Vehicles / BMW / X5 / 2016

2016 BMW X5UNDER FEDERAL INVESTIGATIONWARRANTY EXTENSION ON FILE

74 federal complaints (114 component records) · 5 recall campaigns on file · 3 federal investigations · 359 service bulletins · 6 Canadian recalls
See all 27 model years of the BMW X5 →
Engine
4.4L 8-cyl
Fuel
Premium
Drive
AWD
EPA economy
14 city / 19 hwy
Federal complaints
74
Recall campaigns
5
Specifications show one example EPA configuration for this model year; other engines, drivetrains, and trims exist and the records below cover all of them.
How to read this file. Complaint records are unverified owner submissions to the federal safety agency. Counts are raw, not adjusted for sales volume or vehicle age. Recall campaigns apply to the model; only a VIN check shows whether this car is affected or repaired. Parts shown are named by an editorial note or listed as a search directory; none is a diagnosis. Full methodology.

Fault profile

Complaint-component records on this vehicle, grouped by family. A complaint naming two systems counts once in each.

Electrical system
23
Engine & cooling
21
Other
14
Power train
13
Fuel system
9
Glass & wipers
5
Air bags
5
Suspension
4
Complaints are owner-reported and not verified by the agency.

When it fails

The timing of this vehicle's reported failures, from the complaint file itself. A cluster tells you what to expect and when; it is shaped by reporting behavior as well as by the vehicle.

Vehicle age when the failure occurred

0 years old: 3 complaints01 years old: 7 complaints2 years old: 2 complaints3 years old: 5 complaints4 years old: 6 complaints5 years old: 8 complaints56 years old: 11 complaints7 years old: 6 complaints8 years old: 10 complaints9 years old: 10 complaints10 years old: 6 complaints1011 years old: 0 complaints12 years old: 0 complaints13 years old: 0 complaints14 years old: 0 complaints15 years old: 0 complaints1516 years old: 0 complaints17 years old: 0 complaints18 years old: 0 complaints19 years old: 0 complaints20+ years old: 0 complaints20+
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 74 of 74 complaints with a usable failure date.

Odometer when the failure occurred

0,000 - 20,000 miles: 8 complaints020,000 - 40,000 miles: 3 complaints40,000 - 60,000 miles: 7 complaints40k60,000 - 80,000 miles: 6 complaints80,000 - 100,000 miles: 1 complaints80k100,000 - 120,000 miles: 2 complaints120,000 - 140,000 miles: 3 complaints120k140,000 - 160,000 miles: 0 complaints160,000 - 180,000 miles: 0 complaints160k180,000 - 200,000 miles: 0 complaints200,000+ miles: 0 complaints200k+
Owner-reported mileage at failure, in 20,000-mile bands. Based on 30 of 74 complaints reporting a plausible odometer (500 to 500,000 miles; unverified).

Known issues

The component families with the most complaint records against this vehicle. Counts, crash and fire figures belong to the whole family, not to any single named issue. Parts listed are related system parts, not a diagnosis.

Electrical system

23 complaint records
"Auxiliary cooling fan failed but engine light did not turn on causing EME fault. Cooling fan had to be replaced and overheated my engine...."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse electrical system parts in the directory →

Engine & cooling

21 complaint records
"Auxiliary cooling fan failed but engine light did not turn on causing EME fault. Cooling fan had to be replaced and overheated my engine...."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse engine & cooling parts in the directory →

Power train

13 complaint records
"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...."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse power train parts in the directory →

Federal defect investigations

Formal investigations opened by the federal safety agency into this vehicle. An investigation is the step between a complaint pattern and a recall; not every one results in one.

InvestigationStatusComponentSubject
EA23001
opened Mar 2023
OPENFuel System, DieselHigh pressure fuel pump failure - led to recall 24V957
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE21-021 on October 14, 2021, to investigate incidents alleging a stall/loss of motive power as a result of high-pressure fuel pump failures in certain model year (MY) 2019-2020 Ram 2500, 3500, 4500, and 5500...
EA21002
opened Sep 2021
OPENAir BagsDesiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L.
DP22005
opened Jan 2023
closed Aug 2023Electrical SystemPedestrian alert sounds - led to recall 22V063000
NHTSA received a petition on or about July 18, 2022, requesting that Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 141 be applied to all electric and hybrid vehicles operating in the United States.

Recall campaigns

Safety-recall remedies are normally provided at no charge. Under US federal law the mandatory free remedy applies when the vehicle was no more than 15 years old at the time the defect was determined; manufacturers often cover older vehicles voluntarily. Canadian rules differ. Confirm eligibility with the manufacturer using the VIN. Each campaign number links to the federal record.

CampaignComponentSummaryRemedy
24V608000Engine And Engine CoolingBMW of North America, LLC. (BMW) is recalling certain 2012-2015 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i, 2012-2016 Z4 sDrive28i, 528i, 528i xDrive, 328i, 328xi, 2016-2018 X5 xdrive 40e, 2014-2016 228i, 228xi, 428i, 428i xDrive,...Normally free
21V907000Fuel System, DieselBMW 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...Normally free
21V586000Fuel System, DieselBMW 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.Normally free
18V755000Engine And Engine CoolingBMW 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...Normally free
16V919000Electrical SystemBMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2016 X5 xDrive40e vehicles manufactured July 29, 2015, to September 9, 2015.Normally free

Transport Canada recalls

Recalls issued under Canadian law for this model year, from Transport Canada's Vehicle Recalls Database. Matched by model name, so a Canadian-market variant may appear here that was sold under another name in the US. Units are Canadian vehicles affected.

RecallSystemUnits (CA)Summary
2024544
2024-08-15
Label587,250Issue: On certain vehicles, the tire and loading information label does not list that there is no spare tire in both official languages. The label reads as "NONE" when it should read as "NONE / AUCUN".
2024468
2024-08-13
Engine78,381Issue: On certain vehicles, fluid from the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) system could leak on the intake air hose. As a result, the fluid could enter the electrical connector for the water pump and cause a short circuit.
2024392
2024-07-03
Airbag44,131Issue: This recall applies to vehicles that may be equipped with a replacement sport or M-sport steering wheel that has a Takata airbag.
2021711
2021-11-19
Engine12,702Issue: On certain vehicles, the exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) cooler could crack internally and leak. If this happens, you may notice the following symptoms: a warning symbol in the instrument cluster displaying a loss of coolant,...
2021469
2021-07-29
Fuel System3,486Issue: On certain vehicles equipped with a diesel engine, the high-pressure fuel pump may wear prematurely. This can cause reduced engine performance and could lead to a sudden engine stall.
Show 1 more Canadian recalls
RecallSystemUnits (CA)Summary
2018587
2018-10-26
Engine10,368This recall was replaced by Transport Canada Recall No. 2021-711. On certain vehicles, the cooler for Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) module may develop an internal leak and coolant could mix with diesel engine soot/sediment.

Service bulletins and warranty extensions

Manufacturer communications to dealers on file with the federal agency: repair instructions, service campaigns, and warranty extensions. A warranty extension means the manufacturer may pay for a repair the recall table does not cover.

BulletinTypeComponentSummary
B010924
Nov 2024
WARRANTY EXTENSIONEngineThe High-Voltage (HV) Battery AssemblysCell Modules Temperature Sensors (Internal NTC repair kit-specific) limited warranty fordefects in materials or workmanship has been extended to 10 years / 120,000 miles asdetermined from the original in-service/first delivery date.
B010924
Mar 2025
WARRANTY EXTENSIONElectrical SystemThe High-Voltage (HV) Battery Assemblys Cell Modules Temperature Sensors (Internal NTC repair kit-specific) limited warranty for defects in materials or workmanship has been extended to 10 years / 120,000 miles as determined from the original in-service/first delivery date
B011025
Aug 2025
WARRANTY EXTENSIONEngineThe electric auxiliary heater assembly limited warranty for defects in materials and / or workmanship has been extended to 10 years / 120,000 miles as determined from the original first in-service / delivery date
B011125
Aug 2025
WARRANTY EXTENSIONEngineThe Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) Cooler (with EGR Valve) and the Auxiliary Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) Cooler limited warranty for defects in materials and / or workmanship has been extended to 25 years without mileage limit as determined from the original first...
b011125
Sep 2026
WARRANTY EXTENSIONEngineThe Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) Cooler (with EGR Valve) and the Auxiliary Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) Cooler limited warranty for defects in materials and / or workmanship has been extended to 25 years without mileage limit as determined from the original first...
Show 55 more bulletins
BulletinTypeComponentSummary
B010122
Jan 2026
EngineN63TU1 CLASS ACTION SETTLEMENT SVC CAMPAIGN: OIL CONSUMPTION DIAGNOSIS/REPAIR
B010520
Jan 2024
Engine And Engine CoolingThe vehicle demonstrates a power loss and the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) on. The following fault codes may be stored in the DDE: 24CE00 Hot film air mass meter: Ratio of measured to calculated air mass too high 27F000 Charge air hose monitoring in idle: Charge air hose...
B510819
Jan 2024
VisibilityThe basic conditions for initializing the power windows are not met.
B611305
Jan 2024
Electrical SystemThe electrical system of BMW vehicles has been subject to an ongoing development process over the last few years. This has led to increased demands being placed on the battery.
B360121
Jan 2024
SteeringAt low outside temperatures (below 40 degrees F) and slow driving speeds (i.e. when parking, maneuvering)with a large steering angle, the front end can be slightly axially misaligned.
B320223
Jan 2024
SteeringSITUATION Unusual noises occur only when operating the steering column in the axial direction. 1. A one-time thump sound at the start of movement Shortly after the steering column starts moving, retracting, or extending, a one-time thump noise is heard.
B160623
Dec 2023
Fuel SystemEngine will crank but not start. There is no communication with the integrated fuel module (TFE) whendiagnosing with ISTA. The following two fault codes will be stored in the DME: 032B43 - Low fuel pressure system, electric fuel pump: pressure value too low CDA594 - Message (-...
B653423
Nov 2023
EquipmentCustomers may state that the alarm system (DWA) is not active after locking their unoccupied vehicle. Depending on the vehicle’s equipment and settings, no acoustic or optical confirmation (folding the mirrors/blinking confirmation) is noticeable.
B010919
Nov 2023
Engine And Engine CoolingDIESEL FUEL INJECTORS: LTD WTY EXTENSION TO 10 YEARS/120,000 MILES
B522319
Oct 2023
SeatsSecond seat row blocking access to third seat row, program seat modules. Visible stitching on first row sport seat. Third seat row backrest Bowden cable routing and length change.
B660523
Oct 2023
Forward Collision AvoidanceVarious functions of the camera-based driver assistance systems (ADCAM system) can lead to customer complaints.
B540421
Oct 2023
VisibilityThis situation can result in two customer complaints: 1. Wind noise 2. Excess water entry
B520121
Aug 2023
Seats?The front seat will not calibrate/initialize, and the stored faults cannot be deleted.
B010122
May 2023
EquipmentWith the court's FINAL approval, BMW of North America, LLC (BMW NA) has entered into a nationwide settlement with the plaintiffs in the following class action: Isley, et al. v. Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft and BMW of North America, LLC.
B514616
May 2023
StructureUpon opening and closing the tailgate, a creaking/groaning sound can be heard from tailgate actuator.
B651523
May 2023
Electrical SystemAfter programming the head unit (HU-H2), activating the FSC (German word Freischaltcode) Enabling Codes repeatedly fails.
B840822
Mar 2023
Electrical SystemThe 3G network in the US has been shut down. This means that only the 4G network will be available. In the 4G network, voice calls will be transferred via the Voice over LTE (VoLTE) function.
B010122
Dec 2022
EquipmentWith the court's FINAL approval, BMW of North America, LLC (BMW NA) has entered into a nationwide settlement with the plaintiffs in the following class action: Isley, et al. v. Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft and BMW of North America, LLC.
B010919
Dec 2022
Fuel SystemFor the eligible vehicles, BMW of North America, LLC (BMW NA) is extending the limited warranty for the vehicle's Fuel Injectors to 10 years/120,000 miles as determined by the vehicle's original in-service date.
B650414
Oct 2022
Air BagsAccording to the customer, the airbag warning light was on, but it may not be illuminated when the vehicle arrives in the workshop. 1. ACSM fault code "930A60 - Seat occupancy detection, front passenger; malfunction" is stored. The fault may or may not currently be present.
B170222
Sep 2022
Engine And Engine CoolingCoolant is leaking from under the car which is equipped with the S63 engine. A low coolant warning might also be displayed (CC Message ID166).
B520419
Sep 2022
SeatsThe driver's side (left rear) of the 60/40 split 2nd row seat may intermittently not fully latch into position on one side (inner rail).
B520422
Sep 2022
SeatsWhen returning the 2nd row seat 60% (left) side from Easy-Entry: The seat stops moving before reaching the final home position, a check control message (CCM) appears alerting the customer that the seat back is unlocked.
B520622
Sep 2022
SeatsWhen returning the 2nd row seat 40% (right) side from Easy-Entry: The seat stops moving before reaching the final home position, a check control message (CCM) appears alerting the customer that the seat back is unlocked.
B521919
Sep 2022
SeatsThe passenger's side (right rear) of the 60/40 split 2nd row seat may intermittently not fully latch into position on one side (inner rail).
B540421
Sep 2022
VisibilityThe front sunroof glass seal has shrunk, creating a gap which can cause wind noise or excess water entry.
B610120
Sep 2022
Electrical SystemCustomer is unable to power up or charge accessories through a plug adapter inserted in the front 12-volt power socket plug. Alternatively, it will only operate when constant downward hand pressure is maintained.
B662419
Sep 2022
EquipmentVehicle cannot be opened or closed using comfort access, engine start is not possible, and the vehicle may not start when placing the key against the steering column.
B662719
Sep 2022
Lane DepartureThe Lane Change Warning (LCW) yellow triangle symbol on either one, or both the exterior side view mirrors does not illuminate to alert the driver when it should.
SIB660322
Aug 2022
Electrical SystemDriver Assistance reduced checked control message (CCM) appears. All or some of the system functions maybe inoperative. The following fault will be stored: 481CC6.
SIB160222
Jul 2022
Fuel/Propulsion SystemThe fuel gauge may indicate the incorrect fuel level (full and reserve).
SIB011418
Jun 2022
Engine And Engine CoolingComponent specific limited warranty extension for the Exhaust Gas Recirculation Valve.
SIB650222
Jun 2022
Electrical SystemA check control message for the restraint system appears. In the Instrument cluster, the red air bag warning light lights up permanently.
SIB662419
Jun 2022
EquipmentVehicle cannot be opened or closed using comfort access, engine start is not possible, and the vehicle may not start when placing the key against the steering column. Note: Opening, closing and starting via the BMW Digital Key or the Digital Key Card are not affected.
SIB651312
May 2022
Electrical SystemThe Headunit High (HU-H), also called NBT, began replacing the Car Information Computer (CIC) on certain MY2013 vehicles with option 609 (as of 7/2012 production). This uses map North America NEXT.
SIB011918
May 2022
Engine And Engine CoolingComponent specific limited warranty extension. For the eligible vehicles, BMW of North America, LLC (BMW NA) is extending the limited warranty for the vehicle Nitrogen Oxide (NOx) Sensor(s) to: 10 years/120,000 miles as determined by the vehicle original in-service date.
B513019
Mar 2022
StructureA groaning noise is present from the door frame of any door, most commonly when driving over rough roads or during body flex. This situation may be worse in vehicles which are regularly waxed in the area of the door jamb.
B010122
Feb 2022
CommunicationBMW of North America, LLC (BMW NA) has entered into a nationwide settlement with the plaintiffs in the following class action: Isley, et al. v. BMW of North America, et al. The Court has granted final approval of the settlement.
B010222
Feb 2022
CommunicationBMW of North America, LLC (BMW NA) has entered into a nationwide settlement with the plaintiffs in the following class action: Isley, et al. v. BMW of North America, et al. The Court has granted final approval of the settlement.
B650518
Nov 2021
Air BagsThe red air bag warning light is illuminated.
B011921
Nov 2021
Electrical SystemFor the eligible vehicles with the Electrical Machine Electronics (EME) wiring harness connector (A190*1B), BMW of North America (BMW NA) is providing a repair-specific extended limited warranty to: 10 years/120,000 miles as determined by the vehicle's original in-service date.
B341019
Sep 2021
Service BrakesInform the customer during a consultation that the M Compound (standard equipment) and M Carbon Ceramic (optional) brakes are high-performance brake systems which are designed for sporty, dynamic driving styles.
B011417
Sep 2021
Fuel SystemFor the eligible vehicles, BMW of North America, LLC (BMW NA) is extending the limited warranty for the vehicle's engine high pressure fuel pump (shown) to: 10 years/120,000 miles as determined by the vehicle's original in-service date.
B651312
Sep 2021
EquipmentThe Headunit High (HU-H), also called NBT, began replacing the Car Information Computer (CIC) on certain MY2013 vehicles with option 609 (as of 7/2012 production). This uses map North America NEXT.
B341019
Jul 2021
Service BrakesInform the customer during a consultation that the M Compound (standard equipment) and M Carbon Ceramic (optional) brakes are high-performance brake systems which are designed for sporty, dynamic driving styles.
B840221
Jun 2021
EquipmentThe discontinuation of 3G cellular communication for Combox, TCB 3G and ATM 3G (Telematics ControlModule) can no longer be supported by the cellular network provider starting February 2022.
B840121
May 2021
EquipmentTELEMATICS UNIT DEACTIVATION DUE TO 3G CELLULAR TECHNOLOGY DISCONTINUATION: The discontinuation of 3G cellular communication for Combox, TCB 3G and ATM 3G (Telematics ControlModule) can no longer be supported by the cellular network provider starting February 2022.
B840221
May 2021
EquipmentTELEMATICS UNIT RETROFIT TO 4G CELLULAR TECHNOLOGY: The discontinuation of 3G cellular communication for Combox, TCB 3G and ATM 3G (Telematics ControlModule) can no longer be supported by the cellular network provider starting February 2022.
B340414
Apr 2021
Service BrakesDiagnosis of Compound Brake System Complaints in M Vehicles: 1. Visible cracks are caused by high thermal stresses during rapid heating and cooling of the brake discs.
B360121
Apr 2021
Equipment Adaptive/MobilityDiagnosis of Compound Brake System Complaints in M Vehicles: 1. Visible cracks are caused by high thermal stresses during rapid heating and cooling of the brake discs.
B010919
Nov 2020
Fuel SystemDIESEL FUEL INJECTORS: LTD WTY EXTENSION TO 10 YEARS/120,000 MILES: Zero-quantity adaptation injector cylinder 1: permitted filtered actuation duration 24BB00 correction too high zero-quantity adaptation injector cylinder 2: permitted filtered actuation duration 24BF00...
B340515
Nov 2020
Equipment Adaptive/MobilityTICKING NOISE FROM THE FRONT AXLE WHEN CORNERING: The customer may complain of a metallic ticking noise from the front axle, when cornering, maneuvering, parking or pulling away from a parking space.
B612315
Nov 2020
EquipmentLow Washer Fluid Warning Light is illuminated when the Washer Fluid Tank is Full: Low Washer Fluid Warning Light is illuminated when the Washer Fluid Tank is Full.There are no faults stored in the system for the washer fluid level switch.
B611820
Sep 2020
Electrical SystemBMW TURBOCORD PORTABLE EV 120 V/240 V CHARGER: The BMW-approved accessory TurboCord electric vehicle (EV) charger will not charge the vehicle.
B310112
Aug 2020
SuspensionCRACKING NOISES FROM THE FRONTAXLE AREA WHILE TURNING THE WHEELS, WHEN STATION: Cracking noises are heard from the front axle area while maneuvering at low speeds (e.g., parking lot maneuvers) or when turning the steering wheel while stationary.

