TICKING NOISE WHILE CORNERING WITHOUT THE BRAKES APPLIED: This Service Information Bulletin (Revision 3) replaces SI B34 05 17 dated September 2017. Ticking noise coming from front wheel while cornering without brakes applied noticeable at low speeds. The vehicle must be moving. See attached video V34 01 20 Note: For a similar noise heard when parking with the brakes applied refer to SIB 31 01 12. Microscopic movement of the contact interface between the inner brake disc and the wheel bearing flange on vehicles equipped with lightweight brake discs.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2016 BMW X6 powertrain problems
moderate 3 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500 · see powertrain across all vehicles →
Complaints
3
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
When does it fail?
Of the 3 powertrain complaints filed for the 2016 BMW X6, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 150,000+ mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering powertrain on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
LEAKING REAR DIFFERENTIAL (QMVH): There is an oil leak from the rear differential housing.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗TICKING NOISE FROM THE FRONT AXLE WHEN CORNERING: The customer may complain of a metallic ticking noise from the front axle when cornering, maneuvering, parking or pulling away from a parking space.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗SHUDDER OR JERKING IN 7TH AND 8TH GEARS AT 1000 - 1400 RPM. A shudder or slight jerking can be felt when driving with the transmission in 7th or 8th gear and the engine speed is between 1,000 and 1,400 RPM. No related faults are stored and there are not any problems in the chassis systems or with the wheels and tires. This shudder or jerking could begin due to the characteristic power pulses of the N63T engine when it is in VVT mode at low engine loads.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Vibration or Shudder from Driveline when Accelerating from a Stop. Chassis stabilization warning is displayed. Vehicle may exhibit a shudder or vibration when taking off from a stop. One or more of the following fault codes may be stored: LMV ? 440101 - Transfer box (VTG): End of transmission service life reached ? 440105 - Transfer box (VTG ) Calibration Faulty ? 440115 - Transfer box (VTG): Calibration angle deviation outside tolerance? 44011B - Set torque outside of the torque characteristic curve EGS ? 420611 - DSC interface (wheel speed): non-permitted deviation of wheel speed (actual speed of wheel RL/FL/RR/FR, 0x254) from output speed and turbine speed DSC ? 48097D - Transfer box: Fau
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
What owners are reporting 3 most recent
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 the freeway, my vehicle experienced a…
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. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign…
I was driving down the street and the drive shaft broke and when that broke it hit my exhaust and broke my transmission cooler
Had powertrain trouble with your 2016 BMW X6?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the powertrain problem on the 2016 BMW X6?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 3 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $2,500 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Based on the 3 complaints filed, powertrain issues most often appear around 150,000 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $2,500 for powertrain repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2016/BMW/X6.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.