Reliability, what owners report, and what it costs to keep.
AVOIR's read: running costs are the problem rather than the car itself.
Owners have filed 98 complaints with NHTSA about the 2014 BMW X5 sDrive35i, and it carries no recalls. These are owner allegations rather than confirmed defects, but the pattern of what people complain about is the most useful signal a used buyer has.
| Area | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel/propulsion system | 15 | 15% |
| Structure | 12 | 12% |
| Fuel system | 8 | 8% |
| Engine | 7 | 7% |
| Unknown or other | 6 | 6% |
| Air bags | 5 | 5% |
| Power train | 4 | 4% |
| Electrical system | 4 | 4% |
| Engine and engine cooling | 3 | 3% |
| Power train | 2 | 2% |
Verbatim from NHTSA complaint records, trimmed for length.
I purchased my vehicle around Labor Day of 2020. I still own and operate the vehicle. Since I have owned my vehicle, I have repeatedly been told my turbos are leaking oil, etc. I have even had several oil leaks repaired
NHTSA complaint: Power train
The contact owns a 2014 BMW X5. While the contact's daughter was attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed the vehicle and determined th
NHTSA complaint: Engine and engine cooling
I own a 2014 BMW X5 diesel, after the 4 yr warranty expired, my car has had 2 times driveshaft/drivetrain/differential replaced. Valve cover leaking. Chassis stabilization error, suspension/air pump problems, at this mom
NHTSA complaint: Suspension
Product: Diono Monterey 2XT Highback Booster Issue type: Child restraint usability / fit concern There is a significant height usability gap between Diono’s convertible seats and the Monterey 2XT booster. My child is a
NHTSA complaint: Other/i am not sure
The contact owns a 2014 BMW X5. The contact stated that upon attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that
NHTSA complaint: Engine and engine cooling
Due to issues in the engine design the timing chains become loose and get excessive slack. BMW has revised the design multiple times but the corrective action requires complete removal of transmission and engine to repla
NHTSA complaint: Engine
High Pressure Fuel Pump failed without any sensor notification or prior indication causing the car to suddenly go into safety mode shut down and lose all propulsion while driving at speed. This is a known NHTSA recall is
NHTSA complaint: Fuel/propulsion system
The contact owns a 2014 BMW X5. The contact stated while driving 65-70 MPH, there was an abnormal sound coming from the engine. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact drove to the residence. The foll
NHTSA complaint: Engine and engine cooling
| Reliability raw | 65 | good |
|---|---|---|
| Longevity est. | 66 | good |
| Maintenance | 41 | below average |
| Depreciation | 52 | average |
| Performance | 67 | good |
| Efficiency | 39 | below average |
Percentile ranks against other SUVs in the catalog.
What stands behind each score for this car:
Owners have filed 98 complaints with NHTSA for this model-year, and fuel/propulsion system is the most reported area with 15 of them (15%). No recalls are on record for it.
AVOIR scores its reliability 65/100 (good) from NHTSA recall campaigns and complaint density. That figure is a raw complaint count, not yet adjusted for sales volume, so a high-volume model scores worse than it deserves.
AVOIR scores its longevity 66/100, but that figure is an estimate built from the powertrain and the brand's record, not a measurement. A 2014 car has no 200,000-mile population to observe yet, so treat it as a prior rather than evidence.
AVOIR's read: skip unless cheap, because running costs are the problem rather than the car itself. Its overall ownership score is 56/100. Condition, mileage and service history still matter more than any score, so get a pre-purchase inspection on the specific car.
Sources: NHTSA recalls and complaints, EPA fuel economy, IIHS awards, and live market listings. A score describes a model-year, not the individual car in front of you. Get a pre-purchase inspection.