2016 BMW X5 Engine Problems
NHTSA lists 23 engine complaints for the 2016 BMW X5, 31% of its 74 total complaints, with a median failure mileage of 114,865. One related recall (campaign 18V755000) covers EGR cooler issues, though it applies mainly to other BMW models with the diesel engine.
- Engine complaints
- 23
- 31% of 74
- Crashes reported
- 0
- Fires reported
- 0
- Injuries reported
- 0
- Median mileage
- 114,865 mi
- Related recalls
- 1
Typical engine symptoms owners report
- Owners report unresolved coolant loss where the engine tests fine at service visits but coolant levels keep dropping.
- Some describe oil leaks that cause visible smoking while driving or parked, without accompanying overheating.
- Several owners report the engine suddenly shutting down in traffic or at intersections with no warning lights or codes.
- Owners note delays getting recall parts for a separate engine and engine cooling campaign (24V608000), leaving repairs pending.
- One owner reported a DEF transfer pump failure requiring repair.
When 2016 BMW X5 engine complaints were filed
First complaint Jun 29, 2019, latest Sep 10, 2026.
Engine recalls for the 2016 BMW X5
- NHTSA 18V755000Oct 25, 2018Engine44,368 vehicles
Engine and engine cooling:exhaust system:emission control:gas recirculation valve (egr valve)
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2013-2018 BMW 328d and 328d xDrive, 2014-2018 328d Sports Wagon and 328d xDrive Sports Wagon, 2014-2016 535d and 535d xDrive, 2015 740Ld xDrive, 2015-2017 X3 xDrive28d SAV and 2014-2017 X5 xDrive35d SAV vehicles equipped with an Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) module with an integrated cooler. If the EGR cooler leaks internally, the coolant can mix with diesel engine soot. The high EGR temperatures may result in these particles possibly smoldering and melting the intake manifold.
Risk: The melting intake manifold can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the EGR cooler as necessary. If a leak has already occurred, the engine intake manifold will also be replaced. These repairs will be made free of charge. The recall began May 13, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Engine complaints by X5 model year
Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- How common are engine problems on the 2016 BMW X5?
- NHTSA lists 23 engine complaints for the 2016 X5, which is 31% of all 74 complaints filed for that model year.
- Is there an engine recall for the 2016 BMW X5?
- NHTSA shows related recall campaign 18V755000 for the engine, tied to EGR cooler inspection and replacement, though it primarily targets other BMW models and engine types; a separate campaign 24V608000 is also referenced in owner complaints.
- At what mileage do 2016 X5 engine problems typically appear?
- The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for this engine complaint group is 114,865 miles.
- Have engine complaints on the 2016 X5 led to crashes or fires?
- NHTSA records show 0 crashes and 0 fires associated with these engine complaints.