YearToAvoid

2016 BMW 328XI Problems, Recalls & Reliability

Verdict

No verdict

Complaint Index

17/100

#6 most-complained of 7 328XI years

The 2016 BMW 328XI has a Complaint Index of 17, ranked 6th out of 7 model years, with 4 complaints and 1 recall on file. Brakes and Transmission & Powertrain each account for 25% of reported issues.

Complaints
4
Recalls
1
Crashes / fires
0 / 0
Injuries / deaths
0 / 0
NHTSA overall rating
Not rated
EPA combined MPG
—

Top 2016 BMW 328XI problems

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

  1. Other2 (50%)
  2. Brakes1 (25%)
  3. Transmission & Powertrain1 (25%)

What owners report

  • Brakes reportedly failed completely while driving, requiring the emergency brake to bring the car to a stop, at a median mileage of 1,200 miles.
  • BMW reportedly told at least one owner the brakes were working again but declined to provide further assessment or service.
  • Owners report sudden loss of engine power and significant engine vibration on the highway at a median mileage of 15,000 miles.
  • A drivetrain malfunction warning message reportedly appeared on the dash during one power-loss incident.
2016 BMW 328XI complaints: complaints filed per month1Mar 2016Sep 2016Aug 2018Oct 2018
4 complaints filed with NHTSA from Mar 2016 to Oct 2018; peak Mar 2016 (1).

2016 BMW 328XI 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 compared with other 328XI years

Complaint Index by model year (0 = fewest issues, 100 = most)02550751002010201120122013201420152016
Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best
YearVerdictIndexComplaintsRecallsMPG
2014Caution67173—
2015Caution50142—
2016No verdict1741—

All BMW 328XI years: best and worst →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2016 BMW 328XI reliable?
NHTSA lists only 4 complaints and 1 recall for the 2016 328XI, giving it a Complaint Index of 17, which ranks 6th out of 7 model years covered.
What are the biggest problems with the 2016 BMW 328XI?
The top reported problem areas are Brakes and Transmission & Powertrain, each making up 25% of complaints. A brake failure was reported at a median of 1,200 miles and a drivetrain issue at a median of 15,000 miles.
Does the 2016 BMW 328XI have any recalls?
Yes, NHTSA lists 1 recall (campaign 24V608000) covering the electrical system and water pump, with dealers replacing the water pump and plug connector and installing a protective shield.
How does the 2016 328XI compare to other years?
With a Complaint Index of 17, the 2016 328XI ranks better than the 2011 (100, Avoid) and 2013 (83, Avoid) model years, but data volume for 2016 is low at only 4 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.