Home · 2015 BMW X5 Xdrive35i · Complaints

What 149 owners told NHTSA about the 2015 BMW X5 Xdrive35i

These are the actual owner complaints behind this car’s reliability verdict, filed with the federal government, unedited. They’re unverified reports, not confirmed defects: read them as leads for your pre-purchase inspection, not a diagnosis.

All (149)Crash / fire / injury (12)Engine (42)Fuel system (30)Fuel System, Diesel (19)Airbags (14)Transmission & drivetrain (13)Electrical system (12)Engine & cooling (8)Steering (7)Body & structure (6)Seat belts (6)

Newest first · 149 complaints · page 2 of 6

May 19, 2024Fuel system

Common issues of Injectors: 2A6800 - Smoothness controller cylinder 1: correction amount outside the allowable range DDE later threw code for cylinder 2 as well so the dealership did both injectors. 24BF00 - Zero quantity adaptation injector cylinder 2: permissible filtered control duration too high

NHTSA ODI 11589539

May 14, 2024Engine

Had recall for EGR cooler now getting check engine light with code P26B1

NHTSA ODI 11588759

Feb 26, 2024Fuel system

High-pressure fuel pump failed, sending metal shards throughout the entire fuel system. vehicle has 133,000 miles

NHTSA ODI 11573938

Feb 21, 2024Transmission & drivetrain

While driving at average residential speed, heard a "chopper" like sound coming from the driver side wheel area. There was no indication in the vehicle for any issue (no check engine light or warnings). I pulled over and checked all tires for flat/low air, and all looked good. I drove less than a mile, and the sound got louder, and then I heard a thump. I pulled the car over and looked underneath, and the driveshaft broke and lodged out of the bottom guard. Looked at previous X5 models and it seems like there was a similar compliant resulting to a recall. The service technician informed me that these types of premature failures can be life-threatening as you can lose control of the vehicle (especially at highway speed), and even worse, the driveshaft can lodge at the footwell, ripping into the car.

NHTSA ODI 11573204

Jan 25, 2024Fuel System, Diesel

The contact owns a 2015 BMW X5. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine and low coolant warning lights illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the EGR module. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V907000 (Fuel System, Diesel) and the VIN was included but had already been repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 130,000.

NHTSA ODI 11567750

Jan 22, 2024Engine

The contact owns a 2015 BMW X5. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the vehicle stalled with the drivetrain warning light was displayed. Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, and it was discovered that the chain connected to the high-pressure fuel pump fractured and bent the valves. The mechanic diagnosed the vehicle with engine failure due to the malfunction. The mechanic notified the manufacturer of the failure and was informed that there were no recalls on the vehicle. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 113,000.

NHTSA ODI 11566983

Dec 26, 2023AirbagsSeat belts

The car currently has 28,899 miles to date. Mid November 2023, the dashboard indicated that there was a default with the safety system. I took the car to the authorized service center and their diagnostics indicated as follows: Faulty crash safety module. The recommendation was to replace and program ACSM control unit. Since this was a matter of my personal safety I had to pay $2100 to fix it. The second issue was the sunroof not closing. The diagnostic found the following problems: excessive corrosion on sunroof cassette it to fail ( water entering the sunroof).

NHTSA ODI 11561956

Dec 11, 2023Transmission & drivetrainFuel system

The fuel pump catastrophically failed and caused the vehicle to suddenly break down (engine stall) while driving 65 mph on the freeway. There is metal in the system according to the mechanic. Numerous parts will need to be replaced and in essence the car no longer has value because of the number and severity of issues experienced. Mileage is 160,000. I see that two recalls have been put forth for similar issues for BMW X5’s produced around the same time as mine (Campaign IDs 21V586000 and 21V907000) but the recalls for some reason don’t cover my specific VIN. I think the recalls should also cover my VIN.

NHTSA ODI 11559595

Oct 21, 2023EngineFire

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. It was stated that the part was not available. The representative stated what was in the recall letter, which was. "this time. We will notify you with a follow-up letter as soon as we are able to perform this safety recall. What could happen? The engine’s Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) Cooler could develop an internal leak. Cooling fluid could mix with typical diesel engine soot deposits. With high temperatures normally present in the EGR module, this might result in smoldering particles. In some cases, these particles could contact the engine intake manifold and create small holes due to melting. If this occurs, it would increase the risk of a fire. Your vehicle may be experiencing this issue if one or more of the following occurs; a reduction in engine power, a warning symbol indicating a loss of engine coolant, an unpleasant odor (e.g., exhaust) and/or an unusual noise from the engine. If this occurs, carefully move away from traffic and pull over to a safe location as soon as possible. All occupants should carefully exit the vehicle and move to a safe location away from traffic. Do not continue to drive the vehicle. SAMPLE If you are not the only driver of this vehicle, please advise all other drivers and passengers of this important information." My daughter was driving the car an almost home when she started to smell burning and minutes later saw smoke and flames. She got out of the call and called 911. The care was a total loss, due to this recall and BMW is taking no responsibility for the loss. She is still recovering from the incident and I would like to take action against BMW. I have the police and fire department report from the town of MIlton.

