Owners have filed 11 complaints
about the 2016 BMW X6 with NHTSA between 2017 and 2025.
The largest single group is the transmission & drivetrain.
Across this model's run it ranks 8 of 11 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 23
Against the median year of the BMW X6. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 47
9.1% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 76
44% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade:
A
B
C
D
F
ungraded
What breaks on a 2016 BMW X6
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
Transmission & Drivetrain
327.3%
Median failure at 150,000 miles
Electrical System
218.2%
Median failure at 82,000 miles
Other & Unspecified
19.1%
Median failure at 10 miles
Stability & Traction Control
19.1%
Median failure at 6,000 miles
Wheels
19.1%
Median failure at 10 miles
Suspension
19.1%
Median failure at 48,000 miles
Steering
19.1%
Median failure at 52,000 miles
Engine & Cooling
19.1%
Median failure at 130,000 miles
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
222.2%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
111.1%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
222.2%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
111.1%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
222.2%
150,000+ miles
111.1%
NHTSA crash tests
The agency crash-tested this model year itself. These are its own
photographs and star ratings.
Configuration
Overall
Front
Side
Rollover
2016 BMW X6 SUV AWD
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—
—
—
2016 BMW X6 SUV RWD
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When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Mar 2017peak 2Oct 2025
NHTSA investigations into the 2016 BMW X6
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.C...
Recalls on the 2016 BMW X6
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 2024544587,250 units in Canada
Label
Issue: On certain vehicles, the tire and loading information label does not list that there is no spare tire in both official languages. The label reads as "NONE" when it should read as "NONE / AUCUN". Canadian regulations require the information to be listed on the label in both English and French. Safety Risk: This error does not affect vehicle safety. Corrective Actions: This is not a recall. The company has corrected the tire and loading information label for all new vehicles.
Recall 20195825,139 units in Canada
Structure
Issue: On certain vehicles, the attachment points for the lower universal anchorage system (for attaching a child seat) could be damaged over time. As a result, a child seat may come loose. Safety Risk: A child seat that is not properly secured could create an increased risk of injury in a crash. Corrective Actions: BMW will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your vehicle to a dealer to add a reinforcing bracket to the lower anchor bars and the vehicle body.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 48,000 milesChicago, IL1 injured
SUSPENSION
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
NHTSA complaint #11399512 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 52,000 milesFairfield, CA
STEERING
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.
NHTSA complaint #11696408 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Houston, TX
POWER 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.
NHTSA complaint #11657880 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 130,000 milesFairburn, GA
ELECTRICAL 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.
NHTSA complaint #11637573 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 130,000 milesFairburn, GA
ENGINE 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.
NHTSA complaint #11637573 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 150,000 milesColumbia, MD
POWER 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.
NHTSA complaint #11575842 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 34,000 milesAlabaster, AL
ELECTRICAL 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 shining on the vehicle.
NHTSA complaint #11509276 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Chester, PA
POWER 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
NHTSA complaint #11451818 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 48,000 milesChicago, IL1 injured
SUSPENSION
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
NHTSA complaint #11399512 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 10 milesEL Paso, TX
WHEELS
'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.
NHTSA complaint #11251904 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 10 milesEL Paso, TX
UNKNOWN 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.
NHTSA complaint #11251904 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 6,000 milesBronx, NY
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
STEERING TURN ALL THE WAY TO LEFT SHAKES AS WELL.
NHTSA complaint #10967613 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.