2016 BMW M3 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 7 complaints on file for the 2016 BMW M3 — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 3 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

NHTSA complaints

Recalls

Investigations

Crash-involved

Fires reported

Injuries

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2016 compare to other M3 years?

M3 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2016 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all M3 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2016 BMW M3 problems?

Component	Complaints	Share	vs prior year
Engine	3	43%	▲ up
Other	1	14%	— flat
Body & Structure	1	14%	▼ down
Suspension	1	14%	— flat
Transmission	1	14%	▼ down

Does the 2016 BMW M3 have recalls?

3 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

18V713000TransmissionOctober 11, 2018 · 2,661 units

Defect

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2016-2017 BMW M3 Sedans, 2016-2017 BMW M4 and M4 GTS Coupes and 2017 BMW M4 Convertible vehicles. The connection between the driveshaft and the flange may fail resulting in a loss of propulsion.

Consequence

A loss of vehicle propulsion can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

BMW will notify vehicle owners, and dealers will replace the driveshaft, free of charge. The recall began April 9, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

16V653000Body & StructureSeptember 9, 2016 · 196 units

Defect

BMW North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2016 BMW M2 Coupe vehicles, 2015-2017 M3 Sedan vehicles and 2015-2016 M4 Coupe and M4 Convertible vehicles. During servicing of the rear differential for a prior service action, the rear sub-frame bolts may have been reused instead of being replaced. Reuse of the existing bolts may cause the bolts to loosen.

Consequence

Loose rear sub-frame bolts may adversely affect vehicle handling and control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear sub-frame bolts with new bolts, free of charge. The recall began on November 3, 2016. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

15V782000TransmissionNovember 23, 2015 · 42 units

Defect

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 M3 Sedan vehicles manufactured May 30, 2015, to September 2, 2015, 2016 M4 Coupe vehicles manufactured July 3, 2015, to September 11, 2015, and 2015-2016 M4 Convertible vehicles manufactured May 29, 2015, to August 4, 2015. The affected vehicles have a driveshaft with a slip-joint that may not have been filled with grease. As a result, the slip-joint may fail over time.

Consequence

If the slip-joint fails, there would be a loss of power to the rear axle and therefore the vehicle would stop moving, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the driveshaft, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on January 14, 2016. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“THE CRANKHUB ON THESE CARS ARE TICKING TIME BOMBS AND IS LIKELY TO FAIL JUST OUTSIDE OF WARRANTY FORCING HUGE REPAIR BILLS. IN SOME CASES, A "LUCKY" FEW JUST NEED TO BE RETIMED AND ONLY REQUIRE 18 HOURS OF LABOR. HOWEVER, OTHERS HAVE NOT BEEN SO LUCKY AND HAVE REQUIRED AN ALL-NEW ENGINE. THIS IS AN…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · December 18, 2019

“KEEP HEARING A KNOCKING SOUND ON DRIVER SIDE WHEN GOING OVER BUMPS. FEELING VIBRATION UNDER CAR UNDER ACCELERATING AND BREAKING. CARBON FIBER ROOF LAMINATE PEELING OFF.”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · July 13, 2019

“I'VE TAKEN MY VEHICLE IN TO THE SERVICE DEALER MULTIPLE TIMES SINCE I'VE PURCHASED THE CAR BACK IN NOV. 2016. I NOTICED A CLUNKING AND JOLTING SENSATION FROM MY REAR AXLE WHICH I KNEW WAS NOT NORMAL. THE DEALER AFTER DIAGNOSING THE ISSUE TOLD ME IT IS NORMAL AND THERE ISN'T AN ISSUE AT ALL. UPON…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · December 8, 2016

“KEEP HEARING A KNOCKING SOUND ON DRIVER SIDE WHEN GOING OVER BUMPS. FEELING VIBRATION UNDER CAR UNDER ACCELERATING AND BREAKING. CARBON FIBER ROOF LAMINATE PEELING OFF.”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · July 13, 2019

“KEEP HEARING A KNOCKING SOUND ON DRIVER SIDE WHEN GOING OVER BUMPS. FEELING VIBRATION UNDER CAR UNDER ACCELERATING AND BREAKING. CARBON FIBER ROOF LAMINATE PEELING OFF.”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · July 13, 2019

2016 BMW M3 — common questions

Is the 2016 BMW M3 reliable?

The record is thin — 7 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 3 recalls should be verified as completed.

Does the 2016 BMW M3 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2016 BMW M3. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which BMW M3 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the M3 years to avoid are 2008, 2003, 2009, 2002, 2011, 2004, 2010, 2013, 2006, 1999, 2005, 2012, 2007. The cleanest record among M3 years belongs to 2014.

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.

How does 2016 compare to other M3 years?

What are the most common 2016 BMW M3 problems?

Does the 2016 BMW M3 have recalls?

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

2016 BMW M3 — common questions

Is the 2016 BMW M3 reliable?

Does the 2016 BMW M3 have recalls?

Which BMW M3 years should you avoid?

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