2014 BMW X5 Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2014 BMW X5, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Fuel system3125.4%
- Engine2117.2%
- Body & structure1512.3%
- Electrical1512.3%
- Powertrain (other)129.8%
- Airbags64.9%
- Driver assistance64.9%
- Brakes43.3%
- Visibility32.5%
- Other / unspecified32.5%
- Suspension21.6%
- Interior & seats21.6%
- Seat belts10.8%
- Steering10.8%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
High Pressure Fuel Pump failed without any sensor notification or prior indication causing the car to suddenly go into safety mode shut down and lose all propulsion while driving at speed. This is a known NHTSA recall issue Part 573 Safety Recall Report 21V-586 specific to 2014 BMW X5 xdrive35d. Attempting to understand WHY this VIN is not included in the recall list especially in light of the fact the resulting catastrophic failure defined is exactly why the recall was supposed to prevent.
Vehicle shutoff at high rate of speed causing me to not have power steering or brakes. This was very frightening and lucky to not cause a major accident. This was due to the High Pressure Fuel Pump failing that has extended warranty but should be a recall as this is very dangerous.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
I purchased my vehicle around Labor Day of 2020. I still own and operate the vehicle. Since I have owned my vehicle, I have repeatedly been told my turbos are leaking oil, etc. I have even had several oil leaks repaired on my car. Fast forward six years, and I am buying 5 quarts of oil every two weeks and topping up the oil in my vehicle every week, at least 2-3 quarts per week. I also have smoke coming out of the tail pipes intermittently. The car also smells like it is burning oil, but there are no visible oil drips on the ground currently. I discovered by research there have been two lawsuits: Isley v. BMW of North America LLC, et al., Case No. [XXX] in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey ([XXX] [XXX]), and Bang v. BMW (Original [XXX]) ([XXX]). I have had repeated documented repairs and I never received a notice for these cases. I need my vehicle repaired and I need BMW to take ownership of this defect. I never received one notice regarding these lawsuits, or I would have had my vehicle repaired. I only have 102,000 miles (currently), so my vehicle should be covered in terms of mileage. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The contact owns a 2014 BMW X5. While the contact's daughter was attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the 12-Volt battery and the auxiliary battery needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the contact attempted to start the vehicle, but the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who specialized in foreign-made vehicles. The vehicle was diagnosed, and it was determined that the water pump was constantly running and was draining the 12-Volt battery. The mechanic determined that the water pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System); however, the VIN was not associated with the recall. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
Sometime the rear soft closed door ajar with child safety locks engaged while in motion. Child safety locks used because have small children in the back seats. The children safety are at risk when the door ajar while turning. Had to pull over to re-closed the door because the door ajar warning light and sound is on. The dealership had inspect the issue and said there is a service bulletin on the locks.
SUNROOF MOTOR SHORTED AND KILLED BATTERY AT 45,000 MILES. CAUSED DRIVETRAIN MALFUNCTION. DOOR MOLDING ON REAR DRIVERS SIDE DOOR SEPARATING. FUEL INJECTORS FAILED (CYLINDER 4 AND 6) CAUSING DRIVE TRAIN MALFUNCTION AT 55,000.MILES
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2014 BMW X5. While the contact's daughter was attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the 12-Volt battery and the auxiliary battery needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the contact attempted to start the vehicle, but the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who specialized in foreign-made vehicles. The vehicle was diagnosed, and it was determined that the water pump was constantly running and was draining the 12-Volt battery. The mechanic determined that the water pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System); however, the VIN was not associated with the recall. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.
The contact owns a 2014 BMW X5. The contact stated that upon attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that after several attempts the vehicle started and driven to a service center where the battery was replaced; however, the contact became aware that the battery was draining abnormally. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed and the contact was informed that the water pump was leaking onto an electrical plug connector, causing the vehicle to short circuit. The contact stated that the water pump was replaced, and a shield was installed over the connector. The vehicle was repaired. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); as a possible cause for the failure however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 101,078.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
I purchased my vehicle around Labor Day of 2020. I still own and operate the vehicle. Since I have owned my vehicle, I have repeatedly been told my turbos are leaking oil, etc. I have even had several oil leaks repaired on my car. Fast forward six years, and I am buying 5 quarts of oil every two weeks and topping up the oil in my vehicle every week, at least 2-3 quarts per week. I also have smoke coming out of the tail pipes intermittently. The car also smells like it is burning oil, but there are no visible oil drips on the ground currently. I discovered by research there have been two lawsuits: Isley v. BMW of North America LLC, et al., Case No. [XXX] in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey ([XXX] [XXX]), and Bang v. BMW (Original [XXX]) ([XXX]). I have had repeated documented repairs and I never received a notice for these cases. I need my vehicle repaired and I need BMW to take ownership of this defect. I never received one notice regarding these lawsuits, or I would have had my vehicle repaired. I only have 102,000 miles (currently), so my vehicle should be covered in terms of mileage. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
High Pressure fuel pump failure
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2014 BMW X5. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the air bag warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the warning light had become a recurring failure. The local dealer was contacted, and the contact was informed that there were no open recalls associated with the VIN. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure and informed the contact that there were no recalls associated with the VIN. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V147000 (Air Bags). The failure mileage was 131,225.
WATER KEEPS COMING INSIDE THE CAR EVERY TIME ITS RAINING OUTSIDE ,I TOOK THE CAR TO A BMW DEALERSHIP AND THEY FIXED STAYING THAT THE ROOF DRAINS WERE CLOGGED, AFTER A MONTH AGAIN WATER INSIDE MY CAR AFTER THE RAIN ,I TOOK MY CAR BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY FIXED AGAIN THEY CHARGED ME EVEN THOUGH I HAD A WARRANTY , NOW AFTER COUPLE OF MONTHS AGAIN WATER INSIDE THE CAR AFFECTING THE ELECTRIC UNDER THE PASSENGER SEAT AND ALL OVER THE CAR , PLEASE LOOK IN TO THIS MATTER THIS WAS A 90K BMW ,WE HAVE KIDS TRAVELING INSIDE THE CAR AND WE DON'T WANT THE ELECTRIC OR AIRBAGS TO GET ON FIRE OR EXPLODE, THANK YOU WE APPRECIATE IT .
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
I like to report the incident with the sudden collapsing of the ECU car electronic on 01/23/2022 during night, which had raised my serious concerns regarding the car safety in general. During driving the car in the nighttime of Sunday 01/23/2022, my wife was on her way to return from Pompano, FL to her home in Plantation, FL, using the Turnpike, she experienced that ECU engine speed control had repeatedly sudden changes in engine revolutions, all indication lights at the dashboard went on and then all went off. At this moment of time, it was impossible for her, to control car speed via the accelerator pedal, since the engine speed suddenly changes from low idle to high idle, the operation of power steering and car brake system were affected as well. This unsafe situation of the car control functionality caused an unsafe situation for driving and having control over the car. It wasn’t possible for her to control engine/car speed, either the affected power steering hydraulic system and car brake system doesn’t supply the sufficient pressure to their system. In this particular moment the car was undrivable and uncontrolled, which were leading to a very dangerous situation for the driver, and it could end up in a live threating situation and accident for the driver. The service technician of BMW Holman Auto in Fort Lauderdale traced back the reason, that the ECU lost the throttle signal, due to a failure of the car battery. These is raising another question, why it doesn’t happen when starting the car, this is the moment when the highest current get drawn out from the battery, another question is, why these never happened before, when the car battery lost its capacity, because I’d to change the battery already twice since I’ve this car. Another question is regarding the ECU control logic functionality and their set up, why the engine speed needs to be accelerated, why the ECU can’t use the last actual throttle set point.
2014 BMW X5 XDRIVE. AS I AM ENTERING A PARKING SPOT, MOVING FORWARD, I STEPPED ON THE BRAKE TO STOP MY CAR, AND INSTEAD OF DOING THAT, THE ENGINE REVVED UP AND ACCELERATED QUICKLY. TRIED TO CLICK PARKING BUT THE CAR HARD STOPPED BECAUSE IT HIT THE ROCK IN THAT AREA IN FRONT OF ME. ABLE TO PUT IT INTO PARKING AFTER IT HIT THE ROCK. FRONT RIGHT BUMPER DAMAGED PRETTY SEVERELY. FORTUNATELY NO ONE HURT BUT IF WE ROLLED PAST THE ROCK ALL 5 OF US WOULD HAVE BEEN DEAD AS THERE IS A VALLEY INFRONT OF US. SIMILAR THING HAPPENED 10 MONTHS BACK WHEN WE ARE AT A TRAFFIC SIGNAL ENGINE REVVED UP AND MOVED FORWARD. WHEN WE CALLED LOCAL DEALERSHIP THEY SAID NO RECALLS AT THAT TIME.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
2014 BMW X5 XDRIVE. AS I AM ENTERING A PARKING SPOT, MOVING FORWARD, I STEPPED ON THE BRAKE TO STOP MY CAR, AND INSTEAD OF DOING THAT, THE ENGINE REVVED UP AND ACCELERATED QUICKLY. TRIED TO CLICK PARKING BUT THE CAR HARD STOPPED BECAUSE IT HIT THE ROCK IN THAT AREA IN FRONT OF ME. ABLE TO PUT IT INTO PARKING AFTER IT HIT THE ROCK. FRONT RIGHT BUMPER DAMAGED PRETTY SEVERELY. FORTUNATELY NO ONE HURT BUT IF WE ROLLED PAST THE ROCK ALL 5 OF US WOULD HAVE BEEN DEAD AS THERE IS A VALLEY INFRONT OF US. SIMILAR THING HAPPENED 10 MONTHS BACK WHEN WE ARE AT A TRAFFIC SIGNAL ENGINE REVVED UP AND MOVED FORWARD. WHEN WE CALLED LOCAL DEALERSHIP THEY SAID NO RECALLS AT THAT TIME.
BMW X5 CONTINUED FLOODING PANORAMIC SUNROOF LEAKS MANUFACTURING DEFECT. FLOODING INTERIOR. THE MOISTER MAKE THE X5 DANGEROUS TO DRIVE ( FLOOR DRIVERS SIDE OVER ONE PINT OF WATER, DRIVING ABILITY IMPACTED, BRAKES, NO VISIBILITY DUE TO SEVERE CONDENSATION ON WINDSHIELD, ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS DAMAGED. BMW OF NORTH AMERICA IS AWARE OF THIS NATIONWIDE PROBLEM. THIS X5 BMW X5 EXTENDED COVERAGE +FEB 15, 2020, CERTIFIED +2. MAINTENANCE PLAN FEB 15, 2020 + CPO PLAN COVERS DEFECTS OF MATERIALS UNTIL 2021 AND OR 100K MILES ON BOTH INCIDENTS OF WATER DAMAGE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED ON A RESIDENTIAL STREET.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
AS I WAS SITTING IN STOP AND GO TRAFFIC, I HEAR A LOUD 'BOOM' SIMILAR TO A SMALL EXPLOSION. CLUELESS TO WHAT HAD HAPPENED BECAUSE I CLEARLY WAS NOT HIT BY A CAR OR ANY OBJECT AS WE WERE SITTING STILL. AS I CONTINUED TO DRIVE I COULD HEAR THE GLASS OVERTOP OF ME CONTINUE TO CRACK AND SEEMINGLY SHATTER. I GOT HOME AND FOUND THAT MY PANORAMIC SUNROOF EXPLODED OUTWARDS.
BMW X5 CONTINUED FLOODING PANORAMIC SUNROOF LEAKS MANUFACTURING DEFECT. FLOODING INTERIOR. THE MOISTER MAKE THE X5 DANGEROUS TO DRIVE ( FLOOR DRIVERS SIDE OVER ONE PINT OF WATER, DRIVING ABILITY IMPACTED, BRAKES, NO VISIBILITY DUE TO SEVERE CONDENSATION ON WINDSHIELD, ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS DAMAGED. BMW OF NORTH AMERICA IS AWARE OF THIS NATIONWIDE PROBLEM. THIS X5 BMW X5 EXTENDED COVERAGE +FEB 15, 2020, CERTIFIED +2. MAINTENANCE PLAN FEB 15, 2020 + CPO PLAN COVERS DEFECTS OF MATERIALS UNTIL 2021 AND OR 100K MILES ON BOTH INCIDENTS OF WATER DAMAGE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED ON A RESIDENTIAL STREET.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
Product: Diono Monterey 2XT Highback Booster Issue type: Child restraint usability / fit concern There is a significant height usability gap between Diono’s convertible seats and the Monterey 2XT booster. My child is approximately 32”–40” tall and cannot safely use either seat, leaving no appropriate Diono option during this growth range. This presents a real-world safety and usability issue for caregivers attempting to follow manufacturer guidance. I have attempted multiple direct contacts with Diono for clarification or exchange options, but no functional escalation contacts exist. This complaint is submitted to document the usability gap and request manufacturer review and some kind of help in rectifying this clearly safety issue. Thank you for your attention to this matter.
FLOOR MATS (FACTORY INSTALLED) HAVE AN ADHESIVE VELCRO ON THE UNDERSIDE TO ATTACH TO THE FLOOR OF THE VEHICLE. IN THE HEAT THE ADHESIVE HOLDING THE VELCRO BECOMES UNATTACHED ALLOWING THE FLOOR-MAT TO SHIFT FORWARD AND DEPRESS THE ACCELERATOR. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
I own a 2014 BMW X5 diesel, after the 4 yr warranty expired, my car has had 2 times driveshaft/drivetrain/differential replaced. Valve cover leaking. Chassis stabilization error, suspension/air pump problems, at this moment i have an initialization of driving stabilization error message. Please see what is going on with these expensive cars that after 4 yr warranty give all kind of problems. ThanksTeresa
WATER KEEPS COMING INSIDE THE CAR EVERY TIME ITS RAINING OUTSIDE ,I TOOK THE CAR TO A BMW DEALERSHIP AND THEY FIXED STAYING THAT THE ROOF DRAINS WERE CLOGGED, AFTER A MONTH AGAIN WATER INSIDE MY CAR AFTER THE RAIN ,I TOOK MY CAR BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY FIXED AGAIN THEY CHARGED ME EVEN THOUGH I HAD A WARRANTY , NOW AFTER COUPLE OF MONTHS AGAIN WATER INSIDE THE CAR AFFECTING THE ELECTRIC UNDER THE PASSENGER SEAT AND ALL OVER THE CAR , PLEASE LOOK IN TO THIS MATTER THIS WAS A 90K BMW ,WE HAVE KIDS TRAVELING INSIDE THE CAR AND WE DON'T WANT THE ELECTRIC OR AIRBAGS TO GET ON FIRE OR EXPLODE, THANK YOU WE APPRECIATE IT .
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
Sometime the rear soft closed door ajar with child safety locks engaged while in motion. Child safety locks used because have small children in the back seats. The children safety are at risk when the door ajar while turning. Had to pull over to re-closed the door because the door ajar warning light and sound is on. The dealership had inspect the issue and said there is a service bulletin on the locks.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 BMW X5. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE FRONT DRIVER AND REAR DRIVER SIDE DOORS OPENED INDEPENDENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR A DIAGNOSTIC TESTING AND THE DOOR LATCHES WERE REPLACED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE INFOTAINMENT SCREEN MALFUNCTIONED AND WAS REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 14,500.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE 3RD ROW SEAT BELT ON THE LEFT SIDE (DRIVER SIDE) DOES NOT RETURN BY IT SELF PROPERLY. THIS IS, WHEN YOU BUCKLE UP THE SEAT BELT DOES NOT RETURN BY IT SELF PROPERLY SO YOU HAVE TO PUSH THE REMAINING BELT INSIDE THE SIDE WALL OF THE CAR BECAUSE IT STAYS LOOSE NOT TIGHT. I WANT TO KNOW IF THE DEALER HAVE TO CORRECT THIS ISSUE EVEN WHEN THE BASIC WARRANY IS FINISHED. IT SEEMS THAT THE RETRACTOR IS DEFECTIVE.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
I HAVE LEASED BRAND NEW 2014 BMW X5 ON 12/09/2013. SUDDENLY AFTER 2 DAYS, IT HAS BROKEN. HEATED STEERING FUNCTION STOPPED WORKING. SERVICE DEPARTMENT OF MY SELLING DEALER KEPT THE VEHICLE OVERNIGHT AND FOUND OUT SOMETHING IS BROKEN AND THE BROKEN PART HAS TO BE REPLACED. THEY SAID IT WOULD BE GOING TO TAKE AT LEAST END OF JANUARY 2014(THIS IS WHAT THEY TOLD VERBALLY). NEITHER SERVICE DEPARTMENT OF THE SELLING DEALER NOR THE MANUFACTURER, GUARANTEE WHEN IT CAN FIX AND REFUSED TO PROVIDE DOCUMENT EVIDENCE ON THAT. RIGHT NOW 2014 BMW X5S ARE ON THE ROAD WITHOUT HAVING THE REPLACEMENT PARTS TO FIX IN CASE OF ISSUES. IN MY CASE IT IS HEATED STEERING WHEEL, BUT I'M NOT SURE THE ELECTRONICS OF THIS VEHICLE SINCE IT HAS BROKEN SO NEW AND IT IS TAKING LONGER TIME TO FIX WHICH NOBODY KNOWS WHEN. WHAT I BELIEVE IS MANUFACTURERS SHOULD NOT RELEASE THEIR VEHICLES, UNLESS THEY HAVE FULL CONTROL ON THEIR PRODUCTION LINES. ALSO I ASK DOCUMENT EVIDENCE FROM MANUFACTURER AND SELLING DEALERS SERVICE DEPARTMENT, BY CONFIRMING THAT THIS VEHICLE IS SAFE TO DRIVE. THEY ARE REFUSING TO PROVIDE SUCH DOCUMENT. I REALLY DOUBT THAT 2014 BMW X5S ARE STILL GOOD ENOUGH TO HIT THE ROAD. BTW, THE VEHICLE IS STILL ON TEMPORARY TAGS. SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS SO NEW WHEN IT BROKE AND THE TIME IT IS GOING TO FIX IT IS A UNCERTAIN, I FEEL REALLY UNSAFE ON THIS VEHICLES APPRECIATE IF YOU COULD INVESTIGATE THIS. THANK YOU. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .