2015 BMW X5
This year had 30% to 100% more complaints than this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1999 | 0 |
| 2000 | 29 |
| 2001 | 160 |
| 2002 | 102 |
| 2003 | 99 |
| 2004 | 64 |
| 2005 | 82 |
| 2006 | 168 |
| 2007 | 71 |
| 2008 | 215 |
| 2009 | 138 |
| 2010 | 124 |
| 2011 | 263 |
| 2012 | 271 |
| 2013 | 148 |
| 2014 | 98 |
| 2015 | 152 |
| 2016 | 73 |
| 2017 | 73 |
| 2018 | 71 |
| 2019 | 184 |
| 2020 | 110 |
| 2021 | 103 |
| 2022 | 67 |
| 2023 | 31 |
| 2024 | 145 |
| 2025 | 61 |
| 2026 | 22 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
28% of complaints: engine — 42 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20241210
There was a recall on my 2013 BMW in January 2022. In the recall letter it was mentioned that the they would notify me when the recall repairs were available. I called my local BMW service center in July 2022 to ask if the part was available.
NHTSA ODI report, 20231021
20% of complaints: fuel/propulsion system — 30 distinct reports on file.
13% of complaints: fuel system, diesel — 20 distinct reports on file.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20260909
Also filed under ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
10% of complaints: air bags — 15 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing inflator module.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20250511
MY HUSBAND WAS TRAVELING ON THE HIGHWAY AT NIGHT. HE STATED THAT THE CAR IN FROM OF HIS WAS STOPPED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE HIGHWAY. HE WAS UNABLE TO STOP IN TIME TO AVOID REAR ENDING THE OTHER VEHICLE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20150607
Also filed under STRUCTURE and UNKNOWN OR OTHER
9% of complaints: power train — 14 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing constant velocity joint.
CRASH DEATHShow complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20260901
SAFETY TIMELINE
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.
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 CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.
Campaign 14V650000 — check if this car was fixed
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...
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.
Campaign 15V147000 — check if this car was fixed
BMW of North America, LLC.
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.
Campaign 16V683000 — check if this car was fixed
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...
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.
Campaign 18V755000 — check if this car was fixed
Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
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.
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.
Campaign 21V586000 — check if this car was fixed
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...
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.
Campaign 21V907000 — check if this car was fixed
High pressure fuel pump failure
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2015 BMW X5 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for engine issues (42 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for fuel/propulsion system issues (30 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for fuel system, diesel issues (20 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 14V650000 (seats) has been completed.
- Verify recall 15V147000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 16V683000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 18V755000 (engine and engine cooling) has been completed.
- Verify recall 21V586000 (fuel system, diesel) has been completed.
- Verify recall 21V907000 (fuel system, diesel) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2015 BMW X5 reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2015 BMW X5 is rated "worse than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2015 BMW X5?
The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 28% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2015 BMW X5 have?
6 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.