repaired · 2024 Q2
Fuel system, diesel
Risk. A melting intake manifold increases the risk of a fire.
2015 BMW X5Problems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 152 owner complaints about the 2015 BMW X5, most often about the engine. It is covered by 6 safety recalls, and for recall 16V-683 the manufacturer reports only 78% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through September 10, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: IFCAR, Public domain.
Complaints by system
Where the 2015 BMW X5 has problems
152 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
42Engine5 crash/fire/injury
30Fuel/propulsion system
20Fuel system, diesel1 crash/fire/injury
14Power train1 crash/fire/injury
14Air bags3 crash/fire/injury
13Electrical system3 crash/fire/injury
9Engine and engine cooling
7Steering
6Seat belts
2712 other systems5 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 42 | 5 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 30 | 0 |
| Fuel system, diesel | 20 | 1 |
| Power train | 14 | 1 |
| Air bags | 14 | 3 |
| Electrical system | 13 | 3 |
| Engine and engine cooling | 9 | 1 |
| Steering | 7 | 0 |
| Seat belts | 6 | 0 |
| 12 other systems | 27 | 5 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
6 recalls
2015 BMW X5 recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
repaired · 2023 Q4
Delivery: fuel pump
Risk. Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2020 Q3
Emission control: gas recirculation valve (egr valve)
Risk. The melting intake manifold can increase the risk of a fire.
repaired · 2018 Q1
Driver side: inflator module
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…
Show 2 more recalls
repaired · 2016 Q2
Air bags
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.
repaired · 2016 Q1
Seats
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.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with BMW.
Best & worst years
2015 vs. every other X5 year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the X5 median. How we score
'99'00'01'02'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19'20'21'22'23'24'25'26
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
2 investigations
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2015 BMW X5, and the recalls they led to.
- Desiccated Air Bag Inflator RuptureOpen
- High pressure fuel pump failureLed to recall 24V-957
In owners' words
What X5 owners report
Recent engine complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
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…
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…
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…
Own a 2015 X5?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.