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2016 BMW 3 Series problems, recalls and owner complaints
What the 2016 BMW 3 Series has been recalled for, how often it fails the UK MOT and what owners report, from official government data. Updated October 25, 2026.
- 0safety recalls
- 93owner complaints
- 12crash reports
- 3fire reports
- 15%fail the UK MOT
93 complaints, against an average of 120 for the other 13 BMW 3 Series model years.
Every BMW 3 Series model year with its number of owner complaints. Pick a year to compare.
What goes wrong with the 2016 BMW 3 Series?
The components named most often in the 93 owner complaints. One complaint can name several, so the shares can add up to more than 100%.
What symptoms do 2016 BMW 3 Series owners describe?
Found by reading the text of all 93 owner complaints. Tap a symptom for the answer, a real owner quote and any related recall.
- Can the sunroof on the 2016 BMW 3 Series shatter or fail?7 owners · 7.5%
- Why does my 2016 BMW 3 Series smell of burning or smoke?5 owners · 5.4%
- Why does my 2016 BMW 3 Series stall, lose power or shut off while driving?4 owners · 4.3%
- Why is the check engine light on in my 2016 BMW 3 Series?3 owners · 3.2%
- Why does my 2016 BMW 3 Series transmission jerk, shudder or shift hard?3 owners · 3.2%
- Why do the brakes feel soft, fail or make noise on my 2016 BMW 3 Series?3 owners · 3.2%
- Why does my 2016 BMW 3 Series vibrate or shake while driving?3 owners · 3.2%
Has the 2016 BMW 3 Series been recalled?
NHTSA lists no safety recalls for the 2016 BMW 3 Series as of October 25, 2026. Recalls can be issued at any time, so check your VIN before you rely on this.
Is the 2016 BMW 3 Series recalled in the UK or Europe?
Recalls issued by the UK's DVSA and through the EU's Safety Gate system that cover this model and build period. European models can differ from U.S. ones, and "years estimated" means the recall gave no build dates, so confirm your own car with your registration or VIN.
UK DVSATakata Driver and/or Passenger Airbag Recall (Global VINs)
Risk: Affected vehicles are already included in Safety Recalls within the markets they have previously resided in. The vehicles may be fitted with a driver and/or passenger airbag/s which if deployed may do so with excessive force causing sharp metal fragments to be released this may cause serious injury which could prove fatal to people in the vicinity.
Fix: Vehicles will have the affected airbags checked and if necessary replaced.
UK DVSAReplace the Engine Starter Motor
Risk: For affected vehicles there is a concern involving water ingress and corrosion to the starter motor for where a short circuit cannot be ruled out. It is strongly recommended to park the vehicle outdoors and not in the immediate vicinity of buildings until the repair has been carried out.
Fix: Replacement of the starter motor.
UK DVSACheck Driver’s Airbag for Conversion Takata SDI & PSDI-5
Risk: Affected vehicles may have had a retrofit or conversion of the airbag using a previously recalled airbag variant which if deployed may do so with excessive force causing sharp metal fragments to be released this may cause serious injury possibly fatal to people in the vicinity. The original factory fitment airbag for the vehicle is not affected.
Fix: Vehicles will have the airbag checked and if necessary replaced.
UK DVSAA possible degradation of the propellant tablets could lead to an over-aggressive combustion in the event the airbag is activated which…A possible degradation of the propellant tablets could lead to an over-aggressive combustion in the event the airbag is activated which may cause the inflator body to rupture.
Risk: A possible degradation of airbag propellant tablets could lead to an over-aggressive combustion in the event the airbag is activated which may cause the inflator body to rupture.
Fix: On affected vehicles the drivers airbag module will be replaced.
UK DVSAIn rare cases the starter motor can inadvertently be activated permanently presenting a risk of a thermal event
Risk: In rare cases the starter motor can inadvertently be activated permanently presenting a risk of a thermal event.
Fix: Rework the starter motor assembly.
UK DVSAUndetected EGR System leaks may cause thermal activity in the intake manifold
Risk: Undetected EGR System leaks may cause thermal activity in the intake manifold.
Fix: The engine management control unit (DDE) will be programmed with improved software incorporating the latest OBD functionality.
UK DVSAThe exhaust gas recirculation cooler may leak over time and cause thermal incident
Risk: The Exhaust Gas Recirculation cooler may leak over time and cause thermal incident.
Fix: On the affected vehicles the EGR cooler module will be replaced.
UK DVSAThe exhaust gas recirculation cooler could leak over time
Risk: Leaking glycol coolant could create in combination with soot and oil sediments in the EGR module ignitable deposits.
Fix: The EGR cooler will be internally inspected with an endoscope and replaced if evidence of leaking is found.
UK DVSAExhaust gas recirculation module cooler could leak
Risk: The EGR cooler may leakpresenting a fire risk
Fix: A visual inspection of the EGR cooler to check for leaks and excessive build-up of deposits. The EGR cooler will be replaced on all affected vehicles
UK DVSAExhaust gas recirculation cooler could potentially leak over time
Risk: The EGR cooler may leakpresenting a fire risk.
Fix: The EGR cooler will be replaced with an improved version.
UK DVSAPlug in contact cable may malfunction
Risk: It is possible that the connection between the B+ cable and the Power Distribution Box can become damaged by wear and heat which is caused by high current flow and high contact resistance. Normally this will result in a non-start situation after parking the vehicle. However it is possible that this could in extreme cases occur whilst the vehicle is in motion. The driver should be made aware of the issue by flickering of the instrument cluster (dash) or an engine mis-fire; but if the driver does not then the engine could cut-out without warning.
Fix: Recall all affected vehicles with petrol engines and replace the cable/connection with a more robust item.
UK DVSAPower steering may not perform correctly
Risk: The electrical contact of the Electronic Control Unit (ECU) of the Electric Power Steering (EPS) is not sufficiently robust over the service life of the vehicle. As a result the power steering support may fail possibly leading to disconcerting driving situation for the driver. Additionally in a few cases a localised thermal event cannot be excluded.
Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and replace the steering gear (EPS).
UK DVSAPossible loss of control
Risk: The bolts securing the rear axle support should not be re-used after removal. Affected vehicles may have had the rear axle support refitted after repair work using the original fitted bolts. These may work and though noise and vibration are likely continued use may affect the vehicle's handling.
Fix: On affected vehicles replace the rear axle support bolts.
EU Safety GateWater may enter the starter motor and cause damage.As a result, the engine may no longer start, or the starter motor may short-circuit or remain continuously activated. This could cause local overheating of the starter motor or thermal overload of surrounding components and lead to a vehicle fire, including when the ignition is switched off.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: 31/08/2026
EU Safety GateWater may come into contact with the starter relay and gradually cause corrosion.This could affect the electrical connection inside the relay and make the engine difficult to start. It may also result in a short circuit and could cause the starter to overheat leading to a fire when the vehicle is in motion or when it is parked with the ignition off.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe propellant in the driver airbag may deteriorate over time.If the airbags deploy, it could result in fragments from the inflator injuring the vehicle's occupants.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe propellant in the driver airbag may deteriorate over time.If the airbags deploy, it could result in fragments from the inflator injuring the vehicle's occupants.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe propellant within the integrated inflator of driver airbags can deteriorate during time.If the airbag deploys, it could result in fragments from the inflator casing injuring the vehicle’s occupants.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe propellant in the driver airbag can deteriorate due to high humidity and temperature variations.In the event of an accident in which the airbag deploys, this could result in fragments from the inflator casing coming loose and injuring the vehicle’s occupants.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: 29/06/2021
EU Safety GateThe airbag may deteriorate over time, and if deployed, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator body to burst and metal…The airbag may deteriorate over time, and if deployed, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator body to burst and metal fragments could pass through the cushion material causing injury to occupants.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: 30/03/2023
EU Safety GateThe airbag propellant may deteriorate over time, and If deployed, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator body to burst and…The airbag propellant may deteriorate over time, and If deployed, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator body to burst and metal fragments could pass through the cushion material causing injury to occupants.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe control unit of the electronic power steering may have been incorrectly manufactured.This may cause a fire even when the vehicle is parked. Furthermore, steering assistance might fail while driving.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
How often does the 2016 BMW 3 Series fail its MOT?
Why they failed: the share of failed tests with at least one fault in each area (a test can fail on several). Cars first registered in 2016, tested in Great Britain in 2023; first registration is usually, but not always, the model year. Source: DVSA anonymised MOT tests and results, Open Government Licence v3.0.
What do 2016 BMW 3 Series owners report?
12 of the 93 complaints, the most recent for the most-reported components, as the owners wrote them. NHTSA removes names and VINs; long reports are trimmed. CarHooq has not verified individual claims.
Car started to have low coolant when i would replace it instantly and i took it to a shop and they told me it has a recall.
The contact owns a 2016 BMW 328I. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that upon driving and coming to a stop, there was an abnormal burning odor coming from the vehicle, and there was smoke coming front the A/C vents. The contact stated that a passenger who was occupying the front passenger's side seat and became aware of the abnormal burning odor. There was no warning light illuminated. An unknown local dealer was contacted. The…
i have previously reported this issue, confirmation #11656013. However, after diagnostic with a Certified BMW Service Center, i wish to follow up and add additional details. My 2016 BMW 320 XI is experiencing an issue with the Turbo Oil Feed Line. This is a known issue, reported under SI B11 11 16 on the NHTSA.gov website. i have been told that my specific vehicle / VIN is not included as part of this coverage under the Extended Warranty. However, since my car, N20 Engine is experiencing this specific issue, i am requesting my car be considered to be effected and that it should be included in…
The contact owns a 2016 BMW 320I. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle after the vehicle had not been driven for a while, there was blue smoke coming from the exhaust pipes. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local service center, where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine oil feed line to the turbocharger was leaking. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not yet repaired. Upon further investigation, the contact related the failure to BMW Warranty Extension: SI B11 11 16; however, the VIN was not included. The…
The contact owns a 2016 BMW 328I. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available .
Vehicle Information: •Year, Make, Model: 2016 BMW 328i GT •VIN: Provide VIN •Mileage: Insert Mileage Description of the Problem: I am experiencing recurring drivetrain malfunctions and overheating issues with my 2016 BMW 328i GT, which is currently under a nationwide recall issued in August 2024. Despite having coolant in the system, the vehicle overheats and displays a “drivetrain malfunction” warning, forcing me to pull off the road and restart the car to temporarily clear the issue. Additionally, there appears to be a leak causing fluid to drip onto the belt and other components, further…
While replacing the battery, the battery well was rusty. If allowed to continue I have no doubt the very heavy battery will fall through to the ground causing an accident and very hazardous materials will spill on the roadway (acids and lead from a ruptured battery).
Brake line bracket failed. It appears that the bracket is made out of plastic and is a common failure for BMWs. The failure causes the line to rattle against the lower body and eventually break. The bracket is in a place very difficult to access. BMW wants to charge 1000$ while the part cost in under 10$
car stops while driving, battery also draws while not in use. which is very dangerous. Already filed report with dealer ship for car. We will be having an another baby this winter and it is getting to the point where It can be very dangerous for my family. We got it checked but since it’s a manufacturer issue is what they said. Since this car doesn’t have any recalls dealer doesn’t want to do anything. We noticed that many other cars of same year have the same problem.
The clip holding the emergency brake line is made out of plastic and mine broke (which I found out is common with these cars). When this happens, it rubs on the driveshaft which can wear through and sever the emergency brake line. This is a very dangerous situation and easily be avoided if BMW used a metal part vs. the current, plastic flimsy one.
Vehicle disengaged itself from gear while driving on hwy going between 75-85 mph. Failed to re engage into gear when stepping on accelerator causing vehicle to just coast and slow down as fast moving traffic (semis) we’re approaching. Construction zone didn’t have shoulders to pull aside which made situation worst. Car did accelerate after a few attempts. The car did illuminate a “unable to recharge batteries, stop carefully and contact your nearest service shop” just prior to the situation. Seems like the i3 models are currently under a class action lawsuit for a similar defect and I fear…
I WAS INVOLVED IN A MAJOR ACCIDENT IN A 2016 BMW 320I WITH FRONT AND PASSENGER SIDE IMPACT. IT WAS SO BAD, IT PUSHED BACK MY ENTIRE AXLE, WHEELS, ETC. MY DRIVER SIDE NOR PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. I WAS TRAVELING 40 MILES PER HOUR WHEN HIT BY ANOTHER DRIVER WHO WAS TRAVELING DOWNHILL AT OR ABOVE THE SAME SPEED. SOS BUTTON DID NOT WORK EITHER. THIS HAPPENED ON A CITY STREET (INTERSECTION). THE CAR IS A TOTAL LOSS. I HAD TWO MINORS IN THE CAR WITH ME. THE MESSAGE DISPLAYED ON MY DASH, ETC. SAYS SOMETHING ABOUT FAULTY AIRBAGS, ETC. COLLISION EXPERT CONFIRMED SENSORS DEFINITELY…
2016 BMW 3 Series: questions owners ask
Is the 2016 BMW 3 Series reliable?
NHTSA data alone cannot rate reliability, but it shows what owners reported. Owners filed 93 complaints with NHTSA about the 2016 BMW 3 Series; the most common categories were engine (24, 25.8%), electrical system (23, 24.7%), service brakes (18, 19.4%). There are no safety recalls listed for this model year. 12 complaints mention a crash, 3 mention a fire, 11 injuries were reported.
What are the most common problems with the 2016 BMW 3 Series?
Across 93 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the categories mentioned most often are engine (25.8% of complaints), electrical system (24.7% of complaints), service brakes (19.4% of complaints), power train (14% of complaints), engine and engine cooling (12.9% of complaints). One complaint can name several components.
Does the 2016 BMW 3 Series have any recalls?
As of October 2026, NHTSA lists no safety recalls for the 2016 BMW 3 Series. Recalls can be issued at any time, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Can the sunroof on the 2016 BMW 3 Series shatter or fail?
7 of the 93 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2016 BMW 3 Series (7.5%) describe the sunroof or panoramic roof shattering, exploding or failing. One owner wrote: "10/12/18 approx. 12:30pm, about 80 degrees, driving on texas freeway, 65mph, loud pow, front sunroof exploded. glass shattered outward, exposing long opening in front of sunroof." (NHTSA complaint 11141314, October 2018). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why does my 2016 BMW 3 Series smell of burning or smoke?
5 of the 93 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2016 BMW 3 Series (5.4%) describe a burning smell or smoke. One owner wrote: "In July 2023, my 2016 BMW 328i sedan with N26 engine began emitting a large plume of smoke for 15-30 seconds from the exhaust after a cold startup." (NHTSA complaint 11553023, November 2023). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why does my 2016 BMW 3 Series stall, lose power or shut off while driving?
4 of the 93 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2016 BMW 3 Series (4.3%) describe the engine stalling, losing power or shutting off while driving. One owner wrote: "Drive train malfunction. Throws itself in to neutral while driving. Lost the power to accelerate so had to coast to the shoulder.. Turned the car off and restarted it." (NHTSA complaint 11546518, September 2023). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why is the check engine light on in my 2016 BMW 3 Series?
3 of the 93 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2016 BMW 3 Series (3.2%) describe the check engine light coming on. One owner wrote: "known what failed the entire car was on fire= if there was no one near by it could have consumed more cars/buildings it has been inspected by BMW of north america and Geico the car was overheating the night before and had a check engine light." (NHTSA complaint 11538820, August 2023). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why does my 2016 BMW 3 Series transmission jerk, shudder or shift hard?
3 of the 93 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2016 BMW 3 Series (3.2%) describe harsh, jerky or delayed transmission shifting or shuddering. One owner wrote: "The vehicle front end will shake and lurch left and right when driving at freeway speeds. when driving at or below 25mph, and a small but sharp bump in the road is driven over, the entire steering column will shake and the suspension in the front (in…" (NHTSA complaint 11162347, December 2018). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why do the brakes feel soft, fail or make noise on my 2016 BMW 3 Series?
3 of the 93 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2016 BMW 3 Series (3.2%) describe brakes feeling soft, failing, grinding or squealing. One owner wrote: "While driving the vehicle which was in motion, a new 2016 bmw 328 gt, the brakes completely failed, car could not be stopped, emergency brake pulled with full pressure on brake pedal, car eventually slowed and stopped before striking other vehicles in its…" (NHTSA complaint 10850859, March 2016). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why does my 2016 BMW 3 Series vibrate or shake while driving?
3 of the 93 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2016 BMW 3 Series (3.2%) describe vibration or shaking while driving. One owner wrote: "The vehicle front end will shake and lurch left and right when driving at freeway speeds. when driving at or below 25mph, and a small but sharp bump in the road is driven over, the entire steering column will shake and the suspension in the front (in…" (NHTSA complaint 11162347, December 2018). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Check your own 3 Series
Counts are a starting point, not a verdict: popular models collect more complaints because more of them are on the road, and NHTSA does not verify individual reports. To see whether a recall is still open on your car, enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls (U.S.) or your registration at check-vehicle-recalls.service.gov.uk (UK). Had a safety problem? Report it to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations and recalls.
Data: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation recall and complaint databases (public domain), DVSA anonymised MOT results (Open Government Licence v3.0), DVSA vehicle recalls (Open Government Licence v3.0), EU Safety Gate alerts (© European Union), retrieved October 25, 2026. Model year 2016 only; combines NHTSA's entries for 3 SERIES, 3 SERIES GT and 3 SERIES PHEV.