2016 BMW X5 engine problems

Updated from NHTSA data · How we count

20 owners have reported engine problems with the 2016 BMW X5, 34% of all complaints about this model year. The typical problem appeared around 114,865 mi.

Engine complaints
20
Crashes
0
Fires
0
Injuries
0
Related recalls
2
Median mileage
114,865 mi

Specific components reported

Engine covers: stalling, loss of power, oil consumption, overheating.

ComponentComplaints
Engine13
Engine and engine cooling6
Engine and engine cooling:exhaust system:emission control1

Engine complaints across BMW X5 years

12005420200882720102227201230152014392020161220201862482020311520225132024432026
Engine complaints by model year. The 2016 is highlighted.

Mileage when the problem appeared

Under 10k10k–30k130k–60k160k–100k3100k–150k150k+
Complaints that list mileage, grouped by odometer reading.

Related recalls

  • Recall 24V608000Aug 13, 2024720,796 vehicles
    ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:CONNECTORS/PLUGS/RECEPTACLES · 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.

    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 18V755000Oct 25, 201844,368 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.

What owners say

  1. Filed Sep 10, 2026FLEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
    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…
    NHTSA complaint #11763414 · source
  2. Filed May 5, 2026114,865 miNJElectrical SystemEngine
    The contact owns a 2016 BMW X5 PHEV. The vehicle was serviced under NHTSA 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…
    NHTSA complaint #11735914 · source
  3. Filed Feb 23, 2026NCElectrical SystemEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
    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…
    NHTSA complaint #11719865 · source
  4. Filed Dec 26, 2025FLElectrical SystemEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
    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)…
    NHTSA complaint #11707138 · source
  5. Filed Jul 31, 2025CAEngine
    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…
    NHTSA complaint #11677407 · source
  6. Filed Jul 29, 2025MIEngine
    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.
    NHTSA complaint #11677028 · source
  7. Filed Apr 23, 2025120,000 miCAElectrical SystemEngineTransmission & Drivetrain
    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…
    NHTSA complaint #11656422 · source
  8. Filed Mar 7, 2025FLElectrical SystemEngine
    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.
    NHTSA complaint #11646981 · source
  9. Filed Feb 13, 2025121,000 miPAElectrical SystemEngine
    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…
    NHTSA complaint #11642473 · source
  10. Filed Dec 30, 2024ILElectrical SystemEngine
    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…
    NHTSA complaint #11633078 · source
  11. Filed Nov 15, 2024CAElectrical SystemEngine
    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.
    NHTSA complaint #11625457 · source
  12. Filed Oct 25, 2024CTElectrical SystemEngine
    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…
    NHTSA complaint #11621918 · source

Other 2016 BMW X5 problem areas

  • Electrical System (22)
  • Transmission & Drivetrain (13)
  • Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion (11)
  • Other / Unknown (7)
  • Airbags (5)
  • Suspension (4)
  • Acceleration & Cruise Control (3)
  • Driver Assistance & Safety Tech (3)
  • Steering (3)
  • Visibility & Wipers (2)
  • Body & Structure (2)
  • Lighting (1)
  • Brakes (1)

Back to all 2016 BMW X5 problems →

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology