2016 Bmw X5 Engine Problems
10 owner-reported engine complaints from NHTSA data
Data sourced from NHTSA public database. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified mechanic.
Engine Recalls (2)
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:GAS RECIRCULATION VALVE (EGR VALVE)
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.
Fix: 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.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:PUMP
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.
Fix: 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.
Owner Complaints (10)
Your 2016 BMW X5 diesel has experienced coolant loss and engine warning lights related to a failing EGR cooler, which is covered under BMW recall 18V-755. BMW has denied coverage despite your vehicle being eligible for the recall, and the EGR cooler has already been replaced twice without resolving the issue. A leaking EGR cooler can allow coolant to mix with engine soot, creating a potential fire risk. The fix will likely involve inspecting why previous replacements failed and installing a properly functioning replacement EGR cooler.
Parts you may need:
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Your engine is triggering multiple warning lights related to the crankshaft sensor, catalytic converter, and oxygen sensor, along with malfunctions in the drive train and start/stop system. With 97,000 miles on your vehicle, the BMW dealer is refusing to cover repairs under warranty, claiming the emissions warranty expired at 80,000 miles—even though BMW has issued a technical service bulletin (TSB) for this exact issue on your model year. The dealer's warranty denial may not be valid given the published TSB, and you may want to escalate this with BMW corporate or seek a second opinion from another dealer. A proper fix will likely involve diagnosing and replacing the crankshaft sensor, catalytic converter, and oxygen sensor as needed.
Parts you may need:
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Your transmission unexpectedly downshifted while driving, and you noticed an unknown liquid leaking under your vehicle along with a check engine warning light. Your vehicle is part of a recall (NHTSA Campaign 24V608000) involving the engine, cooling system, and electrical system, but the required repair parts aren't yet available from BMW, and the dealer hasn't been able to diagnose the issue yet.
Parts you may need:
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Your 2016 BMW X5 is subject to a recall (Campaign 24V608000) involving the engine cooling and electrical systems. However, the replacement part needed to complete the repair hasn't been available for what you believe is an unreasonably long time. BMW is aware of the parts shortage issue. The repair would involve replacing or servicing the engine cooling and electrical components as specified in the recall.
Parts you may need:
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Your check engine warning light came on when you tried to start your 2016 BMW X5. A dealer told you the vehicle needs diagnosis and the battery needs to be registered, but you didn't take it in for service. Your vehicle's VIN wasn't included in a BMW recall (24V608000) for engine and electrical system issues. The problem happened at 121,000 miles. Getting the vehicle diagnosed at a dealer can identify what's triggering the check engine light and whether the battery needs replacement or registration.
Parts you may need:
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Your BMW X5 is subject to a recall (Campaign 24V608000) affecting the engine and electrical system, but the required repair part is currently unavailable from the manufacturer. You've been waiting longer than a reasonable timeframe for the recall to be completed. While you haven't experienced an actual failure yet, the manufacturer is aware of the parts shortage issue. The repair will likely involve replacing or updating engine and electrical system components once parts become available.
Parts you may need:
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Your BMW X5 is under recall (Campaign 24V608000) for an engine and electrical system issue, but the replacement part isn't available yet from the manufacturer. You've been waiting longer than seems reasonable for the dealer to complete the repair, and BMW hasn't been notified of your concern about the delay. The fix will likely involve replacing or updating engine and electrical components once parts become available.
Parts you may need:
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2016 BMW X5. CONSUMER WRITES SEEKING REIMBURSEMENT FOR DEF TRANSFER PUMP REPAIR.
Oil leak leads to car smoking (but not overheating( while driving or parked. Leak was not caused by owner and same oil leak without car overheating apparent in partner's BMW car. This suggests fundamental issue with BMW not the ower, which BMW should repair without cost to the owner.
IT'S BEEN OVER A YEAR WITH NO REPAIRS ON THE CAR. WE'VE TRIED TO TRADE IT OFF AT A DEALERSHIP AND THEY REFUSED TO EVEN TAKEN IT IN ON A TRADE BECAUSE THERE IS NO FIX. WE ARE BEING HELD HOSTAGE IN A VEHICLE THAT IS NOW WORTH NOTHING BECAUSE THEY WONT' FIX IT. EVERY TIME WE HAVE IT SERVICED THE COOLANT IS LOW BUT CONTINUE TO SAY ENGINE TESTS FINE.