2016 Bmw X5
Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report
Quick Summary
The 2016 Bmw X5 has 109 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 0.7x the segment average of 146. The most common issue is electrical problems (21% of all complaints), specifically: 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. since i was driving 35-speed limit road, i pulled the vehicle and stopped the enginer and then re. There are 5 recalls issued for this model year.
109
Total Complaints
5
Recalls Issued
5/5
Safety Stars
0.7x
vs Segment Avg
Known Problems(top 5 of 8)
ELECTRICAL
23 complaints- • 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. SINCE I WAS DRIVING 35-SPEED LIMIT ROAD, I PULLED THE VEHICLE AND STOPPED THE ENGINER AND THEN RE
- • 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 G
- • The electric drivetrain, electric engine and the gasoline malfunctioned while the car was driving at speed from 40-50 miles. The car was build with two engine, the electric motor and a twin turbo gasoline engine. The Electronic drivetrain system was designed for first off start the electric engine
“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. SINCE I WAS DRIVING 35-SPEED LIMIT ROAD, I PULLED THE VEHICLE AND STOPPED THE ENGINER AND THEN RE”
— NHTSA complaint filing
When Problems Appear on the 2016 Bmw X5
Based on 43 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 57K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 0-30K miles range.
OTHER
ELECTRICAL
ENGINE
Mileage figures are self-reported by owners in NHTSA complaint filings. Peak bucket = the mileage range with the most complaints for that component; it reflects when owners noticed and reported problems, not necessarily when the fault first occurred.
Recalls (5)
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.
Fix: 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.
Fuel Cost Calculator for 2016 Bmw X5
Live EIA pricesBased on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.
5-Year Gas Price History
EIA weekly retail data · 2021 → todaySource: US Energy Information Administration weekly retail gasoline prices.
Estimated Insurance Cost for 2016 Bmw X5
How this estimate is calculated
Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.
Maintenance & Warranty
Recommended Bmw X5 Service Intervals
Condition-Based Service (CBS) tells you exactly when service is due. Transmission fluid was labeled 'lifetime' but many owners service at 60K-100K.
"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.
Bmw New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage
Corrosion is unlimited miles for 12 years
These are the terms for a new Bmw. If you're buying a used 2016 X5, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Bmw dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.
Estimated Repair Costs
Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.
🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
Based on 109 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:
- ☐ELECTRICAL: 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. SINCE I WAS DRIVING 35-SPEED LIMIT ROAD, I PULLED THE VEHICLE AND STOPPED THE ENGINER AND THEN RE
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐ENGINE: IT'S BEEN OVER A YEAR WITH NO REPAIRS ON THE CAR. WE'VE TRIED TO TRADE IT OFF AT A DEALERSHIP AND THEY REFUSED TO EVEN TAKEN IT IN ON A TRADE BECAUSE THERE IS NO FIX. WE ARE BEING HELD HOSTAGE IN A VEHICLE THAT IS NOW WORTH NOTHING BECAUSE THEY WONT' FIX IT. EVERY TIME WE HAVE IT SERVICED THE COO
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐OTHER: THE ATTORN. GEN OF FL SUGGESTED I REACH OUT TO YOU TO EXPRESS A CONCERN I HAVE FOR OUR X5 EDRIVE. WE BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE AT REEVES BMW IN TAMPA. SINCE WE HAVE HAD THE VEHICLE, IT HAS BEEN A MAJOR ISSUE AND NOW THAT WE HAVE A NEWBORN, IT HAS BECOME A SAFETY CONCERN OF OURS THAT THE CAR AUTOMATICA
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐TRANSMISSION: FRONT DRIVESHAFT NEEDS TO BE REPLACED DUE TO EXCESS WEAR, PERHAPS TRANSFER CASE AS WELL. VERY SIMILAR TO SAFETY RECALL CAMPAIGN 17V-138:FROM APRIL/2017 (SAME ISSUE, MY MODEL IS ONE YEAR OLDER THAN RECALL NOTICE), BUT BMW NA WILL NOT COVER THE REPAIR COST FOR THIS DEFECT.
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐RECALLS: Verify all 5 recalls have been completed — free at any Bmw dealer
- ☐General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)
Bmw X5 — Year Comparison
How does 2016 compare to other years? Fewer complaints = more reliable.
NHTSA Safety Rating
At a Glance
- Complaints
- 109
- Recalls
- 5
- Fire reports
- 0
- Crash reports
- 2
- Injury reports
- 2
- Segment avg
- 146
Check a Specific VIN
See recalls for YOUR 2016 Bmw X5