2016 BMW X5 Engine Problems

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. The contact stated that the coolant connector damaged the EME (Electrical Machine Electronics). The dealer confirmed that the problem may be EME. The vehicle remained at the dealer unrepaired. The contact stated that the failure is worsening. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 114,865.

NHTSA ID

11735914

Incident

Mar 27, 2026

Mileage

114,865 mi

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 power and stopped, creating a hazardous situation in active traffic. This sudden loss of propulsion placed my safety and the safety of other drivers at risk, as surrounding vehicles were traveling at highway speeds. Prior to the failure, warning messages appeared intermittently, including charging system faults and start/stop malfunction alerts. These warnings began approximately one year ago around the time the charging issue started. The vehicle was previously serviced and the high-voltage battery was replaced; however, the underlying issue was not corrected. The root cause is UNKNOWN, but the symptoms suggest a failure within the hybrid control system, charging module, DC-DC converter, or related electrical components. The failure has been persistent and unresolved. I am concerned that defects within the hybrid propulsion system may lead to additional sudden loss of power events.

NHTSA ID

11719865

Incident

Dec 16, 2025

Subject: Consequential Damage and Failure of Remedy regarding Recall 24V-608 Incident Description: "I am reporting a failure of the manufacturer to provide an effective remedy for Safety Recall 24V-608 (Electric Water Pump) and subsequent consequential damage to the High-Voltage battery system. In September 2023, at approximately 78,000 miles, this vehicle exhibited 'Drivetrain Malfunctions' including Fault Code 0x222626 (EME: internal fault - active short circuit requested) and 0x22271C (Overvoltage in intermediate circuit). The BMW dealer (Fields BMW) failed to diagnose the root cause and instructed me to 'keep driving'. Since the release of Recall 24V-608, it is clear these 2023 faults were early indicators of the coolant pump short-circuiting. This persistent electrical instability has now resulted in a permanent failure of Cell Supervision Circuit #3, causing the high-voltage contactors to open and leaving the vehicle disabled. The dealer is currently attempting to charge for diagnostics and battery removal. I am asserting that the lack of a timely remedy for the coolant pump (which was only recently shielded per the recall) caused a power surge that 'fried' the internal battery circuitry. This is a safety issue as the vehicle experienced a sudden loss of propulsion while in motion. I request that NHTSA investigate BMW’s refusal to cover battery failures caused by the electrical interference of the recalled coolant pump."

NHTSA ID

11707138

Incident

Sep 23, 2023

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 NHTSA investigate whether BMW is properly honoring recall 18V-755 and ensuring safe, effective remedies are provided to affected customers like myself. I also request investigation into the lack of transparency and failure to document completed recall work. My VIN is [XXX] , and I can provide dealer records, service history, and diagnostic reports upon request. * What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? EGR Cooler, it is available for inspection. * How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The vehicle is now showing dangerous symptoms consistent with a thermal event risk, which this recall specifically warned about. The EGR cooler is leaking coolant into the intake system, which can mix with soot and lead to engine fires, according to BMW’s own technical documentation. * Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes and the cooler has been replaced twice. * Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? It has been inspected at Fremont BMW once, Valley BMW twice. * Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? Yes, low coolant warning, loss of coolant with no leaks. Problem first occurred April 2024 INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION AC

NHTSA ID

11677407

Incident

May 29, 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 ID

11677028

Incident

Jul 17, 2025

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 time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ID

11656422

Incident

Apr 23, 2025

Mileage

120,000 mi

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 ID

11646981

Incident

Mar 7, 2025

The contact owns a 2016 BMW X5. The contact stated while attempting to start the vehicle, the check engine warning illuminated. The contact stated that a dealer was contacted, and the contact was informed that the vehicle needed to be diagnosed and the battery needed to be registered. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). The manufacturer was notified of the failure and opened a case. The failure mileage was 121,000.

NHTSA ID

11642473

Incident

Feb 12, 2025

Mileage

121,000 mi

My water pump recall involves an electrical short circuits, that has disrupted other nearby electrical components, like the temperature sensor. • The water pump short-circuit is causing an oil leak directly that is putting a strain the engine and turbo system. • Additionally, a faulty water pump or sensor allowed unnoticed overheating, further stressing the turbocharger seals and leading to dangerous oil leaks oil continues to leak into the turbo system, damaging my turbocharger, exhaust system, and even the catalytic converter • Temperature Sensor Failure: Overheating can cause catastrophic damage to the engine, including warping the head or blowing a gasket. • Electrical Short Circuit: The recall issue is directly responsible for electrical malfunctions that are masking underlying problems, like overheating.

