BMW X6 · model year

2016 BMW X6

11 NHTSA complaints, and 1 active recall for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

Not crash-tested

New Car Assessment Program

The 2016BMWX6 carries 11 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 0 crashes, 0 fires, 1 injury, and 0 fatalities. For crash performance, NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gave this cohort an overall Not Rated/5 rating, with Not Rated/5 front crash, Not Rated/5 side crash, and Not Rated/5 rollover scores derived from standardized barrier and dynamic tests.

Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2016 X6 is power train with 3 filings, followed by electronic stability control (esc) (1) and wheels (1). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 1 active recall campaign, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle, the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.

NHTSA currently has 34 investigation files overlapping the 2016 X6. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page, a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.

11
Complaints
0
Crashes
0
Fires
1
Injuries
0
Deaths

Total Complaints

11 filings

Crashes Reported

0 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

At or below the fleet median complaint volume.

NHTSA NCAP overall: Not Rated/5 - Not rated · Front: Not Rated/5 · Side: Not Rated/5 · Rollover: Not Rated/5

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
POWER TRAIN3
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)1
WHEELS1
UNKNOWN OR OTHER1
SUSPENSION1
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL1
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING1
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1
STEERING1

Recalls (1)

19V82300018/11/2019

CHILD SEAT

BMW of North America, LLC. (BMW) is recalling certain 2015-2019 X6 sDrive35i, X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i, and X6M vehicles equipped with rear seat lower anchor bars used in securing child restraint seats. The lower anchor bars may become damaged over time when used with an ISOFIX-type, rigid-style

Recent Complaints

20251029STEERING

The contact owns a 2016 BMW X6. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the steering wheel failed to function as intended. The vehicle was parked inside the garage, and the contact was unable to turn to the right or the left. The message "Power Steering Lock" was displayed on the instrument panel. The contact stated that a mobile mechanic inspected the vehicle and used a personal OBD scanner to retrieve a fault code for the electronic power steering (EPS) not communicating as needed. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V704000 (STEERING). However, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 52,000.

Mileage: 52,000

20250430POWER TRAIN

I am reaching out regarding a serious issue with my 2016 BMW X6 M, which suffered a driveshaft failure. I understand that certain BMW models were recalled for similar issues, but my vehicle was not included. Given the severity of the damage and the number of similar complaints online, I believe this issue warrants further review. Recently, while driving on the freeway, my vehicle experienced a sudden failure, requiring it to be towed to a repair shop. There were no warnings or indications that anything was wrong. Upon inspection, the mechanics determined that the driveshaft had come loose, causing extensive damage to the undercarriage and transmission. Due to the severity of the issue, which literally renders my car as a complete loss due to a repair bill over $35,000. I am reaching out to you for assistance. I also contacted BMW's customer relations line which followed a standard script indicating that there were no recalls and no acceptance of any responsibility.

20250122ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

The contact owns a 2016 BMW X6. The contact stated that the vehicle was running rough, with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact used a vehicle scanner and retrieved diagnostic trouble codes indicating a misfire in cylinder number #5, and the water pump had failed due to a ground short circuit failure. The contact replaced the spark plugs and recharged the battery, and the check engine warning light was reset; however, the vehicle scanner continued to retrieve diagnostic trouble codes indicating the water pump failure due to the short circuit of the electrical ground. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.

Mileage: 130,000

20250122ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The contact owns a 2016 BMW X6. The contact stated that the vehicle was running rough, with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact used a vehicle scanner and retrieved diagnostic trouble codes indicating a misfire in cylinder number #5, and the water pump had failed due to a ground short circuit failure. The contact replaced the spark plugs and recharged the battery, and the check engine warning light was reset; however, the vehicle scanner continued to retrieve diagnostic trouble codes indicating the water pump failure due to the short circuit of the electrical ground. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.

Mileage: 130,000

20240306POWER TRAIN

The contact owns a 2016 BMW X6. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, there was an abnormal sound coming from the front of the vehicle. The contact pulled off the road. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to local mechanic who informed the contact that the driveshaft had detached from the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V138000 (Power Train) as a possible solution however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 150,000.

