2016 BMW X4 Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
GoodComplaint Index
45/100
#7 most-complained of 12 X4 years
The 2016 BMW X4 has a complaint index of 45 and ranks 7th out of 12 model years, earning a "Good" verdict relative to other X4 years. NHTSA lists 10 complaints, 2 recalls, and 1 crash for this year, with Electrical System and Engine issues each making up 40% of complaints.
- Complaints
- 10
- Recalls
- 2
- Crashes / fires
- 1 / 0
- Injuries / deaths
- 1 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 21
- 19 city / 26 hwy
Top 2016 BMW X4 problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Electrical System4 (40%)
- Engine4 (40%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires2 (20%)
- Airbags1 (10%)
- Brakes1 (10%)
- Fuel System1 (10%)
- Other1 (10%)
- Transmission & Powertrain1 (10%)
What owners report
- Owners report sudden loss of motive power while driving around 30 mph, later traced to a faulty timing chain, sometimes causing suspension damage after hitting a curb.
- Some vehicles show incorrect rear camber and toe-in from the factory, leading to premature inside-edge wear on both rear tires and unsafe handling.
- Owners describe an abnormal popping noise from the suspension when driving over speed bumps or turning the steering wheel, detected around 89,000 miles.
- One owner reported the electronic parking brake engaging on its own after startup and refusing to release, requiring fuse removal attempts to reset.
- Reports describe the engine overheating and losing power mid-drive, with the temperature warning light illuminated, at a median mileage of 69,777 miles.
- Some owners waiting on the 24V608000 recall repair say replacement parts have been unavailable for an extended period.
2016 BMW X4 recalls
2 NHTSA recall campaigns 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.
- NHTSA 16V333000May 23, 2016Other188,668 vehicles
Child seat:latch strap
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2011-2017, X3 sDrive28i, X3 xDrive28i and X3 xDrive35i, vehicles manufactured July 2, 2010 to April 14, 2016, 2015-2017 X3 xDrive28d vehicles manufactured March 10, 2014 to March 31, 2016, and 2015-2017 x4 xDrive28i, X4 xDrive35i and X4 xDriveM40i vehicles manufactured March3, 2014 to April 15, 2016. The affected vehicles have lower anchor bars for securing child restraint seats that may become damaged when using the European-ISOFIX-type, rigid-style connector, child restraint system.
Risk: Damaged lower anchor bars may increase the child's risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will weld a reinforcing bracket to the lower anchor bars and the vehicle body, free of charge. The recall began on July 13, 2016. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
2016 BMW X4 fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 19 MPG
- Highway
- 26 MPG
- Combined
- 21 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $3,800
- 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 X4 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2016 BMW X4 reliable?
- Relative to other X4 model years, the 2016 X4 has a complaint index of 45 and ranks 7th out of 12 years tracked, earning a "Good" verdict. It has fewer complaints (10) than years like 2015 (18) or 2020 (15).
- What are the most common problems with the 2016 BMW X4?
- NHTSA data shows Electrical System and Engine issues each account for 40% of complaints, followed by Suspension, Wheels & Tires at 20%. Engine-related failures were reported at a median mileage of 90,000 miles.
- Does the 2016 BMW X4 have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2016 X4, including campaign 24V608000 covering the electrical system and engine cooling, and campaign 16V333000. Neither is classified as a do-not-drive recall.
- How does the 2016 X4 compare to other X4 years?
- The 2016 X4's complaint index of 45 is lower than 2015 (82), 2018 (73), 2020 (91), and 2023 (100), all of which carry "Avoid" or "Caution" verdicts. Only years like 2017 (9) and 2022 (18) score notably lower.
- What is the fuel economy of the 2016 BMW X4?
- The 2016 X4 gets 21 mpg combined (19 city / 26 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,800 according to the EPA.