Complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | vs. typical* | Recalls | Top problem | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 3 | 2.5× | 2 | Body | Few |
| 2025 | 1 | 1.2× | 4 | Collision Avoidance | Few |
| 2024 | 9 | 3.7× | 5 | Brake | Average |
| 2022 | 5 | typical | 1 | Brake | Few |
| 2021 | 7 | 1.5× | 7 | Collision Avoidance | Average |
| 2020 | 9 | 1.5× | 10 | Electrical | Average |
| 2019 | 5 | typical | 4 | Engine | Average |
| 2018 | 4 | −48% | 4 | Brake | Good |
| 2017 | 3 | −71% | 2 | Airbag | Good |
| 2016 | 9 | −29% | 1 | Transmission | Average |
| 2015 | 9 | −29% | 1 | Engine | Average |
| 2014 | 11 | −21% | 4 | Airbag | Average |
| 2013 | 26 | 2.4× | 6 | Airbag | Caution |
| 2012 | 32 | 2.5× | 10 | Engine | Avoid |
| 2011 | 32 | 2.5× | 12 | Engine | Avoid |
| 2010 | 16 | 1.3× | 9 | Engine | Average |
| 2009 | 22 | 1.8× | 11 | Engine | Caution |
| 2008 | 5 | −57% | 9 | Airbag | Good |
* Complaints compared with the median X6 year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.
Most common BMW X6 problems
Latest BMW X6 recalls
Electronic stability control (ESC)
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2025 Mini Cooper S, Mini Countryman S All4, X2, 2024 Rolls-Royce Spectre, 2023-2025 i7, 7 Series, X7, 2024-2025 i5, 5 Series, 2023-2024 XM, X1, 2024-2025 X6, and X5 vehicles.
Remedy: The Integrated brake system will be inspected and, if necessary, replaced, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed August 21, 2026.
Air bags › Critical fasteners
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2026 X6, X7, X5, and X5 Plug-In Hybrid vehicles. The instrument panel may have been manufactured incorrectly and prevent the passenger-side air bag from deploying properly.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the instrument panel trim, free of charge. The vehicles have not been sold from dealer inventory and therefore, no owner letters will be mailed.
Visibility › Windshield › Critical fasteners
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2026 X4 and X6 vehicles. The windshield may not be sealed properly, allowing water to enter the power distribution box or electronic control unit.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect, reseal the windshield, and replace the vehicle control unit and wiring, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed November 21, 2025.
Electrical system › Starter assembly
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020 340I, X6, 2020-2025 840I, 2020-2022 740LI, 2019-2020 X7, and X5 vehicles. After repeated attempts, the starter motor may overheat from an electrical overload.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the engine starter, free of charge. This recall includes vehicles repaired under recall 24V576 and those owners will need to have their vehicle repaired again.
Electronic stability control (ESC)
BMW of North America, LLC. (BMW) is recalling certain 2023-2024 X1, X5, X6, X7, XM, 530i, i5, 740i, 760i, i7, and 750e vehicles. Please see the recall report for a complete list of models and model years.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the integrated brake module, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters notifying owners of the safety risk are expected to be mailed November 22, 2024.
Frequently asked questions
What years of the BMW X6 should you avoid?
2011, 2012, 2013 and 2009 — these years have the most complaints relative to other X6 years at the same age, led by engine & cooling problems in the 2011.
What is the best year for the BMW X6?
2017 has the fewest complaints compared with other X6 years at the same age, followed by 2018 and 2015. Newer years can look better simply because fewer complaints have come in yet, so we compare like with like.
What are the most common BMW X6 problems?
Across all years, owners report the most problems with the engine & cooling (72), transmission & drivetrain (38) and air bags (35). Engine complaints peak in the 2011 model year.
How many recalls has the BMW X6 had?
46 recalls across 2008–2026. The model year with the most is 2011. See all BMW X6 recalls by year.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.