Showing 60 of 359 distinct bulletins on file for this vehicle.

Before you buy this vehicle

A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.

  1. Sit in it with the engine off and test everything that has a switch.Windows, locks, lights, the cluster, the radio. Electrical faults are this vehicle's story and the hardest to see on a drive: an intermittent no-start waits for the second week of ownership. Ask for the battery's age and whether any control module has been replaced.
  2. Cold-start it yourself and listen for the first thirty seconds.Knocking, ticking that fades as it warms, or blue or white smoke on startup are the sounds of this vehicle's engine cluster. Check the oil level and the coolant color, and ask whether the engine or its head gaskets have ever been out.
  3. Drive it from a dead stop, twice, on a hill if you can.Shudder, hesitation, or a lurch under light throttle is how this vehicle's largest complaint cluster shows itself. Then ask for the transmission service history in writing; repeat repairs are a pattern, not a fluke.
  4. Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 5 recall campaigns on file. An open recall needs VIN-specific confirmation. Many are quick, no-charge fixes and worth negotiating over; an unresolved do-not-drive advisory, or a remedy the manufacturer has not yet made available, should stop the purchase until it is resolved.
  5. Ask the dealer whether the warranty extension on file still applies to this VIN.The manufacturer issued 5 warranty extensions for this vehicle (see the service bulletins section). Extended coverage often runs by years or miles from the original sale, and a repair the seller paid for may have been free.
  6. Ask for the service history in writing, then read it against this page.The complaint families above are where owners of this vehicle report trouble. Repairs in exactly those systems are evidence the car had the problem; no such repairs could mean it never developed it, or that it was never fixed. The test-drive items above are how you tell those apart.

Parts search directory

The generic parts list for this vehicle has its own page: a search launcher for every system, filtered by fuel type and era but not by engine, trim, or brake type. It is not a diagnosis and not a fitment guarantee.

Open the parts directory for this BMW X5 →