2014 BMW X5 Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 15about this part
- Share
- 15%of 99 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 20,000miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 15 complaints about the electrical system of the 2014 BMW X5, 15% of the 99 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 20,000 miles. 5 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Driving the for 18 miles up a mountain road to a sky resort on snow covered road. Never exceeded 20 MPH because of conditions. During the trip the brake system light came on and screen said use caution. Parked the car at the parking lot, turned it off. Turned it back on and it seemed ok, the error message was gone. Went to our room. 20 minutes later the sheriff calls and said my car is on fire. It was a total loss.”
NHTSA complaint #11185562, filed 2019-03, 120,000 miles“On october 18, 2017 at approximately 7:50pm, my 2014 Bmw X5 spontaneously ignited in my garage - the fire from the explosion destroyed all contents in my garage, including a second car and the fire and smoke damage destroyed the house and most of the contents. The vehicle was turned off and parked in my garage; the garage was closed. I parked the car in my garage at 7:30pm and the explosion happened around 7:50pm. …”
NHTSA complaint #11047671, filed 2017-11, 21,000 miles“I have the comfort access option (soft close doors) and like many other people, my doors will open on their own sometimes. Driving down the road doing 40 and suddenly one of the doors will pop open and the dashboard light will come on.”
NHTSA complaint #10648913, filed 2014-10, 1,000 miles“Car stalled while driving down the interstate. Car went into neutral and we were able to push button start. Exited the interstate and stayed on service to remain safe. Passenger restraint system notification appeared stating to remain in safety belts and contact service center. Car had bad smell and smoke came from rear hatch. Car in flames in less than one minute. We have police report, video, pictures, insurance reports etc. Bmw needs to be accountable and others warned about these hazards,”
NHTSA complaint #10748783, filed 2015-08, 20,000 miles“While returning home from chicago, around 3:30 pm on sunday 07/26/14 - I was exiting I-88 on the route 31 exit ramp. Halfway up the ramp the trunk/hatch of the X5 opened on its own. The car was traveling approx. 28 - 30 MPH when the hatch opened under its own control. Both of the drivers (my) hands were on the steering wheel turning the vehicle well away from the trunk controls located on the driver side door at the time. My dog was located in the back/trunk of the car when the hatch decided to open. …”
NHTSA complaint #10618527, filed 2014-08, 8,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10249437Jan 16, 2024The basic conditions for initializing the power windows are not met.
- 10249027Jan 11, 2024The 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…
- 10245422Nov 22, 2023Customers may state that the alarm system (DWA) is not active after locking their unoccupied vehicle. Depending on the vehicleâÂÂs equipment and settings, no acoustic or…
- 10238090May 1, 2023After programming the head unit (HU-H2), activating the FSC (German word Freischaltcode) Enabling Codes repeatedly fails.
- 10235205Mar 1, 2023The 3G network in the US has been shut down. This means that only the 4G network will be available. In the 4G network, voice calls will be transferred via the Voice over LTE…
- 10225115Sep 1, 2022Customer is unable to power up or charge accessories through a plug adapter inserted in the front 12-volt power socket plug. Alternatively, it will only operate when constant…
- 10224212Aug 1, 2022Driver Assistance reduced checked control message (CCM) appears. All or some of the system functions maybe inoperative. The following fault will be stored: 481CC6.
- 10218384Jun 1, 2022Vehicle cannot be opened or closed using comfort access, engine start is not possible, and the vehicle may not start when placing the key against the steering column. Note…
- 10218382Jun 1, 2022A check control message for the restraint system appears. In the Instrument cluster, the red air bag warning light lights up permanently. One of the following fault codes stored…
- 10214990May 1, 2022The Headunit High (HU-H), also called NBT, began replacing the Car Information Computer (CIC) on certain MY2013 vehicles with option 609 (as of 7/2012 production). This uses map…
Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 10 | 36% |
| 2025 | 8 | 13% |
| 2024 | 25 | 17% |
| 2023 | 8 | 24% |
| 2022 | 16 | 22% |
| 2021 | 38 | 35% |
| 2020 | 39 | 35% |
| 2019 | 72 | 37% |
| 2018 | 15 | 21% |
| 2017 | 17 | 23% |
| 2016 | 23 | 31% |
| 2015 | 13 | 9% |
| 2014 | 15 | 15% |
| 2013 | 21 | 14% |
| 2012 | 29 | 11% |
| 2011 | 19 | 7% |
| 2010 | 23 | 19% |
| 2009 | 16 | 12% |
| 2008 | 35 | 16% |
| 2007 | 9 | 13% |
| 2006 | 20 | 12% |
| 2005 | 15 | 18% |
| 2004 | 10 | 16% |
| 2003 | 17 | 17% |
| 2002 | 16 | 16% |
| 2001 | 24 | 15% |
| 2000 | 2 | 7% |
Other parts of the 2014 BMW X5
32 complaintsEngine
16 complaintsBody and structure
15 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
12 complaintsOther or unknown
9 complaintsAir bags
6 complaintsEngine cooling
5 complaintsBrakes
4 complaintsVehicle speed control
4 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
3 complaintsElectronic stability control
2 complaintsEquipment
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2014 BMW X5
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology