2016 BMW X5 Problems & Owner Complaints

Electrical System 23

“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 day. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the dealer refused to repair the vehicle, stating that it was already repaired…”
NHTSA complaint #11735914, 2026

“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 pow…”
NHTSA complaint #11719865, 2025

“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 iss…”
NHTSA complaint #11700942, 2025

Unknown Or Other 14 1 crash

“I PARKED MY X5 ON AN INCLINE, PUT THE CAR IN PARK, SET THE PARKING BREAK AND TURNED THE VEHICLE OFF. LOCKED IT AND WENT INSIDE. THERE WERE WORKERS OUTSIDE FOR ABOUT 10 MINUTES BEFORE COMING IN TO THE HOUSE THAT WITNESSED IT SITTING THERE FOR THAT AMOUNT OF TIME. AFTER BEING INSIDE FOR ABOUT 5 MORE MINUTES OR BETTER, I WENT TO LEAVE AND FOUND THAT MY CAR HAD ROLLED AND HIT A TREE. THE PARKING BREAK WORKED SEEING THAT THERE WAS SNOW BUILT UP ON THE BACK TIRES, HOWEVER, YOU CAN SEE FROM THE PICTURES THAT BOTH FRONT TIRES ROLLED. BMW LOOKED INTO IT AND SAID THE CAR DIAGNOSTICALLY CHECKED OUT FINE…”
NHTSA complaint #11083388, 2018 · crash

“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11728895, 2025

“While I was stopped at a traffic light, the vehicle started giving warning after warning. This included "Drive Train Failure", "Cannot Charge", "Roll over detection" etc. Then the car went into Neutral and would not move. That stranded me in a very unsafe location in the middle of the busy intersection. The vehicle's computer system appears to crash like a laptop would.”
NHTSA complaint #11463003, 2022

Engine 13

“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 pow…”
NHTSA complaint #11719865, 2025

“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 NHT…”
NHTSA complaint #11677407, 2025

“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, 2025

Power Train 12

“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 tim…”
NHTSA complaint #11656422, 2025

“Fuel injectors, transfer case prop shaft”
NHTSA complaint #11621362, 2024

“The contact owns a 2016 BMW X5. The contact stated while driving approximately 20 MPH, the vehicle was making an abnormal banging sound. The contact stated that the vehicle was losing motive power. The contact depressed the accelerator pedal and the vehicle failed to respond. The contact pulled into a parking lot and turned off the vehicle. The contact stated that there was no warning light illuminated. The contact had the vehicle towed to a local dealer who diagnosed and determined that front drive shaft and u-joint had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manuf…”
NHTSA complaint #11590640, 2024

Engine And Engine Cooling 7

“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 day. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the dealer refused to repair the vehicle, stating that it was already repaired…”
NHTSA complaint #11735914, 2026

“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 tim…”
NHTSA complaint #11656422, 2025

“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, 2025

Fuel/Propulsion System 6

“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 pow…”
NHTSA complaint #11719865, 2025

“High pressure fuel pump replaced after the original recall and fail again 45k miles later during driving.”
NHTSA complaint #11665204, 2025

“Fuel injectors, transfer case prop shaft”
NHTSA complaint #11621362, 2024

Air Bags 5 1 crash 2 injury

“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”
NHTSA complaint #11707095, 2025 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

“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 iss…”
NHTSA complaint #11700942, 2025

“Passenger restraint system malfunction light comes on.”
NHTSA complaint #11574790, 2024

Structure 4

“WHILE DRIVING ON A HIGHWAY, THE SUNROOF EXPLODED. NOTHING HIT THE CAR TO CAUSE IT TO BUST.”
NHTSA complaint #11385272, 2020

