RoadVitals

2015 BMW X6

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
9
Latest Dec 9, 2024
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
1
Latest Nov 18, 2019
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
1
1 currently open
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
2
2 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 9 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2015 BMW X6, most frequently naming the engine, brakes and powertrain (other) categories. 1 safety recall has been issued covering this model year; 1 NHTSA investigation names it; and 249 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

  • Engine436.4%
  • Brakes218.2%
  • Powertrain (other)19.1%
  • Seat belts19.1%
  • Visibility19.1%
  • Fuel system19.1%
  • Driver assistance19.1%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

1 campaign cover this model year

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov

CHILD SEAT

Nov 18, 2019
32,760 units potentially affected
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC. (BMW) is recalling certain 2015-2019 X6 sDrive35i, X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i, and X6M vehicles equipped with rear seat lower anchor bars used in securing child restraint seats. The lower anchor bars may become damaged over time when used with an ISOFIX-type, rigid-style connector, child restraint system.
The risk: Damaged lower anchor bars may increase the child's risk of injury in the event of a crash.
The remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will weld a reinforcing bracket to the lower anchor bars and the vehicle body, free of charge. Owner notification began January 17, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
BMW of North America, LLCView on NHTSA.gov

Safety investigations

NHTSA inquiries naming this vehicle. An investigation is not a finding of a defect.

EA21002OpenEngineering Analysis

Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture

Opened Sep 17, 2021

From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.Consequently, all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a substance that traps and holds moisture) in US vehicles are under recall. These "non-desiccated" inflators either have been or are required to be replaced.In some cases, the remedy part for these recalled inflators was, or will be, an inflator using either propellant 2004 or 2004L that does contain a desiccant. None of these "desiccated" remedy parts (which were installed in older model year vehicles) are currently under recall for a degradation concern. Certain subsets of desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004 for use as original equipment, however, have been recalled for a degradation concern. All Takata inflators produced with propellant 2004L contain desiccant, and none of these desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L are under recall for a degradation concern. There have been no reported field ruptures in any non-recalled desiccated PSAN inflators.It is understood that desiccants fully saturate at some threshold, at which point any additional moisture will not be captured. This means the degradation process observed in non-desiccated inflators using propellant 2004 may also occur in non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004, assuming additional moisture enters the inflator and high temperature cycling occurs. Based on available information, desiccant saturation can occur within the first five years in the worst environments, and the time required for full saturation is affected by multiple factors. While no present safety risk has been identified, further work is needed to evaluate the future risk of non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004.Three entities -- Takata (now known as TK Global), the Independent Testing Coalition, and Exponent -- have been studying the long-term behavior of Takata desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004L (as well as 2004) in the presence of moisture and temperature cycling. The research efforts, which include development of predictive modeling techniques and field sample analysis, are ongoing. To date, none of the researchers have identified field evidence showing that propellant 2004L is undergoing a degradation process that leads to aggressive deployment and potential rupture. However, the time in service of such inflators remains short compared to that of the inflators using propellant 2004. Further study is needed to assess the long-term safety of desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L.The Office of Defects Investigation is opening this investigation to examine whether a safety defect related to propellant degradation exists in non-recalled desiccated PSAN frontal inflators manufactured by Takata. This investigation will require extensive information on Takata production processes and surveys of inflators in the field. Lists of recall actions that may have used desiccated PSAN inflators as remedy parts, as well as the makes and models originally manufactured with them, is available with the downloadable version of this document (see nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=EA21002 -- note this information is subject to change/revision as the investigation proceeds). This investigation does not supersede EA15-001, which remains open.

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

EngineFuel systemPowertrain (other)
Filed Dec 9, 2024

Car goes into limp mode on highway. Shakes very bad and I lose power to my car speed going from 65-70mph to 30-40mph forcing the car trying to get to a safe area to see why my car suddenly lost power. After dodging all the close call accidents from me trying to pull over I come to a complete stop and car is shaking out of control so I turn it off and turn it back on but my car still shakes out of control. After sitting on the side of the road with traffic zipping past me for about 30 minutes I turned my car back on and the shaking went away. Days later the car did it again but I was in city streets I pulled over and turned off the car and waited 30 minutes again. The next day I took it to a mechanic shop and told me the high pressure fuel pump has gone out and there is metal shaving in the gas tank and in the lines. To repair my car it would cost me near $3,500!

NHTSA ID
11629551
Incident
Dec 2, 2024
Filed Dec 4, 2023

The vehicle moonroof shattered for no reason at all it was as if an explosion occurred, forcing the glass upwards.

NHTSA ID
11558311
Incident
Nov 30, 2023
Engine
Filed Jul 6, 2021

The contact owns a 2015 BMW X6. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle inadvertently shifted into neutral with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V755000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) as a possible solution to the failure however, the Vin was not included. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer had been notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 134,000.

NHTSA ID
11423540
Incident
Jul 2, 2021
Mileage
134,000 mi
Engine
Filed Nov 3, 2020
Fire reported

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2015 BMW X6. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE AS DRIVEN ALL MORNING AND WHEN THE CONTACT REACHED ANOTHER PATIENT HOME AND PARKED THE VEHICLE ON THE RESIDENTIAL ROAD. THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED THAT THE VEHICLE THE VEHICLE WAS EMITTING SMOKE UNDER THE HOOD AND WITHIN A MOMENT, THE VEHICLE WAS ON FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS PRESENT AND EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. HOWEVER, THE CONTACT WAS NOT ADVISED WHY OR WHERE THE FIRE INITIATED UNDER THE HOOD. THE CONTACTS VEHICLE WAS TOWED BY THE INSURANCE COMPANY TO COLLISION CENTER AND THE COLLISION CENTER ADVISED THE INSURANCE COMPANY THAT THE VEHICLE WAS A TOTAL LOSS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 46,000.

NHTSA ID
11372910
Incident
Oct 30, 2020
Mileage
46,000 mi
Seat belts
Filed Feb 27, 2020

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 BMW X6. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VIN WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V823000 (CHILD SEAT) HOWEVER, THE PARTS FOR THE RECALL REPAIR WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. HANSEL BMW OF SANTA ROSA (2925 CORBY AVE, SANTA ROSA, CA 95407) WAS CONTACTED AND IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ID
11311945
Incident
Nov 18, 2019
Engine
Filed Dec 13, 2019

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 BMW X6. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE JERKED, LOST POWER, AND THE DRIVE TRAIN MALFUNCTION WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT VEERED TO THE SHOULDER OF THE ROAD AND MANAGED TO DRIVE AT LOW SPEEDS TO PARK AVE BMW (216 NJ-17, ROCHELLE PARK, NJ 07662, (201) 843-7900). THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE CRANK SHAFT FRACTURED AND THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT'S INSURANCE COMPANY HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR A SECOND DIAGNOSTIC TEST. THE MECHANIC CONFIRMED THAT THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS CURRENTLY BEING REPAIRED UNDER WARRANTY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 85,000.

NHTSA ID
11288809
Incident
Dec 2, 2019
Mileage
85,000 mi
Brakes
Filed Feb 28, 2019

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 BMW X6. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKES WERE FAULTY. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE TREAD ON THE BRAKES WERE ALMOST GONE BECAUSE THEY MADE A GRINDING SOUND WHEN ATTEMPTING TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT CALLED BMW OF FORT WALTON BEACH (1000 N BEAL PKWY NW, FORT WALTON BEACH, FL 32547, (850) 863-8352) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT NEW REAR AND FRONT BRAKES WERE NEEDED. THE CONTACT INSTALLED THE REAR BRAKES INDEPENDENTLY; HOWEVER, THE FRONT BRAKES WERE NOT INSTALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS PARTIALLY REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND NO ASSISTANCE WAS PROVIDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 33,000.

NHTSA ID
11183143
Incident
Sep 13, 2018
Mileage
33,000 mi
BrakesDriver assistance
Filed Feb 4, 2019
Crash reported2 injuries reported

I WAS DRIVING HWY 80 THE TRACTION CONTROL MALFUNCTION LIGHT CAME ON AND IN A SPLIT SECOND I LOST CONTROL OF VEHICLE. I STARTED TO SKID TOWARD WALL DIVIDERS AND QUICKLY BRAKED. THEN THE BRAKES LOCKED UP CAUSING ME TO CRASH ON TO THE DIVIDED. THIS VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED WITH ANTI LOCK BRAKES. THIS WAS DEFINITELY A BMW MALFUNCTION!

NHTSA ID
11174346
Incident
Jan 6, 2019
Mileage
57,000 mi

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

B010122

ENGINE

N63TU1 CLASS ACTION SETTLEMENT SVC CAMPAIGN: OIL CONSUMPTION DIAGNOSIS/REPAIR

B510819

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS

The basic conditions for initializing the power windows are not met.

B611305

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The electrical system of BMW vehicles has been subject to an ongoing development process over the last few years. This has led to increased demands being placed on the battery. This document covers important information for the dealer on how to handle “discharged battery” complaints.

B360121

STEERING

At low outside temperatures (below 40 degrees F) and slow driving speeds (i.e. when parking, maneuvering)with a large steering angle, the front end can be slightly axially misaligned. This can be felt (jerking)/ heard via an acoustic acknowledgement (clunk) as seen at the 11 second mark of the video. See attached video V36 01 21.

B612723

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

When using the Key Reader to retrieve CBS information from the customer key, no current vehicle data is available, or the data does not match the maintenance schedule.

B653423

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; EQUIPMENT

Customers may state that the alarm system (DWA) is not active after locking their unoccupied vehicle. Depending on the vehicle’s equipment and settings, no acoustic or optical confirmation (folding the mirrors/blinking confirmation) is noticeable. Additionally, the red anti-theft alarm LED in the interior mirror does not briefly flash every 2 seconds, indicating the alarm is armed.

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

BMW X6 by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2026320
2025140
2024950
2023110
2022311
2021771
20209100
2019540
2018441
2017321
2016911
2015Viewing911
2014113048.2
2013255045.7
2012327048.2
20113111057.7
2010159057.9
20091910047.7
2008480
2007100
2006100
2005000
2004000
2003000
2002000
2001000
2000000

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. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.