The Lemon Index2015 BMW X5.
The 2015 BMW X5 is one of the most reliable years by owner complaints: 20 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 37, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about airbags, it has 6 recalls, and it gets 16 to 27 mpg combined. The best BMW X5 year is 2010.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
Fixes owners look up most.
From 100 YouTube videos about the 2014–2018 BMW X5, 21.3M views. The 2015 is the same generation.
- Oil changes & service577K views
BMW oil service reset // 2014-2018 X5 and X6 ( F15/F16 chassis) HOW TOOThe Driver Mod · 295K views · 3 videos - Driveshaft, axles & 4x4286K views
BMW 2004-2010 X3 Transfer Case Actuator & Fluid Replacement DIY (BMW E83 X3, 2004-2014 X5, 08-14 X6)FCP Euro · 286K views - Steering & suspension221K views
BMW X5 Front Control Arms Replacement DIY (2014-2018 BMW F15 X5 & F16 X6)FCP Euro · 128K views · 3 videos - Timing chain & engine110K views
BMW X5 Suspension Diagnostic & Maintenance Guide (2014-2018 BMW F15 X5 & F16 X6)FCP Euro · 70K views · 2 videos
Show 2 more
- Infotainment, battery & electrical106K views
How To Change A 2014 - 2023 BMW X5 Remote Key Fob Battery - Remove, Replace Replacement BatteriesPYR Automotive · 106K views - Intake, EGR & engine sensors39K views
BMW X5 CODE P0171, CODE P0174 FIX EXPLAINED, BMW E70 E53 F15Electrical Car Repair LIVE · 39K views
Before you buy, watch
BMW X5 SUV (2013-2018) review - Carbuyer / Mat WatsonCarbuyer · 1.8M views
Air Suspension Problems On Your F15 BMW X5? Must Watch!Vehicular DIY · 418K views
BMW X5 Buyer's Guide (2014-2018)- F15 & F85 - Models, Options, Engines, Transmissions, & CompetitionFCP Euro · 284K viewsViews show how many people looked up each fix, not how often it breaks. Videos belong to their creators; we link to them.
How serious. Out of 152 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every BMW X5 year. 2015 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 37K to 108K miles on the car (71 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
Recalls 6
- fuel system, diesel 2021
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.
- fuel system, diesel 2021
The high-pressure fuel pump may fail.
- engine 2018
If the EGR cooler leaks internally, the coolant can mix with diesel engine soot.
Show all 6 recalls
- airbags 2016
The affected vehicles have a driver's frontal air bag inflator that may have been improperly welded.
- airbags 2015
Without a secure connection to the inflator, the HPS air bags may have insufficient inflation during a vehicle crash, increasing the risk of injury.
- seats 2014
The left rear seat belt attachment point in the affected vehicles may not have been sufficiently welded.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems BMW told dealers about
BMW sent dealers 409 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Fuel gauge fails to show correct level of fuel when filling fuel tank but would update itself
- Engine Oil Quick Reference Chart and Drain Plug Torque: The current version of ISTA/D has an…
- LEAKING REAR DIFFERENTIAL (QMVH): There is an oil leak from the rear differential housing
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Government investigations
- OpenHigh pressure fuel pump failure2023
- OpenDesiccated air bag inflator rupture2021
NHTSA looks into a problem when enough owners report it. Many end in a recall.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BMW X5 Sdrive35I SUV RWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| BMW X5 Xdrive35D SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $3500–5000 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 3.0L 6-cyl, 4.4L 8-cyl.
In owners' words
Exhaust egr cooler leak which cause exhaust to enter the passenger compartment of the vehicle. Nauseating exhaust fumes leading to severe headaches
2015 BMW X5 owner · NHTSA complaint 11074203
More owner reports
Vehicle continues to throw itself into park while driving and internientky shuts off after two weeks of purchasing vehicle problems developed
NHTSA complaint 11140275
Mulfunction passenger air bag messages showed on the car front screen while car was in motion on a city street with slow speed and with out passenger. Car has 53.000 miles and dealer refused to fix air bag under warranty
NHTSA complaint 11109793
Quick answers
Is the 2015 BMW X5 reliable?
Yes, it is one of the most reliable by government complaints. It drew 2.7× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 37; 100 is average, lower is better). The best BMW X5 year by this measure is 2010.
What are the most common 2015 BMW X5 problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are airbags (35%), engine (20%) and body structure (15%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2015 BMW X5 have?
6 safety recalls (latest: fuel system, diesel). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2015 BMW X5 get?
16 to 27 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2015 BMW X5 safe?
NHTSA gave it 5 out of 5 stars overall in its best tested version. Ratings differ by body style, and the full table is on the advanced page.
At what mileage do 2015 BMW X5 problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 37,000 and 108,000 miles. The middle report was at 68,000 miles, from 71 complaints.
Does the 2015 BMW X5 have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues aren't among its top 5 complaint areas.
How much does the 2015 BMW X5 cost in fuel a year?
About $3500 to $5000 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2015 BMW X5 have?
3.0L 6-cyl, 4.4L 8-cyl.
What BMW X5 year is better than the 2015?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2010, 2016 and 2015.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works