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2016 BMW 5 Series problems, recalls and owner complaints
What the 2016 BMW 5 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
- 83owner complaints
- 1crash report
- 5fire reports
- 15%fail the UK MOT
83 complaints, against an average of 82 for the other 12 BMW 5 Series model years.
Every BMW 5 Series model year with its number of owner complaints. Pick a year to compare.
What goes wrong with the 2016 BMW 5 Series?
The components named most often in the 83 owner complaints. One complaint can name several, so the shares can add up to more than 100%.
What symptoms do 2016 BMW 5 Series owners describe?
Found by reading the text of all 83 owner complaints. Tap a symptom for the answer, a real owner quote and any related recall.
- Why does my 2016 BMW 5 Series overheat?10 owners · 12%
- Why does my 2016 BMW 5 Series smell of burning or smoke?10 owners · 12%
- Why does my 2016 BMW 5 Series stall, lose power or shut off while driving?5 owners · 6%
- Why is my 2016 BMW 5 Series burning or losing oil?4 owners · 4.8%
- What causes a knocking, ticking or rattling noise in the 2016 BMW 5 Series engine?3 owners · 3.6%
- Has the 2016 BMW 5 Series had engine failures?3 owners · 3.6%
- Have any 2016 BMW 5 Series vehicles caught fire?3 owners · 3.6%
Has the 2016 BMW 5 Series been recalled?
NHTSA lists no safety recalls for the 2016 BMW 5 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 5 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 obd software could misinterpret certain input parameters for the engine mangement system
Risk: During a service visit the affected vehicles have been updated with software that could misinterpret certain input parameters for the engine management system.
Fix: The control units will be reprogrammed with an improved version of software.
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 DVSAIf the head air bag is deployed the ignitor may separate from the inflator
Risk: Curtain airbags may have propellant which may have a humidity level higher than specification and in the event of a collision may not deploy correctly increasing the risk of injury.
Fix: Replace the airbags on affected vehicles.
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 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 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 ignition unit of the head airbag may separate from the inflator and enter the vehicle's interior when the airbag is deployed.As a result, the inflation of the head airbag may be reduced or non-existent, increasing the risk of injury 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 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
How often does the 2016 BMW 5 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 5 Series owners report?
12 of the 83 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.
Vehicle: 2016 BMW 528i xDrive (VIN: [XXX]) Safety Issue / Defect Description: Strong, hazardous raw gasoline fumes began entering the passenger cabin and trunk area. On XXX, the vehicle was brought to an authorized dealership (BMW of Sterling) for diagnostic evaluation. The dealership's technician conducted a multi-point inspection and produced video evidence documenting fluid leaking from the top of the plastic fuel tank. The dealership issued Repair Order Quote #$4,824.92 to "REPLACE FUEL TANK DUE TO FUEL LEAK" and declared the vehicle unsafe. Despite diagnosing a structural fuel tank leak…
The contact owns a 2016 BMW 528i. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired under an unknown recall, and after the recall repair, while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal oil-burning odor entering the cabin of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a local Midas, where it was discovered that oil was leaking onto the engine. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 32,400.
On January 29, 2020, while driving my 2016 BMW 5 Series under normal operating conditions, the engine compartment caught fire without warning. Smoke and flames originated from the engine bay while the vehicle was in motion. I was forced to pull over and exit the vehicle immediately. The fire spread rapidly, and the vehicle was declared a total loss. At the time, both my insurance carrier and BMW representatives inspected the vehicle, but no definitive cause was identified. In January 2026, I received notification that this same vehicle is subject to BMW Safety Recall Campaign No. 24V-608…
My coolant line overheated. From the leaking water pump and pcv that exploded all over my engine causing it to overheat and now how has not turned back on. Ive been without a car for months and when I seen the recall and reached out to the dealer expressing my situation they said they would get back to me and have not called or emailed or even responded in months.
During initial cold starts there is blue smoke billowing from the exhaust for approx 20 seconds. The odor is horrible.
A critical component failure has rendered my 2016 BMW 528xi inoperable and unsafe. The water pump failed, forcing the car into a safety "limp mode," limiting its speed to approximately 40 miles per hour. This issue mirrors NHTSA Recall 24V-608 regarding an electrical connector on the water pump that can short circuit, potentially causing a "thermal event or fire." The problem began with dashboard warnings about overheating, despite the coolant reservoir being full. Following these warnings, the vehicle entered "limp mode," posing a significant safety risk in normal traffic. The potential for…
The contact owns a 2016 BMW 528I. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and running, the contact became aware of an abnormal burning odor. There was no warning light illuminated. 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 dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 45,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
The contact owns a 2016 BMW 528I. The contact stated that while her son was driving at undisclosed speeds, there was an abnormally loud knocking sound coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that there was coolant leaking from the vehicle. The contact was adding coolant to the coolant reservoir every other day. The contact stated that the vehicle was smoking and there was an abnormal rattling sound coming from the vehicle and the engine was overheating. The vehicle was inoperable. The coolant message was displayed. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact received notification…
The contact owns a 2016 BMW 535D. The contact stated while driving approximately 25 MPH, the vehicle experienced a loss of motive power. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer where it was diagnosed with high-pressure fuel pump failure. The vehicle was left at the local dealer, where it remained for further repairs. The vehicle was not repaired. Upon further investigation, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V586000 (Fuel System, Diesel); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure…
The contact owns a 2016 BMW 528I. 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 contact received a message displaying a hazard symbol for the driver restraint system. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed the fault for the driver’s side air bag Intel Stage 2. The dealer confirmed that there was an internal disconnect with the air bag that needed…
Passenger restraint system malfunction, available for inspection. Passenger side air bag will not work if in an accident Problem has been confirmed by dealer Warning lamp appeared approximately 4-5 weeks ago, prior to that no symptoms. Just happened all of a sudden.
The contact owns a 2016 BMW 535D. The contact stated that the engine warning light was illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V907000 (Fuel System, Diesel) 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 approximate failure mileage was 65,000.
2016 BMW 5 Series: questions owners ask
Is the 2016 BMW 5 Series reliable?
NHTSA data alone cannot rate reliability, but it shows what owners reported. Owners filed 83 complaints with NHTSA about the 2016 BMW 5 Series; the most common categories were electrical system (33, 39.8%), engine and engine cooling (27, 32.5%), engine (22, 26.5%). There are no safety recalls listed for this model year. 1 complaint mentions a crash, 5 mention a fire, 2 injuries were reported.
What are the most common problems with the 2016 BMW 5 Series?
Across 83 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the categories mentioned most often are electrical system (39.8% of complaints), engine and engine cooling (32.5% of complaints), engine (26.5% of complaints), air bags (14.5% of complaints), fuel/propulsion system (7.2% of complaints). One complaint can name several components.
Does the 2016 BMW 5 Series have any recalls?
As of October 2026, NHTSA lists no safety recalls for the 2016 BMW 5 Series. Recalls can be issued at any time, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Why does my 2016 BMW 5 Series overheat?
10 of the 83 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2016 BMW 5 Series (12%) describe the engine overheating or coolant loss. One owner wrote: "My coolant line overheated. From the leaking water pump and pcv that exploded all over my engine causing it to overheat and now how has not turned back on." (NHTSA complaint 11697057, November 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 does my 2016 BMW 5 Series smell of burning or smoke?
10 of the 83 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2016 BMW 5 Series (12%) describe a burning smell or smoke. One owner wrote: "I have an Issue with my car cause Engine Coolant smells like oil burning and smoke coming inside the car through AC and also having a recall issue but no remedy available with BMW so spend my money and get repaired from outside mechanic, BMW reported me that…" (NHTSA complaint 11636766, January 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 does my 2016 BMW 5 Series stall, lose power or shut off while driving?
5 of the 83 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2016 BMW 5 Series (6%) describe the engine stalling, losing power or shutting off while driving. One owner wrote: "High pressure fuel pump has suddenly failed causing a immediate engine stall without warning. will not restart even though it does turn over. code reads low fuel pressure at fuel rail. fuel tank lift pump is working correctly." (NHTSA complaint 11604602, July 2024). 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 my 2016 BMW 5 Series burning or losing oil?
4 of the 83 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2016 BMW 5 Series (4.8%) describe excessive oil consumption or oil leaks. One owner wrote: "2016 BMW 528i with 65,000 miles. Oil leaking from pan and told by mechanic that premature failed oil pan gasket and warping of oil pan well known by the manufacturer but they refuse to address the problem leaving the repair bill for customers." (NHTSA complaint 11561401, December 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.
What causes a knocking, ticking or rattling noise in the 2016 BMW 5 Series engine?
3 of the 83 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2016 BMW 5 Series (3.6%) describe a knocking, ticking or rattling engine noise. One owner wrote: "Bmw had recalled the n20 engine for timing chain guides replacement up to year 2015. The original timing chain guides were orange in color but also found to an inferior part from manufacturer." (NHTSA complaint 11554223, 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.
Has the 2016 BMW 5 Series had engine failures?
3 of the 83 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2016 BMW 5 Series (3.6%) describe complete engine failure or a replaced engine. One owner wrote: "Coolant pump failure engine failure also caused fire in engine bay. Insurance inspector. Pre shop inspection. No light were on prior to explosion." (NHTSA complaint 11681035, August 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.
Have any 2016 BMW 5 Series vehicles caught fire?
3 of the 83 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2016 BMW 5 Series (3.6%) describe the car catching fire or melting wiring. One owner wrote: "Due to the nature of the car potentially catching on fire and a remedy still not being available I am concerned about my safety and of those around me since the car is used to be operated daily for commuting to work." (NHTSA complaint 11657941, April 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 5 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 5 SERIES, 5 SERIES GT and 5 SERIES PHEV.