The Lemon Index2016 BMW X5.
The 2016 BMW X5 is one of the most reliable years by owner complaints: 16 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 32, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about body structure, it has 5 recalls, and it gets 16 to 25 mpg combined. The best BMW X5 year is 2010.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
Fixes owners look up most.
From 100 YouTube videos about the 2014–2018 BMW X5, 21.3M views. The 2016 is the same generation.
- Oil changes & service577K views
BMW oil service reset // 2014-2018 X5 and X6 ( F15/F16 chassis) HOW TOOThe Driver Mod · 295K views · 3 videos - Driveshaft, axles & 4x4286K views
BMW 2004-2010 X3 Transfer Case Actuator & Fluid Replacement DIY (BMW E83 X3, 2004-2014 X5, 08-14 X6)FCP Euro · 286K views - Steering & suspension221K views
BMW X5 Front Control Arms Replacement DIY (2014-2018 BMW F15 X5 & F16 X6)FCP Euro · 128K views · 3 videos - Timing chain & engine110K views
BMW X5 Suspension Diagnostic & Maintenance Guide (2014-2018 BMW F15 X5 & F16 X6)FCP Euro · 70K views · 2 videos
Show 2 more
- Infotainment, battery & electrical106K views
How To Change A 2014 - 2023 BMW X5 Remote Key Fob Battery - Remove, Replace Replacement BatteriesPYR Automotive · 106K views - Intake, EGR & engine sensors39K views
BMW X5 CODE P0171, CODE P0174 FIX EXPLAINED, BMW E70 E53 F15Electrical Car Repair LIVE · 39K views
Before you buy, watch
BMW X5 SUV (2013-2018) review - Carbuyer / Mat WatsonCarbuyer · 1.8M views
Air Suspension Problems On Your F15 BMW X5? Must Watch!Vehicular DIY · 418K views
BMW X5 Buyer's Guide (2014-2018)- F15 & F85 - Models, Options, Engines, Transmissions, & CompetitionFCP Euro · 284K viewsViews show how many people looked up each fix, not how often it breaks. Videos belong to their creators; we link to them.
How serious. Out of 74 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every BMW X5 year. 2016 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 11K to 70K miles on the car (32 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
Recalls 5
- engine 2024
An improperly sealed electrical connector on the water pump may be exposed to water and short circuit.
- fuel system, diesel 2021
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 2021
The high-pressure fuel pump may fail.
Show all 5 recalls
- engine 2018
If the EGR cooler leaks internally, the coolant can mix with diesel engine soot.
- electrical 2016
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 neutr…
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems BMW told dealers about
BMW sent dealers 362 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- ?n63t and s63t engine: valve seal replacement
- "airbag warning light: acsm fc 930a60 or 930a1c seat occupancy detection
- "headlight assemblies have visible internal moisture/condensation
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Government investigations
- OpenHigh pressure fuel pump failure2023
- OpenDesiccated air bag inflator rupture2021
- ClosedPedestrian alert sounds2023
NHTSA looks into a problem when enough owners report it. Many end in a recall.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BMW X5 SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| BMW X5 SUV RWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $3300–5000 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 2.0L 4-cyl, 3.0L 6-cyl, 4.4L 8-cyl.
In owners' words
While driving down the highway, without overpasses or cliffs near, the sunroof exploded outward, and raining glass down on to the passengers. The temperature was moderate. Vehicle has approx 6000 miles.
2016 BMW X5 owner · NHTSA complaint 10979007
More owner reports
The panoramic sunroof shattered after closing the driver door from the inside. The car had been sitting in the middle of a parking lot.
NHTSA complaint 11229656
Quick answers
Is the 2016 BMW X5 reliable?
Yes, it is one of the most reliable by government complaints. It drew 3.1× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 32; 100 is average, lower is better). The best BMW X5 year by this measure is 2010.
What are the most common 2016 BMW X5 problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are body structure (12%), wipers & visibility (12%) and visibility (6%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2016 BMW X5 have?
5 safety recalls (latest: engine). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2016 BMW X5 get?
16 to 25 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2016 BMW X5 safe?
NHTSA gave it 5 out of 5 stars overall in its best tested version. Ratings differ by body style, and the full table is on the advanced page.
At what mileage do 2016 BMW X5 problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 11,200 and 70,800 miles. The middle report was at 52,000 miles, from 32 complaints.
Does the 2016 BMW X5 have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues aren't among its top 5 complaint areas.
How much does the 2016 BMW X5 cost in fuel a year?
About $3300 to $5000 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2016 BMW X5 have?
2.0L 4-cyl, 3.0L 6-cyl, 4.4L 8-cyl.
What BMW X5 year is better than the 2016?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2010, 2016 and 2015.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works