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2016 BMW 4 Series problems, recalls and owner complaints
What the 2016 BMW 4 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
- 49owner complaints
- 2crash reports
- 0fire reports
- 16%fail the UK MOT
49 complaints, against an average of 28 for the other 10 BMW 4 Series model years.
Every BMW 4 Series model year with its number of owner complaints. Pick a year to compare.
What goes wrong with the 2016 BMW 4 Series?
The components named most often in the 49 owner complaints. One complaint can name several, so the shares can add up to more than 100%.
What symptoms do 2016 BMW 4 Series owners describe?
Found by reading the text of all 49 owner complaints. Tap a symptom for the answer, a real owner quote and any related recall.
Has the 2016 BMW 4 Series been recalled?
NHTSA lists no safety recalls for the 2016 BMW 4 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 4 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 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 DVSAAirbags may not deploy
Risk: The igniter for the certain airbag modules may not have been correctly manufactured which may affect air bag deployment in the event of a collision.
Fix: Where necessary replace affected airbag modules.
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 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 side, head and knee protection airbags of the front passenger seat may not work.This could increase the risk of injury to the occupant in the event of an accident.
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 4 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 4 Series owners report?
12 of the 49 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.
The contact owns a 2016 BMW 428I. The contact stated while driving 20 MPH, the vehicle hesitated, and the contact noticed smoke coming from the engine compartment. The check engine warning light was illuminated. An independent mechanic was contacted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and was diagnosed and determined that the engine was overheating, and the air condition system had failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE…
The engine coolant pump on my 2016 BMW 4 Series has an open recall (#24V-608), issued in August 2024. It’s been almost a year, and the remedy is still marked as "Not Available." Recently, my check engine light came on. I used my personal OBD-II scanner and retrieved fault code U019F, which indicates “Lost Communication with Engine Coolant Pump Control Module.” This is directly related to the recalled component. I contacted BMW of Bay Ridge in Brooklyn, NY, and they told me I need to pay $335 for a diagnostic, even though I already provided the fault code and it matches the recall issue. They…
The contact owns a 2016 BMW 428I. 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 local dealer was contacted. 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.
The contact owns a 2016 BMW 428I. 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.
The contact owns a 2016 BMW 428I. 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 several dealers were contacted, and the contact was informed that parts were no longer available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available .
My 2016 BMW 428i is part of an active recall for a defective engine coolant pump. This defect caused damage to my coolant housing, water pump, thermostat, and engine, and BMW has stated there is no fix available. My vehicle is unsafe and undrivable, yet BMW has not provided any solutions. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate and require BMW to provide a resolution, such as repairs, compensation, or a buyback.
Airbag sensors are defective. Vehicle states that restraint system is faulty.
A strong odor of gasoline was noted and it dripped from the tank when the car was driven. Mechanic reported the tank had a leaking seam which he would patch with plastic, so the car can be used while waiting for a replacement tank.
MANUAL PARKING/EMERGENCY BRAKE WON'T ENGAGE.
SEVERAL TIMES THE DRIVERS DOOR WILL NOT OPEN WHEN THE VEHICLE IS IN PARK AND THE ENGINE IS TURNED OFF. WHEN I TOOK THE CAR TO PASSPORT BMW IN SUITLAND MARYLAND ON 7/10 TO REPAIR THE FRONT BRAKE I MENTION THIS PROBLEM OF THE DOOR LOCKING ME INSIDE THE VEHICLE AND I CANNOT GET OUT. I WAS TOLD BY MY SERVICE ADVISOR THAT THIS IS VERY COMMON AND CAN BE REPAIRED BUT IT WILL COST. I DID NOT GET IT FIX BECAUSE I DO NOT THINK THAT I SHOULD PAY TO CORRECT A DEFECT IN THE SOFTWARE THAT IS A SAFETY HAZARD. THE DOOR SHOULD OPEN WHEN YOU PLACE THE CAR IN PARK AND TURN THE ENGINE OFF IF THE DOOR LOCK IS NOT…
WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY DURING RAIN I WENT TO PASS A CAR AND PUSHED THE GAS PEDAL AND THE CAR SEEMED TO SPIN OUT A LITTLE AND THEN THE ENGINE LOST MOST OF ITS POWER AND STARTED TO SPUTTER AND GARGLE AS IF IT WAS GOING TO STALL OUT. THE WARNING FOR POWER TRAIN FAILURE CAME ON. VERY DANGEROUS ON A FREEWAY OF SPEEDS UP TO 60+. HAD TO GET OVER, EXIT THE FREEWAY AND PULL INTO A GAS STATION. I FIGURED I WOULD LET IT SIT AND THEN TRY TO START AGAIN AND SEE WHAT ERROR CODES CAME ON. WHEN I RESTARTED THE CAR ALL SEEMED BACK TO NORMAL. THE VERY NEXT DAY WHEN PULLING OUT ON TO A BUSY ROAD, I PRESSED…
WHEN IT IS COLD WITH SNOW OR SLEET THE DOORS ARE DIFFICULT TO OPEN AND THEY WILL NOT CLOSE FULLY. THE DASH LIGHT INDICATES THAT THE DOOR IS OPEN. AFTER DRIVING FOR AWHILE THE DOOR WILL CLOSE. HAPPENS WITH ALL 4 DOORS.
2016 BMW 4 Series: questions owners ask
Is the 2016 BMW 4 Series reliable?
NHTSA data alone cannot rate reliability, but it shows what owners reported. Owners filed 49 complaints with NHTSA about the 2016 BMW 4 Series; the most common categories were electrical system (20, 40.8%), engine and engine cooling (16, 32.7%), engine (8, 16.3%). There are no safety recalls listed for this model year. 2 complaints mention a crash, 3 injuries were reported.
What are the most common problems with the 2016 BMW 4 Series?
Across 49 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the categories mentioned most often are electrical system (40.8% of complaints), engine and engine cooling (32.7% of complaints), engine (16.3% of complaints), structure (6.1% of complaints), air bags (4.1% of complaints). One complaint can name several components.
Does the 2016 BMW 4 Series have any recalls?
As of October 2026, NHTSA lists no safety recalls for the 2016 BMW 4 Series. Recalls can be issued at any time, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Why does my 2016 BMW 4 Series stall, lose power or shut off while driving?
4 of the 49 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2016 BMW 4 Series (8.2%) describe the engine stalling, losing power or shutting off while driving. One owner wrote: "I hear weird sounds in the car and it smells like it's burning. The car stalls while driving and while in traffic." (NHTSA complaint 11644337, February 2025). 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 4 Series?
3 of the 49 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2016 BMW 4 Series (6.1%) describe the check engine light coming on. One owner wrote: "The engine coolant pump on my 2016 BMW 4 Series has an open recall (#24V-608), issued in August 2024. It’s been almost a year, and the remedy is still marked as "Not Available." Recently, my check engine light came on." (NHTSA complaint 11663282, May 2025). 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 4 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.