2016 BMW 320i Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Avoid The 2016 BMW 320i has a complaint index of 86, ranking 2nd worst among 8 model years, earning an Avoid verdict. Engine problems dominate at 44% of complaints, with a median failure mileage of 119,000 miles, alongside brake and airbag concerns.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 86/100
- #2 of 8 320i years
- Verdict
- Avoid
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 25
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 0
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 4
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 2
- Injuries
- 4
- Top issue
- Engine
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 27
- 23 city / 35 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 4 / 0
Top 2016 BMW 320i problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine11 (44%)
- Brakes7 (28%)
- Structure & Body6 (24%)
- Airbags5 (20%)
- Electrical System3 (12%)
- Transmission & Powertrain3 (12%)
- Fuel System2 (8%)
- Other1 (4%)
- Seat Belts1 (4%)
- Steering1 (4%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Some owners report brakes that fail to stop the car promptly or lock up unexpectedly, sometimes leading to collisions or mounting the sidewalk.
- Engine fires have been reported after driving, including a burning smell followed by flames under the hood.
- Owners describe sudden engine shutdowns while driving, accompanied by a 'drive train malfunction' warning and shaking before the car goes into neutral.
- Timing chain and rear differential failures have been reported on engines with no modifications, occurring well into the vehicle's life.
- Airbags have reportedly failed to deploy in crashes, or deployed with burning that caused skin burns.
- Sunroofs have spontaneously cracked or developed holes while driving at moderate speeds.
2016 BMW 320i recalls
No safety recalls on record for this model year.
2016 BMW 320i fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 23 MPG
- Highway
- 35 MPG
- Combined
- 27 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $2,950
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Premium
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2016 compared with other 320i years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2016 BMW 320i reliable?
- Compared to other 320i model years, the 2016 ranks 2nd worst out of 8 years tracked, with a complaint index of 86 and an Avoid verdict based on NHTSA owner complaints.
- What are the most common problems with the 2016 BMW 320i?
- Engine issues make up 44% of complaints, including reports of timing chain failures and fires, followed by brake problems at 28% and airbag complaints at 20%.
- Does the 2016 BMW 320i have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2016 BMW 320i.
- What mileage do engine problems typically show up at on the 2016 320i?
- NHTSA complaint data shows a median mileage of 119,000 miles at the time of engine-related failures.
- Which BMW 320i model years are better than 2016?
- The 2013 and 2017 model years both earn a Good verdict with complaint indexes of 29 and 43, well below the 2016 model's index of 86.