2016 BMW X5 Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) Problems
- Complaints
- 5about this part
- Share
- 7%of 74 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 10,070miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the visibility of the 2016 BMW X5, 7% of the 74 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 10,070 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“While driving down the highway, without overpasses or cliffs near, the sunroof exploded outward, and raining glass down on to the passengers. The temperature was moderate. Vehicle has approx 6000 miles.”
NHTSA complaint #10979007, filed 2017-04, 6,000 miles“BMW NA is aware of this problem with the sunroof leaking water on the dashboard and damaging the electrical of the car. BMW NA is colluding with the dealers to inform customers they are clogged to charge them money for a clog that is non existent. The sun roof are not clogged as BMW NA and the dealers are saying I have video of the unclogged drain tubes and have caught the dealers all lying that they are clogged. I have video of this and can reproduce this collusion again again with the dealers lying.”
NHTSA complaint #11479374, filed 2022-08“The contact owns a 2016 Bmw X5. While driving 60 MPH, the sun roof exploded. There were no injuries. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 8,140.”
NHTSA complaint #10949483, filed 2017-02, 8,140 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10249437Jan 16, 2024The basic conditions for initializing the power windows are not met.
- 10244239Oct 18, 2023This situation can result in two customer complaints: 1. Wind noise 2. Excess water entry
- 10225114Sep 1, 2022The front sunroof glass seal has shrunk, creating a gap which can cause wind noise or excess water entry.
- 10184584Nov 1, 2020Low Washer Fluid Warning Light is illuminated when the Washer Fluid Tank is Full: Low Washer Fluid Warning Light is illuminated when the Washer Fluid Tank is Full.There are no…
- 10169468Nov 1, 2019Low Washer Fluid Warning Light is illuminated when the Washer Fluid Tank is Full : The low washer fluid warning is illuminated even though the washer fluid reservoir is full…
- 10166379Sep 1, 2019GURGLING NOISE FROM SUNROOF DRAINS: A gurgling noise can be heard from the front sunroof.
- 10160350Apr 1, 2019The Low Washer Fluid Warning Light is illuminated when the Washer Fluid Tank is Full This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI B61 23 15 dated April 2016.
- 10160267Apr 1, 2019The Low Washer Fluid Warning Light is illuminated when the Washer Fluid Tank is Full This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI B61 23 15 dated April 2016.
- 10149535Oct 1, 2018SUNROOF REPAIR KIT COMPONENTS. Based on feedback from technicians, it can be difficult to identify the individual components included with sunroof repair kits. In some cases…
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors): other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 4 | 6% |
| 2024 | 5 | 3% |
| 2023 | 2 | 6% |
| 2022 | 1 | 1% |
| 2021 | 3 | 3% |
| 2020 | 2 | 2% |
| 2019 | 4 | 2% |
| 2018 | 3 | 4% |
| 2017 | 1 | 1% |
| 2016 | 5 | 7% |
| 2015 | 2 | 1% |
| 2014 | 3 | 3% |
| 2013 | 2 | 1% |
| 2012 | 3 | 1% |
| 2011 | 3 | 1% |
| 2010 | 3 | 2% |
| 2009 | 2 | 1% |
| 2008 | 5 | 2% |
| 2006 | 2 | 1% |
| 2004 | 5 | 8% |
| 2003 | 1 | 1% |
| 2002 | 14 | 14% |
| 2001 | 14 | 9% |
| 2000 | 7 | 24% |
Other parts of the 2016 BMW X5
23 complaintsEngine
14 complaintsOther or unknown
14 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
13 complaintsFuel system
12 complaintsEngine cooling
7 complaintsAir bags
5 complaintsBody and structure
4 complaintsSuspension
4 complaintsSteering
3 complaintsVehicle speed control
3 complaintsBrakes
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2016 BMW X5
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology