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FREE VEHICLE RESEARCH

The 2016 BMW X5 has 5 NHTSA safety recalls on file, 70 owner complaints, and gets about 20 mpg combined. Here's the full free record from NHTSA and the EPA.

FREE PUBLIC RECORD · U.S. GOVERNMENT DATA

2016 BMW X5

  • Engine 6-cyl 3L
  • Drive All-Wheel Drive
  • Fuel Premium
  • Body Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD

Should you worry?

Look closer

Something in the public record needs a closer look before you buy.

Caution

Are there open safety recalls?

5 open

Ask the seller for proof each was fixed. Repairs are free — and there’s also an open investigation.

Good

What do owners report?

2 injuries reported

2 of 70 reports (~3%). On a high-volume model that alone isn’t unusual — look for patterns below.

Good

How did it score in crash tests?

5 out of 5 stars

5 is best. This model scored well in government crash tests.

Open recalls · nearby years

Same make and model. This car is the 2016.

  • 20148recalls
  • 20156recalls
  • 2016 · this car5recalls
  • 20176recalls

Based on free U.S. government safety data · checked August 2, 2026.

SAFETY

Will it protect people in a crash?

These are government crash-test scores. 5 stars is best. They rate this year and model, not your exact car.

Overall
5 / 5 stars
Frontal
5 / 5 stars
Side
5 / 5 stars
Side pole
5 / 5 stars
Rollover
4 / 5 stars

Factory safety & driver-assist equipment

Stability control
Standard
Government crash-test photo
Photo from a government crash test of this model

Tested as: 2016 BMW X5 SUV AWD · 2 versions tested

Open safety recalls

5 open

A recall means the manufacturer must fix a safety problem for free at a dealer. Ask the seller for proof the work was done.

  1. Engine And Engine Cooling

    25/10/2018

    BMW 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.

    How they fix it: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the EGR cooler as necessary. If a leak has already occurred, the engine intake manifold will also be replaced. These repairs will be made free of charge. The recall began May 13, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

  2. Fuel System, Diesel

    19/11/2021

    BMW 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.

    How they fix it: Dealers will replace the EGR cooler and inspect the intake manifold, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. This recall includes all vehicles previously recalled under 18V-755. Vehicles previously recalled under 18V-755 will need to have the new remedy performed for this recall. An interim owner notification letter was mailed on January 18, 2022. The remedy is expected to be available in June 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 6, 2022. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

  3. Fuel System, Diesel

    29/07/2021

    BMW 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.

    How they fix it: Dealers will replace the high-pressure fuel pump, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on January 14, 2022. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

  4. Electrical System

    21/12/2016

    BMW 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.

    How they fix it: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will tighten the ground cable, free of charge. The recall began February 6, 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

  5. Engine And Engine Cooling

    13/08/2024

    BMW 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.

    How they fix it: Dealers will inspect and replace the water pump and plug connector as necessary, and install a protective shield, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 28, 2025. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

The government also has an open investigation on this model. Look it up on nhtsa.gov before you buy.

From NHTSA (U.S. safety agency) · checked August 2, 2026.

OWNERS

What problems do owners report?

People file these with the government when something goes wrong. They show patterns, not a diagnosis of any one car for sale.

Owner reports · nearby years

Same make and model. This car is the 2016.

  • 201498reports
  • 2015149reports
  • 2016 · this car70reports
  • 201773reports

70 owner reports on file

3 crash mentions 2 injury mentions

Parts mentioned most often. Longer bar = more reports. Counts are out of 70 total reports.

  • UNKNOWN OR OTHER 13 of 70

    Spontaneous sunroof shatter.

  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 11 of 70

    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 cha

  • POWER TRAIN 9 of 70

    Fuel injectors, transfer case prop shaft

  • ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 7 of 70

    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

  • AIR BAGS 4 of 70

    During a recent auto collision my airbags did not deploy. I swerved to avoid another vehicle entering the intersection from my left, he hit my rear left driver's side quarter panel and I subsequently hit a tree. This was noted by the parame

  • ENGINE 4 of 70

    I am reporting a safety issue related to the BMW recall 18V-755 affecting the EGR cooler on my 2016 BMW X5 diesel. My vehicle experienced symptoms consistent with a failing EGR cooler, including coolant loss and engine warning lights. Desp

Bars are sized relative to the most-mentioned part on this list, not to 100% of all cars.

From NHTSA owner complaints · checked August 2, 2026. Anyone can file a report; they are not verified repairs.

FUEL COST

What does it cost to drive?

EPA estimates for this year and model. Your real cost depends on gas prices, how you drive, and how far you go.

Showing

Figures below are for the xDrive35i version.

Combined MPG · nearby years

Same make and model. This car is the 2016.

  • 201422mpg
  • 201516mpg
  • 2016 · this car20mpg
  • 201716mpg

$3,800

estimated fuel cost per year if you drive about 15,000 miles

Miles per gallon. Higher is cheaper to drive.

City driving 18 mpg
Highway driving 24 mpg
Combined (typical mix) 20 mpg

Over 5 years, compared to an average new car

This model is estimated to cost about $8,000 more on fuel.

Spends more Saves more

From EPA fueleconomy.gov · checked August 2, 2026.

HOW IT WAS BUILT

Factory details

What’s on the build record for this VIN or model.

Engine

6-cyl 3L

Drivetrain

All-Wheel Drive

Transmission

Automatic (S8)

Fuel

Premium

See all factory details (7)
Engine
6-cyl 3L
Cylinders
6
Displacement
3 L
Drivetrain
All-Wheel Drive
Transmission
Automatic (S8)
Body
Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
Fuel
Premium

From EPA and NHTSA vehicle records · checked August 2, 2026.

What this free check does not include

We only show free U.S. government data: safety recalls, owner reports, crash tests, and fuel economy. We do not show prior accidents, flood or salvage titles, odometer rollback, insurance history, or a “should you buy” verdict on a specific listing. For that kind of check on one car for sale, use the VINly app.

BEFORE YOU BUY

What to check on this car

Confirm the recalls were fixed

This model has 5 open NHTSA recalls (including the engine and engine cooling). Recall repairs are free at the dealer, so ask the seller for proof the remedy was performed, or verify by VIN at nhtsa.gov before you buy.

Watch for a pending investigation

NHTSA has an open investigation covering this model. A recall can follow an investigation, so check nhtsa.gov for the latest before you commit.

  • Test-drive the basics

    Cold start, full-lock steering both ways, firm brakes with no pulsing, smooth shifts, and every electronic feature. Warning lights should come on at key-on, then go out.

  • Check the title and the VIN

    Confirm the title status in hand matches the listing, and that the VIN matches across the dash, door jamb, and title. VINly does not show ownership or accident history, for that, run a paid report like Carfax.

  • Ask the seller the right questions

    Why they are selling, any service records, accident or panel-repaint history, how many owners, and whether any open recalls were completed.

See the full used-car inspection checklist. None of this replaces a hands-on inspection by a mechanic.

FOR SALE NEAR YOU

2016 BMW X5 listings

    Quick answers

    What is recalled on the 2016 BMW X5? +

    NHTSA lists 5 safety recalls for the 2016 BMW X5, including the engine and engine cooling. See the full list above, and confirm by VIN at nhtsa.gov.

    What gas mileage does the 2016 BMW X5 get? +

    The EPA rates the 2016 BMW X5 at 20 mpg combined (18 city / 24 highway), about $3,800 a year in fuel.

    How safe is the 2016 BMW X5? +

    NHTSA's NCAP program gives the 2016 BMW X5 5 out of 5 stars overall, with 4 stars for rollover resistance.

    What do owners complain about on the 2016 BMW X5? +

    Owners have filed 70 complaints with NHTSA for the 2016 BMW X5, including 3 involving a crash. The most-reported area is unknown or other.

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