2015 BMW X5 engine problems

Updated from NHTSA data · How we count

39 owners have reported engine problems with the 2015 BMW X5, 34% of all complaints about this model year. The typical problem appeared around 108,000 mi.

Engine complaints
39
Crashes
1
Fires
4
Injuries
1
Related recalls
1
Median mileage
108,000 mi

Specific components reported

Engine covers: stalling, loss of power, oil consumption, overheating.

ComponentComplaints
Engine30
Engine and engine cooling6
Engine and engine cooling:cooling system:pump1
Engine and engine cooling:engine:oil/lubrication:filter/screen1
Engine and engine cooling:exhaust system1

Engine complaints across BMW X5 years

12005420200882720102227201230152014392020161220201862482020311520225132024432026
Engine complaints by model year. The 2015 is highlighted.

Mileage when the problem appeared

Under 10k10k–30k230k–60k560k–100k7100k–150k3150k+
Complaints that list mileage, grouped by odometer reading.

Related recalls

  • Recall 18V755000Oct 25, 201844,368 vehicles
    ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:GAS RECIRCULATION VALVE (EGR VALVE)

    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 xDrive35d SAV vehicles equipped with an Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) module with an integrated cooler. If the EGR cooler leaks internally, the coolant can mix with diesel engine soot. The high EGR temperatures may result in these particles possibly smoldering and melting the intake manifold.

    Risk: The melting intake manifold can increase the risk of a fire.

    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. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

What owners say

  1. Filed Sep 9, 2026160,000 miCOFireTowedEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
    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…
    NHTSA complaint #11763108 · source
  2. Filed Dec 28, 2025NJEngine
    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.
    NHTSA complaint #11707398 · source
  3. Filed Nov 27, 2025MEEngine
    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 safely to the right, onto the shoulder of the roadway. I maneuvered my vehicle to the left side of the road. My car was pinned against the guardrail to avoid being struck by…
    NHTSA complaint #11701797 · source
  4. Filed Jun 17, 2025108,000 miNYEngine
    The contact owns a 2015 BMW X5. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer to be diagnosed, and it was determined that the EGR module and cooler were malfunctioning and needed to be replaced. The contact was made aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V755000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact…
    NHTSA complaint #11667370 · source
  5. Filed Feb 6, 202595,000 miTXElectrical SystemEngine
    The contact owns a 2015 BMW X5. The contact stated that the water pump remained running while the vehicle was turned off, causing the battery to drain. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the vehicle was diagnosed and the contact was informed that the thermostat, hoses, and water pump were faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted with the water pump…
    NHTSA complaint #11641132 · source
  6. Filed Feb 3, 2025123,000 miMOElectrical SystemEngine
    The contact owns a 2015 BMW X5. The contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing battery drainage. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the battery was replaced twice; however, the failure persisted. The dealer informed the contact that the auxiliary water pump was continuously running after turning off the vehicle. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle with parasitic battery draw due to the auxiliary water pump malfunction. The vehicle was not repaired. The…
    NHTSA complaint #11640470 · source
  7. Filed Jan 25, 2025FLEngine
    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 only to find that the cam side bolt was hanging only by the wall of the valve cover. the gear is still in place it has nkt jumping timing but the end of the cam bolt is and has…
    NHTSA complaint #11638552 · source
  8. Filed Jan 9, 2025151,000 miMSTowedEngine
    The contact owns a 2015 BMW X5. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle began to lose automotive power and reduced speeds and smoke was present coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle was driven to the home and while parked in the garage the temperature gauge indicated that the engine temperature was extremely hot. The vehicle was later towed to the local dealer who diagnosed that the coolant pump and coolant pump connector was faulty…
    NHTSA complaint #11635023 · source
  9. Filed Dec 10, 2024103,000 miUTFire1 injuredTowedEngine
    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. The vehicle was steered to the side of the road where he observed fire emanating from the engine compartment. The fire was extinguished by hand and the contact sustained hand injuries. Medical attention was not needed. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed that an EGR failure where coolant leaked…
    NHTSA complaint #11629910 · source
  10. Filed Sep 30, 2024FLEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
    Vehicle stalled in the middle of the road when in drive mode displaying "Drivetrain Malfunction". Couldn't start the engine or shift the gear. Vehicle was at the dealership one week before the incident for 'Drivetrain Malfunction'. Fixed bad fuel injector and was tested. My safety and safety of others was at risk if it had happened at higher speed. Suspecting fuel pump failure. Vehicle is with the dealer and the component should be available for inspection.
    NHTSA complaint #11617220 · source
  11. Filed Sep 14, 2024OHEngineOther / UnknownSuspension
    When I research by your making model, it shows that there are multiple safety recalls for my vehicle. However, when I put in my license plate urban number, it says that there is zero, because I believe that that is some sort of redacted information that’s not true because my vehicle continues to have concerning safety issues and engine issues and the manufacture is refusing to repair. Also, there are suspension issues and under body, rest, and emissions issues that my state…
    NHTSA complaint #11614626 · source
  12. Filed Aug 21, 202468,000 miCAEngine
    The contact owns a 2015 BMW X5. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated used a scanner to diagnose the vehicle and determined that injectors #1 and #5 needed to be replaced. The vehicle was taken to a local deal where all 6- injectors were replaced; however, the failure had reoccurred. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was…
    NHTSA complaint #11609983 · source

Other 2015 BMW X5 problem areas

  • Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion (45)
  • Transmission & Drivetrain (14)
  • Other / Unknown (11)
  • Electrical System (10)
  • Airbags (7)
  • Driver Assistance & Safety Tech (4)
  • Seats & Seat Belts (4)
  • Steering (4)
  • Suspension (4)
  • Visibility & Wipers (1)
  • Wheels & Tires (1)
  • Lighting (1)
  • Brakes (1)
  • Body & Structure (1)

Back to all 2015 BMW X5 problems →

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology