xDrive35d SAV diesel vehicles equipped with an Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) module with an integrated cooler. The EGR cooler may leak internally, causing coolant to mix with diesel engine soot, which could result in smoldering particles and a melting intake manifold.
Risk. A melting intake manifold increases the risk of a fire.
Remedy. Dealers will replace the EGR cooler and inspect the intake manifold, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. This recall includes all vehicles previously recalled under 18V-755. Vehicles previously recalled under 18V-755 will need to have the new remedy performed for this recall. An interim owner notification letter was mailed on January 18, 2022. The remedy is expected to be available in June 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 6, 2022. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Filed Jul 29, 202111,216 vehiclesBmw Of North America, Llc
Defect. BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2014-2018 328d, 328d xDrive, X5 xDrive35d, 2014-2016 535d, 535d xDrive, 2015 740Ld xDrive, and 2015-2017 X3 xDrive28d vehicles. The high-pressure fuel pump may fail.
Risk. Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy. Dealers will replace the high-pressure fuel pump, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on January 14, 2022. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Emission Control › Gas Recirculation Valve (egr Valve)18V755000
Filed Oct 25, 201844,368 vehiclesBmw Of North America, Llc
Defect. BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2013-2018 BMW 328d and 328d xDrive, 2014-2018 328d Sports Wagon and 328d xDrive Sports Wagon, 2014-2016 535d and 535d xDrive, 2015 740Ld xDrive, 2015-2017 X3 xDrive28d SAV and 2014-2017 X5 xDrive35d SAV vehicles equipped with an Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) module with an integrated cooler. If the EGR cooler leaks internally, the coolant can mix with diesel engine soot. The high EGR temperatures may result in these particles possibly smoldering and melting the intake manifold.
Risk. The melting intake manifold can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the EGR cooler as necessary. If a leak has already occurred, the engine intake manifold will also be replaced. These repairs will be made free of charge. The recall began May 13, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module16V683000
Filed Sep 21, 20163,606 vehiclesBmw Of North America, Llc
Defect. BMW of North America, LLC. (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2015 BMW X3 sDrive28i, X3 xDrive28i, X3 xDrive35i, X3 xDrive28d, X4 xDrive28i and X4 xDrive35i vehicles, and model year 2014-2015 X5 xDrive35i, X5 sDrive35i, X5 xDrive50i, and 2014 X5 xDrive35d vehicles. The affected vehicles have a driver's frontal air bag inflator that may have been improperly welded.
Risk. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator housing could separate from the base plate and result in metal striking the vehicle occupants, potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's front air bag, free of charge. The recall began on November 1, 2016. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Air Bags15V147000
Filed Mar 13, 201546 vehiclesBmw Of North America, Llc
Defect. BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2015 BMW X5 xDrive 35d Sports Activity Vehicles (SAV) manufactured August 19, 2014, to February 16, 2015, and 2014-2015 BMW X5 xDrive 35i, X5 sDrive 35i, X5 xDrive 50i, Sports Activity Vehicles (SAV) manufactured August 28, 2013, to February 16, 2015. In the affected vehicles, the Head Protection System (HPS) air bag may not be securely connected to the air bag inflator gas generator.
Risk. Without a secure connection to the inflator, the HPS air bags may have insufficient inflation during a vehicle crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the Head Protection System, free of charge. The recall began on June 24, 2015. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Seats14V650000
Filed Oct 17, 201411 vehiclesBmw Of North America, Llc
Defect. BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2015 X5 vehicles manufactured September 12, 2014,to September 21, 2014 and equipped with the optional rear comfort seat. The left rear seat belt attachment point in the affected vehicles may not have been sufficiently welded.
Risk. In the event of a crash, the seat belt attachment could break and fail to restrain a seat occupant, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the left rear seat frame, free of charge. The recall began November 2014. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 or [email protected].
What owners reported
Newest filings
Electrical System › Instrument Panel › Speedometer/Odometer
Filed Sep 10, 2026160,258 milesTX
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2015 BMW X5. It was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy after the purchase. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of purchase, the mileage was 130,514. However, the Auto Check Vehicle History report indicated that the mileage was 160,258 when it was last registered with the DMV on 11/26/2024.
Engine and Engine CoolingFire
Filed Sep 9, 2026160,000 milesCO
The contact owned a 2015 BMW X5. The contact stated that while driving 60 MPH, the contact became aware of sparks outside the driver's and passenger's side of the vehicle. The contact became aware that there were flames coming from under the hood. The contact stated that the fire had started in the engine compartment. The message "Add Coolant" was displayed, and there was an abnormal odor while the vehicle was on fire. The contact immediately exited the vehicle. The Fire Department responded to the scene and extinguished the fire. A fire report was filed. The vehicle was completely burned and was towed to a tow yard, where it was deemed a total loss by the insurance company. The vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V907000 (Fuel System, Diesel). Additionally, the EGR cooler and the diesel particulate sensor were replaced under warranty; however, the repairs failed to fix the vehicle. The manufacturer, BMW, was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.
Power Train
Filed Sep 1, 2026PA
Catastrophic Driveshaft U-Joint failure - BMW X5 - Production date? 09.22.2014 Repair was made by BMW Dealership. Noted similar recall on 2011-2014 models. I believe my car was an early 2015 production model and was effected by the same issue. Current mileage on the vehicle is 93,000 miles.
Unknown or Other
Filed Jun 22, 2026NY
I drive a 2015 BMW X5. While driving on a local street, I heard a severe banging noise underneath the car. I pulled over, and it turned out the front driveshaft had broken, striking the transmission pan and other parts beneath. When I towed the car to the shop the mechanic also found that an AC drain line dripped onto the driveshaft U-joint, causing rust over time, which led to this failure. There were no warning lights prior. If this had happened on the highway, it could have caused far greater damage--potentially to the transmission, transfer case, front differential, or even the engine. This was a serious safety risk, and I urge the NHTSA to investigate this design flaw and consider a recall on affected models before others suffer similar damage.
Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Dec 31, 2025CA
The HPFP failed and left my child and me dead in the water, stalled in the middle lane of a 50mph street for a half hour, nearly getting hit several times (two other vehicles crashed behind us trying to avoid us). Eventually a Sheriff helped us get the vehicle out of the road and into a nearby parking lot to wait for the tow truck. After we got to the parking lot, the Sheriff got another radio call and left without taking information or referring to a report or report number. This part has an open recall 21V-586, but both the local BMW dealership and BMW NA refuse to repair my vehicle (withou paying $18k), saying my VIN is not a part of the recall, despite my vehicle being the same engine within the production time, and my problem being exactly what was described in the recall. The pump failure has been confirmed by a crank-no-start condition, error code for low fuel rail pressure, and finding metal shavings in the fuel metering valve on the fuel pump. I am seeking assistance to be included in the recall that already exists and am frustrated to have been turned away when my vehicle meets all the criteria listed on the recall document. All of my correspondence with BMW was by telephone, so I do not have emails to attach below.
Engine
Filed Dec 28, 2025NJ
Oil leaking from the valves cover onto the manifold and could cause a fire. I have replaced the valve cover on 11/03/2022 miles 107698 I pay 1493.21 for the repair. Last week 12/23/2025 the same thing started again. The oil is leaking again on manifold the car is smoking I am afraid to drive the car. I believe I should not be paying again for the same problem.
Engine
Filed Nov 27, 2025ME
On 11/26/2025, I was driving on the NJ Parkway, Southbound, in the left lane. The Drivetrain Malfunctioned Warning Light came on and within second my car began loosing power. I did not notice any smells. My car stalled as I stopped along the left side of the roadway. I did not have time to maneuver safely to the right, onto the shoulder of the roadway. I maneuvered my vehicle to the left side of the road. My car was pinned against the guardrail to avoid being struck by southbound vehicles. The warning light disappeared. I attempted to restart my car, it sputtered a few time with black smoke coming out of the exhaust. I called 911 and State Police Responded to protect my vehicle from being struck. About an hour later, a tow truck responded and my vehicle was towed to the BMW Dealership, 500 Route 37, Eaton Town, NJ. I believe this catastrophic failure is connected to my vehicles EGR’s system. I had my vehicle serviced at Sterling BMW, Sterling, VA, in early 2025. During that visit I was told that my vehicle’s Auxiliary EGR cooler needed to be replaced. In October 2025, I took my vehicle to BMW of Westbrook, Maine, after I received a notice from BMW that they had extended the warranty on my Auxiliary EGR Cooler and it could be replaced if needed. I provided the Dealership with the information that Sterling BMW provided me about the need to have my Auxiliary EGR cooler replaced. Westbrook BMW examined my car and said there was nothing wrong the my Auxiliary EGR cooler. My vehicl
Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Jul 15, 2025MN
My high pressure fuel pump failed. There is a recall affecting these [XXX] ) but apparently my car even though its the same year and model, did not 'qualify'. Its exactly whats listed in the recall and its having exactly the same fault. Im facing an extremely high repair bill because its not a part of the recall.....for whatever reason INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Jun 17, 2025108,000 milesNY
The contact owns a 2015 BMW X5. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer to be diagnosed, and it was determined that the EGR module and cooler were malfunctioning and needed to be replaced. The contact was made aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V755000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact notified the manufacturer of the failure and was referred to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 108,000.
Air BagsCrash2 injured
Filed May 11, 2025CA
I was making a left turn in stopped traffic. Lanes 1 and 2 yielded die to bumper to bumper traffic...as I crossed into lane 3 at 5 to 10 mph...struck by a vehicle going 55 mph plus in opposite direction. My vehicle spun into 3rd vehicle. I hit my head 2 times on driver windows. No airbags deployed. I suffered a traumatic brain injury.
Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Feb 6, 202595,000 milesTX
The contact owns a 2015 BMW X5. The contact stated that the water pump remained running while the vehicle was turned off, causing the battery to drain. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the vehicle was diagnosed and the contact was informed that the thermostat, hoses, and water pump were faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted with the water pump continuously running while the vehicle was turned off. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) as a possible cause for the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 95,000.
Seat Belts
Filed Feb 5, 2025MI
One seat belt in the BACK SEAT on PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELT WILL NOT PULL out . stay stuck . can pull out to 1.5 inches then somtimes "3. then back to "1.5
Electrical System
Filed Feb 3, 2025123,000 milesMO
The contact owns a 2015 BMW X5. The contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing battery drainage. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the battery was replaced twice; however, the failure persisted. The dealer informed the contact that the auxiliary water pump was continuously running after turning off the vehicle. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle with parasitic battery draw due to the auxiliary water pump malfunction. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 123,000.
Engine
Filed Jan 25, 2025FL
My 2015 X5 decided it was not going to start. The vehicle was was looked at by a technician only to determine thay the cam sensor was not active and the car would not start. Moving forward with diagnostics the sensor was ruled out as good. Moving forward the valve cover was taken off for inspection only to find that the cam side bolt was hanging only by the wall of the valve cover. the gear is still in place it has nkt jumping timing but the end of the cam bolt is and has been broken off at the end inside the man approximately a half inch of the end of the bolt is in the hole. I stopped the technician from moving forward with anything else. I recently looked up for a recall but do not see any for the X5 but open recalls on other models. please let me know if this is a problem with the six cylinder turbo and it under sized cam bolt thank you for your help and time.
Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Jan 9, 2025151,000 milesMS
The contact owns a 2015 BMW X5. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle began to lose automotive power and reduced speeds and smoke was present coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle was driven to the home and while parked in the garage the temperature gauge indicated that the engine temperature was extremely hot. The vehicle was later towed to the local dealer who diagnosed that the coolant pump and coolant pump connector was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired and the failure was remedied. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 151,000.
EngineFire1 injured
Filed Dec 10, 2024103,000 milesUT
The contact owns a 2015 BMW X5. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 40 MPH, the contact observed smoke emanating from the rear of the vehicle. The vehicle was steered to the side of the road where he observed fire emanating from the engine compartment. The fire was extinguished by hand and the contact sustained hand injuries. Medical attention was not needed. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed that an EGR failure where coolant leaked and combined with diesel soot causing a fire. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 103,000.
Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Dec 9, 2024CA
Check engine light: FC 24BF00 - zero-quantity adaptation injector cylinder 2: permitted filtered actuation duration correction too high These are the same issues the 2016 MY cars experience and was given a warranty extension
The contact owns a 2015 BMW X5. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the Automatic Emergency Braking system failed to engage as needed while there were other vehicles nearby. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. Additionally, the manufacturer was contacted, and the contact was provided a 2025 BMW X5 loaner vehicle; however, the contact stated that the same failure occurred while driving the loaner vehicle. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and advised the contact to return the loaner vehicle to the dealer. The contact stated that upon returning the loaner vehicle to the dealer, the dealer informed the contact that the failure of his vehicle could not be duplicated. The contact stated that while driving the vehicle at various speeds, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where it was test-driven while the dealer's manager was occupying the front passenger's seat. The dealer confirmed that the Automatic Emergency Braking system was inoperable; however, the dealer informed the contact that they did not know how to repair the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and informed the contact that they would contact the dealer to obtain information on the service that was performed on the vehicle. A case was opened; however, the contact was still awaiting a response from both the dealer and the manufacturer. The failure mileage was approxima
Power Train
Filed Nov 23, 2024FL
My prop shaft has prematurely failed due to the air conditioner drain line outlet directing water on to the prop shaft u joints. This is a recall issue on previous model BMW X5 and obviously a continuing issue on this generation (f15) as well.
Fuel System, Diesel
Filed Nov 18, 2024188,000 milesFL
The contact owns a 2015 BMW X5. While the contact's father was driving at an undisclosed speed, the drive train error warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with fuel pump failure. The contact was informed that the fuel pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that two days later, the failure reoccurred. The contact stated that while the contact's father was driving at an undisclosed speed, the drive train warning light illuminated, and the vehicle lost motive power. The contact stated that the gear shifter failed to function as intended, the gear shifter did not shift to neutral or drive. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed fuel system. The contact was informed that the complete fuel system needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact was informed that the VIN was not associated with any unknown recall repairs; however, the contact was informed that the VIN was associated with warranty coverage for the fuel pump only. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline and report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 188,000.
Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.
Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.
Most recent recall on file: Nov 19, 2021. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.