BMW

X6 (F16)

2015-2019 · Midsize SUV · 2 engines
Best Engine ⚠️ Caution (2.9)
29 NHTSA Complaints
7 Recalls
3 Fire Reports
2 Crash Reports
View all 3 generations of the BMW X6 → 📋 Inspection checklist

Engine Reliability Ratings

3.0-V6-Gas

3.0L 6-cyl / 300 hp
⚠️ Caution (2.9)
16 complaints 3.2 per year Gasoline
1 fire report
View details

Complaint Breakdown

other
5
engine
4
brakes
3
cooling
2
electrical
2

Known Issues

Engine Issues (4 complaints)
Brakes Issues (3 complaints)
Cooling System Issues (2 complaints)

Same engine used in

+91 more
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4.4-V8-Gas

4.4L 8-cyl / 567 hp
⚠️ Caution (2.8)
11 complaints 3.7 per year Gasoline
1 fire report
View details

1 additional engine variant with fewer than 10 complaints not shown.

Vehicle-Level Issues

These issues affect the BMW X6 regardless of engine variant.

Engine Issues (7 complaints)
engine critical

Recalls (7)

19V684000Sep 26, 2019serious
Back Over Prevention

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018 540d, 2018-2020 530i, 530i xDrive, 540i, 540i xDrive, M550i xDrive, M5, 530e, 530e xDrive, X3 sDrive, X3 xDrive, X3 M40i, X3 M, and 2019-2020 X4 xDrive, X4 M40i, X4 M, X7 xDrive, X7 M50i, 740Li, 740Li xDrive, 750Li, 750Li xDrive, 8 Series Convertible and Coupe 840i, 840i xDrive, M850i xDrive, X5 sDrive, X5 xDrive, X5 M50i, X6 xDrive, X6 M50i, 330i, 330i xDrive, M340i, M340i xDrive, Z4 sDrive, Z4 M40i, 740Le xDrive and 745Le xDrive, 2018-2019 640i xDrive Gran Turismo and Rolls-Royce Phantom, 2019 M850i xDrive Gran Coupe and Rolls-Royce Cullinan and 2020 Toyota Supra vehicles. The back-up camera and display settings can be adjusted such that the rear view image is no longer visible and the system will retain that setting the next time the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rearview Mirrors."

19V823000Nov 17, 2019serious
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. The lower anchor bars may become damaged over time when used with an ISOFIX-type, rigid-style connector, child restraint system.

18V680000Sep 27, 2018serious
Suspension

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019 BMW X6 sDrive35i, X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6M vehicles. The rear upper control arm pivot bolts may have been improperly hardened, possibly causing the rear upper control arms to break.

18V439000Jun 27, 2018serious
Suspension

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018 BMW X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive50i, X5 xDrive35d, and X6 sDrive35i vehicles. The pivot bolt on the front lower-left control arm may not have been properly hardened, which may cause the control arm to break.

18V614000Dec 8, 2018serious
Wheels

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018-2019 BMW X6 sDrive35i, X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i, and X6M vehicles. The wheel bolts on these vehicles may not have been properly tightened.

17V327000May 17, 2017cosmetic
Equipment

BMW North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2017 BMW X5 M and BMW X6 M vehicles. The vehicles are equipped with 21-inch tires, however the Tire Information Label states that the vehicles are equipped with 20-inch tires. As such, these vehicles fail to conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."

17V727000Nov 16, 2017serious
Suspension

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018 BMW X5 SAV, X5 M SAV, X6 SAV, and X6 M SAV vehicles. Bolts that secure the front suspension may not have been properly tightened.

Alternatives in Midsize SUV

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common 2015-2019 BMW X6 problems?

The 2015-2019 BMW X6 has accumulated 29 NHTSA complaints. The most frequently reported problem areas are Engine, Brakes, Transmission. As with any used vehicle, a pre-purchase inspection and vehicle history report are recommended.

Which BMW X6 engine is most reliable?

The 2015-2019 BMW X6 was offered with 3 engine options. Based on NHTSA complaint data, the BMW X6 Unidentified Engine has the lowest complaint density and is considered the most reliable choice for buyers.

Is the 2015-2019 BMW X6 a good used car?

The 2015-2019 BMW X6 can be a solid used car purchase depending on trim, mileage, and maintenance history. With 29 total NHTSA complaints on record, prospective buyers should review the known problem areas and check for open recalls before buying.

How many NHTSA complaints does the 2015-2019 BMW X6 have?

The 2015-2019 BMW X6 has 29 complaints filed with NHTSA as of our latest data pull. Complaint counts reflect owner-reported issues and do not necessarily indicate defects or safety risks on their own.

What recalls affect the 2015-2019 BMW X6?

There are 7 NHTSA recalls affecting some 2015-2019 BMW X6 vehicles. Recall status varies by VIN — check the NHTSA recall database at recalls.nhtsa.dot.gov with your specific VIN to confirm which campaigns apply.

What should I check before buying a used BMW X6?

Before buying a used BMW X6, verify all open recalls are completed via the NHTSA VIN lookup tool. Pay particular attention to Engine, Brakes, Transmission, which are the most commonly reported problem areas. Request maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the vehicle, and run a vehicle history report to check for prior accidents or title issues.

Does the X6 have NHTSA crash test ratings?

NHTSA has not published crash test ratings for the 2015-2019 BMW X6. Not all vehicles are tested each year. For the latest NHTSA safety information, visit nhtsa.gov/ratings.

Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 29 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: low. Last updated: 2026-05-20.

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