repaired · 2026 Q3
Wiring: connectors/plugs/receptacles
Risk. An electrical short increases the risk of a fire.
2016 BMW X5Problems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 74 owner complaints about the 2016 BMW X5, most often about the electrical system. It is covered by 5 safety recalls, and for recall 24V-608 the manufacturer reports only 40% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through September 24, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: Vauxford, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2016 BMW X5 has problems
74 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
23Electrical system
14Engine
13Power train
9Fuel/propulsion system
7Engine and engine cooling
5Air bags
4Suspension
4Structure
3Visibility/wiper
1810 other systems1 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical system | 23 | 0 |
| Engine | 14 | 0 |
| Power train | 13 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 9 | 0 |
| Engine and engine cooling | 7 | 0 |
| Air bags | 5 | 1 |
| Suspension | 4 | 0 |
| Structure | 4 | 0 |
| Visibility/wiper | 3 | 0 |
| 10 other systems | 18 | 1 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
5 recalls
2016 BMW X5 recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
repaired · 2024 Q2
Fuel system, diesel
Risk. A melting intake manifold increases the risk of a fire.
repaired · 2023 Q4
Delivery: fuel pump
Risk. Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2020 Q3
Emission control: gas recirculation valve (egr valve)
Risk. The melting intake manifold can increase the risk of a fire.
Show 1 more recall
repaired · 2017 Q3
Electrical system: wiring
Risk. If the vehicle unexpectedly shifts to neutral, there would be an increased risk of a crash.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with BMW.
Best & worst years
2016 vs. every other X5 year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the X5 median. How we score
'99'00'01'02'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19'20'21'22'23'24'25'26
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2016 BMW X5 safety ratings
2016 BMW X5 SUV AWD in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
★★★★★
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side barrier★★★★★
Side pole★★★★★
- Rollover: 4 stars (18.8% risk)
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: No
- Lane departure warning: No
3 investigations
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2016 BMW X5, and the recalls they led to.
- Pedestrian alert soundsLed to recall 22V-063
- Desiccated Air Bag Inflator RuptureOpen
- High pressure fuel pump failureLed to recall 24V-957
In owners' words
What X5 owners report
Recent electrical system complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
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…
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…
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…
Own a 2016 X5?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.