Problems · NHTSA complaints
2015 BMW X5 XDRIVE35I problems
Owners filed 152 complaints about the 2015 BMW X5 XDRIVE35I with NHTSA between Dec 2014 and Sep 2026. The most-cited component is engine (42).
Complaints
152
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
6
Reported by owners
Fires
7
Reported by owners
Injuries
6
People reported injured
Deaths
1
Reported to NHTSA
Complaints by component
One complaint can cite several components
- Engine42
- Fuel/propulsion system30
- Fuel system, diesel20
- Power train14
- Air bags14
- Electrical system13
- Engine and engine cooling9
- Steering7
- Seat belts6
- Structure6
- Suspension5
- Exterior lighting3
- Forward collision avoidance2
- Visibility/wiper2
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
3
5
4
7
17
11
15
22
33
19
11
4
View as table
| Model year | Complaints filed per calendar year |
|---|---|
| 2014 | 1 |
| 2015 | 3 |
| 2016 | 5 |
| 2017 | 4 |
| 2018 | 7 |
| 2019 | 17 |
| 2020 | 11 |
| 2021 | 15 |
| 2022 | 22 |
| 2023 | 33 |
| 2024 | 19 |
| 2025 | 11 |
| 2026 | 4 |
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
Engine
42 reports2 crashes3 fires
“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.”
Fuel/propulsion system
30 reports
“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…”
Fuel system, diesel
20 reports1 fire
“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
14 reports1 crash
“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.”
Air bags
14 reports3 crashes
“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.”
Electrical system
13 reports3 fires
“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.”
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.