NHTSA recalls, safety ratings, and consumer complaints for the 2016 BMW X5.
| Overall Rating | |
| Frontal Crash | |
| Side Crash | |
| Rollover |
| Overall Rating | |
| Frontal Crash |
Component: 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.
Consequence: 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.
Component: 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.
Consequence: 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.
I am having a high voltage system box fault. I am within warranty but the dealership is denying me. My in service date is 6-2016.
The component that failed appears to be the hybrid propulsion and charging system, including the high-voltage battery management system and/or integrated charging electronics. The vehicle will not accept a charge from any home or public charging source. The high-voltage battery was replaced approximately one year ago; however, the charging failure persists. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. In addition to the charging failure, the vehicle displayed drivetrain malfunction and start/stop malfunction warnings. While driving on the highway at normal speed, the vehicle lost power and stopped, creating a hazardous situation in active traffic. This sudden loss of propulsion placed my safety and the safety of other drivers at risk, as surrounding vehicles were traveling at highway speeds. Prior to the failure, warning messages appeared intermittently, including charging system faults and start/stop malfunction alerts. These warnings began approximately one year ago around the time the charging issue started. The vehicle was previously serviced and the high-voltage battery was replaced; however, the underlying issue was not corrected. The root cause is UNKNOWN, but the symptoms suggest a failure within the hybrid control system, charging module, DC-DC converter, or related electrical components. The failure has been persistent and unresolved. I am concerned that defects within the hybrid propulsion system may lead to additional sudden loss of power events.
The 2016 BMW X5 has 5 NHTSA recalls and 68 consumer complaints on file. It received an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars in NHTSA crash testing. The high number of complaints suggests potential reliability concerns — review the complaint details above before purchasing. For the most detailed information about a specific vehicle, decode its VIN using our free decoder above.
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| Side Crash |
| Rollover |
Component: 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.
Consequence: 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.
Component: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2016 X5 xDrive40e vehicles manufactured July 29, 2015, to September 9, 2015. The affected vehicles have a Digital Motor Electronic (DME) control unit that may have a loose electrical ground cable, possibly causing an under-voltage condition which would result in the transmission shifting to neutral.
Consequence: If the vehicle unexpectedly shifts to neutral, there would be an increased risk of a crash.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will tighten the ground cable, free of charge. The recall began February 6, 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Component: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:PUMP
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.
Consequence: 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.
During a recent auto collision my airbags did not deploy. I swerved to avoid another vehicle entering the intersection from my left, he hit my rear left driver's side quarter panel and I subsequently hit a tree. This was noted by the paramedics first on scene as well as by the firemen and police when they arrived. I have notified BMW of North America, USAA insurance (my insurance company), and now you. The vehicle is a total loss and was towed to Leesburg Virginia by roadrunner wrecker service.com
Subject: Consequential Damage and Failure of Remedy regarding Recall 24V-608 Incident Description: "I am reporting a failure of the manufacturer to provide an effective remedy for Safety Recall 24V-608 (Electric Water Pump) and subsequent consequential damage to the High-Voltage battery system. In September 2023, at approximately 78,000 miles, this vehicle exhibited 'Drivetrain Malfunctions' including Fault Code 0x222626 (EME: internal fault - active short circuit requested) and 0x22271C (Overvoltage in intermediate circuit). The BMW dealer (Fields BMW) failed to diagnose the root cause and instructed me to 'keep driving'. Since the release of Recall 24V-608, it is clear these 2023 faults were early indicators of the coolant pump short-circuiting. This persistent electrical instability has now resulted in a permanent failure of Cell Supervision Circuit #3, causing the high-voltage contactors to open and leaving the vehicle disabled. The dealer is currently attempting to charge for diagnostics and battery removal. I am asserting that the lack of a timely remedy for the coolant pump (which was only recently shielded per the recall) caused a power surge that 'fried' the internal battery circuitry. This is a safety issue as the vehicle experienced a sudden loss of propulsion while in motion. I request that NHTSA investigate BMW’s refusal to cover battery failures caused by the electrical interference of the recalled coolant pump."
