YearToAvoid

2016 BMW 320i Problems, Recalls & Reliability

Verdict

Avoid

Complaint Index

83/100

#2 most-complained of 7 320i years

Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology

The 2016 BMW 320i has a complaint index of 83 and ranks 2nd worst out of 7 model years, earning an Avoid verdict. Engine problems dominate (44% of complaints, median mileage 119,000), with brakes and airbag issues also frequent.

Complaints
25
Recalls
0
Crashes / fires
4 / 2
Injuries / deaths
4 / 0
NHTSA overall rating
Not rated
EPA combined MPG
27
23 city / 35 hwy

Top 2016 BMW 320i problems

NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.

  1. Engine11 (44%)
  2. Brakes7 (28%)
  3. Structure & Body6 (24%)
  4. Airbags5 (20%)
  5. Electrical System3 (12%)
  6. Transmission & Powertrain3 (12%)
  7. Fuel System2 (8%)
  8. Other1 (4%)
  9. Seat Belts1 (4%)
  10. Steering1 (4%)

What owners report

  • Owners report brakes that fail to stop the car at speeds like 30 or 50 mph despite the pedal being depressed, sometimes forcing evasive maneuvers.
  • Some owners describe the vehicle suddenly shutting off while driving, showing a drivetrain malfunction warning and dropping into neutral with shaking and loud noise.
  • Engine fires have been reported after driving, with a burning odor noticed before flames appeared under the hood.
  • One owner reported the timing chain and rear differential pinion bearing failing on a stock, unmodified 180-horsepower engine.
  • Airbags have reportedly failed to deploy in crashes, or deployed in a way that burned occupants' skin and clothing.
  • A sunroof reportedly shattered on its own while driving at 40 mph with a loud pop and no visible cause.
2016 BMW 320i complaints: complaints filed per month4Dec 2016Jan 2018Dec 2019Jan 2022May 2023Mar 2025Oct 2025
40 complaints filed with NHTSA from Dec 2016 to Apr 2026; peak May 2023 (4).

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

Complaint Index by model year (0 = fewest issues, 100 = most)02550751002012201320142015201620172018
Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best
YearVerdictIndexComplaintsRecallsMPG
2014Avoid10052727
2015Caution5033327
2016Avoid8325027
2017Good339027
2018Caution6721027

All BMW 320i years: best and worst →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2016 BMW 320i reliable?
Compared to other 320i model years, the 2016 ranks 2nd worst out of 7 years tracked, with a complaint index of 83 and an Avoid verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 2016 BMW 320i?
Engine issues make up 44% of complaints with a median failure mileage of 119,000, followed by brakes at 28% and structure/body issues at 24%.
Does the 2016 BMW 320i have any recalls?
NHTSA lists 0 recalls for the 2016 320i, though other model years like 2013 and 2014 have 3 and 7 recalls respectively.
How does the 2016 320i compare to the 2017 320i?
The 2017 320i has a much lower complaint index of 33 and a Good verdict, versus 83 and Avoid for the 2016 model.
What is the fuel economy of the 2016 BMW 320i?
The EPA rates the 2016 320i at 27 mpg combined (23 city/35 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,950.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.