Photo: EurovisionNim / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Wikimedia Commons
2016 BMW X5: common problems and reliability
· F15One of the better X5 years.
74 owner complaints, most about electrical system. 5 recalls.
Should I buy a 2016 X5?The 2016 BMW X5 has 74 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 5 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are electrical system and engine. Owners most often flag n55 oil leaks, including turbo oil feed lines.
Safety record for the 2016 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2016 BMW X5 vehicles (US, public record).
The Year Score compares this year with other X5 years only. How we score it
Is 2016 a good year for the X5?
Across the 27 X5 model years we track, complaint volume runs from 29 (2000) to 1,120 (2011). With 74 complaints, the 2016 X5 sits below the model's median of 143.
These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.
Where owners report problems
Recalls affecting the 2016 X5
engine and engine cooling:exhaust system:emission control:gas recirculation valve (egr valve)
Campaign 18V755000BMW 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 xDrive28d SAV and 2014-2017 X5 xDrive35d SAV vehicles equipped with an Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) module with an integrated cooler. If the EGR cooler leaks internally, the coolant can mix with diesel engine soot. The high EGR temperatures may result in these particles possibly smoldering and melting the intake manifold.
fuel system, diesel
Campaign 21V907000BMW 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 2014-2017 X5 xDrive35d SAV diesel vehicles equipped with an Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) module with an integrated cooler. The EGR cooler may leak internally, causing coolant to mix with diesel engine soot, which could result in smoldering particles and a melting intake manifold.
fuel system, diesel:delivery:fuel pump
Campaign 21V586000BMW 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.
electrical system:wiring
Campaign 16V919000BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2016 X5 xDrive40e vehicles manufactured July 29, 2015, to September 9, 2015. The affected vehicles have a Digital Motor Electronic (DME) control unit that may have a loose electrical ground cable, possibly causing an under-voltage condition which would result in the transmission shifting to neutral.
Show 1 more recall
engine and engine cooling:cooling system:pump
Campaign 24V608000BMW 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, 328xi Gran Turismo, 2013-2017 X3 sDrive28i, X3 xDrive28i, 2015-2018 X4 xDrive28i, 2015-2016 428xi vehicles. An improperly sealed electrical connector on the water pump may be exposed to water and short circuit.
What owners report on the F15 X5
Owners generally view the F15 X5 as a solid, capable SUV when equipped with the right engine and properly maintained.
- RecurrentN55 oil leaks, including turbo oil feed lines
- RecurrentN55 turbo issues approaching 100,000 miles
- RecurrentV8 (N63/N63TU) oil consumption and head gasket issues
- RecurrentDiesel CP4 fuel pump failure
Which can send metal through the fuel system and damage the timing chain.
- IsolatedN55 charge pipe failure under high boost
Owner insights for the F15 X5. Read the full F15 owner report.
Typical used price
Used X5 listings typically run $16,974–$41,853.
Other X5 model years
Compare every X5 year side by side to see how 2016 ranks against the rest.
Compare the X5 against its rivals
Looking at a specific car?
We're building a full check by VIN: the exact trim and engine, its known problems and recalls, what to inspect, a fair price, and how it compares with its rivals. Get an email when it's ready.
One email when it launches. Unsubscribe any time. Privacy