Owner-reported complaints naming the engine system, filed with NHTSA
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Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components. Every record below is an owner-reported complaint about the 2015 BMW X5 submitted to NHTSA — not a confirmed defect, not a recall and not a manufacturer bulletin. 50 reports on file name it.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
The 25 most recent of 50, in the owner's own words
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.
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 southbound vehicles. The warning light disappeared. I attempted to restart my car, it sputtered a few time with black smoke coming out of the exhaust. I called 911 and State Police Responded to protect my vehicle from being struck. About an hour later, a tow truck responded and my vehicle was towed to the BMW Dealership, 500 Route 37, Eaton Town, NJ. I believe this catastrophic failure is connected to my vehicles EGR’s system. I had my vehicle serviced at Sterling BMW, Sterling, VA, in early 2025. During that visit I was told that my vehicle’s Auxiliary EGR cooler needed to be replaced. In October 2025, I took my vehicle to BMW of Westbrook, Maine, after I received a notice from BMW that they had extended the warranty on my Auxiliary EGR Cooler and it could be replaced if needed. I provided the Dealership with the information that Sterling BMW provided me about the need to have my Auxiliary EGR cooler replaced. Westbrook BMW examined my car and said there was nothing wrong the my Auxiliary EGR cooler. My vehicle will be looked at tomorrow by Eaton Town BMW. I suspect, I will be told the failure will be related to the EGR system.
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 notified the manufacturer of the failure and was referred to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 108,000.
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 continuously running while the vehicle was turned off. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) as a possible cause for the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 95,000.
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 manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 123,000.
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 been broken off at the end inside the man approximately a half inch of the end of the bolt is in the hole. I stopped the technician from moving forward with anything else. I recently looked up for a recall but do not see any for the X5 but open recalls on other models. please let me know if this is a problem with the six cylinder turbo and it under sized cam bolt thank you for your help and time.
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 and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired and the failure was remedied. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 151,000.
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 and combined with diesel soot causing a fire. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 103,000.
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.
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 Ohio does not test I purchase this vehicle from Carvana and I believe they shipped the vehicle to a state that does not require a mission passing, because that would have been a flag for my vehicle, and it was very difficult for me to register my vehicle and my state due to a clouded title but it’s very hard for me to get information from dealerships because they don’t want to perform the work at cost as a service customer service, and then the seller, of course is hiding this information I need oversight, or some sort of enforcement how I can take my vehicle somewhere and have it inspected for safety, and then enforce the recalls and enforce the warranties that are on them because as I mentioned, I am not I’m getting out Bro blocked and I don’t wanna take accountability and responsibility. I did have a stop at a muffler shop and they said that my underbody is is the scripture is not installed properly, and there are things that are detach to avoid the emissions smoke and those are hidden from the seller I am a nervous Buyer. This is my first time having a vehicle such as this and I believe I have a lemonade and sweet lemon. How can I get it? Inspected it inspected.
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 approximately 68,000.
My wife was driving with my kids on the highway here in San Diego. When the vehicle stalled and luckily she was near the shoulder and was able to pull over. We took it to the shop and they stated it was a fuel pump failure. I have never had a car do this it was crazy dangerous for my kids and my wife. I have read so many complaints on this and yet bmw will take no fault for this. Then they want to give me a repair bill of 17k because when these fuel pumps fail they destroy the whole fuel system that touches diesel needs to repaired. I am so upset this is crazy that’s this legal to produce a car like this and there is not a class action lawsuit.
BMW replaced my Egr in 8/22 under the recall and now 23 months later my intake manifold melted. Luckily I stopped the car when I smelled melting plastic and a fire didn’t start. Scary stuff. I guess the Ege recall didn’t fix the problem.
There is a service bulletin out for this vehicle to extend the warranty to 10 years, 120k miles on parts of the emission control system. The engine trouble light is lit. The vehicle was sold in Canada, but has been resold and transferred to the US. BMW has all the warranty / owner records updated, EXCEPT that the service bulletin for the diesel particulate sensor does NOT show up on the US BMW system! I called a Canadian dealer and had them check. The service bulletin pops right up! Called BMW and they said if I want BMW to fix it, I HAVE TO TAKE MY CAR -BACK TO A CANADIAN BMW DEALER-!!! That is RIDICULOUS!! IDENTICAL MODELS of these vehicles are sold on EACH SIDE OF THE BORDER!! Why doesn't the service bulletin APPLY no matter WHICH country they are sold in?
Had recall for EGR cooler now getting check engine light with code P26B1
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.
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.
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: emission control: gas recirculation valve (egr valve)melting intake manifold
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).
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.
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.
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.
Rod bearing failure causing engine to be damaged. The car has 79k miles, fully maintained at a BMW dealership. My wife and toddler were driving on the highway when the car shut off with no warning. We towed the car to the same BMW dealer where we’ve had the car serviced since 34,673 miles.. The dealer documented metal flakes in the oil filter. The dealer confirmed a rod bearing spun causing a catastrophic failure to the engine requiring replacement. Initial quote exceeding price of car at $74k. BMW Corporate contacted me and offered a discount on a new engjne. I declined the offer because the repair work was $32,843. This rod bearing issue is a known problem among 2015-2018 BMW X5M owners. This problem in fact existed on a previous generation engine which is referred to as the S65 motor. BMW has released a bulletin to this group of owners guaranteeing replacement based on the amount of miles on a customers engine. In some cases, a free engine was provided by BMW at no cost to the customer. The car only had 79k miles and without BMW NA involved the dealer wanted $74,332 to replace and repair vehicle. The BMW supervisor on this case is Lindsay and she can be reached at (800) 831-1117 ext. 115. She disregarded this was a safety matter and thought other owners shouldn’t be compensated or warned about this complete loss of power while driving this particular model (2015-2018 BMW X5M). This is an unacceptable outcome for a car with a MSRP is over $100,000. I’ve talked to half a dozen other 2015-2018 BMW X5M owners who also had total engine failure due to this same rod bearing issue. All of the cases the engine exceeded the cost or current market value of car.
I have a recall notice for an EGR cooler in my 2015 BMW x5 diesel. At first there was no part available, for at least a year. Now a part has been available since September 2022. I sold the vehicle to my son in Roanoke, VA in September 2022. His dealer claims he can't get the part. This is a SAFETY issue. My original dealer in California had the part, but is telling my son he no longer has a part and in order to get a part from the warehouse, my son's Roanoke dealer HAS to be part of the Penske auto system. The Roanoke, VA dealer was sold around September 2022 and has been totally inept, can't get the part, made some other repair which was incorrect and now my son is driving a safety defective vehicle. This may not be the proper place to make a report, however the recall notice says to make a report, gives a website and says I can get information at the website, but not true. Additionally, the printed phone number does not work.
The contact owns a 2015 BMW X5. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, there was an erroneous message indicating the wrong fluid and that the vehicle had 200 miles before service was needed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the contact was informed that the SCR system needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and stated that the vehicle was not covered because the failure was not under recall. The failure mileage was 111,043.
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.
Categories with enough reports to have a page of their own
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