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 PER YEAR
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 | 148 |
| 2014 | 98 |
| 2015 | 152 |
| 2016 | 73 |
| 2017 | 73 |
| 2018 | 71 |
| 2019 | 184 |
| 2020 | 110 |
| 2021 | 103 |
| 2022 | 67 |
| 2023 | 31 |
| 2024 | 145 |
| 2025 | 61 |
| 2026 | 22 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
32% of complaints: electrical system — 23 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
The electronic A/C compressor destroys itself internally on BMW hybrid and electric vehicles and should be considered defective.
NHTSA ODI report, 20230913
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, 20180323
19% of complaints: engine — 14 distinct reports on file.
18% of complaints: power train — 13 distinct reports on file.
Show 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, 20260816
11% of complaints: fuel/propulsion system — 8 distinct reports on file.
Show 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, 20260910
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, 20260902
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, 20231018
10% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 7 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing emission control.
SAFETY TIMELINE
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.
Campaign 16V919000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 18V755000 — check if this car was fixed
Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
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.
Campaign 21V586000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 21V907000 — check if this car was fixed
Pedestrian alert sounds
High pressure fuel pump failure
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.
Campaign 24V608000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2016 BMW X5 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (23 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine issues (14 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (13 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 16V919000 (electrical system) has been completed.
- Verify recall 18V755000 (engine and engine cooling) has been completed.
- Verify recall 21V586000 (fuel system, diesel) has been completed.
- Verify recall 21V907000 (fuel system, diesel) has been completed.
- Verify recall 24V608000 (electrical system, engine and engine cooling) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
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 32% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2016 BMW X5 have?
5 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.