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.

2015 BMW X5

◆ Worse than typical

2015 BMW X5
RENDERED 2026-11-02T14:34:17.983Z

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.

How is this computed?

Complaints: 152
Recalls: 6
Investigations: 2
Top problem: Engine

Complaints per year

2015: 152 complaints

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	149
2014	99
2015	152
2016	74
2017	75
2018	73
2019	192
2020	112
2021	109
2022	70
2023	34
2024	145
2025	62
2026	28

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Engine

28% · 42 reports

CRASHFIREINJURY

Show 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, 2024-12-10

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, 2023-10-21

Fuel/propulsion system

20% · 30 reports

Fuel system, diesel

13% · 20 reports

FIRE

Show 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, 2026-09-09

Also filed under Engine and engine cooling

Air bags

10% · 15 reports

Most commonly citing inflator module.

CRASHINJURY

Show 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, 2025-05-11

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, 2015-06-07

Also filed under Structure

Power train

9% · 14 reports

Most commonly citing constant velocity joint.

CRASHDEATH

Show 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, 2026-09-01

Safety timeline

6 recalls · 2 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

R

2014-12-16Seats14V650000 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.

Check if this car was fixed →
▮
2015Complaint volume 152 complaints filed for this model year.
R

2015-06-24Air bags15V147000 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.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2016-11-01Air bags16V683000 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.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2019-05-13Engine and engine cooling18V755000 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.

Check if this car was fixed →
I
2021-09-17Engineering analysisOpen Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
R

2022-01-14Fuel system, diesel21V586000 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.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2022-07-06Fuel system, diesel21V907000 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.

Check if this car was fixed →
I
2023-03-17Engineering analysisOpen High pressure fuel pump failure

Buy-smart checklist

2015 BMW X5 — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Engine: 42 reports on file for this year.
Fuel/propulsion system: 30 reports on file for this year.
Fuel system, diesel: 20 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 14V650000 · Seats
Recall 15V147000 · Air bags
Recall 16V683000 · Air bags
Recall 18V755000 · Engine and engine cooling
Recall 21V586000 · Fuel system, diesel
Recall 21V907000 · Fuel system, diesel

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 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 2026-11-02 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.

2015 BMW X5

Complaints per year

Known problem areas

Engine

Fuel/propulsion system

Fuel system, diesel

Air bags

Power train

Safety timeline

Buy-smart checklist

Inspect

Verify these recalls were completed

Other years of this model

▲Best years3 years

■Worst years3 years

FAQ

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years