2016 BMW 328xi Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
No verdict The 2016 BMW 328xi has a complaint index of 10, the lowest among the 11 model years with data, with just 4 complaints and 1 recall. It ranks 10th worst (meaning it's among the least complained-about years) for this model.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 10/100
- #10 of 11 328xi years
- Verdict
- No verdict
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 4
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 1
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 0
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Top issue
- Brakes
Top 2016 BMW 328xi problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Other2 (50%)
- Brakes1 (25%)
- Transmission & Powertrain1 (25%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Brakes reportedly failed completely while driving at a low mileage of 19,000, requiring the emergency brake to bring the car to a stop.
- One owner said BMW inspected the vehicle after the brake failure but refused further assessment once it claimed the brakes worked again.
- A separate case involved a sudden loss of engine power and noticeable engine vibration after extended highway driving.
- That same vehicle displayed a drivetrain malfunction warning message on the dashboard during the powertrain event.
2016 BMW 328xi recalls
1 NHTSA recall campaign list this model year.
- 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 compared with other 328xi years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2016 BMW 328xi reliable?
- Based on NHTSA data, the 2016 328xi has a complaint index of 10, the lowest of the 11 model years tracked for this model, with only 4 complaints logged.
- What are the most common problems with the 2016 BMW 328xi?
- NHTSA complaints point to brakes and transmission/powertrain issues as the top problem areas, each accounting for 25% of the complaints on file, with a median failure mileage of 1,200 and 15,000 miles respectively.
- Does the 2016 BMW 328xi have any recalls?
- Yes, one recall (campaign 24V608000) covers the electrical system; it involves inspecting and replacing the water pump and plug connector and installing a protective shield, and it is not a do-not-drive recall.
- How does the 2016 328xi compare to other years?
- With a complaint index of 10, 2016 ranks better than years like 2007 (index 100, Avoid) and 2008 (index 90, Avoid), making it one of the stronger years for this model based on NHTSA complaint volume.