2016 BMW X6 recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-18. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
1 safety recall, most serious first
1. Child seat
What's wrong, in plain English: A child restraint may not protect the child properly. 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. The lower anchor bars may become damaged over time when used with an ISOFIX-type, rigid-style connector, child restraint system.
What could happen: Damaged lower anchor bars may increase the child's risk of injury in the event of a crash.
The fix: 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. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2016 X6.
- Book a repair at any authorized BMW dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 19V823000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Manufacturer hotline: 1-800-525-7417.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: CHILD SEAT
Summary: 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. The lower anchor bars may become damaged over time when used with an ISOFIX-type, rigid-style connector, child restraint system.
Consequence: Damaged lower anchor bars may increase the child's risk of injury in the event of a crash.
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. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Notes: Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
Useful for owners
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Transmission / drivetrain (3), Electrical system (2), Steering (1), Engine (1), Suspension (1).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (8)
10/29/2025 · Steering
The contact owns a 2016 BMW X6. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the steering wheel failed to function as intended. The vehicle was parked inside the garage, and the contact was unable to turn to the right or the left. The message "Power Steering Lock" was displayed on the instrument panel. The contact stated that a mobile mechanic inspect…
04/30/2025 · Transmission / drivetrain
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…
01/22/2025 · Engine
The contact owns a 2016 BMW X6. The contact stated that the vehicle was running rough, with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact used a vehicle scanner and retrieved diagnostic trouble codes indicating a misfire in cylinder number #5, and the water pump had failed due to a ground short circuit failure. The contact replaced the spark plugs…
03/06/2024 · 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. T…
02/27/2023 · Electrical system
The contact owns a 2016 BMW X6. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact attempted to use the turn signal while making a right turn however, the system failed to operate as needed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the Instrument panel failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; howe…
02/14/2022 · Transmission / drivetrain
I was driving down the street and the drive shaft broke and when that broke it hit my exhaust and broke my transmission cooler
03/06/2021 · Suspension
ON MANY BMW CARS YOU WILL SEE REPORTS OF THE AIR SUSPENSION FAILING. MINE FAILED DAYS AFTER THE WARRANTY EXPIRED BUT WITH LESS MILES THAN IN THE WARRANTY. STILL A LOW 4 FIGURE COST TO THE CONSUMER TO FIX. THIS SHOULD FIXED VIA A RECALL AND CONSUMERS REIMBURSED FOR COSTS ASSOCIATED. THIS PROBLEM IS EXPERIENCED BY THOUSANDS OF BMW OWNERS. IT CAUSES A LESS THA…
08/28/2019 · Wheels / tires
'TAKATA RECALL' I WAS DRIVING MY 2016 BMW X6 XDRIVE 50I ON HIGHWAY ALL OF A SUDDEN, I HEARD A HITTING SOUND UNDER THE CAR. I PULLED OVER TO THE SHOULDER AND I REALIZED FRONT DRIVESHAFT HAD BROKEN OFF. FORTUNATELY, TRAFFIC WAS HEAVY AND MOVING SLOW THIS ALLOWED ME TO PULL OVER SAFELY.