2016 BMW X5 Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
BestComplaint Index
0/100
#16 most-complained of 16 X5 years
The 2016 BMW X5 ranks 16th of 16 worst (best overall) with a complaint index of 0 and 74 complaints logged with NHTSA. Its top problem area is the Electrical System, and it carries 5 recalls, none marked do-not-drive.
- Complaints
- 74
- Recalls
- 5
- Crashes / fires
- 3 / 0
- Injuries / deaths
- 2 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- 5 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 20.5
- 18 city / 24.5 hwy
Top 2016 BMW X5 problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Electrical System23 (31%)
- Engine23 (31%)
- Other14 (19%)
- Transmission & Powertrain13 (18%)
- Fuel System12 (16%)
- Airbags5 (7%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires5 (7%)
- Visibility & Wipers5 (7%)
- Structure & Body4 (5%)
- Brakes3 (4%)
What owners report
- Owners report the sunroof suddenly exploding or shattering while driving at highway speed, sometimes showering glass into the cabin.
- Some drivers describe the dashboard going completely blank while driving, requiring the engine to be stopped and restarted to clear it.
- One owner reported the auto start-stop function restarting the engine unexpectedly while stopped, causing the vehicle to move forward into a gate with the brakes not responding.
- A rear tire reportedly lost a large section of tread at highway speed, causing the steering to feel unsteady.
- One owner reported persistently low coolant levels alongside unresolved engine concerns despite repeated dealer visits.
- An airbag reportedly failed to deploy during a collision involving another vehicle.
2016 BMW X5 recalls
5 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 21V907000Nov 19, 2021Fuel System50,404 vehicles
Fuel system, diesel
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2013-2018 328d, 328d xDrive, 2014-2018 328d Sports Wagon, 328d xDrive Sports Wagon, 2014-2016 535d, 535d xDrive, 2015 740Ld xDrive, 2015-2017 X3 xDrive28d SAV, and 2014-2017 X5 xDrive35d SAV diesel vehicles equipped with an Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) module with an integrated cooler. The EGR cooler may leak internally, causing coolant to mix with diesel engine soot, which could result in smoldering particles and a melting intake manifold.
Risk: A melting intake manifold increases the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the EGR cooler and inspect the intake manifold, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. This recall includes all vehicles previously recalled under 18V-755. Vehicles previously recalled under 18V-755 will need to have the new remedy performed for this recall. An interim owner notification letter was mailed on January 18, 2022. The remedy is expected to be available in June 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 6, 2022. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
- NHTSA 21V586000Jul 29, 2021Fuel System11,216 vehicles
Fuel system, diesel:delivery:fuel pump
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2014-2018 328d, 328d xDrive, X5 xDrive35d, 2014-2016 535d, 535d xDrive, 2015 740Ld xDrive, and 2015-2017 X3 xDrive28d vehicles. The high-pressure fuel pump may fail.
Risk: Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the high-pressure fuel pump, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on January 14, 2022. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
2016 BMW X5 fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 18 MPG
- Highway
- 24.5 MPG
- Combined
- 20.5 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $3,900
- 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 X5 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2016 BMW X5 a good year to buy?
- Among the 16 model years with data, 2016 ranks 16th worst, meaning it is the best-performing year with a complaint index of 0 and a 'Best' verdict relative to other X5 years.
- What is the top problem area for the 2016 BMW X5?
- NHTSA complaint data shows the Electrical System is the top problem area, accounting for 23 complaints, or 31% of all reported issues, followed closely by the Engine at 31%.
- Does the 2016 BMW X5 have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists 5 recalls for the 2016 X5, covering the Electrical System, Fuel System, and Engine, none of which are do-not-drive recalls.
- Are there sunroof problems on the 2016 BMW X5?
- NHTSA sample complaints describe the panoramic sunroof exploding or shattering while driving or while parked, falling under the Visibility & Wipers and Structure & Body problem areas.
- How does the 2016 X5 compare to other years like 2011 or 2012?
- The 2016 X5 has a complaint index of 0 versus 80 for 2011 and 87 for 2012, both rated 'Avoid,' making 2016 far better by comparison.