2016 BMW X5
This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
- Complaints
- 74
- Recalls
- 5
- Investigations
- 3
- Top problem
- Electrical system
Campaigns on file for 2016
Opened by NHTSA
31% of complaints
Complaints per year
2016: 74 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1999 | 0 |
| 2000 | 29 |
| 2001 | 160 |
| 2002 | 102 |
| 2003 | 99 |
| 2004 | 64 |
| 2005 | 82 |
| 2006 | 168 |
| 2007 | 71 |
| 2008 | 215 |
| 2009 | 138 |
| 2010 | 124 |
| 2011 | 263 |
| 2012 | 271 |
| 2013 | 149 |
| 2014 | 99 |
| 2015 | 152 |
| 2016 | 74 |
| 2017 | 75 |
| 2018 | 73 |
| 2019 | 192 |
| 2020 | 112 |
| 2021 | 109 |
| 2022 | 70 |
| 2023 | 34 |
| 2024 | 145 |
| 2025 | 62 |
| 2026 | 28 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Electrical system
31% · 23 reportsShow complaint excerpts
The electronic A/C compressor destroys itself internally on BMW hybrid and electric vehicles and should be considered defective.
NHTSA ODI report, 2023-09-13
While driving, all of sudden, dashboard becomes blank. I brought this point to BMW bellevue dealer. It was confirmed that there was no issue identified. However, it occurred a couple of times in a year.
NHTSA ODI report, 2018-03-23
Engine
19% · 14 reportsPower train
18% · 13 reportsShow complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-08-16
Fuel/propulsion system
12% · 9 reportsShow complaint excerpts
I am reporting a suspected high-pressure fuel pump safety defect involving my 2016 BMW X5 xDrive35d, VIN [XXX], with approximately 103,186 miles.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-09-10
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-09-02
The engine light came on while I was 250 miles from home and on a Saturday. Was able to contact my dealer's service department who said to drive home and just monitor for any issues and hopefully it will be ok.
NHTSA ODI report, 2023-10-18
Engine and engine cooling
9% · 7 reportsMost commonly citing emission control.
Safety timeline
5 recalls · 3 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
-
R
2017-02-10Electrical system16V919000 BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2016 X5 xDrive40e vehicles manufactured July 29, 2015, to September 9, 2015.
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.
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R
2019-05-13Engine and engine cooling18V755000 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...
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.
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I
2021-09-17Engineering analysisOpen Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
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R
2022-01-14Fuel system, diesel21V586000 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.
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.
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R
2022-07-06Fuel system, diesel21V907000 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...
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.
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I
2023-01-27Defect petitionClosed 2023-08-07 Pedestrian alert sounds
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I
2023-03-17Engineering analysisOpen High pressure fuel pump failure
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R
2025-03-28Electrical system, engine and engine cooling24V608000 BMW of North America, LLC.
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.
Buy-smart checklist
2016 BMW X5 — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Electrical system: 23 reports on file for this year.
- Engine: 14 reports on file for this year.
- Power train: 13 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 16V919000 · Electrical system
- Recall 18V755000 · Engine and engine cooling
- Recall 21V586000 · Fuel system, diesel
- Recall 21V907000 · Fuel system, diesel
- Recall 24V608000 · Electrical system, engine and engine cooling
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 2016 BMW X5 reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2016 BMW X5 is rated "better than typical".
- What are the most common problems with the 2016 BMW X5?
- The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 31% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2016 BMW X5 have?
- 5 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.