“I WAS DRIVING MY BMW X5 AT APPROXIMATELY 9:30PM ON INTERSTATE 93 GOING NORTH IN MASSACHUSETTS, WHEN I HEARD A EXPLOSION ABOVE MY HEAD. I IMMEDIATELY EXITED THE HIGHWAY TO EXAMINE WHAT HAD CAUSE THE EXPLOSION. WHEN I EXAMINED THE ROOF OF THE VEHICLE, I NOTICED A HUGE CRATER IN THE CENTER OF THE SUNROOF WITH SHARDS OF GLASS COVERING MOST OF THE CRATER WHERE THE INTACT SUNROOF WAS LOCATED. I DID NOT NOTICE AND OBJECT THAT MIGHT HAVE CAUSE THE EXPLOSION, NO ICE- IT IS WINTER IN MASSACHUSETTS, NO ROCKS THAT MIGHT HAVE IMPACTED THE SUNROOF TO CAUSE THE EXPLOSION, THE ONLY THING THAT WAS VISIBLE…”
NHTSA complaint #11308276, 2020

“THE PANORAMIC SUNROOF SHATTERED AFTER CLOSING THE DRIVER DOOR FROM THE INSIDE. THE CAR HAD BEEN SITTING IN THE MIDDLE OF A PARKING LOT.”
NHTSA complaint #11229656, 2019

Suspension 4

“The contact owns a 2016 BMW X5. The contact stated while driving approximately 20 MPH, the vehicle was making an abnormal banging sound. The contact stated that the vehicle was losing motive power. The contact depressed the accelerator pedal and the vehicle failed to respond. The contact pulled into a parking lot and turned off the vehicle. The contact stated that there was no warning light illuminated. The contact had the vehicle towed to a local dealer who diagnosed and determined that front drive shaft and u-joint had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manuf…”
NHTSA complaint #11590640, 2024

“Our 2016 BMW X 5 axle is broken. Can't drive ( very loud noise ) steering and directional control are a safety risk. We purchased new on 9/19/2015 and are the original owners . The car has approximately 60,000. plus miles on it. Living in Ketchum ID we have had all service and Maintenance work done locally because it is 160 miles to Boise ID. We also have a home in Cincinnati OH. where our second car is also a 2016 BMW X5, as was our 2007 and our 2002 X5's. Our local mechanic diagnoses is a broken front axel !! We hope BMW will make a one time exception to tow our 2016 X5 to Boise ID. BM…”
NHTSA complaint #11451257, 2022

“AIR COMPRESSOR ABSORBS MOISTURE AND PREVENTS VALVES FROM OPENING AND INFLATING AIRBAGS AROUND 4 YEARS OR 60-70K MILES. THIS BREAKS DOWN TO ABOUT A $3200 REPAIR FROM THE DEALERSHIP OR AROUND $2400 FROM AN AUTHORIZED BMW MECHANIC. BOTH PLACES HAVE INFORMED THAT THEY ARE SEEING A TON OF THESE REPAIRS THIS YEAR. FOR AN AIR COMPRESSOR TO BE BLOCKED, AND THE SILICA GEL COMPLETELY ABSORBED WITH MOISTURE ON A VEHICLE OF THIS AGE, IT'S UNACCEPTABLE. THE SIGNS OF THIS MALFUNCTION ARE THAT THE REAR END WILL SAG AND NOT PROPERLY INFLATE (IF AT ALL). SOMETIMES IT WOULD DEFLATE WHILE DRIVING AND CAUSE…”
NHTSA complaint #11349198, 2020

Fuel System 3

“The contact owns a 2016 BMW X5. The contact stated while driving at approximately 50 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The message "Drivetrain Failure" was displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was not drivable and was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the high-pressure fuel pump had failed. The contact stated that the fuel system needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 129,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11617222, 2024

“The contact owns a 2016 BMW X5. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V907000 (Fuel System, Diesel) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available”
NHTSA complaint #11476886, 2022

“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11657914, 2018

Steering 3

“The contact owns a 2016 BMW X5. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the driving stabilization warning message would appear on the instrument panel. The contact also stated that upon start off his vehicle, the power steering assist failed to operate as the power steering warning message appeared on the instrument panel. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic where the battery was replaced; however, the failure persisted. The contact took the vehicle to a dealer who informed him that the failure was related to the electronic power steering assist and was giv…”
NHTSA complaint #11471405, 2022

“Our 2016 BMW X 5 axle is broken. Can't drive ( very loud noise ) steering and directional control are a safety risk. We purchased new on 9/19/2015 and are the original owners . The car has approximately 60,000. plus miles on it. Living in Ketchum ID we have had all service and Maintenance work done locally because it is 160 miles to Boise ID. We also have a home in Cincinnati OH. where our second car is also a 2016 BMW X5, as was our 2007 and our 2002 X5's. Our local mechanic diagnoses is a broken front axel !! We hope BMW will make a one time exception to tow our 2016 X5 to Boise ID. BM…”
NHTSA complaint #11451257, 2022

“My BMW X5 suddenly will have the power steering fail, then it will start working again. This issue will happen occasionally and is dangerous. There was a recall campaign 16v-704 on January of 2017 that the BMW x5's stating the following "BMW is conducting a Voluntary Safety Recall involving certain Model Year 2015 - 2017 vehicles’ Electronic Power Steering (EPS) control unit." SOS Automotive in Covina, CA diagnosed this vehicle and said the EPS has to be replaced. Either my car was not addressed by BMW or should have been addressed and fixed. The price to fix this is over $4,000 and the mec…”
NHTSA complaint #11451057, 2021

Vehicle Speed Control 3

“I have received two emails from two different shop foreman’s. One from Niello BMW and the other BMW Fairfield. They both said the malfunctions I am experiencing- slipping, delay in accelerations- is the way BMW manufacturer made the car. One foreman said all the cars like mine he has driven have the same issue. It is a hybrid that needs the hybrid battery to have charge to not experience these malfunctions, but the car was not made to allow me to have constant battery charge as it only lasts up to 14 miles for 2016 X5 40e hybrid. I’ve been in situations where charging is not possible- like on…”
NHTSA complaint #11507418, 2023

“My bmw x5 40e is having issues accelerating from a dead stop. My safety was put at risk because I was stuck in the intersection going very slowly even after put the accelerating pedal to the floor. It did not properly engage until I got to the other side of the intersection and the stoplight went back to red. It has happened several times after. BMW North America stated that they could not duplicate but the foreman actually did feel it when pulling the car up the day I was to pick it back up and recorded the issue. There were no warning lamps or faults and still do not show any faults, though…”
NHTSA complaint #11505320, 2022

“MY 2016 BMW X5 E40 STALLED AND LOST ALL PROPULSION POWER MULTIPLE TIMES WHILE DRIVING IN TRAFFIC, THE FIRST TIME AT ABOUT 40 MPH AND THE SUBSEQUENT TIMES AT AROUND 25 MPH, FORCING ME TO DRIVE THE CAR ONTO THE SHOULDER AND TRY TO RESTART IT. THERE WAS NO INDICATION OF ANY KIND AND NO WARNING LIGHT GIVEN PRIOR TO THE STALLS, IT SIMPLY JUST LOST ALL PROPULSION POWER. WE WERE TRAVELING UPHILL ON A BUSY HIGHWAY IN A CONSTRUCTION ZONE AND WERE FORTUNATE TO NOT BE IN AN ACCIDENT. AFTER THE STALL A WARNING INDICATOR MESSAGE INDICATED THAT THE AUTOMATIC START/STOP MALFUNCTIONED. THE CAR WILL EVENTU…”
NHTSA complaint #11389407, 2020

Visibility/Wiper 3

“BMW NA is aware of this problem with the sunroof leaking water on the dashboard and damaging the electrical of the car. BMW NA is colluding with the dealers to inform customers they are clogged to charge them money for a clog that is non existent. The sun roof are not clogged as BMW NA and the dealers are saying I have video of the unclogged drain tubes and have caught the dealers all lying that they are clogged. I have video of this and can reproduce this collusion again again with the dealers lying.”
NHTSA complaint #11479374, 2022

“WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY, WITHOUT OVERPASSES OR CLIFFS NEAR, THE SUNROOF EXPLODED OUTWARD, AND RAINING GLASS DOWN ON TO THE PASSENGERS. THE TEMPERATURE WAS MODERATE. VEHICLE HAS APPROX 6000 MILES.”
NHTSA complaint #10979007, 2017

“SUNROOF IMPLODED WHILE DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY”
NHTSA complaint #10968356, 2017

Service Brakes 2 1 crash

“I STOPPED AT THE ENTRANCE OF AN APARTMENT COMPLEX AND WAS WAITING FOR THE SECURITY GATE TO OPEN. ONCE I CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP THE AUTO START STOP FUNCTION TURNED THE ENGINE OFF. WHILE STOPPED, WITH MY FOOT STILL ON THE BRAKE, SUDDENLY AND UNEXPECTEDLY, THE ENGINE STARTED AND THE VEHICLE TOOK OFF STRIKING THE SECURITY GATE AS IT WAS OPENING. THE BRAKES DID NOT WORK. NO AIRBAG DEPLOYED EITHER.”
NHTSA complaint #10966356, 2017 · crash

“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11728895, 2025

Visibility 2

“The contact owns a 2016 BMW X5. The contact stated that the sunroof drain was faulty, causing water to leak into the dash and damage the interior lights and windshield wiper function. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with water damage from the sunroof; however, the dealer informed the contact that water damage was not covered under the warranty. The vehicle was then taken to South Motors BMW (16215 S Dixie Hwy, Miami, FL 33157) where it was diagnosed that the sunroof drain tubes were clogged and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was…”
NHTSA complaint #11479378, 2022

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 BMW X5. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE SUN ROOF EXPLODED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 8,140.”
NHTSA complaint #10949483, 2017

Back Over Prevention 1

“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 iss…”
NHTSA complaint #11700942, 2025

Electronic Stability Control (Esc) 1

“The contact owns a 2016 BMW X5. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the driving stabilization warning message would appear on the instrument panel. The contact also stated that upon start off his vehicle, the power steering assist failed to operate as the power steering warning message appeared on the instrument panel. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic where the battery was replaced; however, the failure persisted. The contact took the vehicle to a dealer who informed him that the failure was related to the electronic power steering assist and was giv…”
NHTSA complaint #11471405, 2022

Exterior Lighting 1

“BMW NA is aware of this problem with the sunroof leaking water on the dashboard and damaging the electrical of the car. BMW NA is colluding with the dealers to inform customers they are clogged to charge them money for a clog that is non existent. The sun roof are not clogged as BMW NA and the dealers are saying I have video of the unclogged drain tubes and have caught the dealers all lying that they are clogged. I have video of this and can reproduce this collusion again again with the dealers lying.”
NHTSA complaint #11479374, 2022

Forward Collision Avoidance 1

“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11728895, 2025

Tires 1

“DRIVER WAS TRAVELING ON A HIGHWAY AT APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH WHEN THEY HEARD A LOUD NOISE AT THE REAR OF THE CAR AND FELT THE STEERING BECOME UNSTEADY. DRIVER LOOKED AT REAR VIEW MIRROR AND SAW A BLACK OBJECT FLY FROM THE REAR OF THE CAR ONTO THE HIGHWAY. DRIVER PULLED ONTO THE SHOULDER AND FOUND THAT A LARGE PIECE OF THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE TIRE WAS GONE. THE TREAD ON ONE OF THE REAR PIRELLI SCORPION VERDE TIRES HAD PEELED OFF THE TIRE. THE IMPACT FROM THE LOOSE TREAD CAUSED DAMAGE TO THE REAR OF THE CAR. AT NO TIME DID THE TIRE LOSE AIR PRESSURE NOR DID ANY WARNING LIGHTS TURN ON TO INDICA…”
NHTSA complaint #11271601, 2019