2010 BMW X6 Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Avoid The 2010 BMW X6 ranks 2nd worst out of 20 model years with a complaint index of 95 and an Avoid verdict. NHTSA lists 15 complaints, 9 recall campaigns (4 do-not-drive), 4 fires, and 3 injuries, with engine problems the top concern.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 95/100
- #2 of 20 X6 years
- Verdict
- Avoid
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 15
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 9
- 4 Do Not Drive
- Crashes
- 0
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 4
- Injuries
- 3
- Top issue
- Engine
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 15
- 13 city / 18 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 3 / 0
Top 2010 BMW X6 problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine8 (53%)
- Fuel System6 (40%)
- Electrical System3 (20%)
- Transmission & Powertrain2 (13%)
- Airbags1 (7%)
- Visibility & Wipers1 (7%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Owners report white smoke or small fires near the auxiliary water pump connector under the hood.
- Some describe stalling at highway speed (around 68 mph) tied to a defective fuel pump.
- Several mention the engine overheating warning illuminating followed by a stall that would not restart, linked to fuel pump failure.
- Electrical complaints include a rear-view mirror that won't fold or adjust, inconsistent wiper speed, and a flickering reverse camera.
- A house fire was reported that owners traced to the parked vehicle catching fire in the garage.
- Some owners note water pump failures and low-pressure fuel sensor issues described as known problems by BMW.
2010 BMW X6 recalls
9 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 20V017000Jan 15, 2020Airbags59,965 vehicles
Air bags:frontal:driver side:inflator module
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2013 128i and 135i Convertibles, 128i, 135i, and M Coupes, 2007-2010 X3 30si and X3 xDrive30i, 2013-2015 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i and X1 xDrive35i, 2007-2013 328i, 328i xDrive, 335i, 335is, 335i xDrive and M3 Coupes, 2006-2011 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 325i, 325xi, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi, 335i xDrive and M3, 2009-2011 335D, 2006-2012 325xi, 328i, 328xi and 328i xDrive, 2010-2011 X6 ActiveHybrid, 2007-2013 328i, 335i, 335is, M3 Coupes, X5 30si, X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 48i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i and X5 M, 2009-2013 X5 xDrive35d and 2008-2014 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6M vehicles equipped with non-desiccated driver frontal air bag inflators containing phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) that were used as interim remedy parts for previous Takata recalls. These inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.
Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver air bag. On X5 and X6 vehicles, only the inflator will be replaced. All repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began March 11, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
- NHTSA 20V016000Jan 15, 2020Airbags4,007 vehiclesDo Not Drive
Air bags:frontal:passenger side:inflator module
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2009-2012 X5 xDrive35d, 2008-2012 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6 M, 2007-2012 X5 30si, X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 48i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i and X5 M and 2010-2011 X6 ActiveHybrid vehicles equipped with non-desiccated, passenger frontal air bag inflators containing phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSPI-2) propellant that were used as interim remedy parts for previous Takata recalls. These inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.
Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until this remedy is performed. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger front air bag, free of charge. The recall began March 11, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
- NHTSA 19V017000Jan 14, 2019Airbags83,016 vehiclesDo Not Drive
Air bags:frontal:passenger side:inflator module
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2007-2013 X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i and X5 M vehicles, 2008-2014 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6 M vehicles, 2009-2013 X5 xDrive35d vehicles and 2010-2011 X6 ActiveHybrid vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the remedy is performed. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag module, free of charge. The recall began March 14, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
2010 BMW X6 fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 13 MPG
- Highway
- 18 MPG
- Combined
- 15 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $5,300
- 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.
2010 compared with other X6 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2010 BMW X6 reliable?
- Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2010 X6 ranks 2nd worst of 20 model years for this model, with a complaint index of 95 and an Avoid verdict.
- What problems does the 2010 BMW X6 have?
- NHTSA data shows engine issues make up 53% of complaints, followed by fuel system problems at 40% and electrical system issues at 20%. Median mileage at failure for engine complaints was 80,441.
- Does the 2010 BMW X6 have recalls?
- Yes, NHTSA lists 9 recall campaigns for the 2010 X6, including 4 do-not-drive recalls covering airbags and the fuel pump module.
- How many fires were reported for the 2010 BMW X6?
- NHTSA lists 4 fire incidents and 3 injuries among the 15 complaints filed for the 2010 X6.
- How does the 2010 X6 compare to other years?
- The 2010 X6 has a complaint index of 95, close to the worst year (2009 at 100), while years like 2016 (32) and 2022 (26) carry Good verdicts, making 2010 one of the higher-risk years for this model.