2015 BMW X5: fire, smoke or burning smell

Filed Sep 9, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · 160,000 miles · CO · fire

The contact owned a 2015 BMW X5. The contact stated that while driving 60 MPH, the contact became aware of sparks outside the driver's and passenger's side of the vehicle. The contact became aware that there were flames coming from under the hood. The contact stated that the fire had started in the engine compartment. The message "Add Coolant" was displayed, and there was an abnormal odor while the vehicle was on fire. The contact immediately exited the vehicle. The Fire Department responded to the scene and extinguished the fire. A fire report was filed. The vehicle was completely burned and was towed to a tow yard, where it was deemed a total loss by the insurance company. The vehicle was previously repaired under the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 21V907000 (Fuel System, Diesel). Additionally, the EGR cooler and the diesel particulate sensor were replaced under warranty; however, the repairs failed to fix the vehicle. The manufacturer, BMW, was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.

Filed Nov 27, 2025 · Engine · ME

On 11/26/2025, I was driving on the NJ Parkway, Southbound, in the left lane. The Drivetrain Malfunctioned Warning Light came on and within second my car began loosing power. I did not notice any smells. My car stalled as I stopped along the left side of the roadway. I did not have time to maneuver safely to the right, onto the shoulder of the roadway. I maneuvered my vehicle to the left side of the road. My car was pinned against the guardrail to avoid being struck by southbound vehicles. The warning light disappeared. I attempted to restart my car, it sputtered a few time with black smoke coming out of the exhaust. I called 911 and State Police Responded to protect my vehicle from being struck. About an hour later, a tow truck responded and my vehicle was towed to the BMW Dealership, 500 Route 37, Eaton Town, NJ. I believe this catastrophic failure is connected to my vehicles EGR’s system. I had my vehicle serviced at Sterling BMW, Sterling, VA, in early 2025. During that visit I was told that my vehicle’s Auxiliary EGR cooler needed to be replaced. In October 2025, I took my vehicle to BMW of Westbrook, Maine, after I received a notice from BMW that they had extended the warranty on my Auxiliary EGR Cooler and it could be replaced if needed. I provided the Dealership with the information that Sterling BMW provided me about the need to have my Auxiliary EGR cooler replaced. Westbrook BMW examined my car and said there was nothing wrong the my Auxiliary EGR cooler. My vehicle will be looked at tomorrow by Eaton Town BMW. I suspect, I will be told the failure will be related to the EGR system.

Filed Oct 21, 2023 · Engine · MA · fire

There was a recall on my 2013 BMW in January 2022. In the recall letter it was mentioned that the they would notify me when the recall repairs were available. I called my local BMW service center in July 2022 to ask if the part was available. It was stated that the part was not available. The representative stated what was in the recall letter, which was. "this time. We will notify you with a follow-up letter as soon as we are able to perform this safety recall. What could happen? The engine’s Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) Cooler could develop an internal leak. Cooling fluid could mix with typical diesel engine soot deposits. With high temperatures normally present in the EGR module, this might result in smoldering particles. In some cases, these particles could contact the engine intake manifold and create small holes due to melting. If this occurs, it would increase the risk of a fire. Your vehicle may be experiencing this issue if one or more of the following occurs; a reduction in engine power, a warning symbol indicating a loss of engine coolant, an unpleasant odor (e.g., exhaust) and/or an unusual noise from the engine. If this occurs, carefully move away from traffic and pull over to a safe location as soon as possible. All occupants should carefully exit the vehicle and move to a safe location away from traffic. Do not continue to drive the vehicle. SAMPLE If you are not the only driver of this vehicle, please advise all other drivers and passengers of this important information." My daughter was driving the car an almost home when she started to smell burning and minutes later saw smoke and flames. She got out of the call and called 911. The care was a total loss, due to this recall and BMW is taking no responsibility for the loss. She is still recovering from the incident and I would like to take action against BMW. I have the police and fire department report from the town of MIlton.

Filed Mar 13, 2023 · Engine · 49,000 miles · CA

The contact owns a 2015 BMW X5. The contact stated while driving at approximately 70 MPH, she began to notice smoke coming from passenger side on the hood. The vehicle was serviced under the federal safety agency Campaign Number:Â 18V755000( Engine and Engine Cooling) but the remedy failed to repair the vehicle. The contact mentioned that instrument cluster failed to provide safety messages. The contact stated the instrument cluster only notified her of issues when she attempted to open the engine hood door. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure and offered no assistance. The failure mileage was 49,000.

Filed Aug 30, 2021 · Engine · 110,000 miles · CA

The contact owns a 2015 BMW X5. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact was alerted by his daughter, who was in another vehicle, that there was smoke coming from the exhaust pipe. The contact attempted to notify the dealer but was not able to speak to someone regarding the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.

Filed Jul 7, 2021 · Electrical · NC · fire

Drove car after it sat for a few days. Got about a mile from my home and thought I smelled some smoke. Rolled down windows to make sure it was not outside (was in rural area). It was not. Went another mile and pulled over. Seemed to be a small amount of smoke coming out near vent and near seatbelt uprights near door. Looked under hood and under car and saw nothing. Opened sunroof to determine if there was more smoke and to clear the air. It looked like there was a small amount of smoke coming out where the sunroof opened. NOTE: It was hot out and I had put A/C on max. I let car sit a few minutes (was running) and seemed like issue might be gone. Decided best course of action was to drive it the few miles back home and maybe get it towed. Started back toward home and now there was definitely noticeable smoke. Also started to get odd messages on the dash and operator interface. Pulled over immediately and turned off. Smoke seemingly coming from the body of the car (like in the doors, in gaps in the sunroof, through the seatbelt holders, etc.) Definitely seemed as though a blower motor, window motor or some other device overheated. There was the smell of plastic/rubber burning. Went behind the car and opened the tail. I lifted the mat in the back and it seemed hot. Then could see red/yellow through a gap. Not sure if flames or something hot. Decided to grab important items and call 911. Car was in flames with seconds. Car was a complete loss. No doubt in my mind that it was electrical. Was not engine, transmission or exhaust related.

Filed Mar 30, 2021 · Engine · 134,000 miles · IA · fire

While driving on city street the engine stopped, would not restart, then caught fire

Filed Mar 26, 2019 · Body, Electrical · 3 miles · CA · fire

While driving on the I-15 south near camino del norte, my car caught on fire. The fire came from the inside, back, drivers side from the electrical components! As I entered the 15 a few miles before, I noticed all of the preset stations weren't working and then the car gave an air bag warning. After the airbag warning, there was a parking brake warning. That is when I pulled over, grabbed my purse, and noticed the car was on fire. I called 9-1-1.the fire department came and put the fire out.