BMW X6 reliability
The BMW X6 fails its MOT less often than most cars 6 to 10 years old: 15% of 7,196 tests failed in 2023, against 24.4% on average.
29 DVSA recalls for the BMW X6
Most cover a batch of cars built in a set period, and dealers fix them free. Sweep’s check shows the recalls for a car’s age and whether the DVSA has one outstanding.
Takata Driver and/or Passenger Airbag Recall (Global VINs)
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.
Recalled models: X6 · 1,143 vehicles
Check Driver’s Airbag for Conversion Takata SDI & PSDI-5
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.
Recalled models: X6 · 318 vehicles
Integrated Braking System
On certain vehicles the Integrated Brake (IB) system may be impaired due to contamination between electrical contacts.
Fix: Vehicles that may be affected by contamination are required to have the vehicle’s software updated which can detect signal interference before it occurs. If symptoms are detected you should refrain from use of the vehicle and the affected Integrated Brake (IB) system component will be replaced.
Recalled models: X6 · 818 vehicles
Seat Belt Warning (Front Seat Belts)
On affected vehicles the hall sensor in the driver and passenger front seat belt stalks may not have been correctly installed and it may indicate the seat belt is inserted correctly when it actually is not.
Fix: On affected vehicles the seat belt stalks will be tested and replaced if necessary.
Recalled models: X6 · 10 vehicles
Integrated Braking System
On affected vehicles an unexpected loss of hydraulic brake assistance may occur and may result in a different pedal behaviour under specific conditions an extended braking distance may be experienced and ABS/Stability control may be impaired
Fix: On the affected vehicles the Integrated Brake System will be replaced
Recalled models: X6 · 207 vehicles
Checking potential vehicle damage
On affected vehicles risk of potential flooding could have occurred leading to salt water ingress whilst parked in port awaiting shipping
Fix: The affected vehicles will be thoroughly checked cleaned and reworked as required
Recalled models: X6 · 12 vehicles
The driver and front passenger airbags may deploy with too much explosive force causing sharp metal fragments to be released into the cabin.
The driver and front passenger airbags may deploy with too much explosive force causing sharp metal fragments to be released into the cabin.
Fix: Replace the driver and front passenger airbags.
Recalled models: X6 · 44,407 vehicles
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.
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.
Recalled models: X6 · 4,432 vehicles
Undetected EGR System leaks may cause thermal activity in the intake manifold
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.
Recalled models: X6 · 322,745 vehicles
The exhaust gas recirculation cooler may leak over time and cause thermal incident
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.
Recalled models: X6 · 319,399 vehicles
The exhaust gas recirculation module could leak over time
The Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) Module could leak over time�and cause thermal incident.
Fix: The EGR cooler will be internally inspected with an endoscope and replaced if evidence of leaking is found.
Recalled models: X6 · 18,330 vehicles
The integrated brake system hydraulic unit may have been produced incorrectly
The Integrated Brake system hydraulic unit may have been produced incorrectly
Fix: Replace the Integrated Brake system hydraulic unit.
Recalled models: X6 · 139 vehicles
The battery cables on the 48v starter generator may not have been sufficiently secured during production
The battery cables on the 48V starter generator may not have been sufficiently secured during the production process.
Fix: Check the screw connection of the 48V positive / negative battery cables on the starter generator and rework if necessary.
Recalled models: X6 · 388 vehicles
The front axle support (subframe) welding process has not been completed according to specifications
The front axle support (subframe) welding process has not been completed according to specifications.
Fix: Replace the front axle support.
Recalled models: X6 · 10 vehicles
The rear spoiler attached to the top edge of the tailgate adjoining the rear of the roo can be inadequately bonded on the right hand side
The rear spoiler attached to the top edge of the tailgate adjoining the rear of the roof can be inadequately bonded on the Right Hand side
Fix: Check for correct adhesion and replace if faulty
Recalled models: X6 · 167 vehicles
The isofix child restraint u-loop may break off the carrier plate
The ISOFIX child restraint U-Loop may break off the carrier plate resulting in the child seat no longer being secure.
Fix: Weld an additional metal angle bracket to each ISOFIX U-Loop
Recalled models: X6 · 8,155 vehicles
Movements of the connector of the blower regulator wiring harness could lead to frictional corrosion
The blower regulator wiring could be damaged increasing the risk of fire.
Fix: The connection of the blower-regulator will be checked and reworked and if necessary the blower regulator will be replaced.
Recalled models: X6 · 31,601 vehicles
Auxiliary water pump's electronic circuit board could lead to a short circuit
The auxiliary water pump may short circuit causing a thermal incident.
Fix: The Auxiliary Water Pump of the affected vehicles will be replaced.
Recalled models: X6 · 5,866 vehicles
The idler pulley bolt could become loosened over time
The power steering idler pulley may detach.
Fix: Replace the pulley securing bolt with an alternative component.
Recalled models: X6 · 21,123 vehicles
Exhaust gas recirculation module cooler could leak
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
Recalled models: X6 · 225,449 vehicles
Due to a fault at the vehicles assembly line some wheel bolts may not have been tightened to specification
Due to a fault at the vehicles assembly line some wheel bolts may not have been tightened to specification.
Fix: On the affected vehicles the wheel bolts will be replaced.
Recalled models: X6 · 19 vehicles
Power steering may not perform correctly
The electrical contact of the Electronic Control Unit (ECU) of the Electric Power Steering (EPS) is not sufficiently robust over the service life of the vehicle. As a result the power steering support may fail possibly leading to disconcerting driving situation for the driver. Additionally in a few cases a localised thermal event cannot be excluded.
Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and replace the steering gear (EPS).
Recalled models: X6 · 41 vehicles
Possibility of fire
Due to a fault with an internal connection within the Fuel Filter Heater (FFH) it is possible that during temperatures below freezing the FFH can remain permanently activated. This will normally cause the FFH to overheat which will result in the inability to start the vehicle due to a flat battery. This can occur even when the ignition is turned off. However in extreme cases it could cause a vehicle fire.
Fix: Recall all affected vehicles to replace the FFH.
Recalled models: X6 · 21,502 vehicles
Drive may fail
The power steering pump drive belt tensioner pulley securing bolt may fail which will lead to the loss of power steering assistance and the necessity for the driver to supply additional input to steering the vehicle.
Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to replace the steering pump drive belt tensioner pulley securing bolt with a more robust version.
Recalled models: X6 · 22,737 vehicles
Potential fire risk
The power steering box housing may not be machined to the correct specification. This could cause an over pressurisation of bellows due to the insecurity of a snap ring and result in a sudden loss of hydraulic pressure. Oil will then be sprayed onto hot engine components and may ignite.
Fix: Affected vehicles will be recalled to have the steering box replaced.
Recalled models: X6 · 5 vehicles
Fire may occur
Some engines are fitted with an additional water pump for the turbo charger. In some circumstances a crack may develop which then leads to melting of the plug connections and the housing. Further heat development may then lead to scorch damage. In exceptional cases such overheating can lead to smouldering of the water pump. If smouldering occurs an engine compartment fire and vehicle fire cannot be excluded.
Fix: The water pump will be replaced for a new more robust version.
Recalled models: X6 · 21 vehicles
Short circuit may occur
Due to the ingress of moisture it is possible that a short circuit can occur in the additional coolant pump for the exhaust turbocharger. The driver will be informed of the issue by a warning message on the display in the instrument panel. If not addressed it is possible for further heat build up in the pump which may cause the plug connection and housing to melt and in extreme cases a localised fire in the engine compartment or vehicle.
Fix: Recall all affected vehicles for the replacement of the additional coolant pump.
Recalled models: X6 · 557 vehicles
Risk of fire
Moisture may enter the fuel filter heater at an electrical connection. Should this occur it can cause a discharge of the battery causing non starting of the vehicle. Also if it occurs whilst the vehicle is in motion it could result in a fire when the vehicle is left unattended.
Fix: Recall all affected vehicles and replace the fuel filter heater.
Recalled models: X6 · 21,923 vehicles
Brakes may fail
It has been identified that during the manufacturing process cracks may have formed in the area of the brake disc body. Subsequent surface treatment means that any such crack will not be detectable at a later date. Should a crack have formed this may cause the brake disc to fail whilst the vehicle is in motion causing the affected brake to become inoperative.
Fix: Recalled vehicles will have the rear axle brake discs checked for the affected production date. The brake discs will be checked if necessary.
Recalled models: X6 · 53 vehicles
Checking a BMW X6 before you buy
Look at the parts above at the viewing, and read the car’s own MOT history: advisories for the same parts suggest the problem is already starting. Sweep’s free check shows every MOT, advisory and mileage reading for a registration.