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2016 BMW X5 problems

The most common problem on the 2016 BMW X5 is electrical system, typically around 114,865 miles. It has fewer complaints than a typical X5 model year.

Typical yearClose to a typical year
Year score
80/100
Owner complaints
74
Recalls
5
Service bulletins
3645 warranty
Worst area
Electrical
Crash rating
5/5
Fuel economy
17-25mpg

The worst 2016 BMW X5 problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

Specific symptoms reported on the 2016 BMW X5

Check engine light 8Sunroof shattered 7Fuel pump 6Overheating 6

Recalls 5

Electrical system: wiring: connectors/plugs/receptaclesReported August 13, 2024 · 720,796 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.

Recall number 24V608000 · Recall details

Fuel system, dieselReported November 19, 2021 · 50,404 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.

Recall number 21V907000 · Recall details

Fuel system, diesel: delivery: fuel pumpReported July 29, 2021 · 11,216 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.

Recall number 21V586000 · Recall details

Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: emission control: gas recirculation valve (EGR valve)Reported October 25, 2018 · 44,368 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.

Recall number 18V755000 · Recall details

Electrical system: wiringReported December 21, 2016 · 8 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Risk
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.

Recall number 16V919000 · Recall details

See all 5 recalls for the 2016 BMW X5

Defect investigations

High pressure fuel pump failureOpened March 17, 2023, still open

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE21-021 on October 14, 2021, to investigate incidents alleging a stall/loss of motive power as a result of high-pressure fuel pump failures in certain model year (MY) 2019-2020 Ram 2500, 3500, 4500, and 5500 heavy duty trucks equipped with 6.7L Cummins turbodiesel engines. During the investigation, ODI sought to determine if the related defect allegation was limited in scope to the recalled population. After review of information request response materials from both FCA and BMW, the federal safety agency determined that sufficient information to identify a comprehensive recall population could not be produced by FCA and BMW.During the investigation FCA filed recalls 22V406, 22E048, 22V767, and 22E087 which include vehicles not identified in the initial subject population by ODI. ODI also received recall 21V586, involving loss of motive power due to failed CP4 fuel pumps on certain BMW manufactured vehicles. An information request letter response received from BMW indicated that failed pumps on their vehicles were caused by an interaction between pump internal components and US market diesel fuel, leading to increased slip and eventual particle-generating wear surface. Additional work will be done to identify whether a similar root cause is associated with the FCA recalled population and if similar wear dynamics occur on pumps supplied to vehicle manufacturers other than those included in the recalled population.ODI has upgraded this investigation to an EA in order to 1) determine engineering specifications of internal pump components that are correlated with pump failure leading to loss of motive power or other safety related hazards, 2) identify vehicle populations equipped with alleged defective pump variants, 3) assess if vehicles equipped with alleged defective pump variants result in an unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety and 4) gather and review any other relevant information related to high pressure fuel pump failure associated with the subject populations of recalls 21V586, 21V880, 21E094, 22V406, 22E048, 22V767, and 22E087.Review of the above information will allow the federal safety agency to confirm root cause and recall remedy viability, and identify and evaluate vehicle populations equipped with pump components that may pose an unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety.The ODI reports cited above can be reviewed at: http://www-odi.the federal safety agency.dot.gov/owners/Searchreference using the following complaint identification numbers: 11257550, 11351441, 11361603, 11361616, 11365300, 11365426, 11365858, 11366401, 11372337, 11373793, 11374797, 11376793, 11377871, 11378173, 11384377, 11386063, 11387018, 11399710, 11402550, 11415339, 11418868, 11418870, 11427075, 11434276, 11436807, 11437226, 11437249, 11437273, 11437292, 11437294, 11437394, 11437399, 11437403, 11437405, 11437423, 11437528, 11437565, 11437579, 11437580, 11437590, 11437679, 11437744, 11437781, 11437842, 11437993, 11438006, 11438008, 11438121, 11438138, 11438155, 11438392, 11438629, 11439359, 11439879, 11440397, 11443030, 11446542, 11448163, 11453556, 11458918, 11460558, 11469337

EA23001

Pedestrian alert soundsOpened January 27, 2023, closed August 7, 2023

the federal safety agency received a petition on or about July 18, 2022, requesting that Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 141 be applied to all electric and hybrid vehicles operating in the United States. The petition can be reviewed at under ODI Number 11486072. FMVSS 141 establishes performance requirements for pedestrian alert sounds for motor vehicles. The standard applies to hybrid and electric vehicles that have a gross vehicle weight rating of 4,536 KG or less or are defined as low-speed vehicles. The standard became fully applicable to all such vehicles manufactured on or after March 1, 2021.On January 27, 2023, the federal safety agency opened Defect Petition (DP) 22-005 to evaluate the subject matter described in the petition. On June 24, 2023 and as supplemented on June 25, 2023, the petitioner notified the federal safety agency he was withdrawing his petition. The petitioner indicated that, based on his review of data, there is no justification for asserting potential benefits that could be derived from actions sought by my petition. Based on the petitioner's withdrawal, DP22-005 is closed. Closure of this DP does not represent a determination by the federal safety agency regarding the subject matter of the petition.

DP22005

Desiccated Air Bag Inflator RuptureOpened September 17, 2021, still open

From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a substance that traps and holds moisture) in US vehicles are under recall. These "non-desiccated" inflators either have been or are required to be replaced.In some cases, the remedy part for these recalled inflators was, or will be, an inflator using either propellant 2004 or 2004L that does contain a desiccant. None of these "desiccated" remedy parts (which were installed in older model year vehicles) are currently under recall for a degradation concern. Certain subsets of desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004 for use as original equipment, however, have been recalled for a degradation concern. All Takata inflators produced with propellant 2004L contain desiccant, and none of these desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L are under recall for a degradation concern. There have been no reported field ruptures in any non-recalled desiccated PSAN inflators.It is understood that desiccants fully saturate at some threshold, at which point any additional moisture will not be captured. This means the degradation process observed in non-desiccated inflators using propellant 2004 may also occur in non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004, assuming additional moisture enters the inflator and high temperature cycling occurs. Based on available information, desiccant saturation can occur within the first five years in the worst environments, and the time required for full saturation is affected by multiple factors. While no present safety risk has been identified, further work is needed to evaluate the future risk of non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004.Three entities -- Takata (now known as TK Global), the Independent Testing Coalition, and Exponent -- have been studying the long-term behavior of Takata desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004L (as well as 2004) in the presence of moisture and temperature cycling. The research efforts, which include development of predictive modeling techniques and field sample analysis, are ongoing. To date, none of the researchers have identified field evidence showing that propellant 2004L is undergoing a degradation process that leads to aggressive deployment and potential rupture. However, the time in service of such inflators remains short compared to that of the inflators using propellant 2004. Further study is needed to assess the long-term safety of desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L.The Office of Defects Investigation is opening this investigation to examine whether a safety defect related to propellant degradation exists in non-recalled desiccated PSAN frontal inflators manufactured by Takata. This investigation will require extensive information on Takata production processes and surveys of inflators in the field. Lists of recall actions that may have used desiccated PSAN inflators as remedy parts, as well as the makes and models originally manufactured with them, is available with the downloadable version of this document (see -- note this information is subject to change/revision as the investigation proceeds). This investigation does not supersede EA15-001, which remains open.

EA21002

Technical service bulletins for the 2016 BMW X5 364

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 364 bulletins for the 2016 BMW X5

2016 BMW X5 crash test ratings

Government 5-star crash tests. Higher is safer. Each row is a body style and drivetrain that was tested.

VersionOverallFrontalSideRollover
BMW X5 SUV AWD5554
BMW X5 SUV RWD5554

2016 BMW X5 fuel economy

Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
3.0L 6‑cyl DieselAWD232925
2.0L 4‑cyl Plug-in hybridAWD232524
3.0L 6‑cylRWD182521
3.0L 6‑cylAWD182420
4.4L 8‑cylAWD152117

What 2016 BMW X5 owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Sep 24, 2026 · Fuel system · OR

Vehicle: 2016 BMW X5 xDrive35d VIN: [XXX] My 2016 BMW X5 xDrive35d experienced a failure of the high-pressure fuel pump. The vehicle was inspected and I received a written diagnosis stating: “High pressure fuel pump failed and has contaminated the entire fuel system. Recommend replace all fuel system components.” I am concerned that this failure may be related to the same or a similar defect addressed by the federal safety agency Safety Recall XXX. That recall included certain 2014–2018 BMW X5 xDrive35d vehicles and concerned failure of the high-pressure fuel pump. BMW's recall documentation submitted to the federal safety agency states that increased wear of pump components could result in metallic shavings within the pump housing, abnormal fuel-rail pressure, and, in some circumstances, pump shutdown and loss of vehicle propulsion. My repair facility advised me that the contamination in my vehicle's fuel system involves metal associated with the failed high-pressure fuel pump, rather than contaminated/bad fuel. I contacted BMW of North America regarding the failure. BMW informed me that my VIN is not included in the applicable HPFP recall. I also requested assistance because BMW previously issued extended warranty coverage for the high-pressure fuel pump and my vehicle is only approximately two months beyond the applicable time period. BMW declined to provide warranty/goodwill coverage. My primary concern in submitting this complaint is not the warranty decision itself, but that my vehicle appears to have experienced a high-pressure fuel-pump failure similar to the failure described in an existing safety recall involving the same model, engine and component, despite my VIN apparently not being included in that recall population. I am requesting that the federal safety agency document and evaluate this failure to determine whether vehicles outside the existing Recall [XXX] population may be experiencing the same or a similar high-pressure fuel-pump defect. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Sep 10, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · FL

I am reporting a suspected high-pressure fuel pump safety defect involving my 2016 BMW X5 xDrive35d, VIN [XXX], with approximately 103,186 miles. The check engine light illuminated and BMW Fort Walton diagnosed failed fuel injectors and recommended injector replacement. I subsequently had the vehicle inspected by Techmaster in Fort Walton, Florida, where metallic shavings and debris were discovered within the high-pressure fuel system. After notifying BMW Fort Walton of these findings, I was advised that my VIN is not included in the federal safety agency Recall 21V‑586: High Pressure Fuel Pump. I am concerned because the metallic contamination found in my vehicle appears similar or identical to the high-pressure fuel pump failure conditions addressed by Recall 21V‑586. The contamination may also have caused consequential damage to the fuel injectors and other associated fuel-system components. I respectfully request that the federal safety agency review whether my vehicle, and potentially other BMW X5 xDrive35d vehicles currently excluded from Recall 21V‑586, may be experiencing the same or substantially similar high-pressure fuel pump defect. Replacing only the failed injectors without identifying and correcting the source of metallic contamination could leave debris in the fuel system and potentially result in additional fuel-system failure. BMW Fort Walton has advised me that my VIN is outside the current recall population. I am requesting that this case be reviewed as a potential safety defect and possible issue with the scope of the existing recall. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Sep 2, 2026 · Fuel system · CA

The High-Pressure Fuel Pump (HPFP) on my vehicle has experienced a catastrophic premature failure for the second time, presenting a severe and immediate safety hazard. This vehicle was previously serviced under the federal safety agency Recall 21V‑586 in 2022 at 66,165 miles, during which the original defective fuel pump was replaced by an authorized BMW dealership. At approximately 123,000 miles, the replacement pump failed while the vehicle was in operation. When these high-pressure fuel pumps fail, they cause sudden engine stalling, a complete loss of propulsion while driving, and a loss of power-assist for steering and braking. This creates an immediate risk of a high-speed collision on public roadways, especially during highway transit. Furthermore, failure of this component can lead to internal mechanical destruction, creating a potential fuel leak or fire hazard. Because a replacement part mandated by a federal safety recall has failed in the exact same manner after limited mileage, the remedy provided under Recall 21V‑586 is demonstrably inadequate to permanently resolve this safety hazard. BMW is currently refusing to cover the repair because the vehicle is just past the 120,000-mile extended warranty limit, leaving a known, recurring safety defect unaddressed. I am filing this complaint to urge the federal safety agency to investigate the failure rates of BMW's replacement recall pumps, as the current remedy does not guarantee long-term vehicle safety.

Filed Aug 16, 2026 · Transmission · MD

2016 BMW X5 xDrive40e. Experiencing intermittent/sudden drivetrain malfunction warnings. Vehicle loses power or enters limp mode while driving. Max eDrive / electric drive becomes disabled even with battery charged. Multiple warning lights appear. Issue appears related to the hybrid system (possible EME, SME, Safety Box, or high-voltage battery faults). This creates a safety risk because power can be lost unexpectedly while moving. Mileage at time of most recent occurrence: 126,500. Problem first noticed 118,000.

Filed May 5, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · 114,865 miles · NJ

The contact owns a 2016 BMW X5 PHEV. The vehicle was serviced under the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 24V608000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM), but the failure persisted. The contact stated that a month after the repairs were completed, the coolant connector would stay on and drain the battery. The contact stated that after the vehicle was turned off at night, the coolant connector overheated and the battery drained. The contact needs to jump-start the battery every day. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the dealer refused to repair the vehicle, stating that it was already repaired. The contact stated that the coolant connector damaged the EME (Electrical Machine Electronics). The dealer confirmed that the problem may be EME. The vehicle remained at the dealer unrepaired. The contact stated that the failure is worsening. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 114,865.Â

Filed Apr 17, 2026 · GA

Spontaneous sunroof shatter.

Filed Apr 2, 2026 · Brakes, Driver assistance · LA

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.

Filed Feb 23, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · NC

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.

Filed Dec 26, 2025 · Electrical, Engine · FL

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 the federal safety agency investigate BMW’s refusal to cover battery failures caused by the electrical interference of the recalled coolant pump."

Filed Dec 26, 2025 · Airbags · VA · crash · 2 injuries

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

Used buying checklistWhat to check on a 2016 BMW X5 before you buy

Compare the 2016 BMW X5

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Other model years

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Questions about the 2016 BMW X5

Is the 2016 BMW X5 reliable?

Owners have filed 74 complaints about the 2016 BMW X5, fewer than a typical X5 model year.

What is the 2016 BMW X5 year score?

The 2016 BMW X5 scores 80 out of 100 (good). The score compares it with the other model years of the BMW X5: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.

What is the most common problem with the 2016 BMW X5?

Electrical system, with 23 complaints, typically around 114,865 miles. Next is engine (21).

How many recalls does the 2016 BMW X5 have?

5 recalls, covering electrical system, fuel system, diesel and engine and engine cooling.

Is the 2016 BMW X5 safe in a crash?

In government crash tests the 2016 BMW X5 scored 5 out of 5 stars overall, depending on body style and drivetrain (2 versions tested).

What gas mileage does the 2016 BMW X5 get?

Official estimates for the 2016 BMW X5 range from 17 to 25 mpg combined. The most efficient version (3.0L 6-cyl diesel, AWD) gets 23 city and 29 highway.

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