YearToAvoid

2016 BMW 328i Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls

Best The 2016 BMW 328i ranks 10th of 12 model years with a complaint index of 18, earning a Best verdict. NHTSA lists 57 complaints, 1 recall, and Engine as the top problem area (53% of complaints).

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

YearToAvoid Scorecard

Complaint Index
18/100
#10 of 12 328i years
Verdict
Best
vs. other years of this model
Complaints
57
unique NHTSA reports
Recalls
1
distinct NHTSA campaigns
Crashes
8
reported in complaints
Fires
4
Injuries
6
Top issue
Engine
Best nearby year
2015
rated Good
NHTSA overall rating
Not rated
EPA combined MPG
26
22 city / 33 hwy
Injuries / deaths
6 / 0

Top 2016 BMW 328i problems

Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.

  1. Engine30 (53%)
  2. Electrical System21 (37%)
  3. Other14 (25%)
  4. Brakes8 (14%)
  5. Transmission & Powertrain8 (14%)
  6. Steering3 (5%)
  7. Airbags2 (4%)
  8. Structure & Body2 (4%)
  9. Collision Avoidance & Cameras1 (2%)
  10. Fuel System1 (2%)

A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.

What owners report

  • Some drivers report sudden unintended acceleration, with the engine revving and the car lurching forward even while braking.
  • Owners describe the front end catching fire shortly after the engine had been overheating or a check engine light appeared.
  • Electrical failures reportedly caused the car to shut off completely in an intersection and become unable to restart or shift to neutral.
  • Some owners report the sunroof glass shattering outward while driving on the highway with no apparent impact.
  • A few complaints describe the brakes failing to hold at a stop, with the car lunging forward even with the pedal pressed to the floor.
  • Airbags reportedly failed to deploy during moderate-speed rear-end collisions, and in one case a discharged airbag did not fully deploy into the cabin.
2016 BMW 328i complaints: complaints filed per month4Jul 2016Oct 2018Sep 2020Oct 2022Aug 2023Nov 2024Jul 2025Sep 2026
57 complaints filed with NHTSA from Jul 2016 to Sep 2026; peak Oct 2024 (4).

2016 BMW 328i recalls

1 NHTSA recall campaign list this model year.

  1. NHTSA 24V608000Aug 13, 2024Electrical System720,796 vehicles

    Electrical system:wiring:connectors/plugs/receptacles

    BMW of North America, LLC. (BMW) is recalling certain 2012-2015 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i, 2012-2016 Z4 sDrive28i, 528i, 528i xDrive, 328i, 328xi, 2016-2018 X5 xdrive 40e, 2014-2016 228i, 228xi, 428i, 428i xDrive, 328xi Gran Turismo, 2013-2017 X3 sDrive28i, X3 xDrive28i, 2015-2018 X4 xDrive28i, 2015-2016 428xi vehicles. An improperly sealed electrical connector on the water pump may be exposed to water and short circuit.

    Risk: An electrical short increases the risk of a fire.

    Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the water pump and plug connector as necessary, and install a protective shield, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 28, 2025. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

2016 BMW 328i fuel economy and fuel cost

City
22 MPG
Highway
33 MPG
Combined
26 MPG
Annual fuel cost (EPA)
$3,050
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 328i years

Complaint Index by model year (0 = fewest issues, 100 = most)0255075100200520062007200820092010201120122013201420152016
Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best
YearVerdictIndexComplaintsRecallsMPG
2014Caution55151826
2015Good36124426
2016Best1857126

All BMW 328i years: best and worst →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2016 BMW 328i reliable?
Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2016 328i is one of the better years for this model, ranked 10th worst out of 12 model years with a complaint index of 18 and a Best verdict.
What problems does the 2016 BMW 328i have?
NHTSA lists 57 complaints for the 2016 328i, with Engine issues making up 53% of them, followed by Electrical System problems at 37%. Median mileage at failure across all complaints is 28,500 miles.
Does the 2016 BMW 328i have any recalls?
NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2016 328i, covering an Electrical System issue where the water pump and plug connector may need inspection and replacement, plus installation of a protective shield.
What year BMW 328i should I avoid?
Among 328i model years, 2011 and 2007 have the highest complaint indexes (100 and 91) and are rated Avoid, while 2016 has one of the lowest complaint indexes at 18.
How many fires were reported for the 2016 BMW 328i?
NHTSA lists 4 fire-related complaints for the 2016 328i, out of 57 total complaints and 8 crash-related complaints.

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.