Third generation
2015 BMW X5
The most reported problem on the 2015 BMW X5 is misfire, with 21 complaints, usually around 108,000 miles.
- 151owner complaints
- 6recalls
- 6involved a crash
- 75,000median miles at failure
Newest report Sep 10, 2026 · checked Oct 2, 2026
Problem sheets
No single problem on the 2015 BMW X5 has enough owner reports for a sheet of its own yet. The counts below still cover every complaint on file.
Is the 2015 BMW X5 reliable?
The 2015 BMW X5 has 151 owner complaints on file with NHTSA, less than half the median of 314 for 2015 SUVs on this site. Of the 13 X5 model years since 2014, it has the 2nd most complaints. Complaint counts rise with sales as well as faults, so read what owners report below before deciding.
At a glance
- Next to other model years
- Complaints filed before 2015 aren't in the files this site reads, so the 2015 count runs short and isn't compared with the model years next to it.
- Top problem
- Two problems run close. Misfire has 21 complaints and diesel fuel system has 20, out of 151 in all. It's a high-mileage complaint: half of the 14 owners who gave a mileage for misfire were past about 108,000 miles.
- Crash, fire and injury reports
- 13 of the 151 complaints (9%) report a crash, a fire or an injury, a little above the 6% typical of vehicles on this site. Counted separately (one report can carry more than one), 6 reports mention a crash, 7 mention a fire and 6 people were hurt. The reports record 1 death. The most crash reports, 3 of 6, fall under airbag.
- Recalls behind the top problems
- 6 recalls are on file, but no problem here has enough reports to set against them.
- When owners filed
- Filings peaked in 2023 at 33 and have dropped every year since, to 11 in 2025. So far in 2026, 4 more have come in. Filings on record start in 2015.
When each problem shows up
Each bar covers the middle half of the mileages owners reported for that problem. A quarter saw it earlier, a quarter later. The tick is the median. Most reported: check engine light or misfire, 21 complaints.
middle half of reports, median tick. The heavier grey bars have 75 or more reports.
Behind you
Around your mileage
Ahead of you
How this compares
151 complaints is 1.8 times fewer than the median 2015 model on this site and 2.1 times fewer than the median 2015 SUV. Among the 6 X5 model years here it ranks 2nd for complaints. Counts follow sales volume as much as reliability, so a truck that sells 700,000 a year draws more reports than a sedan that sells 200,000.
Service bulletins for the 2015 BMW X5
BMW filed 412 bulletins and other notices with NHTSA that list the 2015 BMW X5. 42 of them deal with a problem owners have reported on this car. Newest first.
Federal rules make a manufacturer send NHTSA a copy of any notice about a defect that goes to more than one dealer or owner. Most of these are service bulletins, the repair instructions manufacturers send to dealers. NHTSA generally leaves safety recall bulletins out of this file, and recalls are listed separately.
Check engine light or misfire 10 bulletins · 21 complaints
LIMITED WARRANTY EXTENSION TO 15 YEARS/150000 MILES: Engine starts poorly (hard starting) rough idle and misfires. The Service Engine Soon (MIL) lamp is on with the following fault codes stored in the DME: Misfires While there are various possible causes a possible cause might be that one or more fuel injectors ...
LIMITED WARRANTY EXTENSIONTO 10 YEARS/120000 MILES: This Service Information Bulletin replaces SI B01 05 18 dated July 2019. Engine starts poorly (hard starting) rough idle and misfires. The Service Engine Soon (MIL) lamp is on.
8 more on this problem
N63T ENGINE FUEL INJECTORS: LIMITED WARRANTY EXTENSION TO 10 YEARS/120000 MILES This Service Information Bulletin replaces SI B01 05 18 dated January 2018. Engine starts poorly (hard starting) rough idle and misfires.
SCR SYSTEM FAULT 805256 STORED IN VERY COLD WEATHER. After the vehicle is exposed to prolonged temperatures under -9°C (15.8°F) and is then driven a long distance when temperatures are above -9°C (15.8°F), the check engine light may be illuminated.
Charging Not Possible - KLE Fault 21E715. The following conditions may exist: Charging is either stopped mid-charge or will not initiate. The corona ring around the charge port blinks red. Check engine light is turned on.
Charging Not Possible - KLE Fault 21E693. The following conditions may exist: Charging is either stopped mid-charge or will not initiate. The corona ring around the charge port blinks red. Check engine light is turned on.
Under certain engine operating conditions the measured air mass between the cylinder banks 1-4 and 5-8 is miscalculated by the DME's.
SUBJECT Deleting DME Adaptations After Crankshaft Sensor-related Repairs. The erroneous misfire faults are stored, and the Service Engine Soon light (MIL) illuminates The ISTA Service Function to delete the DME adaptations fails to clear the crankshaft ...
Engine Damage Due to Debris in Oil Passages. After performing extensive engine repairs (e.g., cylinder head removal), the engine begins to knock and may lose power.
N63T: Improvements to Bosch Spark Plug. Various engine performance symptoms could occur if the spark plug insulator becomes damaged: * The Service Engine Soon (MIL) may be on with rough running and misfire fault(s) stored.
Diesel fuel system or injector problems 1 bulletin · 20 complaints
N47T/N57T DIESEL FUEL INJECTORS: LTD WTY EXTENSION TO 10 YEARS/120,000 MILES. The vehicle may run rough or hesitate.
Engine stalls or loses power while driving 2 bulletins · 17 complaints
?CCM: ""START/STOP FAILED"": LOSS OF POWER . Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) is illuminated Check Control Message (CCM) states ""Auto Start/Stop function failed"" One or more of the following codes may be stored in the DME fault memory' 120408: ""Charging ...
START/STOP FAILED". LOSS OF POWER. Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) is illuminated Check Control Message (CCM) states "Auto Start/Stop function failed" One or more of the following codes may be stored in the DME fault memory' z 120408: "Charging pressure ...
Airbag warning light or recall 2 bulletins · 14 complaints
AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT: ACSM FC 930A60 OR 930A1C SEAT OCCUPANCY DETECTION. According to the customer, the airbag warning light was on, but it may not be on when the vehicle arrives in the workshop. 1. ACSM fault code ""930A60 - Seat occupancy detection, front passenger; malfunction"" is stored.
Airbag (SRS) Warning Lamp Illuminated. Airbag lamp (SRS) is illuminated and both of the following fault codes are stored: 930904 - Airbag driver stage 1: Resistance too large 93090A - Airbag driver stage 2: Resistance too large CAUSE Coil spring cassette ...
Seat belt or seat problems 6 bulletins · 8 complaints
?The front seat will not calibrate/initialize, and the stored faults cannot be deleted.
The driver's side (left rear) of the 60/40 split 2nd row seat may intermittently not fully latch into position on one side (inner rail).
4 more on this problem
The passenger's side (right rear) of the 60/40 split 2nd row seat may intermittently not fully latch into position on one side (inner rail).
When returning the 2nd row seat 40% (right) side from Easy-Entry: The seat stops moving before reaching the final home position, a check control message (CCM) appears alerting the customer that the seat back is unlocked.
LOSS OF SEAT ADJUSTMENT CONTROL. Front seat electric adjustment controls do not function. Electrostatic discharge damage the seat module.
SUBJECT Front Seat Thigh Support Cover Loose. The front seat (left or right) thigh support cover is loose. The thigh support cover is not fully clipped into place.
Driveshaft, axle or transfer case problems 8 bulletins · 8 complaints
LEAKING REAR DIFFERENTIAL (QMVH): There is an oil leak from the rear differential housing.
TICKING NOISE FROM THE FRONT AXLE WHEN CORNERING: The customer may complain of a metallic ticking noise from the front axle when cornering, maneuvering, parking or pulling away from a parking space.
6 more on this problem
CRACKING NOISES FROM THE FRONT AXLE AREA WHILE TURNING THE WHEELS, WHEN STATIONARY OR PARKING: Cracking noises are heard from the front axle area while maneuvering at low speeds (e.g., parking lot maneuvers) or when turning the steering wheel while stationary.
CLICKING NOISE FROM FRONT AXLE This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI 31 01 12 dated June 2015. Clicking noises are heard from the front axle area while maneuvering at low speeds (e.g., parking lot maneuvers).
Leaking Rear Differential (QMVH). There is an oil leak from the rear differential housing. The liquid-type sealer used between the main differential housing and the outer superimposing gear units has failed.
Ticking Noise from Front Axle When Cornering. The customer may complain of a ticking noise from the front axle when cornering, maneuvering, parking or pulling away from a parking space.
FRONT DRIVE SHAFT UNIVERSAL JOINTS MAY WEAR OUT PREMATURELY *CN
Clicking Noise from Front Axle. A high-pitched metallic clicking noise is heard from the front axle when taking off from a stop or during a load reversal (reverse to drive).
Engine overheats or leaks coolant 2 bulletins · 7 complaints
Coolant is leaking from under the car which is equipped with the S63 engine. A low coolant warning might also be displayed (CC Message ID166).
?ENGINE LEAK DIAGNOSIS ON TURBOCHARGED V8 ENGINES. When diagnosing an engine oil leak or a coolant leak on turbocharged V8 engines it is necessary to use a borescope to identify if the source of the leak is from under the turbochargers.
A/C blows warm or the compressor fails 11 bulletins · 5 complaints
HUMMING NOISES WHEN AIR CONDITIONING IS ACTIVATED. Humming or high-pitched vibrating noises can be heard inside the vehicle when the air conditioning (A/C) is switched on.
DELIVERY STOP: REFRIGERANT AIR CONDITIONING. An incorrect refrigerant was used to fill the refrigerant circuit in the affected vehicles after assembly. AFFECTED VEHICLES This Service Action involves X5 or X6 (Only 8 vehicles) vehicles produced from January 16 to February 19, 2018.
9 more on this problem
Third Row of Seats Blower is Inoperative. The blower in the third row of seats is not working and the fault code ""E70C32 - AC-LIN: Heating in third row of seats is not responding"" has been entered in the IHKA (Integrated Heating and Airconditioning, ...
Crackling Noise from the Fresh Air Grille This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI B64 05 16 dated March 2016.. Customer complains of crackling noises coming from the fresh air grille for approx.
Crackling Noise from the Fresh Air Grille. Customer complains of crackling noises coming from the fresh air grille for approx. 15 seconds when switching on the air-conditioning system. Refrigerant transition inside the evaporator.
Air Conditioning Refrigerant R1234yf Introduction. Highlights of R-1234yf Meets SAE J2888_201301 ""This SAE Standard covers fittings, couplers, and hoses intended for connecting service hoses from mobile air- conditioning Systems to service equipment such as ...
Whistling Noise Coming from the Center Vent - A/C is Off . A very high pitched whistling or beeping noise is heard coming from the center vents. The flow of refrigerant through the expansion valve at certain temperature differentials.
A/C Operation: Reduced or No Airflow After Long Drive. The customer complains of reduced air-conditioning air flow when driving for a long period, usually greater than 30 minutes. This time varies based on outside temperature and humidity.
A/C Makes Unusual Whistling Noise from Center Vents. An unusual whistling noise can be heard coming from the center vent area for approximately15 seconds after the A/C is switched on. CAUSE Evaporator in the A/C system
Heating and Air Conditioning March 2015 Technical Service This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI B64 03 14 dated March 2015. designates changes to this revision SUBJECT A/C Operation: Reduced or No Airflow After Long Drive.
This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI B64 03 14 dated October 2014. designates changes to this revision SUBJECT A/C Operation: Reduced or No Airflow After Long Drive.
Complaints filed by year
33 complaints came in 2023. Owners file in waves when a problem gets press or an investigation, so a spike measures attention as much as failures.
NHTSA investigations
High pressure fuel pump failure. Open, led to recall 24V-957.
NHTSA summary
Desiccated air bag inflator rupture. Open.
NHTSA summary
Recalls that include the 2015 BMW X5
Whether your car is included depends on its VIN. Check yours at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
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 diesel vehicles equipped with an Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) module with an integrated cooler. The EGR cooler may leak internally, causing coolant to mix with diesel engine soot, which could result in smoldering particles and a melting intake manifold.
Risk and remedy
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. Vehicles previously recalled under 18V-755 will need to have the new remedy performed for this recall. An interim owner notification letter was mailed on January 18, 2022. The remedy is expected to be available in June 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 6, 2022. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
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.
Risk and remedy
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.
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 and remedy
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.
BMW of North America, LLC. (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2015 BMW X3 sDrive28i, X3 xDrive28i, X3 xDrive35i, X3 xDrive28d, X4 xDrive28i and X4 xDrive35i vehicles, and model year 2014-2015 X5 xDrive35i, X5 sDrive35i, X5 xDrive50i, and 2014 X5 xDrive35d vehicles. The affected vehicles have a driver's frontal air bag inflator that may have been improperly welded.
Risk and remedy
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.
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 Vehicles (SAV) manufactured August 28, 2013, to February 16, 2015. In the affected vehicles, the Head Protection System (HPS) air bag may not be securely connected to the air bag inflator gas generator.
Risk and remedy
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.
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. The left rear seat belt attachment point in the affected vehicles may not have been sufficiently welded.
Risk and remedy
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.
All 6 recalls on the 2015 BMW X5, with the owner complaints on each recalled system
Guide NHTSA has an open investigation on this car. What the investigation stages mean
Questions
What is the most common problem on the 2015 BMW X5?
Misfire, with 21 of the 151 complaints. Owners who gave a mileage for it put the median at about 108,000 miles.
At what mileage do 2015 BMW X5 problems start?
Of the 77 complaints that give a mileage, a quarter came by about 49,000 miles and half by about 75,000.
How many 2015 BMW X5 complaints involve a crash, fire or injury?
13 of them (9%). The typical vehicle on this site is at 6%.
Is there a recall for misfire on the 2015 BMW X5?
Yes, NHTSA lists a recall on the same system: 18V-755. Its summary says which failure it covers, and that isn't always the one owners describe.