BMW X6 years to avoid (and the best years)
114 NHTSA owner complaints and 14 recalls across 5 model years, 2010 to 2014. Built from NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, generated October 26, 2026.
- 114complaints
- 14recalls
- 2reported crashes
- 8reported fires
- 5reported injuries
Which BMW X6 years should you avoid?
No BMW X6 model year stands out from the others in NHTSA owner complaints. The typical BMW X6 year has 25 complaints on file.
What are the best BMW X6 years?
The BMW X6 years with the fewest complaints on file are the 2014 (11), 2010 (15) and 2013 (25). Model years after 2023 are left out: they have not been on the road long enough to compare.
NHTSA does not publish sales figures, so these are complaint counts, not a rate per car on the road. A year that sold more cars collects more complaints, and older years have had longer to collect them.
Every model year
Most reported problem areas
Share of the 49 complaints sorted by system, all years together.
- Engine & powertrain33 (67%)
- Other systems6 (12%)
- Electrical & infotainment4 (8%)
- Steering, suspension & tires4 (8%)
- Airbags & seat belts2 (4%)
Recalls (14)
Airbags · 20V016000 · Jan 2020 · model years 2010, 2011, 2012
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Airbags · 20V017000 · Jan 2020 · model years 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Airbags · 19V017000 · Jan 2019 · model years 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Engine · 18V248000 · Apr 2018 · model years 2010, 2011, 2012
If the circuit board were to overheat, it can increase the risk of a fire.
Airbags · 18V030000 · Jan 2018 · model years 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Transmission · 17V138000 · Mar 2017 · model years 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014
If the front universal joint fails, the front wheels would not be driven, affecting vehicle traction. Additionally, continued driving of the vehicle with a broken front universal joint may damage other components. Either condition may increase the risk of a crash.
Airbags · 17V020000 · Jan 2017 · model year 2012
An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fuel system · 16V746000 · Oct 2016 · model years 2010, 2011
The loose wires may cause the connector to melt, resulting in a fuel leak. Additionally, the fuel pump may stop working, possibly causing an engine stall and increase the risk of a crash.
Airbags · 16V364000 · May 2016 · model years 2010, 2011
An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Transmission · 16V311000 · May 2016 · model year 2011
If the front universal joint fails, the front wheels would not be driven, affecting vehicle traction. Additionally, continued driving of the vehicle with a broken front universal joint may damage other components. Either condition may increase the risk of a crash.
Steering · 12V267000 · Jun 2012 · model year 2013
LEAKING POWER STEERING FLUID CAN SPRAY ONTO HOT EXHAUST PARTS, INCREASING THE RISK OF AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE.
Engine · 11V521000 · Oct 2011 · model years 2010, 2011
THIS COULD LEAD TO A SMOLDERING OF THE PUMP OR AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT OR VEHICLE FIRE.
Safety · 10V233000 · Jun 2010 · model year 2011
IMPROPER TIRE INFLATION CAN RESULT IN PREMATURE TIRE FAILURE OR REDUCED VEHICLE HANDLING PERFORMANCE, EITHER OF WHICH CAN INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Body & glass · 10V025000 · Jan 2010 · model year 2010
IN THE CASE OF A ROLLOVER, THE STABILITY OF THE ROOF COULD BE AFFECTED INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURIES.