2016 BMW X4 Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Caution The 2016 BMW X4 has a Complaint Index of 64 and a Caution verdict, ranking 5th worst out of 12 model years. NHTSA lists 10 complaints and 2 recalls, with Electrical System and Engine issues each making up 40% of complaints.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 64/100
- #5 of 12 X4 years
- Verdict
- Caution
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 10
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 2
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 1
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 1
- Top issue
- Electrical System
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 21
- 19 city / 26 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 1 / 0
Top 2016 BMW X4 problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA 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%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Vehicle loses motive power while driving after the engine temperature warning light comes on and the engine overheats.
- A faulty timing chain reportedly caused sudden power loss at 30 mph, with median electrical-related failures occurring around 69,777 miles.
- Electronic parking brake engages on its own and will not release, triggering a parking brake malfunction message.
- Rear tires wear prematurely on the inside edge due to incorrect rear camber, alignment, and toe-in settings.
- An abnormal popping noise comes from the suspension when driving over speed bumps or turning the steering wheel.
- Owners report oil leaks and flashing electrical components before the engine cuts off and stops running entirely.
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?
- NHTSA data gives the 2016 X4 a Complaint Index of 64, worse than most other X4 years, earning it a Caution verdict. It ranks 5th worst out of 12 model years tracked.
- What are the most common problems with the 2016 BMW X4?
- Electrical System and Engine complaints each account for 40% of reported issues, followed by Suspension, Wheels & Tires at 20%. Median mileage at failure for electrical complaints is 69,777 miles and 90,000 miles for engine complaints.
- Does the 2016 BMW X4 have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2016 X4, covering the electrical system (including a water pump and plug connector inspection) and a structural bracket welding fix. 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 64 is better than 2015 (82), 2020 (91), and 2023 (100), which are all rated Avoid, but worse than years like 2017 (9) and 2022 (18).
- What is the fuel economy of the 2016 BMW X4?
- The EPA rates the 2016 X4 at 21 mpg combined (19 city / 26 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,800.