NHTSA ID

11633078

Incident

Dec 30, 2024

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 ID

11625457

Incident

Sep 5, 2024

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 not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ID

11621918

Incident

Oct 25, 2024

While running house errands April 26,2024, late in the afternoon around 4:15 pm to 4:30 pm or so estimated BMW X5 suddenly shutdown in the middle of road from a major stop light intersection with no warning signs displayed on the dashboard no display of any indicators on the dashboard just suddenly shutdown car would not move & could not operate the car : many cars behind us were inconvenienced & some drivers pissed off since I was blocking traffic Called towing services & got the the car finally moved physically to our home address : hazard signal could not be operated due to shutdown off the car Very scary & a major safety concern for me & wife due to this incident on top creating a very stressful situation & scenario for road conditions due to the car incident How can a car suddenly shutdown & not able to operate it w no warnings for any driver ? I was driving the car when this incident took place Please investigate this matter as it’s very concerning from a risk & safety matter

NHTSA ID

11585584

Incident

Apr 26, 2024

Vehicle looses power with " Powertrain Malfunction' displaying on the dashboard. Several codes for the Hybrid Battery failure. Per BMW USA, Hybrid System has 8 years 80000 mile warranty. BMW USA and or authorized BMW Dealership does not want to honor the warranty, claiming the Hybrid Battery might have been OVERUSED. Vehicle only has 65K miles and it is within the warranty period.

NHTSA ID

11585426

Incident

Mar 27, 2024

2016 BMW X5. CONSUMER WRITES SEEKING REIMBURSEMENT FOR DEF TRANSFER PUMP REPAIR.

NHTSA ID

11508903

Incident

Feb 24, 2023

Oil leak leads to car smoking (but not overheating( while driving or parked. Leak was not caused by owner and same oil leak without car overheating apparent in partner's BMW car. This suggests fundamental issue with BMW not the ower, which BMW should repair without cost to the owner.

NHTSA ID

11495347

Incident

Oct 1, 2021

Auxiliary cooling fan failed but engine light did not turn on causing EME fault. Cooling fan had to be replaced and overheated my engine.

NHTSA ID

11465506

Incident

May 2, 2022

The contact owns a 2016 BMW X5. The contact stated while driving approximately 30-70 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power. The check engine warning light and an unknown warning light were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that no issues were found. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic where the air shaft suspension and the cylinder were replaced, and other unknown repairs were completed; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the independent mechanic who informed the contact that the failure might be associated with NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V919000 (Electrical system). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 49,000.

NHTSA ID

11464991

Incident

Dec 17, 2021

Mileage

49,000 mi

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 will drive car until the battery is depleted then the gasoline engine will take over or some time inter exchange the drive. The problem was in cold weather regarding event with the electric battery is fully charged while driving at speed from 30 miles up to 50 miles per hours the electric engine stall for 5-10 second and the gasoline engine does not run either. As result the car was moving at speed 30-50 mile per hours with no power pushing the car at all, when the driver push on the accelerator pedal the car electric engine or the gasoline engine is not respond in 5-10 second. When driving under certain condition that needed the driver to change lane or accelerate the car out of traffic the car simply stall and not respond in 5-10 second on the road or freeway during traffic hours is serious dangerous. BMW does acknowledge of the problem and called " Electrical Machine Electronics' EME wiring harness connector warranty but not recall or admit the dangerous nor the serious of the issue. BMW simply sending out letter to car owner saying due to customer satisfaction regard EME common issue they extend the EME (Electrical Machine Electronics) to 10 years/120,0000 miles warranty. And this is not recall just an extend warranty. BMW even explained by their own word in the letter "if the issue occur your vehicle will store the corresponding fault codes that will be generated, and additionally, the malfunction Powertrain Malfunctions warning light will be on with an illuminated." I took the car to dealer, they keep the car 3 days concluded it was faulty batter cable, charging me $680, one month later same issue, they claim the car batter was the issue, replaced, same issue again

NHTSA ID

11447918

Incident

Sep 1, 2021

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 EVENTUALLY RESTART AFTER ABOUT 5 MINUTES WITHOUT ANY WARNING INDICATOR AT ALL, AND THE PROBLEM WILL RANDOMLY REPEAT ITSELF WITHOUT WARNING. PROPULSION DOESN'T SLOWLY STOP, IT CUTS OUT COMPLETELY WITH NO WARNING. THE BMW SERVICE DEPARTMENT HAS INDICATED THAT THERE WAS A FAILURE INTERNAL TO THE TRANSMISSION. THIS CAR IS 5 YEARS OLD AND HAS 89,000 MILES ON IT.

NHTSA ID

11389407

Incident

Dec 23, 2020

Mileage

89,000 mi

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 COOLANT IS LOW BUT CONTINUE TO SAY ENGINE TESTS FINE.

NHTSA ID

11228341

Incident

Jun 28, 2019