Problems · NHTSA complaints
2014 BMW X5 XDRIVE35I problems
Owners filed 99 complaints about the 2014 BMW X5 XDRIVE35I with NHTSA between Dec 2013 and Oct 2026. The most-cited component is fuel/propulsion system (21).
Complaints
99
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
3
Reported by owners
Fires
10
Reported by owners
Injuries
3
People reported injured
Deaths
0
Reported to NHTSA
Complaints by component
One complaint can cite several components
- Fuel/propulsion system21
- Engine16
- Electrical system15
- Structure15
- Power train12
- Fuel system, diesel11
- Air bags6
- Engine and engine cooling5
- Vehicle speed control4
- Service brakes4
- Suspension2
- Latches/locks/linkages2
- Visibility/wiper2
- Electronic stability control (esc)2
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 10, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
When complaints were filed
Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
1
12
7
3
8
5
8
5
4
13
12
11
5
5
View as table
| Model year | Complaints filed per calendar year |
|---|---|
| 2013 | 1 |
| 2014 | 12 |
| 2015 | 7 |
| 2016 | 3 |
| 2017 | 8 |
| 2018 | 5 |
| 2019 | 8 |
| 2020 | 5 |
| 2021 | 4 |
| 2022 | 13 |
| 2023 | 12 |
| 2024 | 11 |
| 2025 | 5 |
| 2026 | 5 |
Mileage at failure isn’t a structured field in NHTSA complaint data, so we don’t chart it. Some owners mention it in their reports below.
Top problems in owners’ words
Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
Fuel/propulsion system
21 reports
“This complaint involves a 3rd catastrophic failure of the High-Pressure Fuel Pump (HPFP) covered under NHTSA Recall 21V-586 (BMW SIB B13 01 21) on a 2014 BMW X5 xDrive35d. SYSTEM / COMPONENT: Bosch CP4 High-Pressure Fuel Pump & Complete Fuel Delivery System. The failing pump components are NOT available for independent inspection as the vehicle is currently at the dealership service center sitting broken down after undergoing evaluation, and previously replaced recalled components were retained and discarded by the dealership. SAFETY RISK: The HPFP fails without warning, causing immediate, complete engine stall/loss of propulsion at speed. 1. 1st Failure (~80k mi): Stopped dead in a residential lane, completely blocking traffic. 2. 2nd Failure (~100k mi): Died in the middle of a major, high-traffic intersection in Norco, CA. Created an active crash hazard with hostile traffic until local law enforcement arrived to block lanes and divert traffic. 3. 3rd Failure (Current): Died suddenly on a highway off-ramp, leaving a young driver stranded alone on the roadside. DEALER CONFIRMATION & INSPECTIONS: The defect has been repeatedly confirmed and repaired by an…”
Engine
16 reports3 fires
“I purchased my vehicle around Labor Day of 2020. I still own and operate the vehicle. Since I have owned my vehicle, I have repeatedly been told my turbos are leaking oil, etc. I have even had several oil leaks repaired on my car. Fast forward six years, and I am buying 5 quarts of oil every two weeks and topping up the oil in my vehicle every week, at least 2-3 quarts per week. I also have smoke coming out of the tail pipes intermittently. The car also smells like it is burning oil, but there are no visible oil drips on the ground currently. I discovered by research there have been two lawsuits: Isley v. BMW of North America LLC, et al., Case No. [XXX] in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey ([XXX] [XXX]), and Bang v. BMW (Original [XXX]) ([XXX]). I have had repeated documented repairs and I never received a notice for these cases. I need my vehicle repaired and I need BMW to take ownership of this defect. I never received one notice regarding these lawsuits, or I would have had my vehicle repaired. I only have 102,000 miles (currently), so my vehicle should be covered in terms of mileage.”
Electrical system
15 reports5 fires
“The contact owns a 2014 BMW X5. While the contact's daughter was attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the 12-Volt battery and the auxiliary battery needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the contact attempted to start the vehicle, but the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who specialized in foreign-made vehicles. The vehicle was diagnosed, and it was determined that the water pump was constantly running and was draining the 12-Volt battery. The mechanic determined that the water pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System); however, the VIN was not associated with the recall. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.”
Structure
15 reports2 fires
“Sometime the rear soft closed door ajar with child safety locks engaged while in motion. Child safety locks used because have small children in the back seats. The children safety are at risk when the door ajar while turning. Had to pull over to re-closed the door because the door ajar warning light and sound is on. The dealership had inspect the issue and said there is a service bulletin on the locks.”
Power train
12 reports1 fire
“The vehicle has been part of recall #[XXX] related to engine EGR cooler leakage. The EGR cooler is part of emission's control. On this vehicle the egr can leak which causes coolant to get into intake manifold and potentially cause risk of fire. BMW denied to cover the repair on my vehicle reason I am asking for support. Have already called BMW customer service 1800-831-1117 but unfortunately no support was offered. Car have been fixed by replacing the egr with genuine BMW part. Invoice attached.”
Fuel system, diesel
11 reports
“The contact owns a 2014 BMW X5. The contact stated while driving 10–40 MPH, the vehicle stalled and independently shifted to neutral. The vehicle restarted after a while. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the drivetrain malfunction message was displayed. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V586000 (Fuel System, Diesel). The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The approximate failure mileage was 77,000.”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 10, 2026
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.