Avoid: 2012, 2006, 2005 (lowest Year Scores on complaints per year on the road, crash reports and recalls)
Best: 2016 (few owner reports)
15 model years of NHTSA owner complaints and recalls · How we grade
Across 13 model years, the BMW 6 Series has 278 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 28 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are engine and electrical system. 2013 drew the most complaints (60), 2019 the fewest (4).
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for BMW 6 Series vehicles (US, public record). Typical used asking price $13,528–$23,393.
Complaint volume by model year. Raw NHTSA totals, not adjusted for sales volume or time on the road, so older and higher-selling years accumulate more. Every year links to its full breakdown.
Highest: 2013 (60 complaints). Lowest: 2019 (4).
Sentiment is mixed and heavily dependent on the specific generation and powertrain. The 6 Series is widely admired for its styling, described as "sexy" and "beautiful," and is considered a desirable, emotional purchase.
Oil leaks, cooling system failures, requiring tows.
Issues with coding, telematics (e.g., 3G module obsolescence), and various control modules.
Described as "plagued with issues.".
Owner insights cover all generations of the 6 Series. Individual model years are broken down above.
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