Mileage: 150,000

20230227ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL

The contact owns a 2016 BMW X6. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact attempted to use the turn signal while making a right turn however, the system failed to operate as needed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the Instrument panel failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The contact stated that the instrument panel intermittently illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where it was diagnosed but the failure could not be duplicated. The contact was concerned that the instrument panel could fail to display safety warnings. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was advised to contact the dealer. No further assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 34,000. The consumer stated after replacing the instrument cluster, the dash dims and brightens for no reason. And dims when no sunlight is shini

Mileage: 34,000

20220214POWER TRAIN

I was driving down the street and the drive shaft broke and when that broke it hit my exhaust and broke my transmission cooler

20210306SUSPENSION

ON MANY BMW CARS YOU WILL SEE REPORTS OF THE AIR SUSPENSION FAILING. MINE FAILED DAYS AFTER THE WARRANTY EXPIRED BUT WITH LESS MILES THAN IN THE WARRANTY. STILL A LOW 4 FIGURE COST TO THE CONSUMER TO FIX. THIS SHOULD FIXED VIA A RECALL AND CONSUMERS REIMBURSED FOR COSTS ASSOCIATED. THIS PROBLEM IS EXPERIENCED BY THOUSANDS OF BMW OWNERS. IT CAUSES A LESS THAN SAFE OPERATION OF VEHICLE OR AN INOPERABLE VEHICLE. MY HEAD AND NECK WERE INJURED WHILE GOING 20MPH

Mileage: 48,000

20190828WHEELS

'TAKATA RECALL' I WAS DRIVING MY 2016 BMW X6 XDRIVE 50I ON HIGHWAY ALL OF A SUDDEN, I HEARD A HITTING SOUND UNDER THE CAR. I PULLED OVER TO THE SHOULDER AND I REALIZED FRONT DRIVESHAFT HAD BROKEN OFF. FORTUNATELY, TRAFFIC WAS HEAVY AND MOVING SLOW THIS ALLOWED ME TO PULL OVER SAFELY.

Mileage: 10

20190828UNKNOWN OR OTHER

'TAKATA RECALL' I WAS DRIVING MY 2016 BMW X6 XDRIVE 50I ON HIGHWAY ALL OF A SUDDEN, I HEARD A HITTING SOUND UNDER THE CAR. I PULLED OVER TO THE SHOULDER AND I REALIZED FRONT DRIVESHAFT HAD BROKEN OFF. FORTUNATELY, TRAFFIC WAS HEAVY AND MOVING SLOW THIS ALLOWED ME TO PULL OVER SAFELY.

Mileage: 10

20170321ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

STEERING TURN ALL THE WAY TO LEFT SHAKES AS WELL.

Mileage: 6,000

Compare 2016BMWX6 to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations

View all investigations

Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2016 BMW X6 have?
The 2016 BMW X6 has 11 NHTSA complaints, 0 crashes, 0 fires, 1 injuries, and 0 deaths reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2016 BMW X6?
The 2016 BMW X6 received an overall NHTSA safety rating of Not Rated/5, front crash rating of Not Rated/5, side crash rating of Not Rated/5, and rollover rating of Not Rated/5.
Are there any recalls for the 2016 BMW X6?
Yes, the 2016 BMW X6 has 1 recall(s). The most common affected component is CHILD SEAT. Recalls are issued by NHTSA and manufacturers must provide a free remedy.
What are the most common problems with the 2016 BMW X6?
The most-complained component for the 2016 BMW X6 is POWER TRAIN with 3 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) and WHEELS.
Is the 2016 BMW X6 safe to buy?
Review the complaint history, crash and fire reports, safety ratings, and recall status on this page to make an informed decision. The 2016 BMW X6 has an NHTSA safety rating of Not Rated/5. Compare with other model years using the links above.
Where does this data come from?
All complaint, recall, and safety rating data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are filed by vehicle owners through NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation.

Vehicle Safety Guides

Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.