2016 BMW X5 Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2016 BMW X5, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Electrical2324.2%
- Engine2021.1%
- Powertrain (other)1212.6%
- Fuel system99.5%
- Driver assistance66.3%
- Visibility55.3%
- Airbags55.3%
- Body & structure44.2%
- Suspension44.2%
- Steering33.2%
- Brakes22.1%
- Exterior lighting11.1%
- Tires & wheels11.1%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
Fuel injectors, transfer case prop shaft
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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."
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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 issue: clogged or poorly designed sunroof drains that route water directly into areas containing critical electronics. Once water reaches these modules, it causes electrical shorts and safety system failures that require expensive repairs. BMW dealerships typically diagnose this as “water damage,” but the location of the drains and the placement of the electronics indicate a design flaw that allows a simple drain issue to disable major safety systems. I am filing this complaint because the water intrusion should not be able to cause total failure of ABS, DSC, collision warning, and airbag-related systems. This is a safety-related design defect, not wear and tear. I request NHTSA review and investigate BMW sunroof drain failures and their impact on essential vehicle safety functions.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
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 made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.
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.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
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
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 issue: clogged or poorly designed sunroof drains that route water directly into areas containing critical electronics. Once water reaches these modules, it causes electrical shorts and safety system failures that require expensive repairs. BMW dealerships typically diagnose this as “water damage,” but the location of the drains and the placement of the electronics indicate a design flaw that allows a simple drain issue to disable major safety systems. I am filing this complaint because the water intrusion should not be able to cause total failure of ABS, DSC, collision warning, and airbag-related systems. This is a safety-related design defect, not wear and tear. I request NHTSA review and investigate BMW sunroof drain failures and their impact on essential vehicle safety functions.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
WHILE DRIVING ON A HIGHWAY, THE SUNROOF EXPLODED. NOTHING HIT THE CAR TO CAUSE IT TO BUST.
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 TO ME WERE BROKEN GLASS. PRIOR TO THIS EVENT, I HAD NO REASON TO BE CONCERNED THAT THERE WAS SOMETHING WRONG WITH THE SUNROOF, I HAD NEVER HEARD ANY SOUNDS COMING FROM THE SUNROOF AND I NEVER HEARD OR SAW A ROCK, PIECE IF METAL OR ANY OTHER OBJECT IMPACTING THE ROOF OR SUNROOF.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
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 manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.
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. BMW dealership and have it repaired at no cost to us. We also own presently two Mini Coopers and had one previous Mini also. We hope BMW will make this one time exception to cover the repair. Please advise. Respectfully [XXX]. My e mail is [XXX] my cell is [XXX]. Respectfully[XXX]. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
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 given an estimate for the repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed him that there were no recalls on the vehicle. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 57,000.
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. BMW dealership and have it repaired at no cost to us. We also own presently two Mini Coopers and had one previous Mini also. We hope BMW will make this one time exception to cover the repair. Please advise. Respectfully [XXX]. My e mail is [XXX] my cell is [XXX]. Respectfully[XXX]. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
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 INDICATE ANY TIRE TROUBLE. LUCKILY NO OTHER VEHICLES ON THE HIGHWAY WERE HIT BY THE LARGE TIRE TREAD WHICH FLEW FROM THE CAR AND INTO ONCOMING HIGHWAY TRAFFIC.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .