BMW X6 problems by model year
Updated from NHTSA data · How we count
NHTSA has 96 owner complaints and 43 recalls on file for the BMW X6 (2008–2026). The 2012 X6 has the most serious complaints, most often about engine.
- Complaints
- 96
- Recalls
- 43
- Model years
- 19
- Worst year
- 2012
Complaints by model year
Newer model years have had less time on the road, so they naturally have fewer complaints. Compare a year against its neighbors rather than against brand-new models.
Worst BMW X6 years to buy
Ranked by our severity-weighted complaint score (crashes, fires and injuries count extra — how it works).
- 2012 BMW X6 — 12 complaints; top problem: Engine
Fewest serious complaints among years at least 3 years old: 2023 (1 complaints).
Every BMW X6 model year
| Year | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Injuries | Recalls | Top problem |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 X6 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | Body & Structure |
| 2025 X6 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 4 | Driver Assistance & Safety Tech |
| 2024 X6 | 9 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 5 | Brakes |
| 2023 X6 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | Body & Structure |
| 2022 X6 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | Steering |
| 2021 X6 | 7 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 7 | Electrical System |
| 2020 X6 | 9 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 10 | Electrical System |
| 2019 X6 | 5 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 4 | Engine |
| 2018 X6 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 4 | Transmission & Drivetrain |
| 2017 X6 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | Engine |
| 2016 X6 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | Transmission & Drivetrain |
| 2015 X6 | 5 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | Engine |
| 2014 X6 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | Transmission & Drivetrain |
| 2013 X6 | 4 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 5 | Engine |
| 2012 X6 | 12 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 7 | Engine |
| 2011 X6 | 8 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 11 | Engine |
| 2010 X6 | 4 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 9 | Engine |
| 2009 X6 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 9 | Engine |
| 2008 X6 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 8 | Electrical System |
Most common BMW X6 problem areas (all years)
- Engine29 complaints
- Transmission & Drivetrain19 complaints
- Brakes16 complaints
- Electrical System15 complaints
- Driver Assistance & Safety Tech14 complaints
- Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion9 complaints
- Suspension6 complaints
- Steering5 complaints
- Airbags3 complaints
- Body & Structure3 complaints
Complaint trend
BMW X6 recalls
Risk: A loss of power brake assist can extend the distance required to stop the vehicle. Additionally, malfunctioning ABS and/or DSC systems can cause a loss of vehicle control. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.
Risk: An air bag that does not deploy properly can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
Risk: Water inside electrical components can cause a loss of headlights or door closing functions, increasing the risk of a crash. In addition, an electrical short circuit may occur, increasing the risk of a fire while parked or driving.
Risk: An overheated starter motor can ignite nearby combustible material in the engine compartment, increasing the risk of a fire.
Risk: A loss of power brake assist can extend the distance required to stop the vehicle. Additionally, malfunctioning ABS and/or DSC systems can cause a loss of vehicle control. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.
Risk: A loss of brake power assist or rear brake function can result in extended stopping distance. A loss of ABS or DSC can cause a loss of vehicle handling and control. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.
Risk: A starter motor that overheats can ignite nearby combustible material in the engine compartment, increasing the risk of a fire.
Risk: A seat belt warning light that does not alert occupants of an unbelted seat belt or an SRS system that deploys improperly can both increase the risk of injury in a crash.
Risk: A loss of power brake assist can extend the distance required to stop the vehicle. Additionally, malfunctioning ABS and/or DSC systems can cause a loss of vehicle control. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.
Risk: Transmission oil that leaks into the control unit can lead to a seizure of the transmission gears, causing a sudden loss of drive power and increasing the risk of a crash.
Risk: An air bag that does not deploy as intended can increase the risk of injury in a crash.
Risk: A knee air bag that does not deploy as intended increases the risk of injury.
Risk: A sunroof that closes without the key fob present inside the vehicle can increase the risk of injury.
Risk: If the driver relies on only the rearview camera image, the missing or reduced rearview image view can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
Risk: A loss of ABS and a reduction in braking assistance can increase the risk of a crash.
Risk: A loose steering column shaft universal joint connection can affect vehicle handling and control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Risk: Increased electrical resistance can increase the risk of a fire.
Risk: If the weld between the front axle support and the right front control arm bearing bracket separates, vehicle handling and control may be affected, increasing the risk of a crash.
Risk: Oncoming drivers may be confused by the blue light of approaching vehicles, which could potentially increase the risk of a crash.
Risk: The rear spoiler on the roof may become loose, detach while driving, and could become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash, or injury to persons near the roadway.
Risk: A rapid loss of tire pressure while the vehicle is moving can affect vehicle handling and control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Risk: If the spoiler detaches while driving, it can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Risk: Damaged lower anchor bars may increase the child's risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Other BMW models
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. Methodology