Most common 2016 BMW X6 problems
Share of the 9 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
BMW X6 complaints by model year
Best X6 years: 2017, 2018, 2015. Years to avoid: 2011, 2012, 2013, 2009. Compare all years →
2016 BMW X6 recalls (1)
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.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will weld a reinforcing bracket to the lower anchor bars and the vehicle body, free of charge. Owner notification began January 17, 2020.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into a possible defect involving the 2016 BMW X6:
Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
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.
What 2016 BMW X6 owners say
Transmission & drivetrain
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.
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. …
2016 BMW X6 engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | 8-speed automatic | RWD | 18 / 25 / 21 |
| 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | 8-speed automatic | AWD | 18 / 24 / 20 |
| 4.4L 8-cyl turbo | 8-speed automatic | AWD | 15 / 21 / 17 |
EPA ratings. Class: SUV.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2016 BMW X6 a good car?
Based on 9 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2016 X6 rates average: 29% fewer complaints than a typical year of the X6 at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2016 BMW X6?
The transmission & drivetrain — 3 complaints, 33% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the electrical system (2) and stability & traction control (1).
How many recalls does the 2016 BMW X6 have?
There is 1 recall for the 2016 BMW X6, the most recent from November 18, 2019 (child seat). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the BMW X6?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2017, 2018 and 2015. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2009. See the full BMW X6 years comparison.
At what mileage do 2016 BMW X6 problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 48,000 miles; 57% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
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.