Because of this water intrusion, the following safety systems have malfunctioned or failed: • ABS and DSC (stability control) warnings • Chassis stabilization warning • Frontal collision and pedestrian warning malfunction • Airbag system warning • Loss of audible warning tones • MOST bus communication failure • Electrical modules intermittently shutting down or throwing codes These failures affect braking, stability control, crash avoidance, and driver alerts, creating a significant safety risk while driving. This is not normal wear or maintenance. Many BMW owners have reported the same issue: clogged or poorly designed sunroof drains that route water directly into areas containing critical electronics. Once water reaches these modules, it causes electrical shorts and safety system failures that require expensive repairs. BMW dealerships typically diagnose this as “water damage,” but the location of the drains and the placement of the electronics indicate a design flaw that allows a simple drain issue to disable major safety systems. I am filing this complaint because the water intrusion should not be able to cause total failure of ABS, DSC, collision warning, and airbag-related systems. This is a safety-related design defect, not wear and tear. I request NHTSA review and investigate BMW sunroof drain failures and their impact on essential vehicle safety functions.
I am reporting a safety issue related to the BMW recall 18V-755 affecting the EGR cooler on my 2016 BMW X5 diesel. My vehicle experienced symptoms consistent with a failing EGR cooler, including coolant loss and engine warning lights. Despite this recall being active for my model and VIN, BMW has denied coverage, stating either that the cooler was already replaced twice or that my vehicle is not eligible—without providing sufficient documentation or explanation. I am concerned that the recall remedy was not properly applied or that faulty replacement parts were used. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate whether BMW is properly honoring recall 18V-755 and ensuring safe, effective remedies are provided to affected customers like myself. I also request investigation into the lack of transparency and failure to document completed recall work. My VIN is [XXX] , and I can provide dealer records, service history, and diagnostic reports upon request. * What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? EGR Cooler, it is available for inspection. * How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The vehicle is now showing dangerous symptoms consistent with a thermal event risk, which this recall specifically warned about. The EGR cooler is leaking coolant into the intake system, which can mix with soot and lead to engine fires, according to BMW’s own technical documentation. * Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes and the cooler has been replaced twice. * Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? It has been inspected at Fremont BMW once, Valley BMW twice. * Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? Yes, low coolant warning, loss of coolant with no leaks. Problem first occurred April 2024 INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
1) Crankshaft Sensor MIL Light 2) Drive train malfunction, 3) Start and Stop malfunction, 3) MIL for Catalytic convertor 4) MIL light for Catalytic Convertor & O2 sensor failure. The Vehicle has (97,000 K), and the BMW dealer would not cover the costs. However there's TSB published for this vehicle, yet its not being honored by the dealer who claims that the Emissions warranty expired after 8 years or 80,000 miles.
High pressure fuel pump replaced after the original recall and fail again 45k miles later during driving.
The contact owns a 2016 BMW X5. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V586000 (Fuel System, Diesel); however, the repair failed to prevent the failure from occurring. The contact stated that on three separate occasions, the same recall failure had occurred. The vehicle was towed to the same local dealer where it was diagnosed with a fuel pump failure due to debris inside the fuel pump. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 40,239.
The contact owns a 2016 BMW X5. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted, and the contact discovered an unknown liquid leaking underneath of the vehicle. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling; Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted however, the vehicle was not diagnosed. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
The contact owns a 2016 BMW X5. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
The contact owns a 2016 BMW X5. The contact stated while attempting to start the vehicle, the check engine warning illuminated. The contact stated that a dealer was contacted, and the contact was informed that the vehicle needed to be diagnosed and the battery needed to be registered. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). The manufacturer was notified of the failure and opened a case. The failure mileage was 121,000.
My water pump recall involves an electrical short circuits, that has disrupted other nearby electrical components, like the temperature sensor. • The water pump short-circuit is causing an oil leak directly that is putting a strain the engine and turbo system. • Additionally, a faulty water pump or sensor allowed unnoticed overheating, further stressing the turbocharger seals and leading to dangerous oil leaks oil continues to leak into the turbo system, damaging my turbocharger, exhaust system, and even the catalytic converter • Temperature Sensor Failure: Overheating can cause catastrophic damage to the engine, including warping the head or blowing a gasket. • Electrical Short Circuit: The recall issue is directly responsible for electrical malfunctions that are masking underlying problems, like overheating.
The contact owns a 2016 BMW X5. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
The contact owns a 2016 BMW X5. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Showing 15 of 68 complaints