YearToAvoid

2014 BMW X5 Engine Problems

NHTSA lists 25 engine complaints for the 2014 BMW X5, 26% of that year's 98 total complaints. Median mileage at failure is 79,000. Owners also reported 3 fires and 1 crash tied to engine-area problems, and a related EGR cooler recall (18V755000) covers other BMW models, not the X5 directly.

Engine complaints
25
26% of 98
Crashes reported
1
Fires reported
3
Injuries reported
0
Median mileage
79,000 mi
Related recalls
1

Typical engine symptoms owners report

  • Owners report engine compartment fires developing during or shortly after driving, sometimes preceded by a burning smell or smoke.
  • Some describe a drivetrain malfunction warning followed by a hard stop or complete loss of power, in one case linked to a timing chain failure that damaged the fuel pump.
  • Several owners tied to recall 18V755000 report reduced engine power and illuminated check engine lights while waiting for parts to complete the repair.
  • Some describe the accelerator pedal being depressed with delayed vehicle response, along with the check engine light coming on, at highway speeds.
  • A few owners report the vehicle failing to start and needing multiple attempts to restart after an engine-related warning appeared.

When 2014 BMW X5 engine complaints were filed

First complaint Sep 7, 2014, latest Jun 29, 2026.

2014 BMW X5 engine complaints: complaints filed per month2Sep 2014Apr 2019Oct 2020Sep 2022Nov 2023Jul 2024Jan 2025Jun 2026
25 complaints filed with NHTSA from Sep 2014 to Jun 2026; peak Sep 2014 (2).

Engine recalls for the 2014 BMW X5

  1. NHTSA 18V755000Oct 25, 2018Engine44,368 vehicles

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

    BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2013-2018 BMW 328d and 328d xDrive, 2014-2018 328d Sports Wagon and 328d xDrive Sports Wagon, 2014-2016 535d and 535d xDrive, 2015 740Ld xDrive, 2015-2017 X3 xDrive28d SAV and 2014-2017 X5 xDrive35d SAV vehicles equipped with an Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) module with an integrated cooler. If the EGR cooler leaks internally, the coolant can mix with diesel engine soot. The high EGR temperatures may result in these particles possibly smoldering and melting the intake manifold.

    Risk: The melting intake manifold can increase the risk of a fire.

    Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the EGR cooler as necessary. If a leak has already occurred, the engine intake manifold will also be replaced. These repairs will be made free of charge. The recall began May 13, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Engine complaints by X5 model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

  1. 201061 (43%)
  2. 2011130 (45%)
  3. 2012111 (38%)
  4. 201357 (35%)
  5. 201425 (26%)
  6. 201551 (34%)
  7. 201623 (31%)
  8. 201717 (23%)
  9. 201821 (29%)
  10. 201966 (35%)
  11. 202049 (44%)
  12. 202133 (31%)
  13. 202220 (29%)
  14. 20235 (16%)
  15. 202418 (12%)
  16. 20258 (13%)

Frequently asked questions

How common are engine problems on the 2014 BMW X5?
NHTSA lists 25 engine complaints for the 2014 X5, which is 26% of the 98 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there an engine recall for the 2014 BMW X5?
Recall 18V755000 covers the engine and EGR cooler, but its listed vehicle range is other BMW models (328d, 535d, X3 xDrive28d, etc.), not the X5 directly; some X5 owners still referenced this campaign in their complaints.
At what mileage do engine problems typically show up on the 2014 X5?
The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for engine-area complaints on the 2014 X5 is 79,000 miles.
Are engine problems on the 2014 X5 dangerous?
NHTSA data tied to this engine complaint area includes 3 fires and 1 crash, with no reported injuries.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.