2015 BMW X5 Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 7about this part
- Share
- 5%of 152 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 60,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 7 complaints about the steering of the 2015 BMW X5, 5% of the 152 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 60,000 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Aug 25th 2020 morning, westport ct, my wife started vehicle and trying to back out from garage. Suddenly realized that she cannot turn the wheel as before and became extremely stiffen. She almost hit the garage wall. We took the car to dealership and this isan eps failure. We investigated online and saw several cases like us and some happened on the highway. We are lucky found this when we are still in our garage. Eps of Bmw had recall(16v-704) which Bmw only recalled 50 cars during 2-3 year of manufacturing period. …”
NHTSA complaint #11361121, filed 2020-09, 33,560 miles“Bmw x5m50d when it is raining (highway speed) and I use the brakes the car is turning left. Horrible feeling, I almost had a crash twice with my family because you lose steering control when you want to keep it straight ...normal conditions the car is braking perfectly...Bmw dealer assembled some brake drying system but it is the same. I am afraid more cars are affected. The situation is more dangerous the strongest you brake and also depends on the rain density.”
NHTSA complaint #10920143, filed 2016-10, 8,000 miles“I was driving my 2015 X5 (bought it new in march and the car only has 2599 miles right when the malfunction happened on aug 8th 2015) to a local trader joe's after getting off from highway 101 when suddenly everything on the car failed. I was in the middle of a left turn and almost ran into the car next to me which also was turning left when the steering wheel became so stiff that I can hardly turn it. At the same time, the airbag malfunction light is on and the safety belt restraint system failed. The safety belt became so loose that it didn't even hold/restrain me during the turn. …”
NHTSA complaint #10854510, filed 2016-04, 2,599 miles“Steering column up/down in/out electronic failure. Steering wheel will stop adjusting and will stay in last position without being able to move - without having the steering component replaced. In the Bmw forum drivers even report having to get the steering column replaced multiple times as the same parts fail.”
NHTSA complaint #11124146, filed 2018-09, 104,000 miles“The contact owns a 2015 BMW X5. The contact stated while driving at various speeds and slightly turning the steering wheel, the vehicle would emit abnormal grinding sounds. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the rack and pinion needed to be replaced. The vehicle was also taken to a local dealer which diagnosed the failure to be strut bearing fault. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. …”
NHTSA complaint #11465968, filed 2022-05, 66,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10249018Jan 8, 2024At 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…
- 10249017Jan 4, 2024SITUATION Unusual noises occur only when operating the steering column in the axial direction. 1. A one-time thump sound at the start of movement Shortly after the steering…
- 10194296Apr 1, 2021Diagnosis of Compound Brake System Complaints in M Vehicles: 1. Visible cracks are caused by high thermal stresses during rapid heating and cooling of the brake discs. Braking…
- 10174023Apr 1, 2020CHECK CONTROL MESSAGES FOR BRAKE SUSPENSION AND AIR BAG SYSTEM MALFUNCTION: Multiple check control messages (CCM) can display for brake suspension and air bag system malfunction.
- 10170575Dec 1, 2019NOISE WHEN ADJUSTING THE STEERING COLUMN UP OR DOWN: Creaking noise when raising or lowering the steering column position. CAUSE Steering column adjustment.
- 10142929Jan 1, 2018CRACKING NOISES FROM THE FRONT AXLE AREA WHILE TURNING THE WHEELS, WHEN STATIONARY OR PARKING: Cracking noises are heard from the front axle area while maneuvering at low speeds…
- 10136721Dec 1, 2017NOISE WHEN ADJUSTING THE STEERING COLUMN UP OR DOWN: Creaking noise when raising or lowering the steering column position
- 10146764Sep 1, 2017Grating or Scraping Noise When Turning Steering Wheel. There is a grating or scraping noise when the steering wheel is turned. The noise comes from the steering column switch…
Steering: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 3 | 5% |
| 2024 | 3 | 2% |
| 2023 | 1 | 3% |
| 2022 | 5 | 7% |
| 2021 | 3 | 3% |
| 2020 | 3 | 3% |
| 2019 | 18 | 9% |
| 2018 | 2 | 3% |
| 2017 | 3 | 4% |
| 2016 | 3 | 4% |
| 2015 | 7 | 5% |
| 2014 | 1 | 1% |
| 2013 | 2 | 1% |
| 2012 | 20 | 7% |
| 2011 | 18 | 7% |
| 2010 | 8 | 6% |
| 2009 | 6 | 4% |
| 2008 | 2 | 1% |
| 2007 | 2 | 3% |
| 2006 | 2 | 1% |
| 2004 | 4 | 6% |
| 2003 | 3 | 3% |
| 2002 | 6 | 6% |
| 2001 | 11 | 7% |
| 2000 | 1 | 3% |
Other parts of the 2015 BMW X5
50 complaintsEngine
42 complaintsOther or unknown
19 complaintsAir bags
14 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
14 complaintsElectrical system
13 complaintsEngine cooling
9 complaintsSeat belts
6 complaintsBody and structure
6 complaintsSuspension
5 complaintsBrakes
3 complaintsExterior lighting
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2015 BMW X5
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 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