NHTSA ODI 11551195

Oct 3, 2023Engine

Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: emission control: gas recirculation valve (egr valve)melting intake manifold

NHTSA ODI 11547914

Sep 25, 2023Steering

The contact owns a 2015 BMW X5. The contact stated that while his sister was driving approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the steering mechanism needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V704000 (Steering) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.

NHTSA ODI 11546439

Aug 21, 2023Fuel system

My vehicle has a check engine light with the following codes: 24BC00 - Injector, cylinder 5, zero-quantity adapation: Activation duration correction too high 24BF00 - Injector, cylinder 2, zero-quantity adapation: Activation duration correction too high 24BD00 - Injector, cylinder 3, zero-quantity adapation: Activation duration correction too high Per bulletin SIB 01 09 19, I am aware that the manufacturer's warranty has been extended to 10 years/120,000 miles for F15 (X5 xDrive35d) models produced from 1/5/16-9/2/17 and that my car was produced prior to those dates. I am also aware that this extension applies to F10 (535d XDrive Sedan) using the same N57T Engine that my 2015 X5 xDrive 35d has. I am asking for the model year dates to be reviewed and model year 2015 vehicles added to the list as I have faulty injectors that should be covered as well.

NHTSA ODI 11539873

Aug 8, 2023Fuel system

High pressure fuel pump failure. I was driving down the road when it stalled with no warning whatsoever and it put itself in park in the middle of the road, I had five other people with me that were put in serious danger. The dealership confirmed that it was in dead the problem, but there was no warning light nothing whatsoever.

NHTSA ODI 11537142

Jul 7, 2023Fuel system

I have owned the above-identified 2015 BMW XDrive 35d since new. This vehicle is equipped with BMW’s N57T engine. My wife and I started experiencing the car pulsing or surging under acceleration within the first year of ownership. Despite no warning lights being on, we brought the car to the dealership as early as September 20, 2016, to complain of the pulsating acceleration on the car. Although we experienced the problem daily, the dealership was “unable to duplicate the problem.” We visited the dealership several times thereafter to complain of this ongoing problem. Each time the dealership was “unable to duplicate the problem.” Finally, in June 2018, I visited the dealership and asked to go for a ride with the head service tech. During that drive, I was able to easily duplicate the issue. Upon further investigation by the head service tech, on or about June 11, 2018, BMWNA replaced a fuel injector (injector No. 6, PN 13-53-8-506-548) on the vehicle under warranty, which finally remedied the nearly two-year problem. In October 2021, the vehicle’s check engine light started going on and off intermittently. As a result, on or about October 14, 2021, my wife took the car to the dealership. We were informed that fuel injector No. 2 was now bad and that it would cost us nearly $1,250 to repair the vehicle. Given that one fuel injector on the vehicle had previously failed, I started doing some research about this engine and its fuel injectors. What I discovered was very troubling. In 2019, BMW of North America (“BMWNA”) issued SIB 01 09 19 (DC 13 53 90 06 00) extending the warranty on the fuel injectors used in certain models equipped with the N57T engine to 10 years/120,000 miles. Specifically, BMWNA listed the following vehicles as being covered by the SIB: F02 (740Ld xDrive) (N57T Engine) Model Year 2015 produced from 2/13/2014 to 5/08/2015F10 (535d Sedan) (N57T Engine) Model Year 2015 produced from 7/07/2014 to 6/26/2015F10 (535d xDrive Sedan) (N57T Engine) M

NHTSA ODI 11530995

Jun 27, 2023Fuel system

Hi, here to report and solicit the assistance of the NHTSA to keep us safe. Thanks for everything you do! Our 2015 X5 (F15) diesel with the N57T motor had check engine light illuminate @~61k miles while driving normally at surface street speeds. This was within one-month of BMW performing its second mandatory EGR cooler recall (once in 2020 and again in 2023), NHTSA Campaign Number 21V907000 for fire potential. BMW dealership advised the check engine was due to fuel injector #6 failure. I asked the dealership if this (could) be related to the recent EGR replacement they performed and was advised no. The EGR cooler and fuel injectors are DIRECTLY related, so this was surprising. Furthermore, there are loads of forums online that point to this, plus two active, safety recalls for the N57T motors including fuel injectors and the high pressure fuel pump (HPFP). My biggest concern is BMWs HPFP Safety Recall SIB130121 affecting 2014-2018 N57T motors - issued on 7/29/21 (coincidently, my birthday;-) It's dangerous that BMW will not proactively replace the HPFP, even when experiencing ongoing fuel system issues (2x EGR coolers and now injectors) that may be tied to a potential HPFP failure. I won't wait for a catastrophic failure for what is an existing and well known recall. This is well documented across forums so it's concerning the NHTSA OK'd BMW's 10yr/120k mile "warranty extension" vs full, mandatory recall. BMW should be accountable and replace the HPFP before catastrophic power loss occurs at the wrong time/wrong place. When it does, I wanted to ensure this record was on file with you agency for insurance purposes. Second concern is for sib010919. Injector recall is for 2016&17 X5 diesels with the N57T engine, plus other diesel models from 2015/16&17. Online, deep-dive research revealed a gap, where the 2015 X5 diesels (again with the N57T motor) were excluded. While this is not a severe as the HPFP, can the agency advise why 2015's were missed? Many thanks!!

NHTSA ODI 11529246

Jun 20, 2023Transmission & drivetrain

so i was driving at 70 mph on the highway and my front wheel driveshaft broke and hit the transmission with a potential chance to have and accident, i was researching and bmw x5 have a recall of those shaft up to 2013 and if i don't mistaking same part number as mine.

NHTSA ODI 11527953

Jun 7, 2023SuspensionAirbagsWheels

1. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The Air Suspension Compressor needs to be remove and replace. Left Rear Air Bag is Leaking. Tires have 3/32nds tread remaining which is unsafe. 2. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Might cause accident when driving especially in freeway. 3. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes, confirmed by an independent service center. 4. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? Yes, confirmed by an independent service center. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? No warning messages.

NHTSA ODI 11525917

May 9, 2023AirbagsSeat belts

passenger seat restraint system

NHTSA ODI 11521182

Apr 26, 2023Lights

The contact owns a 2015 BMW X5. The contact stated that after activating the passenger’s side indicator, the exterior turn signal operated as designed; however, the instrument panel light failed to illuminate. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed and the contact was informed that the instrument cluster needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 37,000.

NHTSA ODI 11519014

Apr 24, 2023Fuel System, Diesel

The contact owns a 2015 BMW X5. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V907000 (Fuel System, Diesel) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the vehicle was overheating, and the A/C was inoperable. There was no warning light illuminated. The local dealer was contacted, and the vehicle was diagnosed but no issues were found. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 20,000. Parts distribution disconnect. The consumer stated the dealer was contacted multiple times but no repairs were made.

NHTSA ODI 11518678

Apr 17, 2023Engine

Some engine rumbling at normal operation, and noticed a yellow check-engine light, not filled (meaning not a catastrophic issue). Attached my OBDII reader and found error: 24BF00 Injector, cylinder 2, zero-quantity adaptation - permitted filtered actuation duration correction too high. A google search confirmed this fault is covered in https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2020/MC-10184567-9999.pdf with BMW, but my model year and vehicle is not included. I have an F15, 2015 X5, build date 12/2014. This year is covered on other vehicles with the same N57 engine, and so I would suspect that the same issue plaguing the same engine on other models should be applicable here. I would like consideration for additional model years to be added to the SIB.

NHTSA ODI 11517391

Apr 17, 2023Engine

I received a warning light and checked with my OBDII reader that the Diesel Exhaust Fluid transfer pump had a implausible reading and was not working. This is a key part of the Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) system, part of the emissions control system, and will make the vehicle fault to the point where it will lock the car from being driven (no start condition).

NHTSA ODI 11517396

Mar 27, 2023Engine & cooling

The contact owns a 2015 BMW X5. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V907000 (Fuel System, Diesel); however, after the recall repair was performed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the auxiliary exhaust cooler flap was broken and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 151,000.

NHTSA ODI 11514043

Mar 27, 2023Airbags

I have 2 bmws with identical issues. Computer reads airbag sensor stating restraint system defective.

NHTSA ODI 11514070

Mar 13, 2023Engine

The contact owns a 2015 BMW X5. The contact stated while driving at approximately 70 MPH, she began to notice smoke coming from passenger side on the hood. The vehicle was serviced under NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V755000( Engine and Engine Cooling) but the remedy failed to repair the vehicle. The contact mentioned that instrument cluster failed to provide safety messages. The contact stated the instrument cluster only notified her of issues when she attempted to open the engine hood door. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure and offered no assistance. The failure mileage was 49,000.

NHTSA ODI 11511569

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Working with the data? Download all 149 complaints as CSV · fetched from NHTSA July 28, 2026

How to use these: a complaint is one owner’s report, filed voluntarily and published unverified. Patterns matter more than any single story. If several owners describe the same failure at similar mileage, put that system at the top of your pre-purchase inspection list. Back to the full 2015 BMW X5 Xdrive35i verdict →